My Thoughts of Paint by Numbers on a BOARD Instead of a Canvas?! Dimensions PaintWorks Review

[@beckyschuler4992]

I started PBN a few months ago and have completed several Dimensions projects. At first, I didn't like mixing the paints, but I'm used to it now. I pretreat the board with a thin coat of heavy gloss gel which causes the board to initially bow, but flattens out when dry. I also mix the gloss gel into both the standalone paint colors as well as the mixed colors. I find the gloss gel adds a little brightness to the colors. Using the gloss gel thickens the paint somewhat, so I add a couple drops of water. I don't premix all the colors at once. I mix them as I need to on a piece of wax paper...I can get several mixed colors on a single piece of wax paper. Joann stocks this brand in their stores and website, but there is a large selection of Dimensions on Amazon. I've done a few hummingbird paintings that I just love. There are a few sizes from which to choose. I usually work on 11x14 or 16x20. They are very easy to frame. I'm interested to research the Shipper brand you mentioned because I really prefer working on the board rather than canvas. I'll be sure to check them out. I only recently subscribed to your channel, and I enjoy your videos. You mentioned joining a group...is that on Facebook or somewhere else? I'd like to join for sure. Thanks for these great videos!!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Hi! Thank you for sharing that information about how you approach this type of painting. I appreciate getting any helpful tips that I can! The group is on Facebook. The link is in the description below the video, but I think I can share it here too. facebook.com/groups/melanieb/

[@darkmoonlady2002]

I've done two Paintworks kits and love them. The first one I did before I found your clear gesso video and it came out fine but once I used gesso on the next it was a huge difference. I've also added using Apple Barrel acrylics if I want to make it more realistic and paint in extra colors or shades. I use a small pocket knife tip to dip out paint for mixing blends in a six pot plastic palette. I wipe off the blade on a baby wipe. Using a very small pocket knife blade works great as I can sort of eyeball how much paint by how I far I dip it in the pot. I also use (and don't laugh) a piece of dried spaghetti to mix the paint. Works great, it's cheap and it's perfect to make sure it's mixed thoroughly.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I don’t judge! Whatever works, right?! It sounds like you have you’re own way to do things, and I say that’s fabulous! ❤️❤️❤️

[@robertmac7833]

Tip: yes, the lighter colors WILL require two or three coats to cover all the little numbers. The technique of going over the lighter colors more than once is the secret to having the finished colors “pop out,” so to speak. The end goal is vivid colors. I also use a high quality, lighted magnifying glass. Indispensable.

[@stacyk7876]

I almost bought this PBN the other day but I had already done this image in a diamond painting so I bought another image from the same company. It’s gonna be here today so I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for giving us your opinion on them.

[@dpt0721]

When mixing paint, I use an old medium size brush to dip into the paint pot. So if you use tow dips of one color, you use two on the other. This gives you a nice 1:1 consistent ratio. I use water to thin my paint, dipping the brush into the water then rub the brisles on the water container rim to control the amount on the brush. This makes the thicker paints flow better without deluting the paint in the container. I'm looking forward to using the flow aid you mentioned. Duane

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Wonderfully helpful information!

[@ThePugpen]

I am loving your video's, so thank you so very much! I am just a beginner and I bought one of these board paintings as my first try at this paint by number. Please, what do I do with the taupe cplored area's on these boards, do I paint them? There's no numbers on those areas?! Thank you!

[@suebarrett8664]

@@ThePugpen I just finished the same painting, Lakeside Morning. If you look at the "key" for mixed colors, which is either on the right side or left side margin of the instruction sheet, you will notice that the lighter "taupe" is a combination of the colors #12 & #16 while the darker "taupe" is a combination of the colors #8 & #9. You will also notice that the white areas that do not have a number are to be painted with the #1 (white). Hope this helps. Enjoy.

