Acrylic Paint by Numbers vs Oil Paint by Numbers: Which Is Better?
Wondering whether to choose an acrylic or oil paint by numbers kit? The vast majority of kits, including all of ours, use acrylic paint, and for very good reasons. This guide compares both options honestly so you can make the best choice.
At ArtistryByNumbers, we use professional-grade acrylic paints. Free Shipping (US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia) and Buy 2 Get 1 Free.
Want to paint this yourself?
Turn one of your own photos into a numbered canvas (from $19.95). We trace it, mix the paints to match, and ship the kit with brushes.
Or pick a ready-made design
- Acrylic Magic Bird Painting by Numbers Kit (from $19.95)
- Bold and Free Painting by Numbers Premium Kit (from $19.95)
- Stockholm by the Water - Premium Art Kit (from $19.95)
Acrylic Paint: The Standard Choice
Pros
- Dries in 10-15 minutes: you can work quickly and layer immediately
- Water-soluble: clean brushes with just water, no solvents needed
- No odor: paint safely indoors without ventilation concerns
- Forgiving: paint over mistakes easily once dry
- Vibrant colors: bright, bold pigments that stay true when dry
- Long shelf life: sealed pots last months without drying
- Safe for all ages: non-toxic, child-friendly
Cons
- Dries quickly, less time to blend on canvas (but this is rarely an issue for paint by numbers)
- Slightly plastic finish, can be resolved with a matte varnish coat
No experience needed with acrylic. It is the most beginner-friendly paint medium.
Oil Paint: The Traditional Option
Pros
- Rich, luminous finish: classic fine art appearance
- Slow drying: more time to blend and work wet-on-wet
- Buttery texture: smooth, luxurious brush feel
Cons
- Dries in 2-7 DAYS: you cannot layer or touch sections for days
- Requires solvents: turpentine or mineral spirits for cleanup
- Strong odor: needs ventilation, not ideal for indoor painting
- Messy: oil paint stains are nearly impossible to remove from fabric
- More expensive: oil paints cost significantly more
- Harder to correct mistakes: slow drying makes fixes complicated
- Not child-safe: solvents are toxic
Our Verdict: Acrylic Wins for Paint by Numbers
For the paint by numbers format specifically, acrylic is the clear winner. The quick drying time means you can paint multiple sections in one session without waiting between colors. The water cleanup means no toxic solvents in your home. The ability to layer corrections means mistakes are no big deal.
Oil paint has its place in fine art, but for numbered kits, acrylic delivers a better experience and result for 99% of painters.
Joined by thousands of painters worldwide who trust our acrylic kits. Money-back guarantee.
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