Paint by Numbers FAQ: Kits, Painting, Custom Photos, Shipping & More

Paint by numbers is a guided painting method. The canvas is divided into numbered sections, and each number matches a numbered acrylic paint colour. Fill each section with the corresponding paint and the complete image gradually appears.

No. You do not need to draw the image or mix the main colours yourself. The numbered system gives you a clear structure, making the activity suitable for complete beginners and experienced hobby painters.

Yes. Beginners usually have the easiest experience with designs that contain larger sections, fewer tiny details and clear colour separation. Browse our easy paint by numbers kits for beginners when choosing a first project.

Choose a subject you genuinely want to look at for several hours. Then consider the canvas size, number of small sections and the time you want to spend. A simple landscape, floral design or animal portrait with larger shapes is usually easier than a crowded city scene or highly detailed face.

Difficulty is influenced by the number of colours, the quantity of very small sections, the amount of fine facial or architectural detail and the overall canvas size. More tiny shapes generally mean a slower, more precise project.

Smaller canvases are quicker to complete and easier to store, while larger canvases can preserve more detail and create a stronger wall display. For detailed portraits or custom photos, a larger size usually gives important features more room.

Mini paint by numbers kits use a smaller working area and are generally faster to finish. They are useful for beginners, gifts, travel or short creative sessions. Regular kits provide a larger finished artwork and may contain more detail.

Completion time depends on the size, difficulty and how long you paint in each session. A mini kit may take several sessions, while a large detailed canvas can be enjoyed over several weeks. There is no need to finish quickly.

Yes. Close every paint pot firmly, rinse and reshape the brushes, and cover the canvas between sessions so dust does not settle on wet areas.

No. A clean, flat table is enough. An easel can improve posture and make larger canvases easier to view, but it is optional.

Yes. Left-handed painters may find it comfortable to begin on the right side of the canvas and move left, reducing the chance of resting a hand on fresh paint.

Our main catalogue is designed for adults and hobby painters, but older children may enjoy selected designs with adult supervision. Check the product details and keep small parts and paint away from very young children.

A standard kit normally includes a pre-numbered canvas, matched numbered acrylic paints, a starter brush set and a printed reference guide. Review the individual product page because options and accessories can vary.

The kits use water-based acrylic paint supplied in numbered pots. The colours are prepared to correspond with the numbered canvas.

Yes. The main colours are supplied ready to use, so you normally do not need to mix them. Avoid combining pots unless the product instructions specifically tell you to do so.

The number of colours varies by design and selected product option. Many kits use approximately 24 colours, while some custom products offer more detailed 36- or 48-colour options.

The supplied quantity is intended for the included canvas when applied normally. Close pots immediately after use and avoid unnecessarily thick layers across large sections. An extra-paint option may be available on selected products.

The design is printed on a numbered canvas prepared for acrylic paint. Canvas material, size and framing option are listed on the product page.

A no-frame option generally means the numbered canvas arrives rolled and is not mounted on wooden stretcher bars. You can paint it flat and frame or stretch it later.

A DIY-frame option includes the components needed to assemble or stretch the canvas yourself. Check the product page for the exact frame type and assembly method.

An already-framed option means the canvas is supplied mounted or stretched according to the product description, making it easier to paint and display without stretching it yourself.

Yes. Standard kits include a starter set with different brush sizes. Some painters choose to add specialist detail brushes for very small areas, but extra brushes are not required to begin.

A printed reference guide is included with standard kits. Keep it nearby in case a number becomes covered or difficult to read while painting.

You can start with the supplied materials. Helpful optional items include a water cup, paper towel, protective table covering, magnifying lamp, easel, brush cleaner and finishing varnish.

Choose a stable surface with bright, even lighting. Protect the table, keep clean water and paper towel nearby, and place food or drinks away from the paint and rinse water.

Yes. A flat surface makes small sections easier to paint. Lay the rolled canvas under clean, heavy books or stretch it before beginning. For stubborn creases, use a low-temperature iron on the reverse side with a protective cloth, never directly on the printed face.

Either approach can work. Stretching before painting gives you a firm surface and reduces wrinkles. Painting flat can be more convenient when you plan to choose a frame after completion.

Arrange the pots in numerical order and open only the colour you are actively using. Photograph the paint strip before separating connected pots so the original order remains easy to check.

It is useful to take a clear photograph before painting. You can zoom into the photo later when a number or boundary becomes covered.

Bright, neutral light helps you distinguish small numbers and similar colours. Natural daylight or a daylight-style desk lamp usually makes detailed areas easier to see.

Allow fresh paint to dry, then place the canvas in a clean, dry area away from dust, direct sunlight, heaters, children and pets. Avoid folding the canvas.

