My first paint by numbers tips - 5 mistakes to avoid

All the mistakes I made and things I would differently now when I did in my first paint by numbers for adults. So you can prevent these mistakes and start off better than I did.
Other videos you might like:
How to iron your paint by numbers canvas: • How to iron a canvas
Why use GESSO for Paint by numbers : • Why should I use GESSO...
Being at home a lot, I thought it would be fun to be creative and do something different than usual. I started my first paint by numbers and in this video I share with you the paint by numbers tips I have for beginners like you and me.
I publish a new video about paint by numbers every Thursday and Sunday, so please Subscribe if you liked today's video. Thank you all for your support with my channel and I hope your enjoying your first paint by numbers tips.
Have you liked my videos about my first paint by numbers so far? Please subscribe as it will help my channel grow and encourage me to continue. I release a new painting session three times a week always at 4 pm UK time. So keep watching and enjoy the paint by numbers with me! As I do very much enjoy my first original paint by numbers for adults.
Are you interested to start your first paint by number design? This is a link to the design I choose for my first paint by number:
UK: amzn.to/3srGn6j
US: amzn.to/3qk0NfP

[@kerrijohnstone7588]

One more tip from me -is buy maybe 500 matchsticks from a craft shop you can use these to stir your paints BUT it SAVES incredible amounts of paints. Don’t dip your brush into the pot use your matchstick LIGHT stir and take the paint from the matchstick saves SO much paint.

[@RB-uh1ss]

I use toothpicks… works great and so cheap!!

[@thejurydoctor6097]

Or toothpicks :)

[@viviennehamilton4127]

Great idea

[@mixdmagic]

A bobby pin works great and wipes clean!

[@melcee22]

Can also put a little bit in the lid and take it from there

[@RB-uh1ss]

I use one color at a time finish all that number and then start another... that’s just how I like to do!!!

[@reginamarie7030]

same!

[@Becksnnc]

I do the same

[@fionasinghsidhu4473]

Yes me to. Even though I have only just finished my first one.

[@waymire01]

I paint from light to dark. I mix (if needed) a small amount of all paint colors first, then sort by value (light to dark) irregardless of actual color. Squinting your eyes can help you see value, and you may want to open the pots since they can make the colors look quite different than they actually are. I do this because the lighter colors typically take more layers to cover which makes it harder to be as accurate in the lines, and it's much easier to cover a light color with a dark one than the opposite. I find my paintings look much neater and cleaner with this approach.

[@laurasstudio]

Hi! Thank you for sharing your experience! I will try out working from light to dark colors. I would agree with you they need more layers and it is easier to fix any mistakes with the darker colors.

[@j.m.74]

10

[@convon712]

I received a folded canvas today. Used a steam iron on the back but it just went back to the folds when it cooled. Then I folded an old sheet and inserted the canvas two sheet layers down, PRINTED SIDE UP and ironed it again on a high heat setting. It worked.!!! I think the secret is to heat the plasticized side instead of the cotton side.

[@samkelly2106]

I always buy framed painting by numbers then I coat them in gesso so the numbers dont show through the lighter colours I also work out which is the dominant colour if there is alot of blue i make blue gesso! I start with the background first as you would with a scratch painting then fill in the details as you would with a painting you did from scratch as this will look way better dont worry about keeping the lines try and blend your colours sometimes using a dry brush and gently blend so you dont have stark lines good luck

[@Ani_tiime]

Hey there. This was helpful. But I'm wondering what gesso is? And how can we make or mix it according to different colors?

[@samkelly2106]

Gesso is pva glue chalk dust or talc and some paint mainly used to prep a new canvas which are usually quite rough and the paint soaks into it making it hard to paint . painting by numbers canvases are usually smooth go on KZbin look up about gesso loads of people make their own you can use any colour you like I use white to dull bold paint by numbers but dont dull so much you cant see your numbers hope this helps, happy painting

[@jamesleffler1565]

Since I retired I've been a gym rat. Working out everyday. Now I must have an operation that will not allow me to workout for several months. Paint by numbers is my answer to that. Your videos will help me avoid many of those stressful mistakes I would otherwise experience.

