Most paint by numbers kits come with somewhere between 24 and 48 numbered colors. The exact count depends on the size of the canvas and how detailed the image is, but that range covers the large majority of kits on the market. A simple design for a beginner might use 18 to 24. A dense, photo-realistic scene can push past 40.
Why the count varies so much
The number of colors is really a proxy for difficulty. More colors means more small regions, more switching between pots, and a finished piece with subtler shading. A sunset with a smooth gradient across the sky needs eight or nine closely related oranges and pinks to look convincing. A bold pop-art portrait might get away with a dozen flat, punchy colors. Neither is better. They are just different jobs.
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:
- Whimsical Fluffy Cat of Many Colors - Premium Art Kit (from $19.95)
- Twisting Colors Painting by Numbers Premium Kit (from $19.95)
- Urban Colors of NYC Painting by Numbers Kit (from $19.95)
Canvas size feeds into it too. A larger canvas gives the designer room to break an image into finer sections, so a 50x70cm landscape will usually carry more colors than the same scene at 30x40cm. If you are weighing sizes, our canvas size guide lays out how dimensions change the experience.
What the numbers actually mean
Each pot is labeled with a number, and every region on the canvas carries a matching number. Color 1 goes in every space marked 1, and so on. It sounds obvious, but the first time people open a kit they often assume the numbers run in some logical order across the canvas. They do not. Number 7 might sit in three corners and the middle. Working out how to move through them efficiently is half the skill, and we broke that down in reading your canvas.
Do you ever mix your own colors?
With a standard kit, no. That is the whole appeal. Every shade you need is already in a pot, matched to the print. That said, some painters like to blend adjacent colors at the borders to soften a transition, especially on skies and skin. It is optional and a bit advanced. If you want smoother gradients than the kit gives you out of the box, our color mixing walkthrough shows how to do it without wrecking the design.
A common worry: not enough paint
People often ask whether the pots hold enough. In a decent kit, yes, with a little to spare, as long as you apply thin, even coats. The paint runs low when a color has to cover a big area and you are laying it on thick or doing multiple passes. The colors most likely to run short are the dominant background shades, the sky blue or the grass green that fills half the canvas. Cap every pot the moment you finish with it so nothing dries out, and you will almost always make it to the last region.
Curious about everything else in the box beyond the paint pots? Our complete unboxing guide walks through the brushes, canvas, and reference sheet you get.
Choosing by color count
If this is your first kit, aim for one with 24 colors or fewer. Fewer pots means larger regions, less eye strain, and a faster path to something you are proud of. Once you have a painting or two under your belt, reach for the 36-plus kits where the shading gets genuinely painterly. Beginners can start in our beginner-friendly collection, sized and colored for a smooth first run. When you are ready for more ambitious pieces, the best sellers span the full range from simple to intricate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many colors come in a paint by numbers kit?
Most paint by numbers kits include between 24 and 48 numbered colors. Simpler beginner designs may use 18 to 24, while detailed, photo-realistic scenes can exceed 40. The count reflects how complex the image is and how large the canvas is.
Do more colors make a paint by numbers kit harder?
Yes. More colors means more small regions and more switching between pots, which increases both the time it takes and the level of detail in the finished piece. Beginners are usually happier with kits that have 24 colors or fewer.
Do I need to mix my own paint colors?
No. In a standard kit every color you need is already pre-mixed in a numbered pot and matched to the printed design. Blending adjacent colors is optional and only used by painters who want smoother gradients.
Will there be enough paint to finish the canvas?
A good-quality kit includes enough paint to complete the canvas with a little to spare, provided you apply thin, even coats. Paint runs low mainly when large background areas are painted thickly or with multiple passes.
