Easy Paint by Numbers Kits for Beginners

New to painting? This guide shows you how to pick an easy paint by numbers for adults kit, what sizes and color counts to choose, and beginner tips so your first canvas looks great—without stress. For comprehensive guidance on all aspects of adult painting, check out our complete paint by numbers guide for adults.

Quick take: Start with 24–36 colors and a 40×50 cm (16×20") canvas. Pick subjects with larger zones (landscapes, florals, abstracts), look for crisp linework, and use thin, even coats. If you want something personal (pets, trips, fantasy styles), generate a custom beginner kit with Paintby.ai.

Table of Contents

1. What Makes a Kit “Easy”?
2. Beginner Buyer’s Guide
   • Color Count = Difficulty
   • Canvas Sizes That Help Beginners
   • Kit Quality Checklist
3. Best Subjects for Beginners
4. Paintby.ai: Easiest Way to Go Custom
5. First Session: Step-by-Step
6. Common Mistakes & Easy Fixes
7. FAQ

What Makes a Kit “Easy”?

A beginner-friendly kit has fewer colors (24–36), larger painted areas, and clear, bold linework. Paint should be opaque enough to cover numbers in 1–2 coats. Instructions and a labeled reference sheet help you stay in flow. For detailed guidance on selecting the right materials, explore our choosing the right paint-by-numbers kit guide.

Beginner Buyer’s Guide

Color Count = Difficulty

• 24 colors → Easiest: bigger zones and faster progress.
• 36 colors → Balanced: more detail without overwhelm.
• 48+ colors → Advanced: finer gradients and micro-cells; save for round two.

Canvas Sizes That Help Beginners

• 40×50 cm (16×20"): great first size—enough detail without dragging on.
• 50×70 cm (20×28"): more wall presence; try after you’ve finished one.
• 60×80 cm (24×32"): statement size; best for confident hands.

If you're unsure about sizing, our comprehensive mini vs large paint-by-numbers size guide can help you make the perfect choice for your space and skill level.

Kit Quality Checklist

• Canvas/board: thick, tightly woven canvas (or sturdy artboard) with crisp printing.
• Paints: non‑toxic acrylics with lids that seal; light tones should cover with 1–2 coats.
• Brushes: at least three—fine liner, mid round, wide flat.
• Reference sheet: numbered image + color chart.
• Packaging: rolled canvas or well-protected board to prevent creases/warping.

Understanding brush quality and selection is crucial for beginners. Our detailed paint-by-numbers brushes buyer's guide covers everything from bristle types to proper maintenance techniques.

Best Subjects for Beginners

Pick designs with large-to-medium cells and predictable edges:

• Landscapes & seascapes (broad skies, water fades)
• Florals & botanicals (petals give clear shapes)
• Abstract & geometric (clean blocks, less micro-detail)
• Simple animals (avoid hyper‑detailed fur on your first try)
• City silhouettes (big shapes; skip intricate windows at first)

Skip (for round one): tightly detailed portraits, fur‑heavy wildlife, and architecture with lots of windows/railings.

Paintby.ai: Easiest Way to Go Custom

Want your pet, a favorite place, or a specific style—but still beginner‑easy? Paintby.ai converts a short text prompt into a high‑resolution design and ships a full paint‑by‑numbers kit. You can preview and refine the image until you love it, then pick your size (40×50, 50×70, 60×80 cm) and color count (24/36/48) to match your comfort level. Kits include a pre‑printed canvas, premium acrylic paints, multiple brushes, step‑by‑step instructions, and a DIY frame—with free worldwide shipping and a 30‑day money‑back guarantee.

Beginner preset idea:
Choose 24 colors at 40×50 cm, and ask for “larger zones, minimal micro‑detail” in your prompt.

Prompt templates for easy results:

• “Minimalist floral bouquet, large petals, soft gradients, 24 colors, larger zones, beginner friendly.”
• “Golden retriever portrait, smooth shading, avoid tiny fur strands, 24 colors, medium cells, 40×50 cm.”
• “Sunset seascape, big sky + water bands, 24 colors, gentle transitions, 40×50 cm.”

First Session: Step-by-Step

1. Prep the space: good light, water cup, paper towels, scrap paper, and tape the canvas edges.
2. Stage tools: fine/mid/wide brushes; keep lids closed when not in use.
3. Plan your path: right‑handed = left→right; left‑handed = right→left.
4. Start light → dark: lighter colors first reduce show‑through.
5. Work one number at a time: complete all cells of the same number to minimize lid openings.
6. Thin if needed: add 1–2 drops of water to thick paint; test on scrap.
7. Keep it neat: rinse and wipe brushes between colors; avoid overloading paint.
8. Breaks = better lines: short pauses keep hands steady and focus high.

These fundamental techniques form the foundation of successful paint-by-numbers. For more advanced methods and professional finishing tips, explore our comprehensive paint-by-numbers tips and techniques guide.

Common Mistakes & Easy Fixes

• Numbers showing through: let dry; add a thin second coat or mute with a white gel pen first.
• Color outside the line: let dry fully, then cover with the correct color using a fine liner.
• Dried paint pot: revive with a couple drops of warm water; stir thoroughly.
• Frayed brush: rotate to a sharper edge or swap to a quality detail brush.
• Patchy gradients: feather edges while still slightly wet; layer mid‑tones after drying.

For more comprehensive troubleshooting guidance, visit our detailed common paint-by-numbers mistakes guide.

FAQ

What’s the easiest kit size for beginners?
40×50 cm (16×20")—fast progress without cramped details.

How many colors should I pick?
24–36 for your first kit; move to 48 when you want finer detail.

Do I need extra supplies?
Not required. Optional add‑ons: ultra‑fine liner brush, desk lamp, magnifier, painter’s tape, easel for larger canvases.

Canvas or board for beginners?
Both work. Board resists sagging and is portable; canvas offers classic texture and easy framing. For detailed material comparisons, see our canvas vs paper paint-by-numbers guide.

Can I design my own beginner‑friendly image?
Yes—use Paintby.ai; specify beginner terms like “larger zones, 24 colors, minimal micro‑detail.”

 

Ready for a calm, confidence‑boosting start? Generate a custom beginner kit with Paintby.ai. Pick 24–36 colors at 40×50 cm, preview until it’s perfect, and enjoy free worldwide shipping with a 30‑day guarantee.