Paint by numbers is no longer just for kids—it’s now a popular way for adults to relax and get creative. If you want to take a break from screens, practice mindfulness, or make art you’re proud to hang up, having a good kit really matters. UK shoppers should look for online stores that offer quality materials, easy-to-follow instructions, and dependable shipping.
We’ve picked out four great online paint by numbers stores—Paintheal, Paintbyyou, Pbncanvas, and Numeralart—each offering something different. You’ll find detailed reviews, a handy comparison table, and answers to common questions to help you choose the right kit.
What to Look for in a Paint by Numbers Kit for Adults
Before we get into the store reviews, here are a few important things to consider:
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Canvas quality – Pre-stretched, framed canvases are easier to work with and ready to hang. Rolled canvases are more portable and often cheaper.
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Paint type – Look for non‑toxic, odourless acrylics with good coverage and vibrant pigment. Extra paint pots are a bonus for touch‑ups.
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Design complexity – Beginners will enjoy bold, simple compositions; advanced hobbyists may prefer intricate, multi‑shade patterns.
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Custom options – Some stores let you turn a personal photo into a bespoke paint by numbers kit.
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Shipping to the UK – All four retailers ship to the UK; some may have local warehouses for faster, customs‑free delivery.
1. Paintheal.com – Mindful Art for Stress Relief
Best for: Stress relief, mindfulness, and gentle creativity.
Paintheal.com is built around the idea that painting can be therapy. Its catalogue is curated with calming imagery – think botanical line art, meditative mandalas, and soft abstract landscapes. The brand’s mission is to help adults slow down, and everything from the packaging to the colour selection supports that vibe.
Key features:
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Pre‑stretched canvas kits that are ready to hang as soon as the final brushstroke dries.
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Premium, low‑odour acrylic paints that glide on smoothly and require only one or two coats.
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Numbered guide sheets included – perfect if you want to preserve the main canvas as a clean reference.
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“Calm Palette” collections are designed in collaboration with mindfulness practitioners.
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Option to add a solid wood frame during checkout (great for gifting).
Why UK buyers love it: Orders come in discreet, gift-ready packaging. The website often shares tips on using art for mindfulness, and their customer service helps beginners pick the right kit. Delivery to the UK usually takes 5 to 8 business days.
Pros & cons:
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✅ Strong focus on mental wellness and relaxation
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✅ Ready‑to‑hang canvases with framing choices
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✅ Excellent for beginners and those returning to art
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❌ Design range smaller than mass‑market stores
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❌ Slightly higher price point, reflecting the premium materials
“Best for stress relief and mindful creativity.”
2. Paintbyyou.com – Turn Your Photos into Custom Masterpieces
Best for: Personalised gifts and one‑of‑a‑kind portraits.
Paintbyyou.com specialises in custom paint by numbers kits generated from your own photographs. Send them a family portrait, a wedding snap, a beloved pet, or even a favourite travel scene, and they will transform it into a paint‑ready canvas with a perfectly mapped colour palette.
Key features:
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Simple upload tool; you preview the digitised result before committing.
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Multiple size options (30×40 cm up to 50×65 cm) so you can choose the level of detail.
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Kits include a rolled canvas, matched acrylic paints, three brushes, and a paper reference guide.
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Advanced colour‑matching algorithm that recreates subtle skin tones, fur textures and background gradations remarkably well.
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Express processing is available for last‑minute gifts.
Why UK buyers love it: Custom kits make unforgettable presents for anniversaries, Mother’s Day or Christmas. The UK shipping time is around 2 weeks for standard orders, and the company covers any customs duties, so there are no surprise charges. Their photo‑preview system means you can ask for adjustments before the canvas is printed.
Pros & cons:
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✅ Unique, deeply personal painting experience
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✅ High‑accuracy colour matching even on complex photos
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✅ Great for all skill levels – the system can simplify or preserve detail
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❌ Slightly longer delivery due to custom production
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❌ Not a huge catalogue of ready‑made designs
“Best for custom paint by numbers from your own photo.”
3. Pbncanvas.com – Huge Variety at Budget‑Friendly Prices
Best for: Value hunters and serial painters who want a massive design library.
If you’re looking for a huge selection of ready-made designs at affordable prices, Pbncanvas.com is a great choice. They offer everything from Van Gogh reproductions and vintage travel posters to fun modern illustrations and fantasy art, so there’s something for everyone.
Key features:
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Over 10,000 designs, regularly updated with seasonal and trending themes.
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Kits come as rolled canvas sets – perfect for framing yourself or stretching on a DIY frame.
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Acrylic paints are rich and opaque; most kits include 24–36 colours.
