Finishing a paint by numbers kit already feels great. But with a few small techniques you can take it one step further, so your canvas looks less like a kit and more like a painting. Here is how to make paint by numbers look better, from the easiest fix to the more creative ones.
1. Check every color twice
After an hour of relaxed painting it is easy to dip into the wrong pot. Before you fill a section, compare the number on the canvas with the number on the pot. If a mistake happens anyway, let it dry fully and paint the correct color over it.
2. Add a second coat
The first layer blocks in the shapes. A second layer evens out streaks, deepens the color and hides the printed numbers and lines. This single step makes the biggest difference to the final look.
3. Hide the lines
Light colors often let the contour lines show through. Paint slightly over the line from the lighter side once the darker neighbor is dry, or add a third thin coat where needed.
4. Blend the edges where it makes sense
Paint by numbers sections create crisp edges. In skies, water or skin, soft transitions look more natural. While both colors are still a little wet, stroke the brush lightly back and forth across the border. Practice on a small area first; skies in our ocean and beach kits are a great place to try.
5. Use water for soft effects
Acrylic paint can be thinned with a little water. Thinned paint is more transparent and gives a gentle glaze effect. Test it on a piece of paper before you use it on the canvas, and do not overdo the water.
6. Add your own details
You are in control. A small highlight in an eye, a few extra leaves or a darker shadow can make the painting feel like yours. On a custom photo kit this is a lovely way to bring out details you remember.
7. Frame it
A frame instantly makes a canvas look finished and protects the edges. Many of our kits are also available as a framed canvas, so it is ready to hang as soon as the paint is dry.
Mistakes that make a painting look unfinished
- Visible numbers in light sections
- Thin, streaky single coats in large areas like skies
- White gaps of canvas between two colors
- Dried paint lumps from an overloaded brush
Before you call it finished, hold the canvas at arm's length under good light and look for these four things. Ten minutes of touch-ups often make the biggest difference.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fix a mistake on paint by numbers?
Yes. Let the area dry completely, then paint the correct color on top. Acrylic paint covers well, especially in two thin coats.
Should I varnish my paint by numbers?
It is optional. A clear acrylic varnish from a craft store can even out the shine and protect the surface. Only apply it when the paint is completely dry.
New to painting? Start with our step-by-step guide on how to paint by numbers.