Why Speed Matters in Paint by Numbers
There is nothing wrong with leisurely painting — for many people, the slow, meditative pace is the whole point. But if you have a large kit you want to complete for a gift, an event, or simply before you lose steam, strategic efficiency makes the experience better, not worse. These tips will help you maintain quality while reducing unnecessary repetition and downtime.
Before You Start: Preparation Saves Time
1. Sort and organize your paint pots by number before beginning
Searching for the right pot while paint dries on your brush wastes significant time per session. Arrange pots in numerical order in a grid or tray.
2. Pre-read the canvas
Before painting a single section, look at the whole canvas and identify the large sections (fastest to fill) vs. the tiny detail sections. Planning your sequence makes you faster.
3. Set up your workspace completely before starting
Full rinse cup, paper towels within reach, good lighting, brushes sorted by size. Every time you pause to find something, wet paint dries and you lose momentum.
4. Work in good, consistent lighting
Squinting to read tiny numbers is slower and more tiring than working under good light. A daylight LED lamp ($15–$25) is one of the most worthwhile investments for an active painter.
Painting Strategies for Speed
The Same-Color Sweep
Instead of painting one section at a time and switching colors constantly, paint ALL sections of the same color in a single pass across the entire canvas. This approach:
- Eliminates constant color-switching (your biggest time cost)
- Keeps the right color loaded on your brush consistently
- Reduces brush cleaning frequency dramatically
- Allows you to notice missed sections of that color before moving on
Work from light to dark colors when possible — light colors are harder to cover if you accidentally overlap onto them with a dark color.
Work Vertically, Not Randomly
Pick a corner and work systematically across the canvas in rows or columns rather than jumping around. This approach keeps your current section visible and reduces the risk of your hand or arm accidentally smearing wet sections you have not yet painted.
Batch Your Large Sections
Large background sections (sky, grass, water, walls) are your fastest painting areas and your biggest confidence builders. Completing them early gives a strong visual sense of progress and creates a foundation the detail sections sit on. Paint all large sections of a given color before moving to detail work.
Use the Right Brush for the Section Size
Using a fine liner brush on a large background section is exhausting and slow. Match your brush size to the section size:
- Large sections (100+ sq cm): use the largest flat or round brush in your kit
- Medium sections: use a medium round brush
- Small sections and detail work: use a fine liner brush only when necessary
Managing Drying Time
Work with the drying time, not against it
Acrylics dry in 5–20 minutes depending on paint thickness and humidity. While one area dries, paint elsewhere. Never stop completely — there is always another color you can work on.
Keep your workspace humid in dry climates
In air-conditioned rooms or dry climates, paint dries faster on the palette and on the canvas. A small humidifier near your workspace can meaningfully extend working time without changing your technique.
Thin paint slightly for better flow on large sections
Lightly thinned paint (1–2 drops of water per pot) flows more easily and requires less brush pressure on large sections. Do not thin paint for fine detail work.
Session Planning for Large Kits
Advanced kits (30–50 colors, 20"x24" or larger) can take 30–50 hours to complete. Rather than trying to finish in one marathon sitting, plan systematically:
- Session 1: All large background sections and the lightest colors
- Session 2–3: Mid-range and medium sections, major color areas
- Session 4–5: Small sections, transitions, medium details
- Final session: Fine detail work, touch-ups, second coats where needed
Common Time Wasters to Eliminate
- Searching for paint pots — keep them organized by number
- Dirty rinse water contaminating your colors — change water frequently
- Waiting for drying paint instead of working elsewhere — always have a next color ready
- Re-doing sections due to smearing — work in a consistent direction and let wet sections rest
- Using the wrong brush size — keep your full brush range accessible and switch freely