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Frequent “buy 3 get 1 free” deals and bundle discounts.
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Multi‑panel triptych kits available for large statement walls.
Why UK buyers love it: The price per kit is very competitive, making it easy to stock up on multiple projects. Standard shipping to the UK is free on orders over a certain threshold, and parcels usually arrive within 7–12 business days. Customer photos in the gallery help you see real finished results before you buy.
Pros & cons:
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✅ Unbeatable variety and budget‑friendly prices
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✅ Free shipping deals for UK customers
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✅ Multi‑panel options for home décor
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❌ Rolled canvas only – no pre‑stretched option
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❌ Some complex designs may overwhelm absolute beginners
“Best budget‑friendly store with a huge design library.”
4. Numeralart.com – Premium Kits for Advanced Hobbyists
Best for: Experienced painters who want gallery‑grade materials and intricate designs.
Numeralart.com positions itself as the artisan’s choice. Its kits are crafted with thick, finely woven canvases, artist‑grade acrylics and an attention to detail that experienced painters will appreciate. The design selection leans toward sophisticated, realistic imagery – detailed florals, classical portraits and richly textured still‑life compositions.
Key features:
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High‑density cotton canvas with a subtle tooth that grips paint beautifully.
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36–48 colour pots per kit, including subtle mixing shades for seamless blending.
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Professional‑grade brushes (round, flat and liner) included as standard.
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Framing options: choose rolled, gallery‑wrapped stretched canvas or floating frame kits.
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Advanced colour guide booklet with blending tips and a numbered paper reference.
Why UK buyers love it: Numeralart ships carbon‑neutrally from a European warehouse, and UK deliveries are often within 4–7 working days, with no customs fees. The finished paintings look remarkably close to an original artwork, making them suitable for exhibition or as luxurious gifts.
Pros & cons:
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✅ Superior canvas and paint quality
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✅ Suitable for intermediate to advanced painters
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✅ Multiple framing options available
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❌ Higher price point
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❌ Design selection is curated, not exhaustive – may not suit pop‑culture tastes
“Best premium kits for a gallery‑worthy finish.”
Quick Comparison Table
| Store | Best For | Unique Feature | Price Range (approx.) | UK Shipping Time | Custom Kits? |
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| Paintheal | Mindful relaxation | Wellness‑focused “Calm Palette” | Mid‑range | 5–8 business days | No |
| Paintbyyou | Personalised gifts | Photo‑to‑canvas custom kits | Mid‑range | ~2 weeks | Yes |
| Pbncanvas | Budget & variety | 10,000+ designs, frequent bundles | Budget‑friendly | 7–12 business days | No |
| Numeralart | Premium, advanced art | Artist‑grade materials, blending shades | Premium | 4–7 business days | No |
Prices and delivery times are approximate; check each site for current offers.
How to Choose the Right Paint by Numbers Kit for You
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For complete beginners or stress‑relief seekers: go with Paintheal – the curated, ready‑to‑paint canvases and soothing designs help you build confidence while you unwind.
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For a one‑of‑a‑kind gift or memory: Paintbyyou turns your photo into a painting you’ll treasure forever.
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If you want to try multiple styles without spending much, Pbncanvas is your best bet thanks to its vast selection and wallet‑friendly bundles.
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If you’re an experienced artist craving a challenge, Numeralart offers the premium materials and complexity that make the final piece feel truly professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are paint by numbers kits suitable for complete beginners?
Absolutely. All the stores above offer designs with clear instructions. Paintheal is particularly beginner‑friendly, with large numbered areas and a stress‑relief focus.
How long does it take to complete a kit?
It depends on size and complexity. A simple 40×50 cm canvas may take 8–15 hours, while a highly detailed custom piece or premium kit from Numeralart can take 20+ hours spread over several weeks.
Do all four stores ship to the UK?
Yes. Delivery times vary, but all deliveries go to mainland UK and often cover any customs costs, so you won’t face extra fees.
Can I frame my completed painting?
Yes. Paintbyyou and Pbncanvas supply rolled canvases that fit standard frames. Paintheal and Numeralart also offer ready‑framed or DIY framing options at checkout.
Which store is best for a gift?
Paintbyyou wins for personalised gifts, while Paintheal’s beautifully packaged mindfulness kits make thoughtful presents for friends who need to relax.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want a relaxing break, a personalised gift, an affordable hobby, or a creative challenge, there’s a UK paint by numbers store for you. Paintheal, Paintbyyou, Pbncanvas, and Numeralart each offer something special. Find your favourite, choose a design you like, and enjoy creating your next masterpiece.
Ready to start painting? Choose the store that fits your style and have your kit delivered straight to your door.
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