Paint by numbers – is it more than just filling spaces with assigned colors? You’re not alone in wondering. Many people try budget kits that disappoint them or want to invest in their creative trip. Quality premium brands can turn this activity from a simple pastime into an enjoyable artistic experience.
The adult paint by numbers world offers several outstanding options that serious enthusiasts recommend regularly. Artists prefer Schipper’s quality canvas boards over rolled paper. Premium paint by numbers brands go beyond simple materials and provide a unique experience through better canvases, paints, and designs. Canvas by Numbers and Masterpiece by Numbers have built loyal followings because they understand what serious artists want.
Let me show you the difference between ordinary kits and exceptional ones. You’ll learn if premium options match your artistic goals and discover five top-tier brands worth your money.
What Makes a Paint by Number Brand “Premium”?
Standard and premium paint by number kits are nowhere near the same thing. Premium brands make products that connect casual crafting with fine art. They offer materials and experiences that align with your artistic goals. Budget options might leave you frustrated. However, high-quality paint by number sets are the foundations of artwork you’ll want to show off.
Materials that feel like real art supplies
Premium paint by number kits stand out through their better materials. The canvas quality is the first thing you’ll notice. Top-tier brands use thick, textured canvases mounted on sturdy frames or high-quality boards that don’t warp. This is a big step up from thin paper that wrinkles when it gets wet.
Paint quality is another major upgrade. Budget kits come with thin, watery acrylics that need multiple coats and don’t dry evenly. Premium brands give you:
- Rich, pigmented paints that cover really well in one coat
- Paint that blends smoothly to create custom colors
- Enough paint to finish the project plus extra for touch-ups
- Paint that feels like in artist-grade acrylics used in traditional painting
The brushes in premium kits show their commitment to quality. You get multiple brush sizes for different techniques instead of one flimsy brush found in simple sets. These tools come with proper wooden handles and quality bristles that keep their shape throughout your project.
Premium brands also include extra supplies to improve your artistic experience. You might get blending mediums, varnishes, or even easels. These extras aid better results and encourage artistic growth beyond just filling in spaces.
Print and number quality
Your painting experience and final results depend a lot on the printing process. Premium brands use high-resolution printing technologies for crisp, well-defined lines. These lines stay visible after painting – a significant factor in keeping complex designs accurate.
Quality manufacturers pay special attention to the numbering system. Here’s what makes them different:
- Numbers you can read easily, even in small spaces
- Color coding that makes sense and reduces mistakes
- Numbers placed smartly to stay hidden in the final image
- Print that won’t fade or smudge while you paint
On top of that, it’s common for premium brands to give you separate reference sheets. This lets you track progress without squinting at your artwork. Some even throw in magnifying tools for tiny details.
Higher-quality companies use special coatings on their preprinted canvas. Paint sticks better and doesn’t bead up on the surface. This fixes common issues with cheaper kits that can mess up your finished piece.
Design philosophy
Premium paint by number brands take their artistic approach seriously. Simple kits often have basic landscapes or plain designs. Quality brands cooperate with real artists to create sophisticated pieces that pay attention to lighting, perspective, and color theory.
These brands pick interesting subjects. You won’t find predictable, oversimplified scenes here. Instead, they offer complex works with subtle color changes, interesting compositions, and subjects from classic art to modern designs. The finished pieces look like hand-painted artwork rather than paint-by-numbers projects.
Color choices show a premium brand’s dedication to quality. They go beyond simple primary colors to include detailed color schemes with fine-tuned tones. This creates more realistic shading and depth that can fool viewers about how the art was made.
Some premium brands let you turn your photos into paint by number projects. The quality difference really shows here. Advanced processing ensures your custom design keeps proper contrast, details, and color accuracy instead of turning out flat and unrecognizable.
Overall experience
Premium paint by number brands know quality covers the entire creative trip. Their comprehensive approach starts with packaging that protects and organizes everything well. You get neat trays and protective paint containers instead of messy plastic bags. The presentation sets up a premium creative experience.
Quality brands give you more than simple instructions. Their detailed guides include:
- Tips to get better results
- Ways to mix and blend colors
- How to take care of your brushes
- Advice on framing and displaying your work
Customer support makes premium brands stand out too. These companies quickly help with missing parts or questions. Many have online communities where painters share progress and tips. This encourages an artistic community around their products.
The last big difference is how premium brands connect with artists. They see paint by numbers as a real step toward artistic growth, not just a throwaway hobby. Many include learning resources or offer different difficulty levels in their product lines.
Choosing a premium paint by number kit gives you an experience that feels truly artistic rather than just recreational. Your artwork looks more professional, and you’ll enjoy the creative process more. It turns painting with numbers from a simple activity into an artistic journey you’ll love.
