Paint by Number: Light or Dark First? A Practical Guide to Shade Order

Why Shade Order Matters in Painting

Many starting painters and paint by number beginners have asked this question: “what to paint first in paint by number, light or dark shades first?” The sequence you choose affects coverage, drying “rhythm”, and overall polish, especially with the quick-dry acrylics found in custom kits. Start with the wrong hue and you may spend extra time fixing edge bleed or layering opaque coats that could have looked smoother the first time around.

Most of the Time Paint Dark Shades First

Most professional painters block in their darkest values first. The reason is simple: deep pigments cover easily, create instant contrast, and act as a value map so you can judge midtones and highlights more accurately. On a numbered canvas, filling shadows (think pet eyes, hair recesses, tree trunks) at the outset prevents lighter colors from dulling when they butt up against wet dark edges. Once the bold shapes cure, you’ll glide lighter tones over crisp borders without muddy overlaps.

Paint Light Shades First When Needed

If your design has delicate pastel areas, light colored bridal lace, sunset clouds, or a toddler’s cheek, painting those lights first can save you from accidental dark smudges. Acrylic light shades sometimes need two coats for full opacity, applying them early, when surrounding zones are untouched, lets you correct translucency before darker neighbors complicate clean-up.

So What Should You Paint First?

Simply put, examine your reference sheet: if the subject relies on strong shadows (animals, night cityscapes), paint dark shapes first, let dry, then add lighter layers.

If it’s pastel-dominant (wedding photos, baby portraits), start with the lightest zones, allow them to cure fully, and finish with mid-tones and dark accents for crisp definition.

Extra Tips for Flawless Edges

Work one color at a time to minimize brush cleaning, but paint opposite corners of the canvas to avoid resting your hand in wet sections. Use a slightly damp detail brush around tight borders, capillary action pulls paint right up to the printed line without spillover.

Dark to Light, Light to Dark

Whether you go dark-to-light or light-to-dark, consistency is key. Stick to your chosen sequence across the entire canvas, and your custom paint by numbers piece will reward you with cleaner edges, smoother gradients, and less touch-up time. Ready to test the method on a photo of your choice?