[@Jojo44138]

i have done a dimensions paint by number before, the pictures are great. The problem is when mixing the paints dry out very very quickly and not much time to do the sections you need to (very frustrating) It's actually gotten to the point where I will buy acrylic paints and mix them as needed, so the feeling me running out of paint will not become a issue (oil based PBN back in 1980's they had glass jars that held a lot of paint). Plus I always feel like i'm going to run out of paint. I contacted the company and they told me to go to a craft store and buy the paints that look close to what the color is. Seriously though, they should put bigger pots into the kits or place pre-mixed colors already so we don't have these kind of problems. For stirring the paints i actually use toothpicks and it seems to smooth it out very well.. Never had problems with the consistency with the colors. Another problem i notice is the numbers seem to cover up when you paint over them but when it dries you can see the numbers and have to keep going over and over again. It's worse especially on the lighter colors. Next time I do a paint by number probably going to buy acrylic paints and use those instead. Dimensions pictures are great costumer service so and so.

[@robertmac7833]

I’ve done DOZENS of the Dimensions Paintworks PBN’s over the years. They literally cover my walls. They are the highest quality I have ever found with PBN’s. My first attempts sucked, to be honest. But as I became more and more experienced, I have become better and better over the years. My current ones (not to brag) are excellent. The Dimensions brand, (when you do a good job,) are sometimes hard to tell that it’s a PBN! People have to look very closely, almost with a magnifying glass to tell it’s PBN! lol. They think you are an original artist. Shhhhhhhh! It’s your secret!

[@judibbb]

Just add water to get rid of the clumps that what I do for my dimensions paintings. And I use acrylic paints I already have because you will run out fast .from the pods so I use americana or folklore paints when I run out of the paint in the pods. I fill the the pods back up

[@lorisantoni631]

3 weeks ago Odd your paint was a bit clumpy. I am currently working on “Lakeside Village” from the same company and the paint was perfect. Dimensions/PaintWorks always include manufacture date on the back of the box typically on the lower right

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Yes, it definitely all depends on that and where it's stored. I try to always consider that now when I do videos...and I try not to be so harsh.

[@kathleenllewellyn925]

Thanks for sharing. Very peaceful scene. I think I’ve seen something like this at Hobby Lobby.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Yes, this brand is sold at HL, Joann’s, Michael’s and then many places over the internet. Because it’s a name brand, it’s easy to find!

[@suzeca-22]

I’ve done two Schipper paintings so far. I like doing it on the boards too. One thing I’ve noticed is that their paints are separated when you open them. The one I just finished sat in my closet for a year so the paints had sat around for that time (never opened) but the first one I did the paints were separated as well and I started that one right away. I do have to add flow aid to all of them. And I had to stir every one of them. The one I just finished I am having to go over again with a second coat. I can see the numbers showing thru on the white paint sections. Plus I just feel like it would look more substantial with a second coat. Rather not have to tho. I’ve noticed that when you open your paints they look nice and creamy. These are always separated. The design on the board is done in a med light grey, not black. I’m not so sure I’d like doing one on a canvas but on the other hand I want to branch out and try other companies too.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I think you’d love working on a canvas too! There are so many more options for designs, but also because it’s just different. I know people stick to what they’re familiar with, but I think I’d like both!

[@tishathompson5012]

I just got one of these on a board.

[@tishathompson5012]

I just got one of these on a board and I'm wondering do you gesso these before you paint them?

[@RB-uh1ss]

I rather paint on the board than canvas.... no prepping like the canvas. And easy to frame👍🏻

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Yes...all very true statements! ❤️ I like doing both, but I have definitely been leaning more towards the boards lately.

[@RB-uh1ss]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio unfortunately not too many available anymore, I just know of Demensions. If you know of any other that are on board I would appreciate it!! Thanks

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

@@RB-uh1ss yes, the Schipper paintings are FANTASTIC! The paint is superb and the board is thicker. They do cost more, but they are so worth it to me. I’ll give you the link to my first video on Schipper paintings, but I have several videos now on these kits, because I love them so much. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYa7dqSMn5uqpJI

[@That70sHeidi]

My FAVORITE paintbrush came from a Paintworks kit and I would love to be able to buy more, somehow, without buying more kits I don't need. It's got such a nice tip and a full brush but it's not to long.

