Blending colors can feel a bit confusing when you're just getting started with oil paint by number kits. Each section on the canvas is marked and numbered, which makes it easy to paint in the lines, but not always easy when you're trying to blend different shades together. Thankfully, a little guidance makes a big difference.
Blending helps the painting look smoother and more natural. Instead of blocky areas of color, you get nice fades and soft edges that bring the image to life. It’s not about making it look perfect. It’s about learning how paint works and how to control it gently. With some patience and practice, blending becomes a fun part of the process. Let’s look at where to begin.
Getting to Know Your Paint and Canvas
Oil paints are different from the ones a lot of us used in school. They’re thicker and take longer to dry, which gives you more time to move them around on the canvas. But that can also make things feel a little slow or sticky at first.
If your kit uses oil-based paint, the drying speed gives you a longer window to blend. That’s great because you don’t have to rush. It also means you might need to wait between steps so colors don’t mix too much and turn into a mushy mess.
The canvas plays a role, too. Most kits use a cotton or linen canvas with a fine surface. Our kits use a pre-primed premium canvas that can be ordered pre-stretched and framed or unframed, depending on what works best for your space. Some feel smooth, others have a bit of texture. That changes how the paint spreads. A smoother canvas lets the brush glide, while a slightly rough one gives paint something to grip. Neither is better, they’re just different to get used to. Knowing this upfront helps shape your plan when it’s time to blend. Our canvases range from 12" x 16" up to 18" x 24", which gives you options whether you prefer smaller practice pieces or larger scenes with more room for blending.
Starting with Side-by-Side Colors
The best place to start blending is where two numbered areas are right beside each other and close in color, like light blue and medium blue. These spots are perfect for practice because the change between shades isn’t too sharp, so small mistakes won’t stand out.
Small areas are especially smart to try on first. They give you just enough space to work without feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Think of them as your warm-up zones. You’re just getting a feel for how the brush moves and how the colors shift when they come together.
Be patient with yourself. The first few tries may not look how you expected, and that’s perfectly fine. This part is about seeing what happens when two wet paints meet. That’s how you build comfort before moving to more detailed sections of the canvas.
Using the Right Motions with Your Brush
Once the paint is on the canvas, how you move the brush makes just as much difference as the colors you use. Soft, small motions work best when blending. One of the most helpful approaches is to gently swirl the brush at the edge where two colors meet. This softens the line without making it disappear completely.
Another trick is the dabbing method. Light taps with the tip of your brush can spread paint without dragging it too far. This works well when the paint is thick and needs gentler coverage so it doesn’t move too fast.
One thing to avoid is using too much pressure. Pressing down hard can smear paint and leave brush lines behind. Keep your hand relaxed and let the paint do most of the work. When the motion feels easy, blending tends to look much smoother.
Knowing When to Pause (and Let It Dry a Bit)
One of the most helpful things about oil paint is the slow drying time. You’re not racing against the clock like with water-based paints. Still, jumping straight into more painting can make the colors mix too much and turn muddy.
That’s why it’s smart to step back now and then. Give the paint a moment to settle before adding more. This helps the top layer stay clean while the bottom one sticks to the canvas.
If you’re blending a bigger area, wait a few minutes between sections. This creates soft transitions without the risk of over-mixing. Breaks aren’t signs of slowing down, they’re part of the process.
Practice Areas to Try Before You Jump In
Before you try blending on the main part of the picture, it's helpful to test on a spot that won’t be seen, like an edge or a corner no one will notice. Or use a separate practice canvas. The goal isn’t to make it pretty. It’s just paint, and it’s meant to be moved around.
Different brushes can act very differently while blending. A flat brush might leave lines, while a round or fan brush gives softer results. Testing out a few options on your own lets you see what feels right without pressure.
This part isn’t about finishing anything. It’s about learning how the paints respond under your brush.
Make Your Colors Flow Together with Confidence
Blending on a paint by number canvas isn’t about rushing through the project. It’s about slowing down enough to see how the paint wants to move. By paying attention to each little section, you get stronger at spotting which parts should stay crisp and which ones look better soft.
Even a small blend across two spots can shift the feel of the entire picture. When we practice this in easy ways, we’re teaching our hands and eyes to work together.
Once you feel comfortable with how blending works, future painting kits become even more fun. The better you know your tools and paints, the more your pictures begin to feel like your own.
Ready to take control of your blending techniques? Working with the right tools makes a big difference, and at Ledgebay our oil paint by number kits offer the freedom to experiment with color and achieve smooth transitions on your canvas. Each kit includes a pre-primed premium canvas, four brushes of different sizes, and a vacuum sealed set of paints, so you have what you need to focus on blending right away. Whether you're just starting or have painted before, we ensure the process stays fun and satisfying. Blending is just the first step toward creating art you love and our team is here to support you along the way; contact us if you have any questions about where to begin.