[@MaryGouge]

These are very useful tips! I ordered my first paint by number today. This one is a cabin in snowy woods and a campfire in the front. I’m so excited!

[@laurasstudio]

Yeeh! That's great! Thank you for your encouragements. Good luck with your paint by numbers! Let me know how it goes! :)

[@zinniazen9923]

Love this video. I have done a few paintings the only wish I had was the numbers were a little more easier to read, I noticed that some numbers were so similar to others that it was hard to tell. Like 6 and 5, 19 &18. Some were just too small. Even with a magnifying glasses.

[@clare1971]

Thank you so much for your wonderful advice because I made such a huge mess of my first that it looked like a 2 year old had done it,!

[@appleknocker56]

Doing my first real acrylic DIY paint by number & ty for this video! Love the tips & also that yes, “you” made an original that anyone can be proud to display ☺️!!!

[@chrisayling2991]

That sounds really fun and enjoyable. I am not sub olny watch when I can. And give it like always it just lap top the notification.

[@chrisayling2991]

The notifications has flashed up on my lap top.

[@katrinamillings3651]

MIne just arrived a few days ago. I haven't started it yet, so I'm glad I watched this first and will know to do something about the wrinkles before I begin.

[@laurasstudio]

Well done! Have fun with your first paint by numbers!

[@ginapino2857]

Thank you so much for your tips! I’m about to start mine today and mine did come wrinkled so I am going to iron mine before I start per your tip 1!

[@laurasstudio]

Yeeh I am so happy to hear you liked the video! Have fun with your paint by numbers! Did the ironing work?

[@babeczka6109]

Wow Laura. I ordered a big canvas paint by numbers during the beginning of corona virus as well. It is impressive you started right away and made these videos. I just pulled mine out to start today. Jan. 2022. Thanks for the tips. ❤️ And the optimism.

[@auroragloqueen4979]

I section it off into quadrants. It really helps by using Washi tape. If a miners runs over to another section I check if I need to pencil it in. It’s fun this way.

[@Sarah2005u]

Hi, I am starting my paint by number and was wondering how to place it. I have it on a table right now and planning to keep it there until it's done. Also, it came with 2 hooks and screws, I don't know if they are for the final product? How long does it take for the paint to dry and if in case I make a mistake what's the best way to amend it?

[@elsa6078]

These were really helpful and you honestly seem like such a sweet person!

[@laurasstudio]

Thank you very much. That is very sweet of you. Have you tried paint by numbers yourself?

[@elsa6078]

Laura's Studio I just got one in the post and am ironing it thanks to your tip! I’m very nervous because I don’t really want to stuff it up!

[@laurasstudio]

@@elsa6078 Yeeh. Good luck! Don't worry to much. Mistakes are going to happen, but are part of painting. That's why yours will be an unique paint by numbers and you will have a lot of fun in the progress.

[@buttercheeseloaf7205]

Thanks. My problem with pbn is that the color fades overtime, some of the lines and numbers become visible. Cant display it really.

[@ngarongoh6077]

Wish I had watched this before I started both of mine, like you, I started painting them without getting the folds out (they arrived folded in fours). Thankfully though I’ve only done a corner on both of them so hopefully I can get them straightened out without ruining the paint

[@laurasstudio]

Yes! I feel your problem. How did it go?

[@ngarongoh6077]

Laura's Studio I haven’t tried it to do it yet, but once I figure it out I’ll let you know ☺️

[@juliascraftroom266]

Great and really helpful tips! Thank you for sharing!! Like!

[@randombluefuzz21]

i procrastinated too long and my paint is all gelled up - what do recommend for color matching replacements?

[@jmdenison]

I ironed my canvas first. I even put heavy starch on the back of it while ironing it. worked out fine

[@kristinebellamy5249]

I received a folded, creased and wrinkled canvas in the mail recently but got it super smooth by doing this: - Lay the canvas (backside up) on a couple of towels and a flat surface. - Lay a moist towelette on top of the canvas (make sure it has a smooth surface). - Iron out the creases with a steamiron. My canvas is completely smooth now.

