Frequently Asked Questions

None at all! That's the whole point! Painting Theory kits are designed so that anyone, from a total beginner to a seasoned artist, can create something genuinely beautiful. Every section of the canvas is pre-numbered and every color is pre-matched. There is no blending required, no color theory to understand, and no blank canvas anxiety to deal with. You simply match the number on the canvas to the number on your paint pot, and paint. If you can read numbers, you can do this.

It varies by canvas size and how much time you want to spend per session, but here are realistic expectations:

- Small canvas (8×10ʺ): 4–6 hours total

- Medium canvas (12×16ʺ): 8–12 hours total

- Large canvas (16×20ʺ): 12–18 hours total

- Custom kits: Often 15–25 hours depending on detail

Most of our painters work in 30–60-minute sessions across several evenings, which is exactly how this was designed to work. Short, focused, screen-free creative sessions are where the therapeutic benefits of painting are strongest. There's no deadline, no wrong speed, and no pressure. Your painting will be there waiting for you.

Our catalog spans all levels. Every product page shows a difficulty rating so you can choose what's right for you:

- Beginner: Larger color sections, fewer total colors (24 colors), wider brushwork. Perfect for your first kit or for a relaxing, meditative session.

- Intermediate: More color depth (36 colors), finer details, more variety in section sizes.

- Advanced: Intricate detail (48 colors), smaller sections requiring steady brushwork and patience.

Our honest advice: if this is your first kit, start at Beginner or Intermediate regardless of your confidence level. The goal is a rewarding experience, not a frustrating one. You can always level up.

This is a fair question, and the science backs it up. It isn't just marketing. Focused, repetitive creative activity like painting has been shown in multiple studies to lower cortisol (your primary stress hormone), activate the brain's default mode network (the state associated with daydreaming and mental recovery), and increase dopamine production linked to accomplishment and reward.

What makes paint by numbers specifically effective is the structure. A blank canvas can actually increase anxiety in people who don't consider themselves artists. The numbered system removes that barrier entirely. Your brain gets all the creative reward of making art without the stress of not knowing what to do next. Many of our customers describe sessions as feeling like meditation with a visible result at the end.

If you're skeptical, we completely understand. Try one kit. We offer a 60-day guarantee.

Every standard kit includes everything you need to start painting the day it arrives:

- Pre-printed, pre-numbered canvas: high-quality material with clear numbered sections

and crisp outlines.

- Complete acrylic paint set: every color you need, pre-portioned into individual numbered pots. No mixing required.

- Three-brush set: fine detail, medium, and wide brushes to match every section size.

- Reference card: a small-scale printed version of the finished painting to refer to as you work.

- Hanging hardware: mounting brackets and nails so your finished painting goes straight on the wall.

- Illustrated instructions: tips for setup, painting order, and getting the best coverage.

The only things you'll need from home are a small cup of water (to rinse brushes between colors) and paper towels. That's it!

Yes. Every paint pot in your kit is calibrated to the exact canvas size and section areas of your specific design. You will not run out mid-painting.

A couple of practical notes: keep your pot lids sealed when not in use. Acrylic paint dries quickly when exposed to air. If a pot starts to thicken slightly, add just one or two drops of water and stir gently. This restores the consistency without affecting color.If for any reason you run out of a specific color (which is rare but can happen if you apply very thick coats), contact us with your order number and we'll send you a replacement pot at no charge.

Our standard kits are available in four sizes:

- 8 × 10ʺ | Great starter size. Compact, quicker to complete, ideal as a gift.

- 12 × 16ʺ | Our most popular size. The right balance of detail and manageable session time.

- 16 × 20ʺ | For painters who want a statement piece. Rich detail, rewarding over multiple sessions.

- 20 × 24ʺ | Advanced, immersive. Best for experienced painters or those who want a serious project.

*Our custom kits are available in these same sizes. If you're buying your first kit, we recommend 12 × 16ʺ. It's the size where the detail is satisfying but the commitment isn't overwhelming.

No. Everything you need to begin painting is in the box.

The only things you'll want nearby that aren't included: a small cup or jar of water to clean your brushes between colors, and paper towels or a cloth for brush cleanup. Both are things you already have at home.

