The Quest for Quality Paint by Numbers Kits
Paint by numbers started as a simple hobby but has grown into a worldwide creative trend enjoyed by both artists and beginners. The idea is simple: you get a canvas with numbered sections, each linked to a paint color, and you follow the guide to create your own artwork. But how do you find kits with strong, opaque paints instead of watery ones? Which stores have clear canvases and dependable customer service?
There is a clear difference between premium and budget kits. Reviews show that premium kits use paints with more pigment for better coverage, triple-primed linen canvases for easy blending, and strong binders that keep the paint from cracking. Budget kits, on the other hand, often have thin paint that lets the numbers show through, rough canvases, and paint that can flake off over time.
We've scoured the web and analyzed six standout online stores. We searched online and reviewed six top stores: NicePBN, PaintHeal, ColourSilo, NumeralArt, PBNCanvas, and GATYZTORY. Our goal is to help you find the right kit, whether you want a custom photo canvas, a relaxing gift, or a high-quality project.
Website: nicepbn.com
Overview & Brand Background
NicePBN is one of the most established names in the online paint-by-numbers market. Operating under Shenzhen Joysine Technology Co., Ltd since 2013, it has built a reputation for high-quality materials and diverse design themes, including cartoons, animals, and florals. Prices typically range from 13 to 47, with discounts reaching up to 44%. Free shipping is available on orders over $59, and deliveries are fulfilled by major couriers, including USPS, FedEx, UPS, and Royal Mail.
What's in the Kit & Key Features
Each NicePBN kit includes a numbered high-quality linen canvas, a set of 3 paintbrushes (small, medium, large), around 24 numbered acrylic paints, a reference sheet, and a hanging kit with screws and hooks. The canvas is made from durable linen designed to hold paint well without warping, and all kits come with clear instructions suitable for complete beginners.
The standout offering is the custom photo kit. You upload your own picture, and NicePBN turns it into a paint-by-numbers canvas. They review every photo to ensure the final design meets their standards. Their blog also teaches you how to make your own paint-by-number patterns with free tools. Their photo kits cost between £33.85 and £102.85 (about 42 to 128 USD), depending on the canvas size. There is a 36% introductory discount. Production usually takes 5 to 10 business days, and shipping to the US takes 10 to 20 days. Canvas sizes range from 16x20 to 31x47 inches. You can also choose express shipping at checkout for faster delivery.
Pros & Cons
✅ Custom photo service with quality checks; wide range of canvas sizes; free shipping on orders over $59; well-established brand with years of operation.
❌ Production and shipping times can extend to 20+ days during peak seasons; premium pricing for larger custom canvases.
Customer Feedback
Reviewers highlight the "well-pigmented" paints that "apply well," and many note that the additional paper copies of the number key and color image are "wonderfully helpful bonuses" for tracking progress. Feedback consistently praises the intricate canvas designs that produce beautiful results worth displaying.
2. PaintHeal – Best for Therapeutic & Wellness-Focused Painting
Website: paintheal.com
Overview & Brand Philosophy
PaintHeal stands out by focusing on painting as a way to support mental wellness and healing. The brand highlights the calming benefits of art, helping people relax and manage stress through creative activities. They also offer free shipping on orders over $59.99, which makes buying in bulk more affordable.
What's in the Kit & Key Features
PaintHeal kits include a numbered canvas, acrylic paints, and brushes, just like most kits. What sets them apart is their helpful content, such as articles on "How Painting Can Heal Your Mind and Soul" and "Bringing a Sense of Ritual to Everyday Life." One popular article, "The Ultimate Guide to Bulk Buying Paint by Numbers Kits," is especially useful for group activities or gifts.
PaintHeal also offers special kits for kids, like the "Balloons Paint by Numbers" series, which help children be creative and build fine motor skills. Their beginner guides answer common questions such as "What should beginners pay attention to when painting by Numbers?" and "Is Paint by Numbers Still Popular?" This shows the brand's focus on helping and educating its community.
