r/paintbynumbers • u/Frosty-County9716 • 7h ago
Finished!
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I could obsess over all the mistakes I made, and go back and correct them, but I'm not going to.
I learned a lot on this one!
r/paintbynumbers • u/Idoleyesed • Jan 02 '25
Stage 1. Prepping your canvas. (Draft)
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Tools Needed:
• Gesso
• White paint
• Acrylic markers
Why Prep Your Canvas?
Prepping your paint-by-numbers canvas with gesso is a game-changer for both the painting experience and the final results. Here’s why:
• Smoother Surface: Gesso creates a smooth base, making it easier for the paint to glide on evenly.
• Enhanced Vibrancy: It reduces canvas absorbency, helping colors appear brighter and reducing the amount of paint needed.
• Polished Finish: Gesso fills small gaps or rough textures, giving your artwork a professional look.
Choosing Your Gesso:
• I’ve had great results mixing a small amount of white paint into clear gesso to slightly cover the lines on the canvas. Use just enough to soften the lines without obscuring the design.
• You can also dilute white gesso with water to suit your needs the same as above.
If you want to stick to clear gesso you are still enhancing the canvas - just work with what you've got and what makes you comfortable.
Pro Tip: If you’re unhappy with the coverage, you can wipe it off while it’s still wet. A baby wipe works wonders for this, and it won’t damage the canvas.
How to Apply Gesso:
There are two common methods:
1. Crisscross Method: Use small, overlapping strokes to create texture.
2. Layering Method: Apply the first layer in one direction (e.g., horizontally) and the second layer in the opposite direction (e.g., vertically). This is my preferred method, as it ensures even coverage and a smooth surface.
For the best results:
• Apply at least two layers of gesso.
• Let each layer dry completely before applying the next.
Optional Step: Sanding
Some people recommend lightly sanding the gesso once it’s dry for an ultra-smooth finish. I haven’t tried this yet but would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
Using Acrylic Markers for Numbers:
To prevent numbers from showing through light-colored paints, I recommend using a white acrylic marker, such as the POSCA brand. This works especially well for shades like baby pinks, yellows, and whites.
Tips:
~ Keep track of the numbers you’ve covered. If you lose track, hold the canvas up to a bright light—the numbers will faintly shine through.
~ Ensure the marker is fully dry before painting over it for the best results.*
Final Thoughts:
Prepping your canvas might take a little extra time, but it’s worth it for the smoother application, enhanced colors, and polished outcome. What are your favorite prepping tips? Let’s share ideas below!
r/paintbynumbers • u/psychkitty • May 11 '20
Announcement Welcome to Paint By Numbers!
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From brand new painters to life-long artists, we welcome you to the sub! Here, we share our works of art & tips to help improve our painting processes.
- Join us on Work In Progress Wednesday & share what you are currently working on!
- When you finish a piece, post to the group!
- If you have questions, please ask the group. You can also search the group, as we have discussed a lot of PBN topics: framing, gesso, canvas vs board, top brands, good & bad sellers.
- Use our user & post flair to tell us how much you love PBN!
- Include the title & manufacturer of your PBN when posting (& where you bought it, if possible).
- No ads, unless approved by the mods!
- Be nice & supportive to your fellow artists!
r/paintbynumbers • u/Conscious_Theory398 • 6h ago
Finished!
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This is my third piece so far and I think I am getting better at it. Any one have any suggestions on how to remove creases from the canvas? They come folded and I can’t for the life of me straighten it out
r/paintbynumbers • u/LaneMoronko • 5h ago
WIP Wednesday
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Started June 3
Number Artist
Enchanted Floral Library
48 colors, rated Advanced
Another week, another update. Husband got his stitches out, everything is fine. Yay! Drove 65 miles to get my hair cut by the woman who’s been doing it for a few decades, drove another 20 miles to a great popcorn store to get some flavored popcorn. I brought my sis some pickle and some buffalo ranch flavors while I got Parmesan garlic, spicy ranch, and caramel/jalapeño flavors. Get ready, heartburn!
