Paint by numbers has come a long way since it first appeared in the 1950s. Once considered a nostalgic pastime, it has become one of the fastest-growing creative hobbies for adults looking to relax, disconnect from screens and create something beautiful with their own hands.
Whether you've never picked up a paintbrush before or you're looking for a mindful hobby after work, paint by numbers makes painting accessible to everyone. There's no artistic experience required but just a little time, curiosity and a willingness to slow down.
At Kiki's Club, we believe creativity shouldn't feel intimidating. That's why we've designed modern paint by numbers kits inspired by travel, beautiful interiors and Mediterranean living, helping thousands of people across the UK, Europe and beyond rediscover the joy of making something by hand.
This guide answers every question beginners ask before starting their first paint by numbers kit. We will go from how it works and where it came from to how long it takes and whether it can actually teach you to paint.
In this guide
- What is paint by numbers?
- How does paint by numbers work?
- The history of paint by numbers
- Who invented paint by numbers?
- Does paint by numbers teach you to paint?
- Is paint by numbers difficult?
- How long does a paint by numbers kit take?
- Why has paint by numbers become so popular again?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Paint by Numbers Mean
Paint by numbers is a painting technique that divides an artwork into numbered sections. Each number corresponds to a specific acrylic paint colour. Simply match the numbers on the canvas with the matching paint pots and gradually watch your artwork come to life.
Think of it as a blueprint for painting. Instead of worrying about drawing, colour mixing or composition, you can focus entirely on enjoying the creative process.
Every paint by numbers kit typically includes:
- A pre-printed linen canvas
- Numbered acrylic paints
- Fine detail paintbrushes
- A reference sheet
- Everything you need to complete the artwork
Because the design is already mapped out, paint by numbers is suitable for complete beginners while still being enjoyable for experienced artists looking for a relaxing project.
Unlike traditional painting, there's no pressure to "get it right." The process is structured enough to build confidence while leaving plenty of room to develop your own style as your skills improve.
Looking for your first project? Browse our collection of modern, travel-inspired paint by numbers kits designed in London for beginners and experienced painters alike.
The History of Paint by Numbers
Paint by numbers may feel like a modern answer to screen fatigue, but the idea dates back to post-war America.
The commercial paint-by-numbers system was developed in Detroit in 1949 by artist Dan Robbins and Max Klein, owner of the Palmer Paint Company. Klein was looking for a way to encourage more adults to buy and use paint, while Robbins wanted to create a structured activity that made painting accessible to people without formal artistic training.
Robbins reportedly drew inspiration from stories about Leonardo da Vinci using numbered patterns to divide work among his apprentices. He adapted that principle into a simple system: divide an image into outlined sections, assign each section a number and match every number to a paint colour.
The first kits were released under the Craft Master name in 1951. They included a pre-drawn image, numbered paints and brushes much like the paint by numbers kits we recognise today. Early subjects included landscapes, animals and still lifes designed to become artwork people could proudly display at home.
The idea did not become an immediate success. However, after clever demonstrations and retail promotion introduced more people to the concept, demand grew rapidly. By 1954, more than 12 million Craft Master kits had reportedly been sold.
Paint by numbers had become more than a painting kit. It was part of a wider cultural shift in which adults had more leisure time and began exploring creative hobbies at home.
Who Invented Paint by Numbers?
Dan Robbins is generally recognised as the artist who created the original commercial paint-by-numbers system, working alongside Palmer Paint Company owner Max Klein.
Robbins was born in Detroit in 1925 and studied art before joining Palmer Paint. When Klein challenged him to develop a painting product for adults, Robbins experimented with several ideas before creating a numbered Cubist-style still life called Abstract No. One.
The original design was considered too complex for the mass market, so Robbins developed more recognisable subjects, including landscapes and animals. These became the foundation of the Craft Master collection.
The kits carried the memorable promise:
Although that language belongs very much to its era, the idea behind it remains relevant: painting should not be reserved for professionally trained artists.
Paint by numbers gave ordinary people permission to be creative. It offered enough guidance to remove the fear of a blank canvas while still providing the satisfaction of completing a painting by hand.
