Choosing your first paint number kit can be surprisingly difficult. With so many designs, canvas sizes, painting styles, and kit options available, it is easy to wonder which one is actually right for you. Should you choose a small canvas? Do you need extra brushes? Is a beginner kit enough, or should you invest in a more complete set?
The good news is that you do not need to be an experienced artist to enjoy paint by numbers. The right kit simply needs to match your experience level, the amount of time you want to spend painting, and the type of artwork you want to create.
If you are looking for a place to explore different designs, you can visit Wander Painting and find a variety of kits for different interests and painting styles.
What Comes in a Paint by Number Kit from Wander Painting?
Before choosing a kit, it helps to know what you are actually getting. A complete paint by number adult kit should provide the basic materials you need to start painting without having to buy every supply separately.
Based on the kit shown by Wander Painting, the standard set includes several important components:
1. Numbered Linen Canvas
The main part of the kit is a numbered linen canvas. The image is printed with numbered sections, and each number corresponds to a particular paint color. For example, if you would like to draw a painting about Mount Moran - Grand Teton, all you need to do is buy a kit with the canvas printed with the image of Mount Moran.
Linen canvas provides a suitable surface for painting, while the printed numbers help guide you through the artwork. You do not need to sketch the image yourself, which makes large paint by numbers especially approachable for beginners.
2. Set of Paint Pots
The kit also includes a set of paints in individual pots. Each paint pot is associated with a number on the canvas, allowing you to follow the instructions step by step.
This is one of the biggest advantages of a canvas and paint set. Instead of spending time deciding which colors to mix, you can focus on filling each numbered area and gradually watching the picture come together.
3. Six Brushes
Wander Painting's kit includes six brushes. Having brushes in different sizes makes it easier to work on both larger sections and smaller details.
For beginners, using the right brush for each area can make the painting process more comfortable. Larger brushes are useful for broad sections, while smaller brushes help with narrow spaces and fine details. With paintings like Washington, District Of Columbia, you use both larger and smaller brushes to paint details.
4. Reference Sheet
A reference sheet is included to help you see how the finished artwork should look. It can be especially useful when several colors or small sections are close together.
You can keep the reference sheet beside you while painting and use it whenever you need to check a particular area.
5. Paint by Number Guide
The kit also comes with a guide, giving you another useful reference while working on the canvas.
Together, the numbered canvas, paints, brushes, reference sheet, and guide provide the basic tools needed to begin your project.
6. Box
Everything comes packaged in a kit box, making the supplies easier to organize before and during your painting session.
How to Choose the Right Paint by Number Kit?
1. Choose a Beginner-Friendly Design
The first thing to consider when choosing a canvas paint kit is the complexity of the design.
If you are completely new to painting, look for artwork with larger sections, clear shapes, and fewer extremely tiny areas. Landscapes, simple nature scenes, flowers, and other designs with recognizable shapes can be comfortable choices for a first project.
More detailed portraits or highly complex scenes may require greater patience because they often contain many small sections and subtle color changes.
Your first project does not need to be a test of your artistic ability. Choose something that looks enjoyable rather than intimidating.
2. Pick the Right Canvas Size
Canvas size can have a big impact on your painting experience.
Wander Painting offers size options such as 12" × 16" and 18" × 24", allowing you to choose according to your available space and how much detail you want to work with.
A 12" × 16" canvas can be a practical starting point if you want a project that feels manageable. A larger 18" × 24" canvas gives the artwork more room for details and can create a stronger visual impact when finished.
If you have limited free time, a smaller canvas may be more convenient. If you enjoy spending long, quiet evenings painting, a larger project may be exactly what you want. For instance, one who loves ginger cats and doesn’t have much time can choose the 12" × 16" version of Happy Ginger Cat to paint.
3. Decide Whether You Want a Frame
Another choice to consider is how you plan to display your finished painting.
The custom number painting kit options shown by Wander Painting include No Frame and Framed Canvas (DIY). If you already have a preferred way to frame artwork, choosing the unframed option may be enough.
On the other hand, if you want to think about displaying the painting from the beginning, consider which framing option works best with your home.
4. Consider the Kit Level and Extra Supplies
For many beginners, a standard or starter kit is enough to learn the basics. However, more experienced painters may appreciate additional tools.
Wander Painting also shows a professional kit option with a 10-piece brush set, Flow Aid for smoother paint and cleaner strokes, and a Number Remover Marker designed to erase numbers for a cleaner finished look.
There are also optional upgrades such as an extra paint set, a More Detail Upgrade, and a Mystery Kit. These can be useful if you want more colors, additional detail, or simply want to try something unexpected.
You do not need every upgrade to enjoy high quality paint by numbers. Think about how seriously you want to approach the hobby before adding extra supplies.
5. Choose a Design You Will Enjoy
Perhaps the most important tip is also the simplest: choose a painting you actually like.
You may prefer peaceful landscapes, national parks, animals, flowers, travel scenes, architecture, or other subjects that have personal meaning. Since completing a number painting custom project can take several painting sessions, an attractive design can help keep you motivated.
A beautiful finished painting is rewarding, but the process itself is part of the experience.
6. Think About Where You Will Display the Finished Painting
Before ordering your kit, imagine the finished artwork in your home.
Consider the wall, room, available space, and colors around it. A larger landscape may work well as a statement piece, while a smaller painting may be easier to incorporate into a bedroom, office, or cozy corner.
Thinking about the final display can also help you decide on the right canvas size and framing option.