To help with your search, we evaluated the best paint-by-numbers kits for adults, taking into account cost, difficulty, and overall aesthetic. Our top pick is the CraftBarn Paint-By-Numbers Kit. We especially appreciated the high quality paints it included, as well as the varying difficulty the kit offers with its two paintings. Here are our best adult paint-by-number kits. Former customers rave about the paint, both in terms of quantity and quality. Several reviewers deemed the paints high quality, noting how well they cover the numbers and pop on the canvas. The brushes, however, had mixed reviews, with some customers saying they bought separate ones. Dimensions: 10 x 10 inches | Framed: Yes | Brushes Included: Yes | Difficulty: Beginner, intermediate To start, all of the paints come ready to use, meaning there is no blending or mixing required to achieve the bold hues. Second, this kit comes with three paintings, allowing you multiple opportunities to improve and perfect your skill. On top of that, each painting has its own set of paints and brushes, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing extra supplies. The only critique among a sea of rave reviews is that the canvases are creased when you take them out of the packaging. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution: Before you begin, simply iron out the canvas or put several heavy books on top of it to flatten it out. Dimensions: One 16 x 20-inch painting; two 20 x 16-inch paintings | Framed: No | Brushes Included: Yes | Difficulty: Beginner Although this kit is easier than most, you won’t just be mindlessly filling in white space. Some of the sections in the piece require specific painting techniques, which you learn through the provided, easy-to-follow instruction sheet. This is perfect for painters who are ready to graduate from beginner to advanced beginner. It’s worth noting that the kit only includes one brush, and it’s meant to tackle tiny details. To reduce the amount of times you have to clean your paint brush, you may want to purchase a few extras. Dimensions: 14 x 11 inches | Framed: No | Brushes Included: Yes | Difficulty: Not listed This painting, however, may not be best for people with poorer eyesight, as several customers commented that the numbers were difficult to see due to their size and shade. Another customer-reported problem: the paint may dry out quicker than expected. With this in mind, you’ll either want to use the kit shortly after purchasing or, as one person suggested, dilute the paints with water. Once the colorful creation is complete, you can show it off with the provided wooden display hanger. Dimensions: 16 x 20 inches | Framed: Yes | Brushes Included: Yes | Difficulty: Intermediate Like most kits, this one includes a set of acrylic paints and brushes of varying sizes. But unlike the typical kit, this one keeps the canvas rolled in a tube rather than folded. So you can get started right away instead of ironing out the wrinkles first. And, if you want to frame your work when it’s done, you can add a DIY frame to your order for an extra $10. Dimensions: 16 x 16 inches | Framed: No | Brushes Included: Yes | Difficulty: Advanced Unlike the intricate craft of Otomi embroidery, which involves drawing the designs before hand stitching them onto muslin, this Otomi paint-by-numbers kit is easy for even beginner crafters to master. As opposed to other kits that feature intricate detail and require paint blending, this one relies on big patterns and bold but simple colors. Though a frame comes at an additional cost, you can use the included hanging kit to display your completed masterpiece. Dimensions: 16 x 20 inches | Framed: No | Brushes Included: Yes | Difficulty: Beginner The paint colors provided aren’t an exact match for the original hues, but that gives you the chance to make it your own. And given the high-quality of the paints, you don’t have to use a heavy hand when filling in this masterpiece. This iconic design is a bit more intricate than other paint-by-numbers kits, so be prepared to take your time—seriously. Several customers wrote that they worked on the piece a little bit each day. Although that might not be ideal if you’re using the kit to create a gift, it’s perfect if you’re using it as a way to wind down at the end of the day. Dimensions: 16 x 20 inches | Framed: Yes | Brushes Included: Yes | Difficulty: Not listed The kit includes three brushes of varying sizes and 24 acrylic paints. Though customers rave about the quality and quantity of the paints, some note that the colors vary slightly from those in the reference picture. Several also noted how the canvas came folded, requiring them to iron it before painting. Note that each kit also comes with a frame, but they can also be purchased without one for a fraction of the cost. Dimensions: 16 x 20 inches | Framed: No | Brushes Included: Yes | Difficulty: Intermediate What’s particularly great about this kit from Paint Plot, is that the company sends newsletters with tips to help you complete your painting. Each kit comes with a complete set of diamonds, plus a diamond pen, diamond storing tray, and canvas. Dimensions: 16 x 20 inches | Framed: Yes | Brushes Included: Not Listed | Difficulty: Beginner The degree of difficulty will vary based on your photo, but TextureofDreams makes the process a little easier by lightly coloring the sections on the canvas to better guide the painting process. And speaking of paints, each kit comes with high-quality acrylic paints that, when dried, resemble an oil painting. Since these kits are custom ordered and not mass produced, the colors of the paint may differ from those in the original image. Most customers said this wasn’t an issue, but definitely something they noticed. Dimensions: 12 x 16 inches and up | Framed: No | Brushes Included: Yes | Difficulty: Varies based on image
Size
Most kits come with a canvas for a 16 x 20 inch painting. If you notice a kit that costs significantly more or less than the others, check the size of the canvas to see if it matches the price.
Design
Paint-by-number kits have come a long way since your childhood. From recreations of famous works to customized creations, the designs are limitless (and all worth hanging in your home once completed). If you can’t seem to find a kit that matches your aesthetic, try doing a specialized search to help you find what you want.
Quality of Materials
By their nature, paint-by-number kits are made to be discarded once the project is complete, so it makes sense that the quality of the canvas, paint, and paint brushes might be lower than if you were to go to an art supply store and buy everything individually. Still, some kits hold up better than others. Pay attention to whether the canvas is made of paper, or something stronger, like linen or cotton. Look at how other reviewers describe the paint and brushes included, to get an idea of whether the paints dry out quickly or if the brushes fall apart after one use.
Why Trust The Spruce Crafts
Leah Rocketto is a writer for the Spruce who’s passionate about creating the ultimate home environment, whether that’s through decorations, baked goods, or family fun. She is currently a freelance content creator and strategist. She spent hours researching the best paint-by-number kits from top brands in the category. Leah also spoke to Leela R. Magavi, M.D., for her insight on the connection between painting and anxiety. The one exception to this rule is if your paint kit uses watercolors, as their transparency doesn’t allow for light colors to show up dark colors. And before you invest in a large standing easel, consider a tabletop easel. These take up less space and are easier to store when not in use. Even perfectionists who find art anxiety-inducing may find some calm when painting by numbers. For that reason, some individuals who are perfectionistic may fixate on painting things in a specific way and may actually experience more anxiety for this reason," says Dr. Magavi. Always talk to your healthcare provider if your anxiety goes beyond the occasional, everyday worry as this may be the sign of anxiety disorder, which requires.
