Getting ready to paint is a great feeling. But before the fun really begins, it helps to know what you’ll need. Having the right paint by numbers supplies on hand can make things smoother and a whole lot more enjoyable.
A painting session doesn’t require much, but each piece plays a role. Once you know what everything does, it’s easier to settle in and enjoy the process without frustration or too many pauses. Whether it's your first time or you're brushing off your last kit from the shelf, the right setup makes a big difference. Let’s go over the basic supplies and a few simple extras that can make painting feel easier, especially during long winter afternoons.
The Core Items Every Kit Should Include
Most paint by numbers kits come with a few key tools that get you started right away. These basics are often enough to complete the project without buying anything else. Here’s what they usually include:
• A pre-printed canvas that shows all the numbers and areas to paint
• A set of numbered acrylic paint pots to match the sections
• A few brushes in different sizes for small details and larger spaces
Each item works together to bring your picture to life. The canvas is your layout, the paint brings the color, and the brushes help you apply it with control. Starting out by using what’s provided is a smart choice. It keeps things simple and gives you a solid base to learn on.
Extra Tools That Make Painting Easier
A few household items can go a long way toward making your painting sessions smoother. Not everything has to come in the kit. Just adding a couple of extras can help avoid messes and improve comfort.
Try adding these to your setup:
• A cup of clean water for rinsing your brushes between colors
• Paper towels or a soft cloth to dry your brushes after rinsing
• Good lighting, like a desk lamp or window nearby
• A comfy chair that supports your back, especially during longer sessions
• A small box or organizer to hold brushes and paints neatly
None of these are complicated, but together they help keep your space ready. It’s easier to stay focused on painting if you don’t have to get up and search for things or stop to scrub paint out of places it doesn’t belong.
Keeping Your Space Ready to Paint
The space around you matters more than you might expect. It’s not just about where the table is, the mood of your space plays a big part in how relaxed and focused you feel while painting.
A few simple choices can help:
• Choose a table with enough room so you can spread out your canvas, brushes, and paint
• Use a plastic tablecloth or old newspaper to protect your work surface from spills
• Try painting someplace quiet, like a corner of your room or near a sunny window
Setting aside a calm nook, even for just 30 minutes, helps make painting less of a task and more of a treat. You don’t need anything unusual or permanent. Just a spot where you can sit, paint, and not feel rushed or distracted.
Brushes, Paints, and Canvas: A Closer Look
While your kit brushes will do the trick, it helps to understand how size affects your work. Larger brushes cover big sections faster, but fine brushes help you stay inside the small shapes or clean up lines.
Here’s how to make each part work better for you:
• Use bigger brushes for background sections and block areas
• Save the thinner brushes for edge work or tiny numbers
• Keep paint lids closed when not in use so the paint doesn’t dry out
• Wipe off the edges of each pot after use to keep things clean
• If your canvas comes rolled, give it a little time to flatten out before framing or painting
• If it’s stretched, you can start right away without much prep
Understanding these small details helps avoid common frustrations. Paint that dries out or brushes that bend too much can disrupt your flow. A little care keeps your supplies in better shape session after session.
A Few Helpful Extras (Especially for Winter Painting Days)
Painting during winter months has its perks. It’s quiet, cozy, and makes for a great indoor activity. The season can make light a little harder to come by, and some of those little numbers can be more of a strain on the eyes.
If you’re painting while the days are still short, keep these in mind:
• A simple desk lamp helps brighten up dark rooms
• Reading glasses or a magnifier can make small print easier to see
• A printed outline of your canvas can act as a great guide if you paint over a number by accident
You don’t need to go all out, but anything that makes the numbers clearer or helps your eyes rest is worth having close by. These small adjustments go a long way toward making painting feel less tiring, especially in the late afternoon light of winter.
Ready to Paint With Confidence
Painting feels easier when everything’s in place from the start. From your table setup to your light and brush choices, each part works together to make the process smoother and a little more fun. You don’t need a full studio or special tools, just a few simple paint by numbers supplies and a space that feels right.
Once your setup fits your routine, the rest falls into place. With the mess kept low and your spot prepped, you’re free to focus on the brush in your hand, the color you're working with, and the slow, steady way your picture starts to come alive.
We invite you to set up your own space and start your next painting with everything you might need in one place. From canvas options and brush sets to easy extras that keep things organized, getting started is simple. You will find that having the right paint by numbers supplies makes a big difference in how relaxing your sessions feel. At Ledgebay, we keep it straightforward so you can enjoy more time focusing on the fun part. If you're not sure what to try first, feel free to contact us.