[@That70sHeidi]

Also, my big problem with Paintworks kits are you don't know how long they've been sitting in the store with the paint solidifying before you buy them. I know that when I'm ordering from China that those paints were JUST put into the pots before they shipped to me and are a good consistency (although opacity is an issue).

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Very true! I have never looked to see if they have a date stamped on them or a shelf life. The paints have been in great shape in the few I’ve gotten, but goodness knows how long they’ve been sitting there.

[@nicholasbcleghorn8008]

I think the boards are the way to go. I believe they went to canvas so they can charge you more money. PBN started on boards.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I actually have more experience with boards more now than I did when I recorded this video, and I personally LOVE them! Schipper brand has super thick boards, and I find that framing boards are just as easy as canvas…although very different. I think it is all about what you get used to, but I definitely don’t have a preference much these days…as long as the paint is good. 😊

[@larrygems6226]

To mix paint, I use the lid of a water bottle, and a toothpick. Two or three dips of the first colour, and equal dips of the second. I hold a magnifying glass in one hand and paint brush in the other. Enjoy. It’s a great hobby

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I actually loved this Dimensions style, but I’ve been accustomed to the paint-by-numbers on canvas for a year and a half. When I mix, I use this little tool I was sent by a viewer that is fabulous! I’ll be launching it today.

[@larrygems6226]

I guess it’s what you get used to. I’ve completed three PBN’s on boards and three on canvas. I much prefer the boards. They seem to have a little more small detail. I love the challenge and detail work in mixing the paint as well. It’s the journey , not the destination. Is there anywhere to post pictures of all your followers finished pbn?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I have a Facebook group and Patreon. facebook.com/groups/melanieb/ Patreon.com/melaniegilstrap

[@salliem3]

I just got one of these the other day and I look forward to trying it

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

My daughter-in-law wanted to start painting, and since I ordered it to paint for my son & her, I gave her this one. I’ll have to order another one soon. 😂

[@salliem3]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio I'm not sure about the mixing things I've done several paint by numbers to this will be new

[@judymcdougall]

I always order mine from Hersschners and never get clumps in the paint but one time I did get one from Amazon it did have clumps in a few pots. I think it’s because herrshners sells a lot and always has fresh stock

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

That’s probably exactly what it is...you never know who the seller on Amazon is or how long their stash has been sitting there.

[@nancytalaba5724]

Love these paint pots. They are so easy to open

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I did too! I wish I could find them somewhere for sale.

[@pamelashoberg7982]

What is the name of the containers you mentioned, and where can I buy them? Never mind. I found the answer below. Thanks

[@karincartwright8752]

I'm new to PBN. My first two projects are both Dimensions. Personally, it annoys me to have to mix colors and I do worry about running out. I bought a quantity of paint pots for mixing paint colors. What I am currently doing on both of these projects is working all the numbers first. Then I can use the remaining to mix my colors. I never seem to be able to mix enough to complete the letter though! Guess that means even more color variation on the project? :)

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

karin cartwright since I haven’t gotten this far with mine, I hadn’t given it much thought. I do hope I have enough paint to mix with, but I’ll use my Arteza set to fill in the ones I run out of. I can see how mixing could be a problem if you don’t have enough paint! 😳

[@karincartwright8752]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio yeah...I'm not sure I want to invest in Arteza...good for you that you can though!

[@robertmac7833]

The only problem with pre-mixing as opposed to mixing as you go along, is you really don’t know how much the finished painting is going to require, so you may mix, for instance, 7 +8 to end up with color A, then you may find yourself running SHORT of 7 or 8 later on, and find that you have too much of color A.

