How Long Does It Take to Finish a Paint by Numbers Kit?

One of the most common questions before buying a first kit isn't about difficulty — it's about time. Nobody wants to commit to a project that turns out to be a 100-hour marathon, and custom orders raise a second, separate question about how long shipping actually takes. Here's a realistic breakdown of both.

How Long Does the Painting Itself Take?

Painting time depends mostly on canvas size and detail level, not skill. Small canvases around 30x40cm typically take 6 to 10 hours of total painting time, standard 40x50cm canvases run 10 to 20 hours, and large or highly detailed canvases at 50x70cm or bigger can run 20 to 30-plus hours. Most people don't paint in one sitting — spreading a canvas across several evenings or weekends over 2 to 4 weeks is the most common pace, and there's no downside to taking longer than that.

What Affects Painting Speed

A few factors explain most of the variation between a quick weekend project and a month-long one. The number of colors matters a lot: a 24-color palette finishes noticeably faster than a 40-plus color detailed design, simply because there's less switching between paint pots. Larger numbered sections cover more canvas per brushstroke than fine detail work, and some colors — particularly light shades over dark backgrounds — need a third coat to look fully opaque, which adds time. Session length matters too: consistent 30 to 60 minute sessions a few times a week add up faster than occasional long marathons, mostly because short sessions are easier to actually stick to.

How Long Does a Custom Kit Take to Arrive?

A custom photo kit takes longer than a pre-made design because your photo has to be processed into a numbered canvas before printing and paint-matching can even begin. Typical order timelines run in two parts: production time to convert and print your custom canvas, followed by shipping time to your address, and both windows can vary depending on your destination. Checking your order confirmation email is the fastest way to get exact timing for your specific order rather than relying on a general estimate.

Tips to Finish Faster Without Rushing

Start with the largest background sections, since they cover the most canvas early and build momentum before you hit the fiddly detail work. Paint one color across the whole canvas before switching to the next, rather than constantly re-mixing or re-rinsing brushes between small areas. And set a realistic weekly goal — "finish the sky this week" rather than "finish the whole canvas" — since small, achievable targets are what actually gets a kit finished rather than abandoned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to take longer than a month?

Yes — most people paint in short sessions rather than long marathons, so a canvas can reasonably stretch across several weeks or longer.

Do custom kits take longer to finish painting than pre-made ones?

No — painting time depends on canvas size and detail, not whether the design is custom or pre-made.

Can I pause and come back to a canvas after weeks?

Yes, as long as it's stored flat and the paint pots are kept sealed between sessions.

Ready to start a project you can pace yourself on? Browse our full collection of paint by numbers kits.