Optional extras some painters enjoy but absolutely don't need: a painting easel (especially useful for larger canvases), a magnifying glass for very fine detail areas, and a clear varnish/sealer to protect the finished painting. We sell a few of these as add-ons if you want them, but they're never required.

Creating a custom Painting Theory kit from your own photo is a straightforward 3-step process:

1. Upload your photo. Select your image using our custom kit builder on the product page.

Clear, well-lit photos with good contrast produce the best results. Outdoor shots in natural light tend to work beautifully.

2. Choose your options. Select your canvas size, color depth (24, 36, or 48 colors), and whether you'd like the canvas framed or unframed. More colors = more detail and realism in the final painting.

3. We do the rest. Our design team converts your photo into a numbered canvas. You'll receive a digital preview before production begins. Once approved, your kit is produced and shipped.

Please allow 7–10 business days for custom kit production in addition to standard shipping time. Custom kits are our most popular product. The results are genuinely remarkable.

The single most important factor is clarity and lighting. Here's what works well and what to avoid:

Works best: outdoor shots in natural daylight.

- High-contrast subjects (pets, portraits, landmarks) photos where the main subject is clear and centered.

- Images with a variety of colors and tones (rather than large flat areas of one color).

More challenging: very dark or low-light photos. Detail gets lost in shadows.

- Heavily filtered or edited images with unusual color tones.

- Photos where the subject is very small relative to the background.

- Images with lots of similar colors in a small area (e.g., a crowd of people in similar clothing).

Not sure if your photo will work well? Upload it and our team will review it before production begins. We'll let you know if we think a different crop or photo might give you a better result.

Custom kits enter production quickly, so timing matters:

Within 24 hours of ordering: You can cancel or change your photo, size, or options at no charge.

Contact us immediately at Support@paintingtheory.com.

After 24 hours: If production has begun, we are unable to cancel or modify the order. Custom kits are made uniquely for you and cannot be restocked.

We strongly recommend reviewing your photo and selections carefully before completing checkout. If you have any questions about whether your photo is suitable, email us before ordering and we'll give you honest guidance.

Our shipping times are listed below.

- Standard kits: Most orders ship within 1–2 business days and arrive within 5–7 business days via tracked mail.

- Custom kits: Allow 7–10 business days for production, plus standard shipping time. Total delivery is typically 12–17 business days from order date.

- Expedited shipping is available at checkout for an additional fee if you need your kit faster.

You will receive a tracking number by email as soon as your order ships. If your order hasn't arrived within the expected window, contact us at hello@paintingtheory.com and we will track it down for you.

Yes. We ship worldwide. International shipping times vary by destination but typically take 10–21 business days.

International orders may be subject to local customs duties or import taxes depending on your country. These fees are set by your local government and are the responsibility of the customer. We clearly indicate the origin country on all packages to comply with customs regulations.

If you have questions about shipping to your specific country, email us before ordering and we'll give you a realistic timeline.

First, check your tracking number (included in your shipping confirmation email). Most delays resolve within a business day or two.

If your tracking shows delivered but you haven't received your order, check with neighbors and around your property. Carriers occasionally leave packages in unexpected spots.

If your order is genuinely lost or significantly delayed, email us at Support@paintingtheory.com with your order number. We will investigate with the carrier and, if your package is confirmed lost, we will send a replacement at no cost to you. We do not leave customers without a resolution.

We offer a 60-day satisfaction guarantee on all standard kits. If you're not happy with your kit for any reason within 60 days of delivery, contact us and we'll make it right. Either a replacement or a full refund, your choice.

For a return, the kit should be in its original, unpainted condition. We cover return shipping on defective or incorrect items. For change-of-mind returns, we ask that you cover the return shipping cost.

Custom kits are made uniquely for you and are non-refundable after the 24-hour cancellation window, except in cases of production error on our part, in which case we will reproduce your kit at no charge.

We want every Painting Theory experience to be something you love. If something isn't right, just tell us.