[@laurasstudio]

Thank you for sharing your tips with us! :)

[@imanebelouar1371]

Hey, you did it before or after painting ? I already started painting :(

[@kristinebellamy5249]

imane belouar It’s definitely best to do before starting.

[@zinniazen9923]

Love this video. I have done a few paintings the only wish I had was the numbers were a little more easier to read, I noticed that some numbers were so similar to others that it was hard to tell. Like 6 and 5, 19 &18. Some were just too small. Even with a magnifying glasses. I

[@laurasstudio]

I completely agree! I think I accidentally painted some 5 in color 6 and the other way around. I haven't done 18 and 19 yet, but I can totally image it will be the same problem. In my latest video, the tutorial, I talk about that good lighting helps a lot. Did you try that as well?

[@PaperMeditationArt]

very nice to watch @laurasstudio , so calm and relaxing also love the colours in this one.

[@laurasstudio]

Thank you so much for watching! :)

[@chrisayling2991]

Well done you point out excerlent Painting by numbers.

[@momomalik2763]

You are so sweet of telling other people what not to do. :)

[@laurasstudio]

Thanks! I hope you found it useful! I also made a second video with paint by number tips :)

[@senthilkumar-if7xq]

Please support my channel and subscribe i do the same 😭😭😭😭😭😢 and before subscribe pls watch my video for 30 pls😭😭😭

[@artience2204]

A really informative and useful video!! Thanks for sharing! Keep going!👍🏻

[@senthilkumar-if7xq]

Please support my channel and subscribe i do the same 😭😭😭😭😭😢 and before subscribe pls watch my video for 30 pls😭😭😭😢😢😭

[@PRMoody78]

Very helpful! Thank you:)

[@laurasstudio]

Thank you so much for your comment :)

[@user-wj6oi3tq9v]

I put a clip on my wall. And when I'm not painting, it's hung up on the clip. Mine have all been rolled up and had wrinkles, but they Seem to work there way out of the canvas just from being hung up.

[@alicazam]

nice tips, craft looks fun

[@jezabeltokio]

i would suggest getting schipper the brand it’s a really hard canvas, great amazing quality and you can get on amazon. it’s just a little on the pricey side but so worth it

[@laurissacrocetti2849]

Put the painting between your mattress and box spring or between heavy books and it'll help straighten it out

[@laurasstudio]

Thank you so much for your tip. Have you tried that with your painting?

[@laurissacrocetti2849]

Yes I've tried the book method it helps get all the wrinkles out

[@laurasstudio]

@@laurissacrocetti2849 Awesome! Thanks for sharing :)

[@pyrole4735]

This is so useful! Waiting for my PBN from MiiCreative. Have anyone ordered from there? Hope it exceed my expectations. Yay!

[@everydaylifequotesambiance1734]

Great tips! Loved the video it is very helpful! 😉😉

[@senthilkumar-if7xq]

Please support my channel and subscribe i do the same 😭😭😭😭😭😢 and before subscribe pls watch my video for 30 pls😭😭😭

[@amita_atima]

Thanks for tips, I made some these errors on my first. It is a shame framed ones cost so much more.

[@ooiwanteng6816]

the paint by number is so good

[@donnacollier8517]

Try putting the frame together first, nice and tight. That will stretch out those wrinkles. My mother was a painter and always put her canvas on first.

[@kauser1239]

Would like to have seen your finished painting

[@msnhaart9844]

Amazing drawing video

[@kerrijohnstone7588]

I buy mine ONLY pre framed. Both my companies have the canvas pre-stretched onto the frame underneath or I won’t purchase it

[@chrisayling2991]

Excerlent point because some channles could be wrong.

[@lezadavis5652]

you seem very sweet. wish we could have seen the finished painting. thank you for sharing!

[@neharao5094]

Hey, did you find a way to get the folds out after painting??

[@RB-uh1ss]

Before I paint my canvas I go to Michael’s and they press it and mount it on a cardboard! It costs about $30 but worth it to me . So easy to paint and you can easily put in a frame!!

[@bridgetdavis9752]

Excellent job! Subscribing now. 👍 (While I wait for a frame, I've tacked mine to a piece of heavy cardboard.)

[@laurasstudio]

Thank you so much Bridget! I appreciate your support. Good luck with your paint by numbers. Which design did you choose?

