Article Summary
This is an honest, expert-level comparison between buying a paint by numbers kit from a specialized online store like Paint On Numbers Canada versus a general art supply retailer like DeSerres. The guide analyses the key differences in product curation, the all-in-one experience, and target audience. It is designed to help Canadian crafters make an informed decision and choose the best option for their specific needs, whether they are a beginner, a gift-giver, or an experienced artist.
When you decide to start a new paint by numbers project, one of the first questions you'll face is: where should I buy my kit? This is a key part of the decision-making process we explore in our definitive Buyer's Guide to Quality Kits. In Canada, two popular options represent two very different approaches: a dedicated online specialist like us, Paint On Numbers, and a large, respected national art supply retailer like DeSerres.
As the founder of Paint On Numbers and a lifelong artist, I have a deep respect for DeSerres. They are a fantastic resource for the Canadian arts community. However, the experience they offer is fundamentally different from ours. This guide is an honest, transparent breakdown of those differences to help you make the best possible choice for your creative journey.
The Core Difference: Specialist vs. Generalist
The fundamental difference comes down to focus. DeSerres is a general art supply store; we are paint by numbers specialists. This distinction shapes everything about the customer experience.
DeSerres: The Artist's Supermarket
Think of DeSerres as a fantastic supermarket for artists. They offer an incredible variety of raw materials, canvases, paints, brushes, from many different brands. This is a paradise for an experienced artist who wants to build their own project from scratch. However, their paint by numbers selection is a small part of a massive inventory, featuring kits from various third-party brands like Clairefontaine and Hummingbird.
Paint On Numbers: The Curated Boutique Experience
We are a boutique dedicated to one thing: providing the perfect, all-in-one paint by numbers experience. Every single kit we offer is designed, curated, and vetted by our own expert team to ensure it meets our high standards for quality, clarity, and enjoyability. We are not just resellers; we are the creators of the experience, from the design of the canvas to the quality of the paint.
A Head-to-Head Comparison
Let's break down the key factors that matter to a paint by numbers artist.
The All-in-One Experience
At Paint On Numbers, every kit is a complete, frustration-free package. You receive the premium canvas, the full set of pre-mixed paints, and the brushes, everything you need. At a general art store, while they offer kits, the primary experience is about buying components separately, which can be overwhelming for a beginner.
Design Curation and Quality
We live and breathe paint by numbers. Our team, led by our founder William Murdock, personally designs and vets every kit for its artistic merit and paintability. This is our sole focus. At a general retailer, the kits are sourced from various external brands, which can lead to a wide and sometimes inconsistent range in quality and design style.
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 simply cannot offer.
The Verdict: The Right Choice for You
DeSerres is a fantastic store for the experienced artist building a project from scratch. But for a perfectly curated, high-quality, and frustration-free paint by numbers experience, a dedicated specialist is the superior choice. Ready to begin?
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