The right supplies transform a frustrating paint-by-numbers experience into a relaxing one. Here's what works best, tested across dozens of projects.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic is the standard medium for paint by numbers - it's water-based, dries fast, cleans up easily, and covers well.
Best Budget: Apple Barrel Acrylic
At about $1 per 2 oz bottle, these are unbeatable for paint-by-numbers. The consistency is good right out of the bottle, colors are vibrant, and coverage is solid. Available everywhere from Walmart to Amazon.
Best Mid-Range: Liquitex Basics
Smoother, more pigmented, and better for blending. The 48-tube set gives you excellent coverage of the color spectrum. Worth the upgrade if you plan to paint regularly.
Best for Mixing: Golden Heavy Body
If you're mixing custom colors to match hex codes from a digital palette, Golden's heavy body acrylics have the most predictable mixing behavior. Expensive, but a little goes a long way.
Brushes
Don't use one brush for everything. Paint-by-numbers demands three sizes minimum:
Detail Brush (Size 0-1)
The most important brush. This handles tiny numbered sections, borders, and precision work. Look for a round tip with a good point. Synthetic bristles (nylon or taklon) are best for acrylics.
Medium Round (Size 4-6)
Your workhorse for mid-sized sections. A round shape gives you versatility - tip for details, belly for broader strokes.
Flat Brush (Size 8-12)
For backgrounds and large uniform areas. A flat gives you clean, even coverage without brush marks.
Recommended: Royal & Langnickel Zen Brush Set
An affordable set with multiple sizes specifically suited to detail work. The synthetic bristles hold their point well through many sessions.
Paper & Canvas
For Printing at Home
- Canson XL Watercolor Pad (140 lb): Runs through most inkjet printers and handles acrylic beautifully without warping. Best overall choice.
- Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media (184 lb): Even heavier, excellent paint holdout. May be too thick for some printers - test first.
- Cardstock (110 lb): The budget option. Works for thin acrylic layers but will buckle with heavy paint application.
Printer Settings for Templates
Print at 100% scale, grayscale mode, highest quality. The numbered outlines need to be crisp and legible.
Accessories Worth Having
- Magnifying glass or headband magnifier: Reading tiny numbers on a printed template. Game changer.
- Toothpicks: Dip in paint for ultra-tiny spots that even your finest brush can't reach.
- Spray varnish: A coat of matte or gloss varnish after completion protects the painting and evens out the sheen.
- Easel or clipboard: Tilting your work surface slightly reduces hand fatigue during long sessions.
Ready to put these supplies to use? Browse 400+ free paint-by-number designs to find your first project.