How to Hide the Numbers in Paint by Numbers Canvas?

For many paint by number lovers, the thrill isn’t just in filling shapes with color, it’s in watching a blank canvas transform into something you’d be proud to hang on your wall. But one common question often arises, especially for those new to the hobby: Can you hide the numbers? And even more importantly, how do you make your finished paint by numbers artwork actually look like a real painting, not just a kit?

The answer is yes, and it’s easier than you might think. With a few simple techniques, you can take your custom paint by number project to the next level and create a final piece that looks truly polished.

Can You Cover the Numbers in Paint by Numbers?

Absolutely. The numbers on your canvas are meant to guide you, but they’re not supposed to show in the final result. With the right paint application and a little patience, you can completely conceal them. The key is using proper paint consistency, layering strategically, and keeping your brush control sharp, especially in light colors that may take more coats.

In most kits, including our custom paint by numbers, the paints are pre-mixed acrylics. These provide strong pigmentation, but certain lighter shades may require two or even three layers to fully cover printed digits beneath. Allowing each layer to dry before applying the next helps prevent smudging and ensures a smooth finish.

How to Make a Paint by Numbers Piece Look Like a Real Painting

Making your final artwork look more like a professional painting, and less like a quick project, is all about the details. One of the simplest upgrades is to soften the borders between sections by blending. This technique creates a more natural flow between shades, especially in areas like skies, animal fur, or skin tones. Instead of abrupt color transitions, you’ll get gradients that mimic how paint behaves in traditional portrait or landscape work.

Another trick is using a clear acrylic gloss gel after the painting is complete. Not only does this give your artwork a rich, finished sheen, it also helps even out texture, flatten visible brush strokes, and gives the illusion of a single, unified painting.

For those who want even finer results, switching to high-quality brushes, like our 10-piece Professional Miniature Set or our 3-piece Essentials Kit, can make a noticeable difference. These brushes offer sharper tips and smoother coverage, allowing you to control fine details, edge precision, and the thickness of your layers far better than the basic ones.

You can read more about advanced blending and flattening techniques in our blog.

What About Paint That’s Too Thick?

If your paint feels overly thick or difficult to spread, you’re not alone, it happens, especially with paints that have been stored for a while. The solution is simple: add one or two drops of clean water, stir gently with a toothpick or small brush handle, and test the flow on a scrap surface. Thinner paint glides better and helps cover the numbers without leaving clumps or visible texture. Just be careful not to over-dilute, as that could make the coverage too transparent.

It’s All in the Technique

Yes, paint by numbers can absolutely look like real art. The numbers are just the framework, how you paint them is where the transformation happens. Through layering, blending, fine brushwork, and optional finishing touches like gloss gel or framing, your custom artwork can go from kit to canvas-worthy masterpiece.

And if your subject is personal, a pet, a couple’s portrait, or a memory from your camera roll, the emotional value adds another layer of authenticity that no store-bought print can match. That’s the beauty of custom paint by numbers: you’re not just coloring in shapes, you’re crafting something real.