Robbins eventually became the art director of Palmer Paint’s most successful division, and his work helped turn paint by numbers into one of the defining hobby trends of the 1950s. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History later documented the phenomenon and preserved an extensive collection of kits, sketches, advertising materials and paintings.
For a deeper look at its unexpected cultural journey, read The Surprisingly Cool History of Paint by Numbers.
How Do You Do Paint by Numbers?
Completing a paint by numbers kit is simple, even when you have never painted before. The canvas gives you a clear structure, but the way you approach it can make the experience easier and the finished artwork more polished.
1. Prepare your painting space
Choose a comfortable, well-lit surface where you can leave your materials undisturbed. Natural daylight is ideal, but a bright desk lamp also helps when painting small numbered areas.
Protect your table, keep a glass of clean water nearby and have some kitchen roll or a soft cloth ready for cleaning your brushes.
Before opening the paints, take a few minutes to look at the reference image and understand the composition. This will help you recognise the different areas as the painting gradually takes shape.
2. Flatten and position your canvas
Place the canvas on a firm, flat surface. You can tape the corners down temporarily to stop it moving as you paint.
Some people prefer to begin with the canvas laid flat, while others attach it to a board or use a tabletop easel. There is no single correct setup—the best option is whichever feels most comfortable for your hands, back and painting style.
3. Organise the paints
Arrange the paint pots in numerical order so that you can quickly find the colour you need.
Only open one pot at a time, and close it securely when you finish using it. Acrylic paint dries quickly when exposed to air, so keeping the lids closed helps preserve its consistency.
If a paint feels slightly thick, mix it carefully before using it. Avoid adding too much water, as this can weaken the colour and make it harder to cover the printed numbers.
4. Choose where to begin
You can approach a paint by numbers canvas in several ways:
- Work from the top towards the bottom to reduce the chance of smudging wet paint.
- Start with the largest sections to build momentum quickly.
- Complete one colour at a time to avoid repeatedly washing your brush.
- Begin with lighter colours and finish with darker shades.
- Paint the background first before moving to smaller details.
For most beginners, working one colour at a time from the top of the canvas downwards is a practical place to start.
However, there are no strict rules. Paint by numbers is meant to feel calming, not prescriptive.
5. Match the number to the paint
Locate a numbered area on the canvas, then find the paint pot with the same number.
Apply a thin, even layer of paint, staying within the printed outline. It is often better to use two light coats than one very thick coat, particularly when covering pale colours or visible numbers.
Allow the first layer to dry before applying the second.
6. Use the right brush for each section
Use a larger brush for broad areas and a fine brush for narrow lines or small details.
Try not to overload the brush. A small amount of paint gives you more control and produces cleaner edges. For tiny sections, use the tip of the brush rather than pressing the full bristles against the canvas.
Clean the brush thoroughly when changing colours, especially when moving from a dark shade to a light one.
7. Let each area dry
Acrylic paint usually dries quickly, but allowing each section to settle before painting immediately beside it helps prevent colours from blending accidentally.
Taking regular breaks also makes it easier to notice areas that need a second coat or a small correction.
8. Add finishing touches
Once the entire canvas is dry, step back and look at it from a distance.
You may notice:
- Printed numbers that still show through
- Small gaps between coloured sections
- Areas that would benefit from another coat
- Edges that could be softened or refined
This final review is where the painting begins to feel complete.
For more practical advice before you begin, read our 8 Tips for Grown-Ups to Master Paint by Numbers.
Does Paint by Numbers Teach You to Paint?
Paint by numbers does not teach painting in exactly the same way as a formal art course, but it can help you build several useful creative skills.
By following the canvas, you naturally begin to understand:
- How different colours sit beside one another
- How highlights and shadows create depth
- How shapes combine to form a complete image
- How brush size affects precision
- How paint consistency changes coverage
- How patience and layering improve the result
It also helps develop brush control. At the beginning, staying inside very small sections may feel difficult. With practice, your movements become steadier and more confident.
Most importantly, paint by numbers removes the fear of starting. A blank canvas can feel intimidating because it requires you to make every decision yourself. With paint by numbers, the composition and colour palette have already been prepared, allowing you to concentrate on applying paint and observing how the artwork is constructed.
