Is Paint By Numbers a good hobby for adults?

Yes, Paint By Numbers is a relaxing, beginner-friendly hobby that helps adults unwind, reduce stress, and tap into their creative side without needing any prior experience.

Can painting by numbers improve mental wellness?

Many people find Paint By Numbers helpful for mental clarity and emotional wellness. It supports mindfulness, reduces anxiety, and offers a creative outlet that boosts focus and calm.

Do I need painting skills to start Paint By Numbers?

Not at all. Our kits are made for all skill levels. Each canvas is numbered and matched to paint colours, making it easy to follow and complete, even if you’ve never painted before.

How do Paint By Numbers kits work in Canada?

Simply choose a design, add it to your cart, and check out. We ship fast across Canada with tracked delivery. Processing takes 1–2 days, and delivery typically takes 5–8 days.

Can I turn my photo into a Paint By Numbers kit?

Yes! You can upload your photo and create a custom Paint By Numbers kit. It’s perfect for pets, family portraits, and meaningful gifts. We’ll ship your personalized kit to your door.

Paint by Numbers kit with rolled canvas, numbered paints, and brushes on desk.

Your First Masterpiece: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your First PBN Kit

October 2, 2025

Article Summary

This is the definitive beginner's guide to starting your very first paint by numbers project. Written by expert William Murdock, it provides a simple, step-by-step walkthrough covering everything from preparing your canvas and setting up your workspace to pro tips on painting technique and cleaning your brushes. This guide is designed to eliminate beginner anxiety and ensure your first creative experience is joyful, relaxing, and results in a masterpiece.

Welcome to your creative launchpad! Starting your very first paint by numbers project is an exciting moment, a first step into a world of color, calm, and focus. This guide is designed to be your trusted co-pilot, ensuring your journey is joyful and frustration-free from the moment you open the box. This is a practical, step-by-step tutorial that builds upon the core principles we explore in our definitive Complete Guide to Paint by Numbers. Think of this as your "first flight" checklist.

Step 1: Setting the Stage for Success

A little bit of preparation makes all the difference. A great setup is the secret to a relaxing painting session.

An infographic checklist for starting a paint by numbers kit, covering canvas prep, lighting, water cups, and setting the vibe.

Prepare Your Canvas: If your canvas arrived folded, it's a good idea to remove the creases first. For a perfectly flat surface, check out our simple guide to removing creases.
Find a Well-Lit Area: Good lighting is your best friend. Natural daylight is ideal, but a bright desk lamp works perfectly too.
The Two-Cup Method: Get two cups of water. One will be for cleaning your brushes, and the other will be clean water for slightly thinning any paint that might be too thick.
Protect Your Surface: Lay down some newspaper or an old cloth to protect your table from any accidental drips.

Step 2: The Painting Process - Pro Tips for Beginners

You're all set up and ready to paint! Here are a few professional secrets to ensure a beautiful result.

Start from the Top

To avoid smudging wet paint with your hand, always work from the top of the canvas down. If you're right-handed, it's also helpful to work from left to right (and the opposite if you're left-handed). This is one of the key lessons in our guide to common mistakes.

One Color at a Time

It's most efficient to work with one color at a time, filling in all the sections for that number before moving on to the next. This minimizes the need to constantly wash your brushes.

Don't Worry About a Perfect Start

Your first few brushstrokes might feel a bit clumsy, and that's perfectly okay! The beauty of acrylic paint is that if you make a mistake, you can simply let it dry and paint over it. Relax and enjoy the process.

About the Author

This guide was written by William Murdock. As a lifelong artist and teacher, William is passionate about making the first step into the world of art a joyful and successful one for every Canadian.

Your Masterpiece Awaits

You are now armed with the expert knowledge to begin your creative journey with confidence. Explore our beginner-friendly collections and find the perfect project to start today.

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