No. Do not wash or soak the printed canvas. Moisture can affect the printed guide and the shape of an unstretched canvas.

There is no single required order. Many painters complete one colour at a time because it reduces brush washing. Others work section by section. Choose the method that helps you stay organised.

Dark-to-light can help establish shadows, while light-to-dark can make the canvas feel brighter as it develops. Both approaches work. Consistent coverage and keeping pots closed matter more than the exact order.

Working from the top downward can reduce the chance of resting your hand or sleeve on wet paint. Left-handed painters may prefer right to left; right-handed painters may prefer left to right.

Painting one colour at a time is efficient and reduces paint waste, but jumping around a very large canvas can be tiring. It is also fine to complete one manageable area at a time.

Use enough to cover the canvas without creating a heavy ridge. A thin, controlled layer is easier to manage. Add a second coat after drying when a number or printed line remains visible.

Apply an even first coat, let it dry fully and add a second thin coat where needed. Light colours such as white, yellow and pale pink often need more coverage than darker colours.

Use smooth strokes, avoid overworking paint as it begins to dry, and apply a second thin coat after the first coat is completely dry. Slightly thick paint can be loosened with a very small amount of clean water.

Use the smallest brush, hold it closer to the bristles and stabilise your painting hand against the table. A magnifying lamp can make tiny sections easier to control.

Let the mistake dry, then cover it with the correct neighbouring colour. Dark mistakes under pale colours may require two or more coats.

You may blend adjacent wet colours for a softer artistic effect, but blending is optional and can make the numbered guide harder to follow. Complete the standard areas first, then add subtle blending only where you feel confident.

Acrylic paint often feels dry quickly, but thicker areas take longer. Wait until the surface no longer feels tacky before applying another coat or placing anything against it.

Use controlled strokes, keep the paint consistency even and avoid very thick layers. Turning the canvas occasionally can help you reach edges without twisting your wrist.

Yes. After completing the numbered design, you can refine highlights, shadows, edges or background details. Keep the reference image nearby and make small changes gradually.

Check the pot numbers carefully and compare them with the reference guide. Similar colours often create gentle shading, so do not assume one pot is incorrect simply because the difference is subtle.

Add one small drop of clean water, stir carefully and test the consistency. Add more only when necessary. Too much water can reduce opacity and make the paint difficult to control.

For paint that is only slightly dry, add a few drops of warm clean water, close the lid and allow it to soften before stirring. Paint that has become a solid rubber-like piece may need replacement.

Stir the pot thoroughly, apply a thin coat and let it dry before adding another. Do not keep brushing the same area while it is becoming tacky.

Contact support with your order number, the paint code and a clear photo of the pot and canvas. Replacement availability and any charge can depend on the reason, timing and product.

Screen brightness, printed references, wet acrylic and fully dried acrylic can all look different. Complete a small test area and allow it to dry before judging the final colour.

Rinse the brush before paint dries in the bristles, avoid pressing hard, reshape the point after cleaning and store it horizontally or with the bristles facing upward.

You can carefully remove one or two stray hairs with small scissors, but avoid cutting the entire brush tip because this can destroy its shape.

Use the printed reference guide or the photograph you took before painting. A magnifying lamp or phone camera zoom can also help.

Flatten the canvas under clean heavy objects or use a low-temperature iron on the reverse side with a protective cloth. Do not use high heat or place the iron directly on the printed surface.

Minor dents often improve after flattening or stretching. Contact support with photographs when a severe crease or dent prevents normal painting or display.

Blot wet paint gently without rubbing it across more sections. Let any remaining mark dry and cover it with the correct colour. Acrylic paint is much harder to remove after it dries.

Photograph everything received, including the packaging and shipping label, and contact support with your order number. Do not discard the packaging until the request has been reviewed.

Choose the custom product, select the available size, frame and colour options, upload your photo and complete checkout. The image is reviewed before the personalised kit enters production.

Use a sharp, well-lit original photo with the main subject clearly visible. Close-up images with simple backgrounds generally preserve more recognisable detail than dark, distant or heavily compressed images.

Upload the original high-resolution image whenever possible. Avoid screenshots, heavily compressed social-media downloads and images that become blurry when enlarged.

Photos with fewer people usually produce clearer faces. Numeral Paint recommends no more than five people, and a larger canvas is advisable when several faces must remain recognisable.

Yes. Pet portraits are a popular choice. Use a photo where the eyes, face and fur are well lit and not hidden by shadows or motion blur.

Yes. Clear landscapes and meaningful places can work well. Choose a photo with a strong main subject and avoid excessive distant detail when selecting a smaller canvas.