But enough about me. Let’s talk about what I did this week. 🤭 I stepped back this morning and saw that I’ve been neglecting the middle part of the canvas, so I worked for an hour on it. Once it dries, I’ll do some more. Can’t have an uneven painting, can I?
I’m getting to the areas on canvas where it’s not all brown, which I’m so happy for. Brown is definitely not one of my favorite colors. In fact, I know that I do not have ONE predominantly brown article of clothing in my closet. So adding different colors will be a refreshing change.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s progress this week!
r/paintbynumbers • u/Glittering-Eye256 • 1h ago
Work in Progress In progress
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I have been waiting for my painting by paint by numbers 3 weeks. Last week i finished my last one and ended up odering this one from Amazon, its boring, to many of the same color, and the paint was not good, so i had to match it with paint i had.
r/paintbynumbers • u/TheMiddleE • 3h ago
I despise these paint containers!
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My thumb hurts from prying these dumb things open!
r/paintbynumbers • u/Icy_Radish_5995 • 7h ago
Work in Progress WIP Wed
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Started a second piece because I like having two to switch between. I think this one is going to be really cool.
r/paintbynumbers • u/Short_Point_7713 • 10h ago
Work in Progress Update
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Starting to really take shape now. The lines on the roots and flowers nearly did me in!!!
Tackling the right side now which has a lot of white and very light grey sections 😬
r/paintbynumbers • u/FunSafe9202 • 2h ago
Finished Piece! Samurai Warrior
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Just finished this today for a friend who has been collecting samurai swords for years. From Amazon, great paint quality and canvas.
r/paintbynumbers • u/Emjayshelton • 8h ago
Work in Progress WIP Wednesday
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Hydrangeas from Amazon
r/paintbynumbers • u/chunkyalligator • 19h ago
Finished Piece! Bathroom series continued - Giraffe in bathtub
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I am super excited with how this one turned out! Kit from Amazon. 4 of 6 done so far!
r/paintbynumbers • u/ashduhhhhley • 6h ago
Work in Progress Wip Wednesday
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Just a little update on my cute little frenchie!
r/paintbynumbers • u/sonyalazanya • 9h ago
Work in Progress My 4th pbn, I like how it's turning out
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r/paintbynumbers • u/Additional_Phase5568 • 7h ago
Work in Progress WIP: One more update…
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It’s still not finished,but the picture is really starting to come together now. Every new color makes it a little more obvious,and I’m getting even more excited to see the final result.
Not much longer until the mystery is finally solved.
r/paintbynumbers • u/mmkmcj4eva • 5h ago
Work in Progress WIP Wed!
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WIP! So fun and colorful. Number Artist 24 colors
r/paintbynumbers • u/MrsCastillo12 • 1d ago
Finished Piece! Absolutely had a blast with this one!
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I found this one from another poster here. As soon as I saw it I knew I wanted to paint it because I’m a huge alien nerd lol.
I think the colors fit perfectly in my bedroom, so I had my husband frame it and hang it up!
I love how it came it out, despite the paint not being the best quality.
r/paintbynumbers • u/AkoRinRin • 13h ago
Finished Piece! The axolotl is finished
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This is was easy kit from ozon. I didn't like the way the painting looked, so I modified it to my liking. The glow-in-the-dark paint was included in the kit. I think it turned out pretty :3.
r/paintbynumbers • u/evil_ducky2k • 5h ago
Work in Progress Work in progress
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This Beauty in Colors from Amazon. I am slow working on it because I work on it at home and we are often gone.
r/paintbynumbers • u/Wonderful_Rise_6537 • 21h ago
WIP
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I’m almost done with the tree! Hallelujah!! Should be all downhill from here.
r/paintbynumbers • u/Responsible-Laugh-83 • 28m ago
WIP
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This is my first painting. I'm having trouble covering the lines and numbers but I'm having fun
r/paintbynumbers • u/allie_k95 • 17h ago
Work in Progress This is my first paint by numbers and it will take me longer than I thought lol
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I did ONE color so far, on this large size print, and it took me 2 hours lol. And I am still not even done with the first color, I have more koi fish to paint orange. Maybe I chose one that is too large and has such small sections for my first one lol. But I will stick it out and finish it!! It's just gonna take me forever!!