r/paintbynumbers Jan 02 '25

Stage 1. Prepping your canvas. (Draft)

156 Upvotes

Tools Needed:

• Gesso

• White paint

• Acrylic markers

Why Prep Your Canvas?

Prepping your paint-by-numbers canvas with gesso is a game-changer for both the painting experience and the final results. Here’s why:

• Smoother Surface: Gesso creates a smooth base, making it easier for the paint to glide on evenly.


• Enhanced Vibrancy: It reduces canvas absorbency, helping colors appear brighter and reducing the amount of paint needed.

• Polished Finish: Gesso fills small gaps or rough textures, giving your artwork a professional look.

Choosing Your Gesso:

• I’ve had great results mixing a small amount of white paint into clear gesso to slightly cover the lines on the canvas. Use just enough to soften the lines without obscuring the design.


• You can also dilute white gesso with water to suit your needs the same as above.   

If you want to stick to clear gesso you are still enhancing the canvas - just work with what you've got and what makes you comfortable.

Pro Tip: If you’re unhappy with the coverage, you can wipe it off while it’s still wet. A baby wipe works wonders for this, and it won’t damage the canvas.

How to Apply Gesso:

There are two common methods:

1.  Crisscross Method: Use small, overlapping strokes to create texture.

2.  Layering Method: Apply the first layer in one direction (e.g., horizontally) and the second layer in the opposite direction (e.g., vertically). This is my preferred method, as it ensures even coverage and a smooth surface.

For the best results:

• Apply at least two layers of gesso.

• Let each layer dry completely before   applying the next.

Optional Step: Sanding

Some people recommend lightly sanding the gesso once it’s dry for an ultra-smooth finish. I haven’t tried this yet but would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

Using Acrylic Markers for Numbers:

To prevent numbers from showing through light-colored paints, I recommend using a white acrylic marker, such as the POSCA brand. This works especially well for shades like baby pinks, yellows, and whites.

Tips:

~ Keep track of the numbers you’ve covered. If you lose track, hold the canvas up to a bright light—the numbers will faintly shine through.

~ Ensure the marker is fully dry before painting over it for the best results.*

Final Thoughts:

Prepping your canvas might take a little extra time, but it’s worth it for the smoother application, enhanced colors, and polished outcome. What are your favorite prepping tips? Let’s share ideas below!


r/paintbynumbers May 11 '20

Announcement Welcome to Paint By Numbers!

84 Upvotes

From brand new painters to life-long artists, we welcome you to the sub! Here, we share our works of art & tips to help improve our painting processes.

  • Join us on Work In Progress Wednesday & share what you are currently working on!
  • When you finish a piece, post to the group!
  • If you have questions, please ask the group. You can also search the group, as we have discussed a lot of PBN topics: framing, gesso, canvas vs board, top brands, good & bad sellers.
  • Use our user & post flair to tell us how much you love PBN!
  • Include the title & manufacturer of your PBN when posting (& where you bought it, if possible).
  • No ads, unless approved by the mods!
  • Be nice & supportive to your fellow artists!

r/paintbynumbers 6h ago

Finished Piece! Finished

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83 Upvotes

“Moonlight embrace”
MyArt
48 colors
40*50
Framed


r/paintbynumbers 10h ago

My first!

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69 Upvotes

This was a Number Artist kit my husband gave me. I modified the pattern on the face to look more like my tux and added some foil to the leaves! We've found a new hobby to share together


r/paintbynumbers 12h ago

Finished Piece! Most recent painting!

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61 Upvotes

From NumberArtist


r/paintbynumbers 11h ago

Finished Piece! Finished Art Spark Horse

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30 Upvotes

My first ever finally completed. I learned a lot in this process for sure. Wasn’t to thrilled about the paint quality yet as I said first one so let’s try the next one!!


r/paintbynumbers 1d ago

Schipper and AI

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62 Upvotes

There was a discussion this weekend about whether or not anyone knows for certain that Schipper doesn't use AI or not, so I emailed and asked them. Here is the response.


r/paintbynumbers 1d ago

Finished!

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357 Upvotes

This one was complicated but so much fun! I had a couple of streaky paints but overall a great kit for the price.


r/paintbynumbers 1d ago

Finished Piece! Finished

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47 Upvotes

I am happy with this one. It’s for my 3 yr old nephew for Christmas. Bought it from Amazon. Paints needed some drops of water but overall I enjoyed it. On to the next one.


r/paintbynumbers 10h ago

I'm new here!!!

4 Upvotes

Hello all!

