Paint-by-numbers kits have become a favourite creative hobby across the UK. They’re relaxing, therapeutic, and allow anyone to create beautiful artwork – no formal art training required. But if you’ve ever noticed your finished paint by numbers painting looks a little patchy, streaky, or uneven, there’s one simple trick that can dramatically improve the results: priming your canvas with gesso.
Whether you’re new to paint by numbers or an experienced hobbyist, learning how and why to gesso your paint by numbers canvas will completely transform your painting experience.
What Is Gesso?
Gesso (pronounced “jess-oh”) is a type of primer used to prepare a surface for painting. Traditionally made from chalk, pigment, and a binding agent, gesso creates a smooth, slightly textured base that helps paint stick better and appear more vibrant.
Most paint by numbers canvases are technically pre-primed from the factory, but this layer is often thin, uneven, or inconsistent. Applying your own coat of gesso ensures a perfectly even surface – and the difference it makes is remarkable.
Why You Should Gesso or Prime a Paint by Numbers Canvas
1. Brighter, More Vibrant Colours
One of the most common frustrations with paint by numbers kits is dull or uneven colour. Without a proper primer, acrylic paint tends to soak into the raw fabric of the canvas, causing the colours to lose their brightness.
When you gesso the canvas, it acts as a protective barrier, keeping the paint on the surface rather than being absorbed. This means your colours appear bolder, more vibrant, and true to the design.
White gesso is ideal for most paint by numbers kits, as it brightens the base layer and enhances colour contrast but you can lose the numbers and lines if applied too thickly. However, you can also use clear gesso if you want to keep the numbers and outlines fully visible, this is normally the best option and the one we recommend.
2. Smoother Brush Strokes and Easier Painting
Many paint by numbers canvases have a slightly rough or uneven texture. While that’s fine for traditional painting, it can make it difficult to fill small numbered sections neatly.
Applying a thin layer of gesso helps even out the surface, allowing your brush to glide more smoothly. You’ll notice crisper lines, fewer visible brush marks, and a cleaner finish overall.
If you want an ultra-smooth result, lightly sand the dried gesso before painting – this creates a professional-quality surface that’s perfect for fine detail work.
3. Better Paint Adhesion and Long-Lasting Results
Gesso doesn’t just improve how your paint looks – it also improves how it sticks. Without a primer, paint can peel or crack over time as the canvas flexes or reacts to humidity.
A primed surface forms a stable foundation that bonds with the paint, ensuring your finished piece stays in great condition for years. So if you want your artwork to remain durable, vibrant, and crack-free, priming is a must.
4. Easier Colour Blending and Layering
If you’ve ever struggled to blend colours smoothly on your paint-by-numbers canvas, you’ll love what gesso can do.
An unprimed canvas absorbs paint too quickly, making blending difficult. A primed surface slows down absorption just enough to give you more control and more time to work, allowing for softer gradients and subtle shading effects.
Whether you’re adding highlights, creating shadows, or blending two colours together, gesso gives you the flexibility to achieve a more natural and polished look.
5. Prevents Paint Bleeding and Patchiness
Nothing ruins a paint by numbers project faster than colours bleeding outside the lines or pooling in one area. This usually happens when paint seeps into the canvas fibres instead of staying on the surface.
A layer of gesso seals the canvas, preventing paint from spreading under the printed lines. The result? Sharp, clean edges and a professional finish — with far less frustration.
6. Customisable Texture
One of the best things about gesso is that you can tailor it to your preferred painting style.
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For a smooth, sleek finish, apply two thin layers and sand lightly between coats.
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For a slightly textured, artistic feel, apply one medium coat and leave it unsanded.
By adjusting how you apply gesso, you can control how the paint behaves on your canvas – giving you more creative freedom and consistency.
How to Gesso a Paint by Numbers Canvas (Step-by-Step)
Applying gesso is straightforward, quick, and doesn’t require any specialist tools. Here’s a simple guide:
You’ll Need:
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Acrylic gesso (white or clear – we recommend clear unless you are experienced in applying gesso)
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A flat paintbrush or foam brush
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A clean workspace
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Fine sandpaper (optional)
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A cup of water and a soft cloth
Step 1: Prepare the Canvas
Make sure your canvas is flat, clean, and free of dust. If it’s rolled, tape it down to a flat surface or mount it on a board.
Step 2: Apply the First Coat
Using a wide brush, apply a thin, even layer of gesso in one direction (horizontal or vertical). Avoid applying too thickly, as it can obscure the numbers or create texture you don’t want.
Step 3: Let It Dry
Allow the first coat to dry completely – usually around 30–60 minutes, depending on the temperature and humidity.
Step 4: Apply a Second Coat (Optional)
If you’d like a smoother surface, add a second thin coat of gesso, brushing in the opposite direction to the first.
Step 5: Sand (Optional)
Once dry, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper for a silky finish. Wipe away any dust with a clean, dry cloth.
Step 6: Start Painting!
Once the canvas is fully dry, you’re ready to start painting your masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions About Priming Paint by Numbers Canvases
Do I really need to prime if my canvas says “pre-primed”?
Most pre-primed paint-by-numbers canvases only have a very thin coat of primer, which may not be enough for smooth coverage. Adding your own gesso guarantees consistency and better performance.
Will gesso cover the numbers?
If you apply it thinly and use clear gesso, the numbers will remain visible. If they fade slightly, you can lightly retrace them with a pencil once the gesso is dry.
Can I use clear gesso instead of white?
Yes — clear gesso is perfect for paint by numbers kits because it improves the texture without covering the printed guide.
The Benefits at a Glance
✅ Brighter, more vibrant paint colours
✅ Smoother brush strokes and easier detail work
✅ Prevents cracking, fading, and peeling over time
✅ Cleaner lines with no paint bleeding
✅ Customisable surface texture
✅ Overall professional-looking results
Final Thoughts
Priming your paint by numbers canvas with gesso might seem like an unnecessary extra step, but it’s genuinely one of the best-kept secrets for a flawless finish. It enhances colour vibrancy, makes painting smoother and more enjoyable, and ensures your artwork stays beautiful for years to come.
Once you experience how much easier and more rewarding painting becomes on a primed surface, you’ll never go back to painting straight onto an unprepared canvas.
So before you start your next paint by numbers kit, grab a pot of gesso and take five minutes to prep your surface. Your finished piece will look brighter, smoother, and far more professional – and you’ll enjoy every brushstroke along the way.
