Not all paint by numbers kits are created equal. Some are wonderfully simple, while others can keep even experienced painters busy for weeks. Here’s how to find the right level for you.
One of the great things about painting by numbers is that almost anyone can have a go. You don’t need to know how to draw, understand complicated painting techniques or have any previous artistic experience. You simply follow the numbered sections on the canvas, match them to the supplied paints and gradually watch the picture come together.
At least, that’s the general idea.
What isn’t always obvious when you’re browsing paint by numbers kits online is just how much the difficulty can vary.
One design might have large areas of colour, fairly simple shapes and plenty of room to move your brush. Another might contain hundreds of tiny sections, delicate details and intricate patterns that require patience and a steady hand.
Both can produce lovely results, but they offer quite different painting experiences.
That’s why, at Hobby Paint, we’ve introduced five difficulty levels to help customers choose a project that suits them: Easy, Moderate, Advanced, Difficult and Master.
But what do these levels actually mean? And does choosing a more difficult kit necessarily give you a better painting?
Not at all.
Let’s look at how painting difficulty works and how to find a kit you’ll genuinely enjoy.
Why Does Paint by Numbers Difficulty Matter?
It’s tempting to choose a paint by numbers kit based entirely on the picture.
You might spot a beautiful landscape, an interesting animal portrait or a colourful fantasy scene and immediately think, “I’d love to paint that.”
And there’s nothing wrong with that. After all, you want to enjoy looking at the finished artwork.
However, it’s worth thinking about the painting process as well.
Imagine you’ve never tried painting by numbers before. You order a lovely picture, open the kit and discover that most of the canvas is covered in tiny numbered spaces. Suddenly, what was supposed to be a relaxing new hobby starts to feel rather demanding.
Now imagine the opposite.
You’ve completed several detailed paintings and really enjoy the concentration involved. You choose a design with large sections and relatively little detail. You might find yourself wishing there was a little more to get stuck into.
Neither experience means the kit is poor quality. It simply means the level might not match what you were hoping for.
Choosing the right difficulty is about finding a balance between enjoyment, challenge and the time you want to spend painting.
What Makes One Paint by Numbers Kit Harder Than Another?
Before looking at the five levels, it’s useful to understand what actually makes a design more demanding.
The size of the numbered sections
This is probably the most noticeable difference.
Larger sections are generally easier to paint because there’s plenty of space to move your brush. Smaller sections require more careful movements, particularly around the edges.
A painting with hundreds of tiny sections may take considerably longer to complete than one with larger blocks of colour.
The amount of detail
A simple coastal landscape with broad areas of sky, sea and sand is likely to be easier than a busy harbour scene filled with boats, buildings, ropes and reflections.
Likewise, a flower painting with large petals may be more straightforward than one containing dozens of small blossoms and leaves.
The more intricate the picture, the more attention you’ll probably need to give it.
Changes between colours
Some paintings contain large groups of the same colour. Others require you to switch between paint pots frequently.
Constant colour changes aren’t necessarily difficult, but they can slow the process down.
The subject itself
Certain subjects naturally lend themselves to more detailed artwork.
Architecture, complex floral arrangements, animal fur and busy street scenes can all contain lots of smaller shapes.
However, subject alone doesn’t determine difficulty. A landscape can be highly intricate, while a portrait can sometimes be relatively simple.
The best approach is to consider the overall design rather than assuming one type of picture will always be easier than another.
Level 1: Easy Paint by Numbers Kits
Best for beginners, casual painters and anyone who wants a straightforward project.
Easy is exactly what it sounds like: a more approachable painting experience.
These kits are a good place to start if you’ve never painted by numbers before or haven’t picked up a paintbrush for years.
The designs tend to be more manageable, with numbered areas that are less demanding to fill in.
That doesn’t mean the finished artwork has to look basic. A simple design can still be colourful, attractive and something you’d be pleased to hang on your wall.
In fact, sometimes simplicity is part of the appeal.
You can sit down with a cup of tea, put some music on and enjoy making progress without feeling that every brushstroke needs your full concentration.