[@bridgetdavis9752]

@@laurasstudio I think it is called Favorite Road

[@appalo777]

First of all, order your paint by numbers from Herrschners and you won't have to iron or straighten it out. You will also get a guide you can see and won't have to print one out. I mix colors that need it first and use an old paint brush and number or letter the container. I then paint small areas then start at the top left where it's close to me and work to the right then start lower left and right. I have been painting for over 20 years. I made the mistake of ordering from "my paint by numbers" and found out they come from China and that's why they took so long to arrive.

[@fidel4eyes690]

I find if I take colored Sharpies and dot all the numbers I am going to paint next I don't spend so much time hunting for them as some can be quite small and waste a lot of time searching. And your brush tends to dry somewhat

[@dorakiss5262]

How long did it take to finish this painting? Thanks for the tips, it was really helpful!

[@laurasstudio]

Hi Dori, Thank you for watching my videos. Sorry for the late reply. This painting took me approximately 15-20 hours. I painted every day a little bit, often an hour. So it took me a month to finish this painting. Are you thinking of doing an paint by numbers?

[@dorakiss5262]

Laura's Studio Thanks for the answer! :) Yes, I already ordered one, and that will be a gift, so I hope I can finish it in time.

[@attractivepapercraft5757]

Wow! So beautiful! Thank you for coming to watch my video. new friend here 🙏 stay connected friend 🙏

[@artistic._gurl]

So nice😍😍👌

[@samkelly2106]

I usually use white gesso cos it dulls the numbers if they are a bit bold and would show through the lighter colours

[@laurasstudio]

Yes, that is a great tip Sam. Just be careful, as it could also happen that it makes the numbers impossible to see. I think it depends on the kit and how the numbers are printed.

[@ooiwanteng6816]

cool

[@yellowishgreendragon.-.]

The kit i had. The canvas was attached to a frame with no extra cost.

[@laurasstudio]

That is great! Did you enjoy painting on a stretched canvas?

[@yellowishgreendragon.-.]

@@laurasstudio It was easier to paint with.

[@charleneweitzman9457]

I like the canvas you are painting. Can you tell me the company you ordered it from?

[@laurasstudio]

Hi Chalene. It is from Amazon :)

[@yazosoyo]

OMG! I’ve had my 2 first kits put in a frame 🥺

[@laurasstudio]

Did you have the frame while painting? Did you like it?

[@yazosoyo]

Laura's Studio I haven’t started! But since I wanted no wrinkles on the canvas I had them stretched and mounted on a wood frame. I even bought an easel! 🤪. I should have watched the videos BEFORE. So far it appears to be best to tape/glue the canvas on some sort of board? I’m still trying to get ahold of all recommended supplies, but Amazon seems to be out of stock for most things (paint brushes, gesso, flowaid) or the shipping cost is CRAZY. For example a paint brush that costs $5 dollars in Amazon, when I add the shipping cost , the brush ends up costing about $50 dollars! Thus, I have resigned myself to work with what I have and that these 2 kits are just for practice! I have ordered another 2 kits from AliExpress that are much more detailed than the ones I have right now and they’ll be arriving in about 6 weeks.

[@marydoige4444]

Always, I've found that start with 2 then 2 then 4 and so on

[@ashleymatthews6429]

Your voice is so sweet and the way you speak very humble and innocent

[@laurasstudio]

Ahh! Thank you so much for your compliment and encouragements.

[@senthilkumar-if7xq]

Please support my channel and subscribe i do the same 😭😭😭😭😭😢 and before subscribe pls watch my video for 30 pls😭😭😭

[@Charlie123307]

Ive done a few paint by number kits, I prefer cotton canvas to the boards I uded to get. Some of my canvases come folded which I hate tho Im lucky someone I know stretches them for me, I prefer them to come rolled up in a tube

[@21Parmesh]

Once it’s dry, just iron gently on the back? I’ve seen conservators use a heated table but as long as the paint is dry you shouldn’t have a problem. Maybe put some newspaper down on the other side just in case the paint is tacky or staining 🤷🏻‍♂️ good luck.