[@sherrirobinson7986]

Just wondering if you bought the same pic in different sizes so that you can show the difference for the viewers

[@darcykahler8653]

I gessoed both sides separately and had no bowing.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Oh, that’s good to know! I’ve had people ask, but I couldn’t tell them, because I ended up giving this one to my DIL to take to the beach to work on as her first PBN.

[@lorisantoni631]

I love that this brand does paint mixing as it means there are 36+ colors to their PBN rather then the few limited colors of the typical PBN kits. This gives us a far more intricate image and looks less like a PBN and more like a painting with true depth of color shading and detail.

[@jessicausery4820]

Like I commented on another of your videos on Dimensions PaintWorks PBN, I 'm new to paint by number. I had been doing diamond paintings lately and I want to do a Dimensions lighthouse PBN after I finish my diamond painting. My question is can I frame one on a board in a glass frame? The lighthouse will go in a bathroom which can get steamy. I usually buy frames from my diamond paintings that have glass.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Hi! I used to be a Framing Manager at a Michael’s, and I ALWAYS put glass on diamond paintings. Acrylic paintings are different entirely. Usually you don’t put glass on paintings, because you don’t want to trap humidity between the glass and the painting. Since your artwork is going into a bathroom, you would be better off to seal your finished painting and use no glass. Although you can use spacers to keep the glass distanced from the artwork, I would still be concerned that the moisture would create an issue over time. Here is a video I did about framing and sealing that may answer more of your questions. I hope this helps! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYekd2aOh517pNE

[@jessicausery4820]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio Thank you. I will seal it then.

[@jananb7113]

I loved the board texture, but I found mixing all the paint colors a hassle.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I agree…and I’m too lazy and have too little time to paint to want to waste on it.

[@gailcouture1872]

Nice

[@princessatmey1]

Id love if you did a vid on mixing these sets i am eyeing one up and I am newbie hehe working first ever pbn.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I will add that to my to-do list. I actually gave this one to my DIL who wanted to start doing paint by numbers. I originally bought this one to paint for my son and her to hang up in their home. I will end up purchasing another one when I can, so I can demonstrate mixing.

[@princessatmey1]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio that was sweet of you. Hope she enjoys i am debating one these mixing colours for future.

[@nazimas96]

For painting like this, how can we frame it? or how can we put it on the wall?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Just buy a frame the dimensions on the box, and put it in. These are the easiest to frame because they’re already mounted. You don’t have to use the glass if you don’t want to.

[@devilmecare]

I have done 3 on the boards and I was wondering the same thing.

[@shirleym9700]

Hi Melanie. What was the name of the makeup pots that you thought would work well for mixing. I'm having trouble finding something that I like to mix the paints in. Also, the one Dimensions that I have started, the paint is like ink. It is not thick or clumpy at all. It's like water. Maybe the kit you received is older? Thank you

[@shirleym9700]

ETA: I found the Lacon pots on Amazon

[@paigedoubrava1279]

Can you send the mixed paint numbers please

[@nancytalaba5724]

Do not gesso this-it does warp

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I’ve had some people say they gessoed it, and they laid something on top to flatten it back out. I didn’t think it needed gesso to begin with, but it’s good to know what happens if someone uses it.

[@kimporter819]

Doing 1st DIMENSIONS PAINT BY NUMBERS kit, on the board there are gray shaded areas what do you do with these on the picture it looks like they are supposed to be black, I can't find anything in the instructions?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Shaded areas usually do either represent black or a paint pot without a number.

[@timothybuchanan1611]

Melanie, what did you finally do to correct the clumpy paint problem? I just received a Dimensions paint by number kit and it has clumpy paint too. It looks like cottage cheese. After stirring it, it looks a little better but still very clumpy. I have not added any flow aid because the paint seems like it has plenty of water. What do you recommend I do?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I don’t know if you’ve seen this video, but I usually use a combination of things. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqavpodnfNmGo6c One thing may not work, but I keep playing “chemist” until I get it just right.

