Helpful Paint By Number Supplies

Paint by numbers kits for adults have made a comeback.
Most come with all you need, but here's a list of my few essential supplies for the best results.


So I'm painting again.

Yup, this weekend, I decided to roll out the canvas and start my tea shop.

It's a hobby I fell in love with a few summers ago and have continued to enjoy ever since.

Although, over the past few months, I've taken a step back and let my daughter enjoy the joy of painting instead.

Now that she's done with her own masterpiece and it's hanging in our covered porch, it's my turn to dive in.

If you recall, it all started with ballerinas back in the summer of 2019.

Then, I co-painted a bouquet of flowers with my daughter, which started her on her own paint by numbers journey, and ended the year with a charming Christmas scene painted by the entire family.

Fun experiences, great keepsakes.


Well, today, I'm back to painting on my own.

In the kitchen, with my rolled up canvas and all my essential paint by number supplies.

And trust me, after two years of painting, I've collected quite a few of them.

Helpful Paint By Numbers Supplies

Back when I started, I shared my best tips and tricks. It's definitely worth a read if you're planning to dig into this hobby yourself.

Since then though, I've had a bit more experience with these kits and have learned to lean on a few items for the best results.

While they're not totally necessary, they definitely help me achieve the professional results I'm always after.

And make the experience a lot more enjoyable.

1. The Best Paint By Number Kits For Adults

Ok, so before we get started with accessories, let's talk about the kits. They are not all created equal.

You want to make sure that your kit contains a rolled canvas,  folded ones will never release the wrinkles fully and certainly not without a lot of work.

And if you plan to frame your paint by number canvas or display it, wrinkles will not do.

You also want to make sure they come with enough paint, a good brush kit and a reference sheet. 

Two of my favorites kit companies are Winnie's Picks, which offers pretty patterns and custom kits, and Opalberry on Amazon. 

2. A Strong Light Source

Light is essential, especially when you're working with those tiny numbers and paint hues that are very close to one another.

Day or night, and even with great natural lighting, sometimes I need more.

That's when this little book lamp comes in handy. 

Since I don't have tons of room in this cottage to either set up or store an OttLite crafting lamp, I went small and it more than does the job.

The book lamp just clips right on, illuminating my canvas, not taking up too much space and it's lightweight and portable. Oh...and it's cheap. Love that.

3. Storage For Your Painting Supplies

Speaking of my lovely little cottage, it's just that. Little. 

I don't actually have a designated area to paint in. No craft room or art studio. 

In my dream world, I'd have a space like my friend Penny, complete with a huge window and tropical view. 

But such is cottage life. So I paint on the fly...wherever the mood strikes me.

Inside, outside upstairs or down and this colorful tote is the ideal travel companion. It organizes my craft  supplies, holding my paint pots, brushes, paper towels and water cups.

Of course, if you're lucky enough to have a stable space, you can use crates, baskets or jars to organize your painting tools.

4. Magnifying Glass 

Another fabulous little helper is a magnifying glass for paint by numbers.

Let's face it, some of these spaces can be very, very small and I've found that a magnifying glass can make all the difference.

I'm not straining my eyes, I don't need to refer to my guide sheet as often and I only pick it up when I need it. I have a huge collection of them.


Some kits, like the Opalberry ones, come with a lightweight bookmark style magnifier. 

If your kit doesn't come with one, you can grab something similar like this online.

5. A Standing or Tabletop Easel

Now, I know I've mentioned my tabletop easel before, but seriously, it's been indispensable.


I can't imagine painting without it. 

The angle makes all the difference.

The light hits the canvas properly, I can apply paint in the position that I'll be viewing the finished product, which helps me to make decisions about brush strokes.

And since I'm not leaning over a flat surface for hours at a time, it saves my back. I can sit to paint or put it on a counter and stand.

If you have room for a larger one, this is an inexpensive standing easel.

6. Blue Painter's Tape 

Of course, if you use the easel, you need a stretched canvas - or a large board - to tape your rolled canvases to, in order to paint them.

And blue painter's tape to affix it to the stretched canvas.

7. A Large Stretched Canvas

I purchased an 18 x 24 inch canvas. It works well with the size of the paintings I've ordered.

Unfortunately, I only bought one, which meant either my daughter or I were able to paint.

But not both at the same time.

I should've purchased a multi-pack (which I will do now), because then we could each mount our paintings and I could even mount two of my own if I wanted to paint more than one at a time.

8. Extra Brushes

Most kits come with a decent set of brushes.

However, only you know what you're comfortable painting with. So if you find that the selection you've been given isn't up to par there are some great brush sets online that will give you greater control.

Like this brush set that includes an arched handle.

9. A White Out Paint Pen

Now, I've never used one, but in many forums white out paint pens are a popular topic. If you make a mistake, you can just cover it up and start again.

I usually just go over my error spots in the proper color...or leave it, since the spaces are so tiny no one would ever notice. 

But...if you're a perfectionist painter, this is a handy little tool to have.

And now that I'm done sharing my list, I need to get back to painting my tea shop.

It's been patiently waiting in the wings for far too long.

And it's just way too lovely for that.


What are your favorite painting tips?