Possibly. The image should still be sharp enough to identify important features. Old damaged or very small photos may need restoration before conversion, and the final palette may remain monochrome or muted.

Background edits may be possible, but they are not guaranteed by the standard product. Contact support before ordering and explain the exact change needed.

Simple edits may be possible depending on the image. Ask support before purchase and do not assume a complex edit is included unless it has been confirmed.

The selected canvas ratio may require cropping around the edges. Leave space around important faces, ears, hands, pets and landmarks so they are not too close to the original photo border.

A customer preview is not guaranteed unless the product page or support team specifically confirms one. The image is reviewed internally, and the team may contact you when a replacement photo or clarification is needed.

No paint by numbers conversion is an exact photographic replica. The image is simplified into numbered colour areas, and differences in colour, shading and fine detail are normal.

The design uses a limited acrylic palette, and screens display light differently from physical paint. The conversion balances recognisability with sections that can realistically be painted by hand.

More colours can preserve additional shading and detail, but they also create more paint pots and often more small sections. Choose a higher colour count for detailed portraits when you are comfortable with a more involved project.

Only upload material you own or have permission to reproduce. By submitting an image, you confirm that its use does not infringe another person’s copyright, trademark, privacy or publicity rights.

The photo is used to review, design, manufacture and support the personalised order. Read the Privacy Policy for information about handling personal data and uploaded content.

Contact support immediately. A photo change cannot be guaranteed after design preparation or production has started.

Personalised products are created specifically for the submitted image and are normally excluded from change-of-mind returns. Incorrect, damaged or defective custom products should still be reported under the Returns & Refunds Policy.

Thin acrylic layers often feel dry within a short time, but thicker areas take longer. Allow the entire painting to dry thoroughly before rolling, sealing or framing it.

Sealing is optional. A compatible clear acrylic varnish can help create a more even surface and protect against light dust. Test the product first and apply it only after the painting is completely dry.

Gloss increases colour depth and shine, matte reduces reflections, and satin provides a middle finish. Use a varnish intended for acrylic paintings and follow its instructions.

Yes. A rolled canvas can be stretched over wooden bars or placed in a suitable frame. A local framing shop can help when you do not want to stretch it yourself.

You can use poster rails, clips or another suitable display method, but a stretched or framed canvas usually stays flatter and receives better edge protection.

It is safer to flatten the canvas before painting. When absolutely necessary, use very low heat on the reverse side with a protective cloth and avoid prolonged heat over painted areas.

Yes. Wait until the surface is dry and use a small brush or compatible paint marker in an unobtrusive corner.

Display it away from prolonged direct sunlight, high humidity, cooking steam and water. A frame or suitable varnish can add protection but cannot prevent all fading or environmental damage.

Remove light dust with a clean, soft, dry brush or cloth. Do not scrub the surface or apply household cleaners directly to the paint.

Only after it has dried completely. Roll it loosely with the painted surface facing outward around a wide tube, and avoid tight pressure that could crack thick paint.

Yes. They provide both an activity and a finished artwork. Choose a subject that reflects the recipient’s interests and a difficulty level that suits their available time and experience.

Yes. Choose a larger canvas with bigger numbered sections and strong contrast. Good lighting, a magnifying lamp and a comfortable upright working position may improve the experience.

The numbered system reduces reliance on colour recognition because each pot and section has a code. Keeping the pots carefully ordered and checking every number before painting is especially helpful.

Yes. Divide the canvas by area or assign colours, but keep a shared record so sections are not missed and paint pots remain organised.

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Guest checkout may be available. Creating an account makes it easier to view past orders and manage order information from one place.

Check spam, promotions and junk folders, then confirm that the checkout email was entered correctly. Contact support when payment was completed but no confirmation appears.

Contact support immediately with both order numbers. Duplicate cancellation cannot be guaranteed after fulfilment or custom production has started.

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Promotions do not always combine. The cart displays whether a code is accepted with the current offer. Review the terms on the Offers page.

Check the spelling, expiry date, minimum basket value, eligible products and whether the offer permits combining codes. Some discounts exclude sale or personalised items.

The final checkout shows the transaction currency. Your bank or payment provider may apply its own conversion rate or international fee when paying in another currency.

International authorities may charge duties, taxes or handling fees. Unless checkout specifically states otherwise, these charges can be the customer’s responsibility.

Contact the team through the Contact page with the product type, quantity, destination and required date. Availability and pricing are reviewed individually.

A gift-message service is only available when the option is shown during product selection or checkout. Contact support before ordering when a special request is important.

Payment details are generally processed by the selected payment provider. Refer to the Privacy Policy for more information about how order and personal information is handled.