Easy kits are also a good choice if your eyesight isn’t quite what it used to be or if you find working on very small details uncomfortable.
And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with choosing Easy even if you’re an experienced painter.
Sometimes you simply want to relax.
Explore our Easy paint by numbers kits.
Level 2: Moderate Paint by Numbers Kits
Best for beginners who want a little more detail and painters looking for a balanced challenge.
Moderate is a useful middle ground.
These paintings offer a bit more complexity than Easy designs without becoming particularly demanding.
You’ll probably encounter smaller numbered sections, more changes between colours and a little more attention needed around the finer details.
However, the overall painting should still feel manageable if you’re happy to take your time.
Moderate can be an excellent choice for your second or third paint by numbers project.
By that stage, you’ve probably worked out how much paint to put on your brush, how to handle the canvas and how to keep the edges of each section reasonably tidy.
You’re ready to try something slightly more involved.
It’s also a good level for people who enjoy painting over several evenings.
You can make noticeable progress during each session while still having enough detail to keep the project interesting.
For many hobby painters, Moderate may turn out to be their favourite level.
It offers enough challenge to feel satisfying without requiring quite so much concentration as the more intricate designs.
Browse our Moderate paint by numbers collection.
Level 3: Difficult Paint by Numbers Kits
Best for patient painters who enjoy working on intricate designs.
Difficult kits are intended for people who genuinely enjoy the detailed side of painting by numbers.
At this level, you should expect more demanding sections and a greater need for careful brushwork.
Some parts of the painting may seem to progress quite slowly, particularly when you’re working through lots of tiny areas.
That’s perfectly normal.
A difficult painting isn’t necessarily about completing as much as possible in one sitting. It’s often about enjoying the concentration and seeing the design gradually emerge.
These kits can suit people who like detailed hobbies such as model making, needlework, intricate jigsaw puzzles or other activities where patience is part of the enjoyment.
However, it’s worth being realistic about the time and attention involved.
If your main reason for painting is to switch off for half an hour after work, a Difficult kit might not always be the most relaxing choice.
On the other hand, if you enjoy getting completely absorbed in a project, it could be exactly what you’re looking for.
The important thing is knowing what sort of experience you want.
Discover our Difficult paint by numbers designs.
Level 4: Advanced Paint by Numbers Kits
Best for confident painters who enjoy detailed artwork.
Advanced is where things start becoming noticeably more involved.
These designs generally require greater attention to smaller sections, colour changes and finer details.
You might find yourself using the smallest brush in your kit more frequently, particularly when painting architectural features, foliage, detailed scenery or other intricate elements.
An Advanced kit isn’t something you need to rush.
In fact, taking your time is often the best way to enjoy it.
You might complete a large area during one session, then spend the next working on a relatively small part of the picture.
That can be surprisingly satisfying.
There’s something enjoyable about stepping back from a painting after an hour or two and realising how much detail you’ve added.
Advanced designs can also help you improve your brush control.
As you work through smaller numbered sections, you may find that your movements become more accurate and you’re more comfortable using different brush sizes.
If you’ve already completed a few Moderate kits and find yourself wanting a new challenge, Advanced is a sensible next step.
Take a look at our Advanced paint by numbers kits.
Level 5: Master Paint by Numbers Kits
Best for experienced painters looking for a particularly detailed project.
Master is our highest difficulty level.
These kits are aimed at people who have plenty of patience, enjoy intricate artwork and don’t mind spending a considerable amount of time on one painting.
Master-level designs can contain particularly small numbered sections and complex areas that demand careful brush control.
You may find a magnifying lamp, good task lighting or additional fine-detail brushes helpful.
It’s also worth planning your painting sessions around the level of concentration required.
Trying to complete a highly detailed section when you’re tired or distracted isn’t always enjoyable.
Sometimes it’s better to leave those areas until you’re feeling fresh and ready to concentrate.
Master kits can be very rewarding, particularly if you enjoy seeing a complicated picture develop gradually.
But there’s an important point worth making.
A Master kit is not automatically better than an Easy kit.
