Are you curious about the most important tips for painting by number? The concept of painting by number quite simple. You have a numbered canvas. The numbers, such as 2, point to a specific acrylic paint colour, such as blue. The numbers are also on the paint pots (acrylic paint), making it easy to determine which acrylic paint colour belongs where. Painting the right colour on the right area will create a beautiful painting!

Swynk has written down the best tips to achieve the most beautiful result. When will you start painting by numbers?

17 Painting by numbers tips

Follow the painting-by-numbers tips below and create a beautiful painting for adults and children.

Tip 1: Take photos of your artwork (and also in between)

You will find that you quickly get the hang of painting by number and it becomes more and more fun to continue. By adding another colour to complete another number. That way, you'll make sure your canvas keeps taking shape, so you can be proud of the new stage you've set. With photos, you keep track of everything, and you can also show others what you are doing in between. What could be more fun than keeping up with your on no painting by taking photos? However, it's a really good idea to keep track of your progress too.

Tip 2: Use the tip of the brush

If you want to start painting by number, it is important to know how to use the brush. We recommend using only the tip of the brush. You will use much less acrylic paint and be able to paint more accurately.

Tip 3: Make sure you have good lighting

Do you want to paint by numbers? Each number represents a colour, which of course you want to see well. In any case, the study should be well-lit and comfortable. That way you can easily see which colours you are painting in, and you can even tell apart the shades that look the same.

Tip: Look at the painting of numbers. The more detailed your painting, the smaller the surfaces.

For the right lighting, you should also consider the shadows. Preferably use indirect light, with a lamp hanging from the ceiling. Of course, make sure you yourself are not in the light, so that the shadow falls on your painting.

If you paint on the number, it is best to use daylight. Is that not possible? Then make sure you turn the lights on to the brightest setting. More light will ensure that you can see well and that the colours come across as precisely as possible.

Tip 4: My paint has dried up, what should I do?

All paints contained in packs of paint by numbers are water soluble. Just add two drops of lukewarm water and you can bring the paint back to life! To prevent the paint from drying out, we always recommend checking the density of acrylic paint jars.

Tip 5: Start with larger squares and then smaller ones

The most important tip is to paint in descending order. Descending order means that you start with a larger square and then move on to smaller squares. This takes less time and helps you avoid spills. So start with the large areas that have a 2 on them, for example, and move on to the smaller squares later.

Tip 6: Paint dark acrylic colours first

Another important tip is to use the darkest colour in your canvas first before moving to a lighter colour. This way you can control the composition of the colours on the canvas much better. This way, painting by numbers for adults is much easier and more fun to do.

Tip 7: Number by number

Acrylic paint dries quickly. We recommend using one number at a time. You then only need to have one pot open. This will prevent paint pots from drying out.

Tip 8: Smoothing creases (hardly ever happens)

Before starting the canvas, it is advisable to iron it once. If there are wrinkles or creases in the canvas, they will no longer be visible. At Swynk, this has never actually happened. We always roll up the canvas neatly for you!

Tip 9: Treat the brushes as well as possible

When you have completed one part, you should always wash out your brushes before continuing with the next part of the painting. After washing your brushes, just start a new section. This will give your canvas a fresh texture, as no paint will mix with it this way. This will make the colours come out much better.

Tip 10: Wet the brush thoroughly

Wet your brush before putting it in one of the paint pots. We recommend holding your brush in a cup of water and drying off the excess water on a paper towel (kitchen paper) before dipping the tip of your brush into the paint pot with acrylic paint.

Tip 11: Use a good desk

It is important that you work at a good desk. Only then can you paint uninterrupted and also maintain good posture. This way, you stay busy much longer and experience the true relaxation of painting by numbers.

Remember that it is important not to sit too far forward. Of course, you have to look at the numbers properly to paint them. But wrong posture can lead to neck and back pain. Make sure you put your desk in the right light.

Tip: Do you use an easel on the desk or table? That way, you will ensure that you have a better posture. This will prevent you from getting pain in your back or neck over time.

Tip 12: Cover well

Even if you work carefully, your desk or table can get dirty from time to time. You paint with acrylic paint, which can sometimes end up in places that were not intended. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can get a bit messy.

Tip: Are you going to paint on no? Since you are working with acrylic paint (water-soluble), you can always clean the desk or table. Still, it is advisable to cover it neatly. This will keep it from getting too dirty and making it difficult to work clean.

Pay attention to the desk or table and the surface it is on. Don't you want it to get dirty or get paint on it? Even the neatest painter spills a few drops from time to time. So make sure you cover it well if you don't want it to get dirty so you don't have to worry about it.

Tip 13: Use nail remover

Did the acrylic paint accidentally end up in the wrong place? No problem. Since all our acrylic paints are water-based, there is no problem removing them. For example, use nail polish to remove stains. Do not wipe over the stains, but gently dab them around the area where the acrylic paint is. Of course, you can also use detergent or a stain remover to remove the acrylic paint.

Tip 14: Use toothpicks as a brush

We try to reproduce your own photo or normal design in detail. It may be so detailed that you need a toothpick to paint the small squares.

Tip 15: Use tissues and water

A good painter always has some water and tissues handy. This will ensure that you can keep going and change colours. It is important to keep the brush slightly moist. This is the only way you can apply the acrylic paint properly. You have to make sure that the bristles do not dry out, because then it will not be able to absorb the acrylic paint properly and painting by numbers will not work.

Want to change the colours? Use a bowl of water to rinse your brush thoroughly. Then pat your bristles of the brushes dry with tissues. Use the water and tissues a few more times to get the colour really right.

Tip 16: Paint by colour

You want to paint by numbers, and that doesn't mean you necessarily have to do it by colour. However, it is practical to do so. You can easily make sure you can keep acrylic colours clean.

Of course, it is not compulsory to do this, but it will make it easier for you to get a nice result. So make sure you paint everything in the same colour first and then move on to the next colour.

Tip: Do you paint by colour? You will find that it is much easier to keep it neat. You only need to have one pot of paint open at a time, so you don't risk mixing up different colours. It is also easier to keep track of everything and ensure a nice result.

Tip 17: Soothing music

This tip is personal, but many people like to paint with soothing music. This way, you can relax and concentrate on your artwork.

Turn on the music as soon as you start packing your things. That way you are already in the right mood to start painting. And then turn off your phone so that others cannot reach you. This will give you a lot of peace and prevent you from being distracted. Instead, you are just painting the number so you can be totally absorbed in it.

Painting by numbers: choose your design and size

Is this your first time painting by numbers? You can choose from all kinds of beautiful designs and sizes. They are not pricey either, so you can try a few to get the hang of it.

You can choose from many different designs. For example, do you want to paint on with pictures for your kids? And do you like to use your own design? Or would you rather choose a motif for adults? By using your own photo, you can make the photo on song very personal. Or make it a unique gift!

Whatever you choose, Swynk provides a fun start with the tips above. Just to try it out or maybe to find a whole new activity. Where you can get started in a fun way and hang something special and beautiful on your wall for yourself or someone else.

Order your painting by number pack today!

With these tips, you can get started painting by number. If you don't have a pack at home, you can order it today through Swynk. By taking a look at our online shop, you'll find out in no time what the possibilities are when it comes to painting by numbers. Before you know it, you'll be able to paint the most beautiful pictures with numbers!