Pricing & Shipping
While individual kit prices vary by design and size, PaintHeal remains competitively priced with free shipping on orders over $59.99. Bulk purchase discounts are available, making it cost-effective for group events, classroom activities, or party favors.
Pros & Cons
✅ Strong therapeutic focus ideal for stress relief; educational blog resources for beginners; free shipping threshold incentivizes multi-kit purchases; dedicated kids' collection.
❌ Limited brand recognition compared to larger competitors; fewer customer reviews available online; smaller product catalog than category leaders.
Customer Feedback
Users consistently describe the painting experience as "stress-relieving and rewarding," particularly appreciating the content that helps them integrate creative practice into daily routines. Feedback emphasizes how the process helps "unwind and reduce stress" while providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
3. ColourSilo – Best for Beginners & Bold, Modern Designs
Website: coloursilo.com
Overview & Brand Reputation
ColourSilo is well known as a great choice for beginners. Industry guides often list its DIY Painting Kit as one of the best for people just starting out, thanks to its "clear outlines and user-friendly instructions" that help you make beautiful art even if you have no experience. The website also has a modern look with bright, bold designs.
What's in the Kit & Key Features
Each kit includes 3 brushes of varying sizes, a reference paper with a copy of the canvas, a numbered high-quality linen canvas, and approximately 24 numbered acrylic paints. The meditative nature of the process is a core selling point—the slow, rhythmic application of paint is designed to help users achieve peace of mind and escape the rush of modern life.
The product page shows how many people are looking at an item and how many have added it to their cart. This helps create a sense of urgency and lets you see what is popular.
Pricing & Shipping
Kits range from $24.99 to $46.99, with frequent discounts of up to 50% off. ColourSilo ships globally with production and delivery handled through reliable international courier partnerships. The 30-day return policy covers defective or damaged items, with replacements sent as quickly as possible.
Pros & Cons
✅ Extremely beginner-friendly, with clear instructions, bold contemporary designs, transparent social proof on product pages, and generous discounts available.
❌ As kits are custom-made, full refunds are not offered—only replacements for defects; shipping times may be longer for international customers.
Customer Feedback
Industry reviewers specifically name ColourSilo among the top picks for best painting by numbers kits, noting that the kits include "everything needed to start painting immediately" and allow beginners to "create a beautiful piece without prior experience". Users frequently describe the experience as "very amusing and joyful," with results that exceed expectations.
4. NumeralArt – Best for Custom Photo Canvases & Personal Gifts
Website: numeralart.com
Overview & Core Specialty
NumeralArt focuses on custom paint-by-numbers kits made from your own photos, making it a top choice for personal gifts and saving memories. You can use a wedding photo, a favorite pet, or a family portrait, and NumeralArt will turn it into a canvas you can paint. You just upload your photo, and the site creates a numbered canvas with matching paint colors.
What's in the Kit & Key Features
The custom kit includes a canvas printed with numbered outlines derived from your photo, a full set of acrylic paints, and brushes. The painting experience is designed to be accessible to everyone—as the company explains, "all the complexity of painting is reduced to a simple series of numbered instructions". This makes it perfect for those who want to produce high-quality art without years of training.
Themed recommendations include self-portraits, family shots, pets in familiar poses, family homes, or stunning scenic shots. The company advises that highly detailed or intricate photos will require more time and patience, but the guided system ensures even complex images remain manageable. Finished pieces can be framed and hung as personalized home decor or given as one-of-a-kind gifts for special occasions.
Pricing & Shipping
Custom kits are affordably priced given their personalized nature. Standard production includes digital processing of the uploaded photo, canvas printing, paint color matching, and assembly. Shipping timeframes vary by destination, with tracking provided upon dispatch.
Pros & Cons
✅ Unique ability to paint your own photos as personalized art; simple upload process; excellent for meaningful gifts; no artistic experience required.