Over time, this can make other forms of painting feel more approachable.
You may begin experimenting by:
- Blending the edges between two neighbouring colours
- Adding an extra highlight or shadow
- Adjusting a colour to suit your taste
- Trying a different brush technique
- Recreating part of the image without following the numbers
Paint by numbers is therefore best seen as both a finished creative activity and a gentle introduction to painting.
To explore how artists use colour to shape mood and composition, continue with our guide to Colour Theory and How to Use Colour Effectively in Your Paintings.
Why Has Paint by Numbers Become So Popular Again?
For many people, paint by numbers is more than a hobby... it's a way to slow down.
In recent years, millions of adults have started looking for creative activities that don't involve screens. Whether it's reading, gardening, pottery or painting, there's a growing appreciation for hobbies that encourage us to be present rather than constantly connected.
Paint by numbers fits perfectly into this movement.
Unlike scrolling through social media or watching television, it asks you to focus on one small section at a time. The repetitive nature of matching colours to numbers can feel calming, almost meditative, helping many people switch off after a busy day.
It's also one of the few hobbies that leaves you with something tangible. After a few evenings of painting, you have a finished artwork that you can frame, display or gift to someone you love.
Today's paint by numbers kits have evolved significantly from their 1950s predecessors. Rather than traditional cottages and still lives, modern collections feature contemporary illustrations, travel-inspired scenes, colourful interiors and artwork that people genuinely want to display in their homes.
At Kiki's Club, every collection is designed in London and inspired by the places, colours and moments that make life feel a little slower, from the Greek islands and the French Riviera to cosy cafés and colourful Mediterranean streets.
If you're curious about why so many adults are rediscovering this hobby, you might also enjoy reading Benefits of Paint by Numbers for Adults and Why Paint by Numbers Is Good for Your Mental Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is paint by numbers suitable for complete beginners?
Absolutely.
Paint by numbers was designed specifically for people with little or no painting experience. Every section of the canvas is numbered, making it easy to follow step by step.
If this is your first project, our 8 Tips for Grown-Ups to Master Paint by Numbers will help you achieve the best results.
What age is paint by numbers suitable for?
Paint by numbers exists for almost every age group.
Children's kits feature larger sections and fewer colours, while adult kits often include more intricate details and richer colour palettes.
How long does it take to finish a paint by numbers kit?
Most adults complete a standard paint by numbers kit in 5–20 hours, depending on the size of the canvas, the level of detail and how much time they spend painting each session.
Many people enjoy working on their painting over several evenings rather than trying to finish it all at once.
Can you frame a paint by numbers canvas?
Yes.
Once the paint has fully dried, your finished artwork can be stretched over a wooden frame or placed inside a standard picture frame.
Many people choose designs that complement their home décor so they can proudly display them once complete.
What if I run out of paint?
At Kiki's Club, we include generous amounts of acrylic paint with every kit.
If you ever run out of a colour while painting one of our current designs, simply get in touch and we're happy to send replacement paints through our Enough Paint Guarantee.
Final Thoughts
Paint by numbers has remained popular for more than 70 years because it offers something surprisingly timeless: the simple satisfaction of creating something with your own hands.Whether you're looking for a relaxing evening activity, a thoughtful gift or a creative hobby that doesn't require previous experience, paint by numbers makes art accessible without taking away the joy of the process.
The most important thing isn't painting perfectly.
It's enjoying the experience.
Every brushstroke brings you closer to a finished piece that is uniquely yours and often reminds you that creativity isn't about being an artist. It's about making time to create.
Continue your creative journey:
- 🎨 Learn 8 Tips for Grown Ups to Master Paint by Numbers before you begin.
- 🧠 Discover the Benefits of Paint by Numbers for Adults and why it's become such a popular mindful hobby.
- 🏛️ The Surprisingly Cool History of Paint by Numbers – Discover how a post-war invention became a global creative movement.
- 🌍 Browse our collection of travel-inspired paint by numbers kits, designed in London and inspired by destinations around the world.