How To Completely Cover The Numbers In Paint by Numbers [Helpful Hacks]

Paint by numbers activities are so much fun. These activities allow you to relax and unwind, and by giving you something to focus on, they can really bring a sense of calm to any over-active minds.

No matter whether you are bored, or struggling with restless thoughts, a paint by numbers activity is likely to make you feel better. 

We love paint by numbers activities because they allow you to release your creativity, even if you aren’t that creative a person.

The sense of accomplishment that you get when you complete a paint by numbers is unbeatable, and it can really boost your mood and confidence. 

However, with some paint by numbers kits, it can be tricky to completely cover the numbers on each section. If you are unable to cover the numbers then it can ruin the finished product, so it can cause real frustration if you struggle to cover them. 

In this guide, we’re taking a look at how to completely cover the numbers in a paint by numbers kit, and some helpful hacks to help you on your way (see also ‘Paint By Numbers Blending: Everything You Need To Know‘). 

Keep on reading to find out more!

What is a Paint by Numbers?

First things first, let’s take a look at what a paint by numbers kit is. As you probably already know, a paint by numbers kit is an activity which requires you to paint by numbers. The kit will include a drawing which is divided into small sections, with each section numbered.

The kit will also come with a set of paints, and each paint will be numbered. The numbers on the paint will correspond with the numbers on the diagram. 

The idea of a paint by numbers is that you work through the paints in numerical order, painting each section as prompted by the diagram. At the start, it will be tricky to see what the end result will look like.

However, as you work your way through the different sections and colours, a picture will start to form. As you add the final colour to the picture, you will finally see the diagram transformed into a beautiful painting. 

Paint by numbers kits are designed to be a relaxing activity. They are given to children to prevent them from growing bored, and to help them be creative.

Likewise, a lot of adults also complete paint by numbers activities to relax anxious minds and calm racing thoughts.

These activities are designed to be enjoyable, which is why it can be so frustrating if you are struggling to cover the numbers on your painting. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at how to completely cover the numbers in your paint by numbers activity.

Should You Cover Numbers in a Paint by Numbers?

If you are completing a paint by numbers activity for the first time, you might be wondering whether, or not, you should cover the numbers in your paint by numbers activity.

With some activities, the number might be painted in bold writing, and this may have you wondering whether, or not, you are even supposed to cover the numbers.

You definitely should aim to cover the numbers in your paint by numbers activity. If you do not cover the numbers then this can really ruin the finished effect of your painting, and give away the fact that it was completed through a paint by numbers kit (see also ‘What to Do With Your Finished Paint By Numbers Masterpiece‘).

Whereas, if you manage to cover the numbers completely, many people would never be able to tell that you had used a paint by numbers.

That is why it is always a good idea to totally cover the numbers if you plan on displaying your painting. 

But in situations where the paint in question is pale in colour, and the numbers are bold and black, you might struggle to cover the numbers. So let’s take a look at how to completely cover the numbers in paint by numbers. 

How to Completely Cover the Numbers in Paint by Numbers

As is often the case with creative activities, learning how to completely cover the numbers in your paint by numbers kit is something that will come with practice.

As you complete more and more paint by numbers kits, you will develop your own practices that work for you. But to help you out, here are some helpful hacks for covering the numbers in your paint by numbers kit. 

Layer the Paint

One of the easiest ways to ensure that you totally cover the numbers in your paint by numbers kit is to layer the paint. This can be a little frustrating, as it will take a little longer to complete your painting.

However, it is totally worth it once you see the finished result. 

Simply start by applying a single coat of paint. Wait for that layer to dry before applying another, and continue this until you are unable to see the number through the paint.

For lighter shades of paint, this may take quite a few layers, but it will totally be worth it. 

Use a White Pencil

Alternatively, you could use a white pencil to help cover up the number. Simply apply your paint as encouraged, then once it has dried, colour over the entire section using your white pencil.

White pencils can often seem a bit pointless, but in this situation they actually work. 

With your section now covered entirely with white pencil, you should then take hold of the paint brush again and completely cover the section with the paint.

The combination of pencil and paint should ensure that the number no longer shows through the section. 

Use a White Marker

If the white pencil hack doesn’t work, you should use a white marker instead. With a white marker, you should cover the numbers before you start painting.

So it is very important that you keep track of which paint goes where before you get started with this hack! 

Tips for Making Your Paint by Numbers Look Better

If you want to make your paint by numbers kit look better, then the best hack for this is to ensure that you completely cover the numbers. One of the easiest methods for this is to use a white marker to cover the numbers before you start painting. 

To ensure that your paint by numbers looks as professional as possible, you should use a variety of different brushes to avoid any bleeding between the paint.

Ensure that you use a small paint brush for small seconds, and keep within the lines to make sure that your painting has a professional finish. 

Finally, keep the area where you paint clean. It is surprisingly easy for dirt to damage the finished result of your painting.

So keep the area clean, keep your brushes clean, and take your time to ensure that your paint by numbers is as professional as possible.

Summary

In short, covering the numbers in your paint by numbers isn’t always that easy. But, thankfully, there are plenty of hacks that you can use to cover the numbers completely while you paint – including the use of a white marker. 

So, if you want to cover your numbers completely, check out the guide above. 

Thank you for reading!