❌ Requires a high-quality photo for best results; shipping times can be longer due to custom processing; less suitable for those seeking pre-designed themes.
Customer Feedback
Users consistently describe Numeral Paint as "an excellent and affordable way to bring all the benefits of painting into your home without all the stress of learning a new skill". Many note how completing custom kits boosts confidence and familiarizes beginners with painting fundamentals, often inspiring them to progress to more advanced projects.
5. PBNCanvas – Best for Premium Craftsmanship & Trusted Reviews
Website: pbncanvas.com
Overview & Trust Score
PBNCanvas stands out for its exceptional customer satisfaction ratings. On Trustpilot, the brand holds an "Excellent" rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on over 800 reviews, making it one of the highest-rated paint-by-numbers companies in the market. This strong reputation is built on consistent product quality, reliable service, and prompt issue resolution.
What's in the Kit & Key Features
Each kit features rolled canvases (to prevent creases during shipping), high-quality DIY frames, and well-pigmented paints that apply smoothly. A distinguishing feature is the inclusion of additional paper copies of the painting's number key and color image, which users frequently describe as "wonderfully helpful bonuses" for tracking progress. The canvas designs are intricate, resulting in beautiful, detailed works that rival professional artwork.
The brand's selection spans diverse themes, from landscapes and cityscapes to florals and abstract art, catering to a range of tastes and skill levels. Customer support is responsive—negative reviews receive prompt replies from the team offering to resolve issues with replacements or assistance.
Pricing & Shipping
Kits are positioned in the mid- to premium price range, reflecting higher material quality and craftsmanship. Pricing varies by canvas size and design complexity. Shipping is available globally, with tracking provided for all orders.
Pros & Cons
✅ 4.7/5 Trustpilot rating from 800+ reviews; high-quality rolled canvases with DIY frames included; intricate designs produce stunning finished artwork; responsive customer service team.
❌ Some users note that light-colored numbers on certain canvases can be harder to see; premium pricing compared to budget alternatives; international shipping can take time.
Customer Feedback
Many reviewers declare PBNCanvas the best they've used after trying multiple companies, emphasizing that "the canvases come rolled, DIY frames are of good quality, the paints are well pigmented and apply well". Multiple testimonials confirm that customers "will order from this company again" and describe the product quality as "great", with materials that exceed expectations.
6. GATYZTORY – Best for Budget-Friendly Kits & Vast Selection
Website: gatyztory.com
Overview & Market Positioning
GATYZTORY is the budget champion of the paint-by-numbers world, offering an enormous selection of designs at remarkably low prices. Kits are available for as little as 4.43 to 5.28, making creative expression accessible to virtually everyone. The brand operates through its own factory store, which has a solid 4-star rating, and sells across multiple online platforms, including DHgate and Online ASEAN Store.
What's in the Kit & Key Features
Despite the low price point, GATYZTORY kits include a pre-printed canvas, acrylic paints, brushes, and in many cases a wooden frame. Pre-stretched canvases come ready to paint, and the non-toxic acrylic paints are suitable for all ages. Themes span landscapes, cityscapes, florals, animals, and more, appealing to both adults and children.
Step-by-step instructions accompany each kit, guiding users from workspace preparation to final display. The painting process is designed to be "a great way to relax and de-stress," enjoyed solo or as a family activity. While the paint quality may not match premium brands, the value proposition is exceptional for casual hobbyists and those trying paint-by-numbers for the first time.
Pricing & Shipping
Kits range from 4.43 to approximately 6, with frequent discounts of 50% or more, making GATYZTORY the most affordable option by a wide margin. The brand originates in Mainland China, and global shipping is available through factory-direct channels, with fulfillment typically handled by partnered logistics providers.
Pros & Cons
✅ Industry-leading low prices; massive selection of designs and themes; kits often include a wooden frame; non-toxic paints are safe for all ages; great for trying the hobby with minimal investment.