Who Premium Kits Are Actually For
A premium paint by numbers kit appeals to more people than you might think. These higher-quality sets draw creators of all types who want more from their artistic experience. You should think over if the extra investment makes sense based on your needs.
Ambitious beginners
New artists often hesitate to buy premium kits. They wonder if their skills are worth the expense. Yet these quality sets work great for newcomers with artistic dreams. You don’t need prior experience – premium kits provide a structured path to build real painting skills. The simple step-by-step process builds confidence right from your first brushstroke.
Premium kits help ambitious beginners by:
- Teaching color theory and composition through hands-on practice
- Building brushwork techniques that help with independent painting
- Boosting confidence through guaranteed success
- Using quality materials that work reliably and reduce frustration
Quality supplies make learning more fun and productive for beginners. The premium experience promotes patience and focus—key skills for artistic growth. A beginner shared after finishing her first premium kit: “Absolutely loved painting this! Wonderful sunny picture! So enjoyable and relaxing!”.
Premium paint by numbers gives new artists a great starting point. The structured format takes away the “where do I begin” worry while teaching real techniques. Many beginners find new confidence in their creative skills after completing their first premium project.
Returning artists
People getting back into art make up another key audience for premium kits. Maybe you painted years ago but put down your brushes because life got busy. Or you tried simple kits but they didn’t meet your needs. Premium options help bridge the gap back to creative practice.
These kits strike a sweet spot between guidance and artistic freedom. The quality canvases and paints feel like professional supplies, which appeals to those with previous experience. Premium kits often include advanced techniques like shading and color blending that use existing skills while rebuilding confidence.
The zen-like focus really appeals to returning artists. Paint by numbers helps “fine-tune the mind” and lets you immerse yourself in creating. This focused state leads to better concentration—a nice change from the scattered attention in daily life. The activity becomes both creative and mentally refreshing.
Premium kits give an encouraging fresh start to those who gave up art after disappointing results. The guaranteed success takes away pressure but still lets you be creative. This builds a positive cycle that brings back creative confidence and reignites artistic passion.
Working creatives
Professional creatives also love premium paint by numbers kits. Designers, illustrators, and artists find these kits useful beyond just entertainment. These kits give pros a refreshing creative outlet without the pressure of making every decision.
Working creatives use premium kits to:
- Relieve stress from commercial work
- Try color combinations outside their comfort zone
- Practice focus when creatively drained
- Create displayable art without pressure
Material quality matters most to this group. Professional creatives used to artist-grade supplies appreciate premium kits’ proper canvas texture and paint consistency. Premium brands offer complex designs that keep experienced artists interested throughout the project.
Even trained artists learn from premium paint by numbers. The format lets them try different brushwork techniques and see how colors create depth. It becomes a unique creative exercise that builds skills while helping them relax.
Frank Rogers shows how these kits can spark artistic passion at any age. At 91, he started with premium paint by numbers kits and set up an “art studio” to display his work. His son says: “He is a changed man! He used to sit for many hours in a chair… Now he has a bright purpose”.
Gift buyers
Gift-givers buy lots of premium kits because they combine quality, custom options, and meaningful experiences. Unlike forgotten gifts, premium paint by numbers kits provide both a fun activity and lasting artwork.
Custom options make these kits perfect for special occasions. Many premium brands turn personal photos into paint by number templates for unique gifts. You can give someone a kit featuring their wedding, vacation, or beloved pet. These emotional gifts mean more than typical presents.
Premium kits work well as gifts for people of all ages and life stages. New retirees want engaging hobbies, and stay-at-home parents need creative outlets. The attractive packaging adds to the gift experience before the creative fun begins.
These meaningful gifts connect generations. One happy customer shared: “Jim finished this painting for our son and daughter-in-law, of our granddog Kingston, just in time for Christmas. A true Masterpiece!”. Another buyer’s 96-year-old mother switched from oil painting to acrylic paint by numbers and loved it.
Premium kits take away worries about the recipient’s artistic skill. The structured format ensures success whatever their experience, while quality materials show thoughtfulness. These gifts combine creativity, stress relief, and home décor—making them truly special.
Companies have found value in premium paint by numbers kits too. The radiographers at Perth Royal Infirmary completed a kit as a team and found it was “a great way to de-stress during these difficult times”. Their finished artwork hangs in their department for everyone to enjoy—showing how these kits build community while creating meaningful art.
People often buy premium kits as self-care gifts during tough times or life changes. They see the benefits of mindfulness, creativity, and accomplishment these projects bring. Premium painting with numbers gives you a rewarding way to take care of yourself.