We're sorry if this happens. It's rare but it does occur in transit. Here's what to do:

Take a photo of the damaged or defective item. Email Support@paintingtheory.com with your order number and the photo. We will ship you a replacement within 2 business days at no cost.

Please do not discard the original kit until we've resolved your issue. In some cases we'll ask you to return it with a prepaid label. You should never be out of pocket because of a shipping or production issue on our end.

There's no single right approach, but here's what our most experienced painters recommend for the best results:

Start with the darkest or most complex areas first. These often take the most focus, and it's better to tackle them when you're fresh. Work from top to bottom, left to right if you're right-handed (reverse if left-handed). This prevents your hand from smudging areas you've already painted. Complete one color across the whole canvas before switching. This is faster and keeps your consistency even. Apply thin coats first, then add a second coat once dry. Light colors (white, pale yellow, pale blue) almost always need two coats for full coverage. Keep your brush damp, not wet. A slightly damp brush gives you control; a soaking wet brush dilutes the paint and reduces opacity.

Paint dries to the touch in 10–15 minutes, so you can switch sections while waiting.

Acrylic paint dries quickly when exposed to air, so always keep your pots sealed when not in use, even mid-session if you're not using that color.

If a pot has thickened: add 1–2 drops of water and stir gently with a toothpick or the end of a brush. Replace the lid and let it sit for 2 minutes. The consistency should restore to a smooth, workable state.

Do not add too much water, this thins the paint to the point where it won't cover the canvas numbers properly and will need multiple coats. A drop or two is all you need.

If a pot has fully dried out (rare), contact us with your order number and the color name/number. We'll send you a replacement pot.

Congratulations on finishing! You've made something real. Here's how to protect and display it properly:

To seal (optional but recommended): apply a thin coat of clear acrylic varnish or Mod Podge (gloss or matte, your preference) once the painting is fully dry, usually 24 hours after your final brushstroke. This protects against dust, moisture, and UV fading, and gives the painting a professional gallery-quality finish.

To frame: Your kit includes hanging hardware for the canvas as-is. If you'd like to frame it in a traditional frame, use a standard 16 × 20ʺ frame (or whatever size your kit is). You do not need glass, but if you use a glass-covered frame, insert a mat so the glass doesn't touch the painted surface directly.

To stretch over a frame (gallery style): Purchase a pre-cut canvas stretcher bar set from any art supply store. YouTube has excellent 5-minute tutorials for stretching a rolled canvas. It transforms your painting into a gallery-ready piece.

The evidence is compelling. Painting and creative arts activities have been studied extensively as therapeutic tools:

Cortisol reduction: Research published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association found that just 45 minutes of art-making significantly reduced cortisol levels regardless of the participant's experience or skill level.Flow state activation: The structured-but-creative nature of paint by numbers is uniquely effective at triggering flow. The psychological state of complete absorption that Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi identified as one of the primary sources of human happiness and life satisfaction.

ADHD and focus: The rhythmic, repetitive nature of filling numbered sections has been used therapeutically for adults with attention difficulties. The clear structure provides just enough direction to keep a restless mind engaged without overwhelming it.

Neuroplasticity: Regular creative activity has been associated with the growth of new neural connections, particularly in adults. The combination of fine motor control and visual decision-making in painting is particularly rich in neurological stimulation.

We don't claim our kits are medical treatment. But the research on creative activity as a wellness practice is real, and we take it seriously in everything we design.

Many of our customers tell us this is exactly why they found us, they were looking for something to do with their hands and their mind that wasn't a screen.

The mechanism is straightforward: anxiety often thrives in mental space that's unoccupied or occupied by worry. Paint by numbers fills that space with something pleasant, structured, and absorbing. The numbered system means your brain is always gently directed, there's always a clear next step, which removes the rumination loop that feeds anxiety.

It also provides something many anxiety-management techniques don't: a visible, tangible result at the end. You can look at a finished painting and say, 'I made that.' That sense of accomplishment and creative pride is genuinely therapeutic in a way that breathing exercises, while valuable, don't deliver.

We hear regularly from customers who say painting has become their primary wind-down ritual, the thing they do instead of scrolling before bed. That's exactly what we hoped for.