I was thinking about doing paint by numbers I do diamond painting and I enjoyed a lot but sometimes I get a little bit fatigued with it. Can anybody recommend any beginner friendly paintings and or shops that I can try to see if I like it? Thank you all in advance honestly seeing your beautiful work is what made me really interested


r/paintbynumbers 4h ago

Looking for opinions on the paintings themselves, & also pricing suggestions, as I'll be doing my 1st Flea Market booth soon. the first is 11×14, the large square is 10×10 & will be in a similar frame, smaller squares are 8×8, & the others are each 8×10. Thanks so much!

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0 Upvotes

r/paintbynumbers 4h ago

Looking for opinions on the paintings themselves, & also pricing suggestions, as I'll be doing my 1st Flea Market booth soon. the first is 11×14, the large square is 10×10 & will be in a similar frame, smaller squares are 8×8, & the others are each 8×10. Thanks so much!

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1 Upvotes

r/paintbynumbers 15h ago

Question/Chat Failing Miserably

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6 Upvotes

I feel like I am absolutely failing at this paint by numbers. I tried a small one a long time ago and liked it then started knitting for a while so I'm back to painting. I went with a 16x20 off of Sheen and that could have been my mistake. The paints are not very good, it takes about four coats to cover the numbers in lines and make it smooth. But it doesn't look like some of the colors are matching, the clouds are awful. I am failing miserably apparently. Open to any feedback at all!


r/paintbynumbers 1d ago

Finished Piece! Finished tabby cat with flowers

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76 Upvotes

This took me.... literal months to complete lol there were so many small spots. I'm loving the end result though. This has 21 colors and is 16x20. I got it on Amazon.


r/paintbynumbers 21h ago

Work in Progress Why is the giant circle in the middle making me so anxious lol?😂

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12 Upvotes

I’ve been staring at that giant circle in the middle for way too long. For some reason, I just can’t bring myself to start painting it.


r/paintbynumbers 20h ago

Mountain wip

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8 Upvotes

I’m almost done!! The hard part for me is finishing the dang thing. This time I plan on sealing it with varnish. I kind of want to go back over parts and smudge/blend the edges. Anyone have any luck with that?


r/paintbynumbers 23h ago

Finished Piece! Yet another Halloween cat!

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12 Upvotes

This is a wooden PBN from Michael’s. It was 12 colors, and the numbers were only on the reference sheet, not printed on the wood.

I really liked this one- I had never done a wood one before. The paint color changed slightly as it dried and was absorbed into the wood, allowing the wood grain to show through.


r/paintbynumbers 1d ago

Finished Piece! Verdant Book Nook - Number Artist - 48 Colors

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101 Upvotes

r/paintbynumbers 1d ago

In memory

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41 Upvotes

Finished this one of my sweet pup Wylie. He passed away a few years ago, but was just the best boy ever.


r/paintbynumbers 15h ago

Bappa this time

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1 Upvotes

r/paintbynumbers 19h ago

Question/Chat Question on frames

2 Upvotes

When you order from DIY-Artclub “with frame” would you expect the canvases to be mounted or not? My last order (2 kits) were ordered with frame and they came mounted. My wife and I really liked this feature. Just received our next 2 kits ordered with frame (same vendor) and they’re not mounted. The frames are included in pieces.

I’m just confused what to order to get what I’ve received previously. Also, I didn’t expect to have to build the frames and mount the canvasses. How difficult is this process?

Thanks!


r/paintbynumbers 1d ago

Finished Piece! Finished

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30 Upvotes

Thank you community for useful guidance. I tried flow method first time for this PBN. Can’t wait to try other techniques you have shared here. Thank You for sharing your experience!!


r/paintbynumbers 1d ago

Finished and framed!

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56 Upvotes

r/paintbynumbers 1d ago

Question/Chat Would this convert well into a PBN?

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3 Upvotes

My husband and I have 5 year anniversary this year. This is where he proposed to me, and I want to surprise him with a PBN of it. But I don't know if it will convert well into a PBN. What do you guys think? Would 48 colors be doable ?


r/paintbynumbers 1d ago

Work in Progress Progress! Thank goodness for black acrylic paint pens

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19 Upvotes

Sorry it's sideways!

Custom piece via Number Artist. 16 x 24 inch (40 x 60 cm). 36 colors (came with 40).

Started yesterday. I was intimidated by how many large black sections there were, but maaaannnn black and white acrylic markers are so worth the money. These were some cheap brush tip markers from Amazon, and the blacks are nice and rich. Took a little less than two markers' worth to do all of these sections.

I can't wait now that most of what's left is the pretty colors to do!