5 Premium Paint by Number Brands Worth Knowing
Now that we’ve learned about premium quality indicators and ideal users, let’s get into five standout brands that deliver amazing paintings with numbers experiences. These companies have built solid reputations over many years through their superior materials, thoughtful design, and complete artistic support. Each brand brings something special to the premium market.
1. Number Artist
Number Artist shines as a boutique brand that creates genuine artistic experiences through their paint by numbers kits. Their prices range from $26.99 to $34.99 in the mid-premium market. The canvases come with high-resolution printing on quality textured material that feels just like traditional painting surfaces.
Number Artist’s partnership with real artists makes them special. They skip mass-produced generic designs and team up with working artists to create exclusive pieces. You can see this art world connection in their sophisticated color choices and thoughtful compositions.
The company’s kits come in three difficulty levels that are clearly marked. This makes it easy to pick the right challenge as you improve. New painters love their “Essentials” line with its great instructions and simple designs. More experienced artists go for their “Master” series that has complex gradients and fine details.
Their customer support team gets lots of praise. They respond fast and are willing to replace parts when needed. The premium packaging shows their attention to quality – sturdy boxes with organized sections keep your materials safe during shipping and while you work on your project.
2. Masterpiece By Numbers
Masterpiece By Numbers has found its sweet spot by focusing on fine art masterpiece reproductions. You’ll find carefully adapted versions of works from Van Gogh, Monet, and modern painters in their collection. Prices usually run between $39.95 and $89.95, based on canvas size and complexity.
Serious enthusiasts love their technical quality. Their special printing process captures subtle color changes that basic brands usually simplify. Each kit has 24-36 premium acrylic paints matched perfectly to the original artwork’s colors. You also get several brushes designed for different techniques, from big strokes to tiny details.
The brand’s educational approach sets them apart. Every kit comes with background info about the original artwork and artist. This creates a deeper connection to art history while you paint. Their “Artist Series” works with modern painters who get royalties from sales – supporting working artists while giving you access to current styles.
Quality materials are just the start. The company’s website is packed with resources like technique videos, troubleshooting guides, and community forums. This complete support system helps painters at every level succeed and builds a strong community feeling.
3. Schipper
German-based Schipper brings European craftsmanship to the painting with numbers world. They’ve spent 60 years perfecting their products with a focus on durability and precision. Kits cost between €25 to €49 (about $30-$60), matching their premium position.
Schipper stands out by using MDF board canvases instead of fabric. These tough painting surfaces don’t warp and stay stable without needing stretching or mounting. Their precision printing creates super fine lines that you can still see after several paint layers.
The brand’s product lines include their popular triptych series – three-panel designs that look stunning on your wall when finished. Their colors match perfectly every time, thanks to paints made in Germany under strict quality rules.
Schipper’s designs lean toward European landscapes, classical themes, and detailed nature subjects. People who want challenging projects with sophisticated results love their attention to detail. Users often praise the generous paint amounts and clear instructions in multiple languages.
4. Figured’Art
Figured’Art takes paint by numbers luxury to new heights, from the moment you open the box until you finish. This French boutique brand puts artistic quality first. Their kits cost €30 to €80 (about $35-$95), placing them in the top premium segment.
The first thing you’ll notice is their elegant packaging, perfect for gifts and storing your supplies. Inside, you’ll find carefully organized components, including numbered paint pots with secure seals that keep paint fresh between sessions.
Their canvas preparation really makes them unique. Figured’Art treats their canvases with a special primer that helps paint stick better and creates a more professional look. The canvases come stretched on wooden frames, so they’re ready to display when you’re done.
You won’t find their exclusive designs anywhere else. They excel at modern abstract compositions and detailed architectural subjects. Many kits feature special touches like metallic accents or textured elements that add depth to your finished work. They carefully measure paint quantities to ensure even coverage without waste.
5. Canvas by Numbers
Canvas by Numbers has grown into a customer-favorite premium brand that offers great value. Their kits cost between $28.95 and $39.95, giving you premium features at reasonable prices. They’ve built a loyal following by combining quality materials with great customer service.
The company keeps getting better by listening to customer feedback. Their latest kits feature convenient easel-backed boxes, pre-stretched canvases on wooden frames, and special paints that cover well. Each kit comes with three brush sizes for different parts of your painting.
Their designs appeal to everyone, from dramatic landscapes to fun subjects. With over 500 different images for all skill levels, you’ll easily find something you like. They even group their designs into collections by theme, skill level, or popularity to help you choose.