[@ziggy33399]

How frame on a board? Hanging ?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

It goes straight into a frame. No stretching or mounting needed!

[@victoriamelisa301]

Lol Im fighting with this one right now

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Ohhhh, I ended up giving it to my DIL, and I think she is still painting it after 15 months. (Of course, she is mommy of a young, active toddler.) Are the paints transparent?

[@Chngenghwa]

Just empty a tub and out the paint in to not dry

[@tishathompson5012]

Melanie, what did you decide about Gesso on the Board PBN?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I don’t think I’m going to gesso it. I really don’t know that it needs it.

[@kimbrooks1184]

Can you give me the website for the Dimensions please

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I have several in the description below the video ☺️. Here is where you can find that information: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnSzZJ6hq5h5atk

[@sherrys3466]

How do you know how much paint to mix it you do the mixing in advance? I'd worry about running out.

[@lilaccally]

Sherry S me too

[@judymcdougall]

Look and see how many cells there are to paint and make your mixture accordingly

[@victoriafaas4745]

You said on board is it a real wooden board or card board.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

It is on a thick cardboard type of backing...it’s probably a mat board, since that is more archival.

[@victoriafaas4745]

Thank you very much

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

@@victoriafaas4745 sure thing! Thank you for watching my videos! 🥰

[@ragazzo3215]

Is there any difference in using cosmetic wipes then using baby wipes?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Yes! For some reason the cosmetic wipes have a conditioning feature to them. I don’t know what it is, but I’m able to keep my new brushes looking new and to revive my older brushes much easier with the cosmetic ones than the baby wipes.

[@ragazzo3215]

Melanie B’s Creative Studio great tip... also when do you know you should use the wipe or dip it in water?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

What I do that I don’t always show on all my videos is that I rinse the brush in clean water first, and then I wipe it across the cosmetic wipe to get the point back to the perfect tip. They have really been very helpful to keep my brushes from fraying.

[@ragazzo3215]

Melanie B’s Creative Studio so everytime you change colours with the same brush .. you rinse in water first then wipes then paint ?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

RAGAZZA yes!

[@samsal420]

Gesso will not harm the canvas.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I always use clear gesso on my canvas PBNs, but this isn’t a canvas. Since it’s paper on a mat board, there are varying opinions on that.

[@samsal420]

I meant to say the "board"... I did gesso the one I have now and it didn't really do anything to it. I probably should have done a few more coats actually.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

@@samsal420 ohh, that’s great to know. I’ve had other people say it warped their board. I gave this painting to my DIL as her first PBN and a birthday gift, so I haven’t had a chance to buy another one to “play with”. Thank you so much for that info!!

[@samsal420]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio You're welcome! My board was warped before I even put the gesso on it. But it's fine, it's leveling out now.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

@@samsal420 oh, that is definitely valuable info for the future.

[@pcking2008]

You might outta do that.

[@pablojavellana5966]

you are not really doing PBN but rather advertising stores selling them. perhaps you can show at least 1 PBN that you have accomplished.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

pablo javellana if you have seen any of my other 45 videos, you would see some of the completed projects. FYI, I don’t MAKE any money by purchasing all of these PBNs or tools from these companies for this hobby out of my own pocket to review for my viewers, so therefore it is not “advertising”. I take my affiliate money to purchase new tools or paintings to review.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

pablo javellana or should I have assumed you’ve watched ALL of my videos...? In that case, thanks for watching!

[@pablojavellana5966]

no offense meant, but just please show at least 1 PBN that you have done, not any of those projects which are not PBN. thank you for promoting and giving advice about PBN. it is really a great help for us who are starting to do this kind of art.

[@ericsonkristy]

Pablo.....you obviously didn't read the title of this video. It's pretty self explanatory. It doesn't say "Watch Me Finish a PBN". Do you know how long it takes to complete a PBN? This channel covers various aspects of PBN which is what her viewers enjoy.