Paint by Numbers Online: Ultimate Guide to Buying Kits and Best Shops to Find Them

The world of Paint by Numbers (PBN) has exploded online, offering thousands of beautiful designs. But as any experienced painter knows, the quality of these kits varies wildly. Choosing the right kit is the first step toward a beautiful, stress-free painting experience.

This ultimate guide will walk you through the essential quality factors to check before buying and highlight the best online shops—whether you're looking for a quick practice kit or a treasured custom masterpiece.

I. The Essential Buying Guide: 5 Quality Factors to Check

When shopping for Paint by Numbers kits online, don't just look at the picture; scrutinize the product details. A quality kit makes all the difference.

1. Canvas Material and Packaging

A high-quality canvas prevents frustrating errors and wrinkles.

• Avoid: Thin paper, pre-folded canvas (which creates deep creases that are hard to smooth out).

• Look For: Rolled linen or cotton canvas. Linen blends provide a better texture for acrylics and are the mark of a superior kit. Always ensure the canvas is rolled for shipping.

2. Paint Quality and Quantity

Poor paint coverage is the number one complaint among PBN users.

• Check the Type: The standard is acrylic paint. Ensure the pots are individually numbered and freshly sealed to prevent pre-drying.

• Coverage: Reputable shops provide generous quantities of paint, especially for light colors (like white or yellow), which require multiple coats for complete coverage over the numbers. Best Paint by Numbers also suggests asking whether replacements are available in case you run out.

3. Brushes and Tools

A complete, high-quality toolset enhances your painting precision and enjoyment.

• Must-Haves: Your kit should include at least three different brush sizes (fine for details, medium, and thick for large areas). Look for nylon bristles that maintain their point.

• Reference Sheet: A good kit always includes a paper reference copy of the numbered canvas and a full-color preview image (tip here).

4. Frame Options

How will you display your finished art? Check the framing options before you buy.

• Stretched Canvas: The most professional option; the canvas comes pre-stretched on a wooden frame, ready to paint and hang.

• DIY Frame Kit: A cost-effective solution where you assemble the wooden frame yourself (usually recommended for large sizes).

II. Finding the Best PBN Shops Online

You have three main options for buying Paint by Numbers kits online, each with its own pros and cons regarding price, quality, and support.

1. General Marketplaces (Amazon, Etsy, eBay)

• Pros: Lowest prices, massive variety, and fast basic shipping (for prime items).

• Cons: Inconsistent quality is the major drawback. Sellers often dropship from factories with minimal quality control, leading to dried paint, incorrect colors, or folded canvases. Customer support is often slow or unhelpful (see reviews on Amazon).

2. Specialty Art & Hobby Stores (Local or Online)

• Pros: Generally higher quality control, better supplies (like brushes and supplementary tools), and knowledgeable staff.

• Cons: Limited selection of PBN kits, often focusing only on standard, generic designs.

3. Specialized E-commerce Stores (Like DIYpaintnumbers.com)

• Pros: These dedicated stores focus exclusively on PBN, offering superior materials, strict quality checks, and expert customer support. They are the best source for Custom Paint by Numbers Kits because they invest in the necessary photo conversion technology.

• Cons: Prices may be slightly higher than the lowest marketplace vendors, but the value and quality guarantee are significantly better.

III. Standard vs. Custom Kits: Choosing Your Project

Your buying decision depends entirely on your project goal.

1. Standard Kits

• Best For: Beginners, practice painting, quick gifts, and low-cost home decoration.

• Tip: Look for easy beginner-friendly kits with bold color blocks if you are new; they are easier to complete and look polished quickly.

2. Custom Paint by Numbers Kits (Your Ultimate Gift)

If you are looking for a unique, sentimental gift or a personal keepsake, custom kits are the clear winner. This is where specialized merchants like DIYpaintnumbers.com excel.

• How to Buy: Choose a shop that provides clear guidelines on photo quality. A good merchant will review your photo and advise you before processing the order to ensure the finished painting is clear and detailed.

• Value: A custom kit transforms a photograph—a pet, a family portrait, a travel memory—into a guaranteed piece of personal art, making it the most cherished purchase you can make.

Conclusion

Knowledge is power when shopping for Paint by Numbers online. By focusing on quality materials and choosing a reputable shop that aligns with your project goal, you ensure your painting journey is satisfying from the very first brushstroke!

🔹 Excerpt

The ultimate guide to buying Paint by Numbers kits online! Learn how to choose the right canvas, paints, and brushes, plus discover the best shops for standard and custom kits.

🔹 References

[1] Paint by Numbers Online. Ultimate Guide to Buying Paint by Numbers Kits and Best Shops to Find Them. Available at: https://www.paintbynumbersonline.com/blogs/news/ultimate-guide-to-buying-paint-by-numbers-kits-and-best-shops-to-find-them

[2] Gathered.how. Best Paint by Numbers Kits for Adults. Available at: https://www.gathered.how/arts-crafts/best-paint-by-numbers-kits-for-adults

[3] Best Paint by Numbers. Best Places to Get Paint by Numbers Online. Available at: https://bestpaintbynumbers.com/blogs/paintbynumbertips/best-places-to-get-paint-by-numbers-online

[4] Handmade Weekly. Custom Paint by Numbers Product Review: Tips & Tricks. Available at: https://www.handmadeweekly.com/custom-paint-by-numbers-product-review-tips-tricks

[5] Amazon.com. DIY Paint by Numbers Kit for Adults – Customer Reviews. Available at: https://www.amazon.com/DIY-Paint-Numbers-Kit-Adults/product-reviews/B07VHCCN47

[6] Craftoria Store. The Transformative Power of Custom Paint by Numbers Kits for Adults. Available at: https://craftoriastore.com/blogs/news/the-transformative-power-of-custom-paint-by-numbers-kits-for-adults

[7] Masterpiece by Numbers. Paint by Numbers Emotional Benefits. Available at: https://usa.masterpiecebynumbers.com/blogs/masterpiece-by-numbers-blog-home-page/paint-by-numbers-emotional-benefits

[8] Paint by Numbers Store. How to Judge the Quality of Paint by Numbers Kits. Available at: https://www.paint-by-numbers.store/services/help/how-to-judge-the-quality-of-paint-by-numbers-kits