Canvas by Numbers leads the way with customer-friendly policies. Their satisfaction guarantee and lifetime paint replacement promise show they care about long-term support. They’ll send you replacement paint colors anytime – even years later – at no cost. This helps prevent the frustration of leaving projects unfinished because you ran out of paint.
Taking Paint by Numbers Beyond “Just a Hobby”
Many artists start their experience with paint by numbers as a relaxing hobby. They soon find it can open doors to serious artistic development. The well-laid-out format gives you a simple framework to build skills that you can use in your own creative work.
Premium kits are a great starting point for this transition. These high-quality materials work more like professional art supplies. You can try techniques that cheaper kits just can’t handle. The textured canvases from brands like Schipper or Masterpiece By Numbers feel just like traditional artist canvas. This gives you authentic feedback as you apply paint.
Your path from numbered painting to independent art usually unfolds naturally. You start by following the guidelines exactly and get comfortable with brush control. As you gain confidence, you can try these intermediate techniques that challenge simple color-matching:
- Blending adjacent colors – Mix colors gently where they meet to create realistic transitions
- Custom color mixing – Try combining the provided paints to create new shades
- Brushstroke variation – Create texture and movement with different stroke patterns
- Detail enhancement – Add your own highlights, shadows, or fine details
These techniques help turn standard projects into tailored artwork that shows your style. The numbered guide stays there to help while you make more creative choices.
Premium kits are exceptional tools for artistic growth because of their sophisticated color relationships. The carefully chosen palettes teach color theory through hands-on practice. You learn how complementary colors create vibration and how temperature changes affect depth perception naturally, not just in theory.
A portfolio of your completed works shows clear evidence of your growth. Artists who started with paint by numbers are often amazed at the difference between their early and later works. They see real improvements in brush control, color understanding, and composition awareness.
Paint by numbers has a structured approach that actually gives you freedom to experiment. The design is already set, so you can work on your technique without worrying about composition. This focused practice helps build specific skills while you complete satisfying pieces.
Moving to independent painting becomes easier with premium kits. After finishing several advanced projects, try working on blank canvas sections next to your numbered work. This mixed approach builds your confidence until you’re ready to work without numbers.
Yes, it is true that quality paint by numbers teaches the same principles as traditional art education – value relationships, color harmony, and compositional balance. The only difference is the approach. Traditional teaching starts with theory, while paint by numbers begins with practical work.
Your creative confidence grows along with your technical skills. Paint by numbers guarantees successful outcomes, which builds your confidence steadily. This mental boost is just as valuable as the technical skills you gain.
Paint by numbers helps develop patience and attention to detail. These traits are essential for artistic success, whatever your medium or style. The focused, mindful practice creates habits that help in all creative work, giving you a strong foundation for artistic growth.
Conclusion
Premium paint by number kits go way beyond what budget versions can offer. These high-quality options turn a simple pastime into real artistic practice with better materials, smart design, and complete support. Quality canvases, rich paints, and precise printed lines work together to respect your creative goals.
What starts as a relaxing hobby with premium kits can grow into something deeper and more meaningful. Your specific needs should guide your choice of premium brand. Clear instructions and simple designs help beginners, while experienced painters need complex compositions to grow their skills. Whatever your starting point, these kits help build lasting artistic abilities through practice.
Premium paint by number kits are ready when you want more than just a hobby. The real question isn’t if these kits can raise your artistic skills – it’s which premium brand matches your creative goals best. You’ll find the answer by matching what you want to achieve with each brand’s strengths.
FAQs
Q1. What distinguishes premium paint by number kits from standard ones?
Premium kits offer higher quality materials like textured canvases, pigmented paints, and multiple brush sizes. They also feature clearer numbering systems, high-resolution printing, and often provide a more sophisticated artistic experience overall.
Q2. Who are premium paint by number kits best suited for?
Premium kits are ideal for ambitious beginners looking to develop real skills, returning artists reconnecting with their creativity, working professionals seeking stress relief, and gift buyers wanting to give a meaningful, lasting present.
Q3. Can paint by numbers help develop genuine artistic skills?
Yes, premium paint by number kits can teach fundamental artistic concepts like color theory, composition, and brushwork techniques. They provide a structured way to practice these skills, which can transfer to independent painting.
Q4. What are some top premium paint by number brands?
Some highly regarded premium brands include Number Artist, Masterpiece By Numbers, Schipper, Figured’Art, and Canvas by Numbers. Each offers unique features and price points to suit different preferences and skill levels.
Q5. How can I transition from paint by numbers to creating original artwork?
Start by experimenting with blending colors, adding custom details, and varying brushstrokes within your numbered kits. Gradually incorporate blank canvas sections into your projects, building confidence to eventually work without pre-printed guides.