Article Summary (BFCM 2025 Update)
This is an honest, expert comparison for Black Friday shoppers. We analyze buying from a specialist like Paint On Numbers Canada vs. a general retailer like Michaels. We compare quality, value, and why our live BFCM deals (30% OFF or Buy 2 Get 1 Free) offer superior value for a premium art project.
When you're ready to start a new paint by numbers project, one of the first questions you'll face is where to buy your kit. As Black Friday approaches, this decision becomes critical for getting the best value for your money. In Canada, two popular options are a dedicated online specialist like us, Paint On Numbers, and the massive craft retailer, Michaels.
As the founder of Paint On Numbers and a lifelong artist, I have deep respect for Michaels. However, the experience they offer is fundamentally different from ours. This guide is an honest breakdown of those differences to help you choose the right path, especially when you're hunting for the best holiday deals.
A specialist kit (left) vs. a generic mass-market kit (right).
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The Core Difference: A Casual Craft vs. A Premium Art Project
The fundamental difference comes down to intent. Michaels is the perfect destination for a fun, casual weekend craft. We are the destination for a premium, curated art experience that results in a beautiful piece of home decor.
Michaels: The All-in-One Craft Supermarket
Think of Michaels as a fantastic supermarket for all things crafty. They offer a huge variety of materials for countless hobbies, making them a convenient one-stop shop. Their paint by numbers kits are generally sourced from large, global suppliers and are designed to be accessible, affordable, and fun for a wide family audience.
Paint On Numbers: The Curated Art Boutique
We are a boutique dedicated to one thing: providing a perfect, all-in-one paint by numbers experience that feels like a true artistic endeavour. Every kit we offer is designed or exclusively curated by our expert team to ensure it meets our high standards for artistic merit, quality, and enjoyability. The goal is not just to complete a project, but to create a masterpiece.
A Head-to-Head Comparison
Let's break down the key factors that matter to a discerning crafter.
A comparison of a specialist boutique vs. a mass-market retailer.
Design Exclusivity & Artistic Merit
At Paint On Numbers, our collection is curated like an art gallery. Our team, led by our founder William Murdock, focuses on unique, modern, and sophisticated designs you won't find anywhere else. At a general retailer like Michaels, you'll find more generic, mass-produced designs that are widely available.
Material Quality
We are obsessed with quality. Every kit includes our premium linen-blend canvas, vibrant pre-mixed acrylics, and a quality brush set. At a big-box store, the quality of the materials can vary widely between the different third-party brands they carry and are often designed to meet a lower price point.
The Custom Kit Advantage
This is our most significant point of difference. We offer a high-quality Custom Paint by Numbers service where we turn your personal photo into a masterpiece. This bespoke, personalized experience is something that large, general retailers do not offer.
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The Verdict: The Smart Choice for Black Friday
If you're looking for a quick craft, Michaels is convenient. But for a premium, Canadian-supported art experience that results in a beautiful piece of home decor, a dedicated specialist is the superior choice. This Black Friday, choose guaranteed quality and a better deal.
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