How Long Does It Take to Finish a Paint by Numbers? A Guide to Sizes and Difficulty
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How Long Does It Take to Finish a Paint by Numbers? A Guide to Sizes and Difficulty
One of the most common questions beginners ask is: “How long does it take to finish a paint by numbers?”
The truth is—there’s no single answer. The time depends on several factors, such as the canvas size, the level of detail, and your own painting habits. In this guide, we’ll break it all down and give you realistic time estimates so you can better plan your creative journey.
3 Key Factors That Affect Completion Time
1. Canvas Size
The bigger the canvas, the more areas to fill, and the more hours you’ll need.
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Small size (e.g. 12×18" / 30×45 cm)
Usually fewer details, perfect for beginners or quick projects.
⏱ Estimated time: 5–15 hours (about a week if you paint 1–2 hours a day). -
Standard size (e.g. 16×20" / 40×50 cm)
The most common size in kits, with a balanced level of detail.
⏱ Estimated time: 20–40 hours. -
Large size (e.g. 20×24" / 50×60 cm or bigger)
Rich in detail, often landscapes or portraits, requiring lots of patience.
⏱ Estimated time: 50+ hours.
2. Painting Difficulty
Besides size, the complexity of the design matters just as much.
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Easy designs: Fewer colors, large blocks, often cartoons or geometric shapes. Quick to finish.
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Medium difficulty: More colors, mixed block sizes, common in landscapes or still-life paintings.
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High difficulty: Dozens of colors, very small blocks, often portraits, flowers, or abstract art. Requires precision and patience.
3. Personal Painting Habits
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Frequency: Do you paint daily for an hour, or only on weekends? Consistency speeds things up.
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Style: Some people enjoy finishing quickly, while others prefer taking their time for perfection. Both are valid approaches.
Estimated Time by Size & Difficulty
| Size/Difficulty | Small (30×45 cm) | Standard (40×50 cm) | Large (50×60 cm+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy | 5–10 hours | 15–25 hours | 30–40 hours |
| Medium | 10–15 hours | 20–35 hours | 40–60 hours |
| Hard | 15–20 hours | 30–40 hours | 50+ hours |
Note: Times are approximate and vary depending on individual speed and habits.
Tips to Finish Your Paint by Numbers Faster
If you’d like to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality, try these tips:
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Work by color batches: Fill all areas of one color before moving to the next to reduce brush cleaning.
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Paint from top to bottom: Prevents smudging wet paint.
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Go from dark to light colors: Lighter paints can easily cover mistakes.
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Set small goals: For example, complete one section per day to stay motivated.
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Use good lighting or a magnifier: Especially useful for detailed designs to reduce eye strain.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does a paint by numbers take?
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For beginners looking for a quick win: start with a small, simple design—you’ll finish in just a few days.
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For hobbyists seeking a challenge: try a large, detailed canvas—it could take weeks or even months.
No matter how long it takes, the real beauty of paint by numbers isn’t just the finished product—it’s the relaxing and rewarding journey of creating it.
👉 Ready to start your first project? Pick a small canvas today, and gradually move on to bigger, more detailed designs as your skills grow!