Current homepage guidance states that standard preparation normally takes around 2–4 business days. Custom kits require image review and design preparation and may take longer. The latest estimate shown at checkout or in the order confirmation should be treated as the current guide.

Numeral Paint offers worldwide delivery to many destinations. Availability and shipping methods are confirmed during checkout after a complete delivery address is entered.

Transit time depends on destination, carrier, customs and seasonal volume. Processing time and shipping time are separate. Delivery dates are estimates rather than guarantees.

When tracked shipping is available, tracking details are emailed after the parcel is prepared and accepted by the carrier. You can also use the Track Order page with your order ID and billing email.

Carriers do not scan every parcel at every stage. International shipments can pause during customs, security checks or transfer between postal networks. An update often appears after the next scan.

Yes. Products may be prepared or shipped separately, especially when an order contains several product types. Separate tracking numbers can be issued.

Customs authorities control inspection time. Paint products contain liquids, which can lead to additional checks. Numeral Paint and the carrier can provide available information but cannot control customs processing.

Confirm the address, check safe places, neighbours and building reception, then contact the local carrier for delivery details. Send the carrier’s response and your order number to support if it remains missing.

Contact support immediately with the correct address. Changes cannot be guaranteed after processing or dispatch, and customers are responsible for providing a complete deliverable address.

PO-box availability depends on the destination and carrier. Enter the address during checkout or contact support before ordering when a PO box is the only available address.

Photograph the package before opening. If the canvas, paints and accessories are undamaged, outer-packaging wear alone may not require replacement. Report any damage that affects the product.

Review the latest tracking, allow for customs and local carrier delays, and contact support when there has been no meaningful update for an extended period. Include your order number and tracking code.

Contact support immediately with the order number and exact change. Product, size, frame, colour or photo changes cannot be guaranteed after processing or custom preparation has started.

Contact support as soon as possible. Once a parcel is processed or shipped, an address change may be impossible or may require action directly from the carrier.

Request cancellation immediately. Orders that have entered production, fulfilment or shipping may no longer be cancellable. Custom products can begin preparation shortly after purchase.

The planned updated policy allows return requests for eligible unused standard products within 30 days of delivery. The item must remain complete, unused and in its original packaging. Review the current Returns & Refunds Policy before sending anything.

Custom products are normally excluded from change-of-mind returns because they are manufactured from the customer’s submitted image. Incorrect, damaged or defective items remain eligible for review.

For an approved change-of-mind return, return postage is normally paid by the customer. When an item is verified as incorrect, damaged or defective, support will explain the available replacement or return process.

Approved refunds are returned to the original payment method after the return is received and inspected or another remedy is approved. The bank or payment provider controls the final posting time.

Contact support before returning anything. Exchange availability depends on the item’s condition, stock and destination.

Eligibility can depend on the specific offer and whether the item was identified as final sale. Check the product, promotion and Returns & Refunds Policy before purchase.

No. Accept the parcel and contact support for the correct return instructions. Refused shipments may be delayed, lost or returned to an address that is not used for customer returns.

No. Wait for approval and the correct return instructions. The return destination may differ from the address printed on the parcel.

No store policy removes rights that cannot legally be excluded in the customer’s location.

Contact support within 30 days of delivery. Include the order number and clear photos of the complete item, the damage, outer packaging and shipping label. Keep the packaging until the claim is resolved.

Photograph the item, product label and shipping label, then contact support. Once verified, the team can arrange the appropriate correction or replacement.

First check whether the order was split into multiple parcels. Then photograph everything received and contact support with the order number and any tracking codes.

Send a photo of the complete kit contents and identify the missing component. Verified packing shortages can be corrected according to the current replacement policy.

Contact support with the order number, paint code and a photo showing the remaining paint and relevant canvas area. Whether additional paint is free or chargeable depends on the circumstances, timing and product option.

Send clear photos of the reference image, canvas and painted result. The team can review whether the issue is a manufacturing problem, unsuitable source photo, normal colour simplification or painting-related coverage issue.

Use bright, clear images showing the complete product and close-ups of the problem. Include the shipping label and packaging for delivery damage or incorrect-item claims.

Response time varies with order volume. Submit one complete request rather than several follow-ups, because duplicate messages can make the same issue harder to track.

Yes. Numeral Paint has US and UK numbers for calls only. Visit the Contact page for the current phone numbers and support options. The phone lines do not receive SMS, WhatsApp messages or attachments.

Use the Contact page form and attach one JPG, PNG, WebP or PDF file within the stated upload limit. For several images, combine them into one image or PDF.

Email [email protected] or use the Contact page form. Use the same email address connected to the order whenever possible.

Include your full name, checkout email, order number, reason for contacting support, a clear description and relevant photographs. Do not send card details or account passwords.