There’s something magical about watching a blank canvas transform into a beautiful piece of art—especially when you’re the one creating it! Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or simply looking for a calming new hobby, paint by numbers is the perfect place to start.
At Artspark, we believe creativity should feel fun, not frustrating. So if you’ve just unboxed your first kit and you're wondering where to begin, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through how to start your paint by numbers canvas—minus the stress and overthinking. Let’s dive in!
🎨 1. Unbox & Organize Your Kit
Your Artspark kit includes:
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A pre-numbered canvas
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A set of numbered acrylic paints
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Three brushes in varying sizes
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A reference sheet
✨ Pro Tip: Take a moment to lay everything out on a clean, flat surface. If possible, work near natural light or add a small lamp for better visibility. A cup of water, some paper towels, and a plate for blending will come in handy too!
🖼️ 2. Flatten Your Canvas
Canvases sometimes arrive rolled or slightly creased. To smooth it out:
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Gently roll it in the opposite direction.
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Or place heavy books on top of it overnight.
If you want to frame your artwork later, this step makes a big difference!
🎯 3. Choose Where to Start
You can begin anywhere you’d like, but here are two popular strategies:
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Darkest to Lightest Colors: Start with the darkest numbers and move to the lightest. It’s satisfying and helps avoid smudging.
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Top Left to Bottom Right: (Or the opposite if you’re left-handed!) This keeps your hand from resting on wet paint.
✨ Artspark Tip: Some artists prefer to paint all of one number at a time, while others go section by section. Try both and see what feels right!
🖌️ 4. Take Your Time with the Details
Use the smallest brush for fine lines and tight spaces.
The medium and large brushes work best for wider areas and blending.
Clean your brush thoroughly when switching between colors to keep them pure and vibrant. And don’t worry if you go outside the lines—mistakes are part of the process, and they often disappear once the full image comes together!
🧘♀️ 5. Embrace the Relaxing Process
Paint by numbers is more than a craft—it’s a form of creative meditation.
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Put on your favorite playlist
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Light a candle
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Pour a cup of tea (or wine!)
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And let yourself unplug
Whether you paint for 10 minutes or 2 hours, this is your time to unwind and create without pressure.
🖌️ 6. Add the Final Touches
Once your painting is dry, take a step back and admire your masterpiece. You did that!
If you want to elevate it:
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Add a wooden frame
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Seal it with a clear varnish for protection and shine
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Hang it proudly or gift it to someone special
❤️ Ready to Get Started?
There’s no “right” way to paint—only your way. Every brushstroke is a step toward something beautiful. So go ahead, grab that paintbrush, and let your creativity spark.
Looking for your next canvas?
👉 Shop Our Paint by Numbers Collection Here!
