Custom Paint by Numbers Canada: How to Order Step by Step?

If you've been scrolling through gift ideas or looking for a relaxing new hobby, there's a good chance paint by number kits for adults have crossed your feed lately. I've ordered several kits myself over the past year, some from big-box retailers, some from smaller Canadian shops  and the difference in canvas quality and paint coverage is honestly bigger than most people expect. This guide walks through exactly what to look for, plus my picks for the best paint by number custom kits you can get for under $50, all without needing an art degree or a big budget.

What to Look For Before Buying a Paint by Numbers Kit?

Not all kits are created equal, and I learned this the hard way after my first canvas arrived with paint pots that were basically empty. Here's what actually matters when you're comparing options for custom paint by numbers Canada shoppers.

Canvas material and print quality

• Linen or cotton-blend canvas holds paint better than thin paper-backed prints and won't warp once you start layering colors.

• Look for a pre-printed, numbered outline that's crisp and easy to read, blurry printing makes small sections nearly impossible to fill accurately.

Paint quantity and quality

• A good kit gives you more paint than the minimum needed, since corners and edges always use more than you'd guess.

• Acrylic paint that dries with a slight matte-to-satin finish tends to look more like a real painting once framed.

Number of colors (detail level)

• 24 colors: best for beginners or simple images like pets with solid-colored fur or basic landscapes.

• 36 colors: a solid middle ground for most photos, including portraits with moderate shading.

• 48 colors: ideal if you're custom-ordering a detailed group photo or a scene with lots of gradients.

Price-to-value ratio

• Anything under $50 should still include brushes, a full paint set, and clear instructions  if it doesn't, you're likely paying for the canvas alone.

• Framed or stretched options typically cost more, so factor that into your budget if display-readiness matters to you.

Durability and framing options

• Stretched canvas kits are ready to hang immediately and hold up better over time than rolled canvas that needs mounting later.

• If you're buying as a gift, a framed option removes the extra step for the recipient.

Top 5 Best Paint by Numbers Kits Under $50

1. Custom Photo Paint by Numbers Kit (24 Colors, Rolled Canvas)

This is the easiest entry point if you want a paint by number custom piece made from your own photo without paying extra for framing.

Key features: Upload your own image, 24-color palette, rolled linen canvas, acrylic paint set with brushes included.

Why it's worth buying: It's the fastest kit to complete, usually taking a weekend or two, which makes it great for first-timers or last-minute gifts.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly and beginner-simple

• Quick turnaround painting time

• Great for pet photos or simple portraits

Cons:

• Less shading detail on complex images

• Requires separate framing after completion

2. Custom Paint by Numbers Kit (36 Colors, Stretched Canvas)

This sits right in the sweet spot for most people ordering a custom paint by numbers Canada gift for a birthday, anniversary, or family memory.

Key features: 36-color palette, pre-stretched canvas (no assembly), numbered acrylic pots, wooden brush set.

Why it's worth buying: The stretched canvas means it's ready to hang the moment you finish the last section, and the extra colors handle skin tones and shading much better than a 24-color set.

Pros:

• Ready to display immediately

• Balanced detail without overwhelming complexity

• Good gift presentation

Cons:

• Slightly longer painting time (a few extra hours)

• Costs a bit more than the basic 24-color version

3. Fixed-Design Paint by Numbers Kit (Landscape or Animal Themes)

Not every project needs to be custom. This option works well if you want a paint by numbers kit without uploading a personal photo.

Key features: Pre-designed nature, animal, or abstract art themes, 24-color standard set, canvas and brush kit included.

Why it's worth buying: It's often the cheapest option in the lineup and a good way to try the hobby before committing to a custom order.

Pros:

• Lowest price point

• No photo prep required

• Wide variety of themes to browse

Cons:

• Not personalized

• Designs can be popular so that you might see the same one elsewhere

4. Custom Paint by Numbers Kit, Framed (24-36 Colors)

For anyone who wants a finished piece with zero extra effort, the framed version is worth the small price bump, and it stays under $50.

Key features: Frame pre-mounted on canvas, choice of 24 or 36 colors, and a full paint-and-brush set.

Why it's worth buying: You skip the framing step entirely, which matters if this is going straight onto a wall or given as a gift.

Pros:

• Fully display-ready on completion

• No mounting or framing needed after

• Great for gifting

Cons:

• Slightly heavier and bulkier to ship

• Frame style options are usually limited at this price

5. Premium Brush Add-On Set (Paired With Any Kit)

This isn't a full kit, but it's the one accessory upgrade I'd genuinely recommend pairing with any of the above.

Key features: Multiple brush sizes for fine-detail work, synthetic bristles designed for acrylic paint, and a compact travel case.

Why it's worth buying: The brushes included in basic kits are functional but limited. A proper brush set makes tiny numbered sections and fine lines much easier to fill cleanly.

Pros:

• Noticeably improves precision on small areas

• Affordable add-on, keeps total order under $50

• Reusable across multiple future kits

Cons:

• Not a standalone painting kit

• Only worth it if you plan to paint more than once

Comparing the Top Picks

• Best for beginners: The 24-color rolled canvas custom kit is fastest to finish, easiest to follow.

• Best overall value: The 36-color stretched canvas kit  ready to hang, good detail balance.

• Best for trying the hobby first: The fixed-design 24-color kit  no photo needed, lowest cost.

• Best for gifting: The framed custom kit  arrives essentially finished and display-ready.

• Best upgrade purchase: The premium brush set is small cost, real improvement in painting precision.

Practical Tips From Experience

A few things I wish someone had told me before my first order. Use a photo that's at least 300 ppi and well-lit, since blurry or dark source images translate poorly once converted into numbered sections. If you're painting a group photo, keep it to five faces or fewer, because the software struggles to map fine facial detail once there are too many people in frame. Paint the larger background sections first and save the small detail areas for last, since your hand steadies with practice as you go. 

Store leftover paint pots with the lids pressed tightly shut between sessions; acrylics dry out fast once exposed to air, and running short mid-project is frustrating. Lastly, plan for 8-15 business days of delivery time when ordering a custom paint by numbers Canada kit as a gift, so order at least three weeks ahead of the occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive a custom paint by numbers kit in Canada?

Most custom orders take approximately 8 to 15 business days to arrive, as the canvas must be printed after your photo is processed. Standard, non-custom kits typically ship faster because they're pre-made and ready to send. Order early if you're planning to use it as a birthday or holiday gift.

What size canvas is best for a paint by numbers kit for adults?

A 40x50cm canvas is the most popular size and works well for most walls without feeling overwhelming to complete. Smaller canvases finish faster but show less detail, while larger sizes suit highly detailed custom photos. Beginners generally do best starting around 40x50cm.

Can I use my own photo for a custom paint by numbers kit?

Yes, most custom paint by numbers Canada retailers let you upload any photo and convert it into a numbered canvas design. Clear, well-lit photos with good contrast convert best into paintable sections. Group photos work better when limited to a few clear faces.

Do paint by number kits come with enough paint to finish the canvas?

Reputable kits include extra paint beyond the minimum estimate, since corners and detailed sections use more than expected. If you do run low, most sellers offer free paint refills on request. Always check a seller's paint guarantee before ordering.

Are paint by numbers kits good for beginners with no art experience?

Absolutely. The entire format is designed to match numbered sections to labeled paint colors, so no drawing or color-mixing skills are required. Most first-time painters complete a 24-color kit within one to two weekends. It's one of the most accessible hobbies for building confidence in painting.