Extra Paint Kit to Elevate Paint by Numbers Experience

I decided to try painting the National Parks that I have visited. I picked a couple and put them on my Christmas list. I just finished the 1st one (Smokey Mountains) and absolutely loved it. I came very close to running out of black paint, but I added a few drops of water to the container and was able to stretch it out. I also discovered that adding a tiny amount of water makes it a little easier to paint the letters as the paint "flows" a little easier. I had been certain that I was going to ruin the whole thing when trying to get the letters right, but I think it turned out ok. I'll for sure be ordering more National Park kits!

I had so much fun painting this! And it’s lovely!

This was my first paint-by-numbers in decades, the last (and only) one I did prior to this one was when I was 9 or 10 years old. It was a lot of fun and very relaxing :). This won't be my last one, I'm pretty happy with the results!
I made mistakes while I was working on this and learned some things along the way that will hopefully help the next newbie:
1. It takes 2-3 layers of paint to cover the paint by number areas on the canvas, depending on the color (this is common across vendors from what I have seen so don't let that deter you). Some colors are more opaque than others. Before you start, prime your canvas with a thin layer of CLEAR Gesso (you can get Gesso at an art and craft store) before you start, let it dry for at least 24 hours and you won't have that problem (lots of YouTube videos out there about this).
2. If the PBN canvas has very small areas, go out and get yourself a detail brush, it makes it sooo much better than being frustrated working with a brush that's really too big.
3. Unless you plan on pasting the paint on, you don't need any extra paint. I ordered some because I feared running out while working on it and never opened the additional paint set.
4. Don't open the paint pod and start painting (I did that and the top of the painting has paint that is way too thick). Check the texture of the paint, if it's really thick, add a couple of drops of water and stir until the paint is more fluid (I use a toothpick). Experiment on the side of the canvas or another canvas whether the paint is too thick or flows well. There is also a medium called Flow Aid you can use instead of water (have not tried that but will on my next one). You want to be able to easily move your brush around the canvas.
Last, but not least, if you are on the fence about getting one of these - get one, you won't regret it :)!

I’ve really enjoyed working on the Shenandoah Park painting project—it’s been a fun and relaxing experience! While I did run out of some paint, I was impressed by how quickly the customer service team responded and resolved the issue. They sent me the extra paint I needed, and now I can finish my painting without any concerns. Great support and a fantastic product overall

Sent this as a gift for a friend who needed to explore her artistic energy. It was a big hit! Highly recommended.