[@laurasstudio]

Thank you for your tip! I trust it will work, but I am not sure if I have enough courage to do it. After all this hard work doing the paint by numbers, I wouldn't want to mess it up in the end. As you can see on my channel I am almost done now! :)

[@21Parmesh]

Laura's Studio i did some more reading since posting, don’t iron it! I think once you start applying any paint it’s game over. Perhaps, put it in the bathroom and have a really steamy shower, maybe u can get the canvas to stretch

[@apollineleboucher7672]

Quick question, I’d like to sell my paint by number paintings ( the colorful animals ones) and I have no idea how to price it, any advice? Cost is : frame : $10 + painting kit ~$15 = $25 THANKS SOO MUCH!!

[@laurasstudio]

Hi, Why would you like to sell them? It is so much fun to paint a paint by numbers!

[@alianawatson3998]

I accidentally painted the wrong spot so I wet a rag and wiped where I painted and it helped me

[@aashijain8]

But actually my canvas came fitted with the sticks also it was in a thin box about 50×40cm so it came also with the instructions and also with a printed paper same as the canvas to practice also in the instructions it was already written how to make the colours pastel and transparent.

[@elsaserrano1309]

Where did you buy yours?

[@Rebelmusedesign]

I tried ironing with a damn towel on the back and it didn’t work. So I thought it would just have more character with a few lines here and there.

[@marydoige4444]

Start with 1 and follow on with 2,3 and so on

[@lyndabrown3402]

I usually paint the largest sections first.

[@ChineseRm]

Paint swatches down the side. Start with dark to light colours.

[@brucebuell7528]

We would like to see the finished painting

[@laurasstudio]

Hi Bruce, I have multiple videos with this finished paint by numbers. In this one from start to finish: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp_SZYmCirJ8qbc or this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJWZk2WIf891e6M

[@Superslothlady_]

1 company I recommend is Craft Ease

[@laurasstudio]

Thank you for your recommendation. What do they provide exactly?

[@Superslothlady_]

@@laurasstudio They have many different paintings but if you do decide to get one they have three different packages the first one is just a cloth canvas and three paintbrushes. The second one is pre-framed and you still get three paintbrushes. The third one is pre-framed with ten paintbrushes. If you think the pre-framed one is too expensive you can get the frame package where you make it your self but some people say its harder to put the frame together yourself.

[@grivlergilliver7340]

you may be able to stretch on a frame still

[@rbraceroccarballo7999]

Esto son solo vidios pero no es así la realidad es otra

[@Katya__.]

Do you like owls 🦉( I do!)

[@laurasstudio]

Me too! Check out my channel for a lot of videos working on this owl painting :)

[@jared19882]

Paint by numbers is the most special Olympic shit I ever seen. Imagine of being proud of something that micromanages where and what each color is, draws it for you, hell, even comes with the mixed paint to fit the detailing. Doesn't surprise me that gen Z is picking up on this, they are not known for lacking talent or motivation to succeed 🤣

[@kerrijohnstone7588]

I MUST disagree. NEVER do number by number - trust me, and my messy hands. Look your colours over first and then work TOP to BOTTOM it can be annoying but there is no mess

[@Becksnnc]

I've never had mess. It takes me forever to paint anyway so once I've done one number it ends up drying overnight anyway and I can move on to the next number. It saves all the hassle of having to constantly clean your brushes.

[@ragazzo3215]

You really didn’t do any research before you started.

[@laurasstudio]

No I didn't. My decision to buy my first paint by numbers was a bit of an impulse buy. Haha. I hope you found the tips useful?

[@emma8821]

Painting in the numbers cannot really ne called creativity! 🤣 neither is it unique, since they all come out the same. Which is exactly the point of paint by numbers. Otherwise you would actually paint a picture, if you wanted to create amd be unique

[@rebeccasmith7041]

I disagree. Many people add unique touches to their painting. For instance, adding details with different paints, changing the intended paint colors, I’ve even see someone use glow in the dark paint instead of white, so it glows in black light.

[@maryannesson]

you talk to much about other stuff..... i mistakes should take 5 mintues :(

[@lyndatuttle]

I enjoyed watching her paint. Her talk was perfect.