❌ Paint and canvas quality is lower than premium brands—expect thinner coverage and possible number visibility; customer service and shipping reliability can vary; factory-direct model means limited return or refund options.
Customer Feedback
Users appreciate the brand's affordability and variety, and the factory store consistently receives a 4-star rating for customer satisfaction. Kits are described as "perfect for beginners or experienced artists alike," and customers frequently mention the relaxing nature of the activity, describing it as "a great way to relax and de-stress".
Comparison Table: Quick Overview
| Store | Best For | Price Range | Custom Photo Kits | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NicePBN | Custom photo kits & premium quality | 13–128 | ✅ Yes | High-quality linen canvas, photo quality checks, large size options |
| PaintHeal | Therapeutic & wellness-focused painting | Competitive | ❌ No | Mental wellness content, educational blog, bulk-buy guides |
| ColourSilo | Beginners & bold modern designs | 24.99–46.99 | ❌ No | Clear instructions, meditative experience, social proof displays |
| NumeralArt | Custom photo canvases & personal gifts | Affordable | ✅ Yes | Photo-to-canvas conversion, meaningful personalized gifts |
| PBNCanvas | Premium craftsmanship & trusted reviews | Mid-to-premium | Varies | 4.7/5 Trustpilot rating, rolled canvas, included DIY frames |
| GATYZTORY | Budget-friendly kits & vast selection | 4.43–6 | ❌ No | Lowest prices, massive variety, frames often included |
How to Choose the Right Paint by Numbers Kit for You
When deciding where to purchase your next kit, consider these factors:
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Skill level: Beginners should look for kits with clear, well-printed outlines and straightforward instructions. ColourSilo excels in this area with its beginner-friendly designs. More advanced painters may prefer the intricate designs offered by PBNCanvas or NicePBN.
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Budget: If you want to try the hobby without a significant investment, GATYZTORY's $5 kits are unbeatable for casual exploration. For those willing to invest in premium materials, PBNCanvas and NicePBN deliver professional-grade results.
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Personalization: Only NicePBN and NumeralArt offer true custom photo kits where you upload your own image and receive a personalized canvas. These make exceptional personalized gifts for weddings, anniversaries, or pet memorials.
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Canvas and paint quality: Premium kits use triple-primed linen canvases and high-pigment paints that cover numbers in a single coat—essential for a frustration-free experience. Budget kits may require multiple coats to fully hide the printed numbers, which can be time-consuming for detailed designs.
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Shipping and returns: Check each store's policies before ordering, especially for custom kits. NicePBN offers free shipping over $59 with comprehensive tracking. ColourSilo provides a 30-day replacement window for defective items but does not offer full refunds on custom orders.
Where Should You Buy Your Next Paint by Numbers Kit?
The six stores reviewed here each serve different needs within the paint-by-numbers community:
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NicePBN is the top choice for custom photo kits, offering premium materials, comprehensive photo quality checks, and generous free shipping on qualifying orders.
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PaintHeal appeals to those seeking a therapeutic, creative outlet, with wellness-focused content and educational resources that make it more than just a store.
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ColourSilo is ideal for absolute beginners, providing the clearest instructions, bold contemporary designs, and a shopping experience that builds confidence from the first click.
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NumeralArt excels at turning your most treasured photos into personalized painting projects, perfect for creating deeply meaningful gifts.
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PBNCanvas is the premium pick for experienced hobbyists, backed by an outstanding 4.7-star Trustpilot rating and consistently praised product quality.
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GATYZTORY is the budget-friendly option that proves creativity doesn't have to be expensive, with a vast selection at prices everyone can afford.
No matter which store you choose, remember that the most important ingredient is the time you invest in it. No matter which store you pick, the most important part is the time you spend on your project. Choosing a good kit from a trusted store will help you create a beautiful piece and enjoy the process of making art yourself. Pick the store that fits your needs best, and happy painting! Rent information before making a purchase.

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