How to paint by numbers?

 

When you begin: 

• Clear a flat area to start.
• Arrange your painting where there is good light.
• Get a cup of water and paper towels handy to clean brushes. Clean them when they start to get all gunked up or when you change to a new color. To clean a brush, simply put it in a glass of water, stir as you would with a spoon and wipe it up a bit with a towel.
• Make sure the tops are completely closed when you’re done with them to prevent drying.
• Use enough paint so as to cover the numbers and lines.

 

Where to start:

I prefer to start at the top left because I'm right-handed. This way I let the paint dry without taking the risk of putting my hand/arm in it.

Some days, I’ll paint all the colors that are in a small area (+- 15cm X 15cm), 1 color at a time. And move to the next area only after having completely painted the previous one.

Other days, I’ll choose one color and paint all areas corresponding to its number before moving to the next color.

But in both cases, I’ll go from the top-left to the bottom-right of the painting.

That being said, this is really about what you feel comfortable doing. There is no right or wrong! 

Here are some suggestions: 

• Top to bottom.
• Dark to light. 
• From the first number on. 
• Top corner down. 
• In the middle out. 

 

Canvas:

Some canvases come a bit wrinkled. Spray a light mist of water on it and iron on low setting on the BACKSIDE (before you paint it).

If you’d like to have a sturdy surface to paint, tape the canvas to a piece of foam board or cardboard. 

 

Paint:

You may find some paints a bit thick. It's always better to mix it up a bit before using it. If the paint is too thick, do not hesitate to add a drop of water of some flow improver.

 The painting canvas and paint containers are both marked with digits (For example, the paint container numbered 3 should be applied to the painting canvas area marked with the number 3).

Get a cup of water with which to clean your brush. Cleanse the painting brush after the application of one color (The rag will come in handy as you will need to remove some of the water from the brush after washing).

Don’t forget to share your masterpiece with the world :)

It all depends on your vision. Don’t afraid to experiment and search for your
own method and style of painting. There is nothing scary about painting any
canvas area with a different color, you always have the option to fix it.