The difference is the level of challenge, not necessarily the quality of the finished picture.
An Easy painting completed carefully can look absolutely lovely. A Master painting completed in a rush may not give the result you were hoping for.
Choose Master because you enjoy that kind of detailed work, not simply because it has the highest rating.
Explore our Master paint by numbers collection.
Do You Have to Start at Easy and Work Your Way Up?
Not necessarily.
The five levels are there to guide you, not to create a set of rules.
Some people are naturally comfortable with detailed handwork, even if they’ve never tried painting by numbers before.
If you’re used to miniature painting, embroidery, model making or similar hobbies, you might feel quite happy starting with Moderate or Advanced.
Equally, someone who has completed dozens of kits might still prefer Easy designs.
There’s no prize for moving through the levels as quickly as possible.
And you certainly don’t have to progress from one level to the next in order.
You might complete a Difficult painting, then choose something Easy for your next project because you fancy a change of pace.
That’s one of the nicest things about having different difficulty options.
You can choose according to your mood.
How Much Time Should You Allow?
This is one of the most common questions people have when choosing a painting.
Unfortunately, there’s no reliable answer that applies to everyone.
The time needed depends on the design, the size of the canvas, the number of sections and your own painting style.
Some people paint quickly and confidently. Others prefer to work slowly, making sure each section is neat before moving on.
You might paint for several hours at a time or prefer short sessions spread across a few weeks.
A more detailed kit will often take longer, but difficulty level isn’t an exact measure of painting time.
Instead of worrying too much about how quickly you can finish, think about how you’d like the project to fit into your routine.
If you want something for occasional evenings, Easy or Moderate may be a comfortable choice.
If you’re looking for a longer-term project to return to regularly, Advanced, Difficult or Master might appeal.
Either way, there’s no deadline.
The whole point is to enjoy yourself.
Choosing a Subject You’ll Actually Enjoy Painting
Difficulty is important, but it’s only part of choosing the right kit.
The artwork itself matters just as much.
After all, you’re going to spend quite a bit of time looking at it.
If you love landscapes, choose a landscape. If you’re fascinated by historic buildings, look for an architectural design. If animals, flowers or fantasy artwork appeal to you, start there.
At Hobby Paint, our collections include a wide range of subjects, from colourful abstract designs to wildlife, coastal scenery, classic transport and imaginative landscapes.
A subject you genuinely enjoy can make even a challenging painting feel more rewarding.
It’s also worth thinking about where the finished picture might go.
Would you like something colourful for a living room? A peaceful landscape for a bedroom? Or perhaps a distinctive picture to give as a gift?
Choosing artwork you’ll be pleased to display can provide a little extra motivation to keep going.
Does Kit Quality Affect Painting Difficulty?
Yes, although not in quite the same way as the difficulty rating.
The quality of the canvas, brushes and paints can affect how comfortable the painting experience feels.
For example, a well-prepared canvas provides a more consistent surface to work on, while a suitable fine brush can make small numbered areas easier to manage.
That’s worth considering when comparing different ranges.
Our Hobby Paint Studio collection is our premium range, featuring triple pre-coated linen canvases that don’t need additional gesso preparation, along with the painting materials supplied with each kit.
We also stock Chenistory paint by numbers kits, which offer a more economical option for people who want to enjoy painting without spending as much.
Chenistory canvases are supplied folded, so some preparation may be needed to remove creases before painting.
Neither range is automatically the right choice for everyone.
Some customers prefer the convenience and materials of a premium kit, while others are perfectly happy with a budget-friendly option.
As always, it’s worth reading the individual product description to understand exactly what’s included.
Five Simple Questions to Ask Before Buying
Still unsure which level to choose?
Ask yourself these five questions.
1. Have I painted by numbers before?
If not, Easy or Moderate is a sensible starting point.
2. Do I enjoy working on very small details?
If you do, Advanced or Difficult might suit you. If you don’t, there’s no reason to make things harder than necessary.
3. How much time do I want to spend painting?
A more detailed project may keep you occupied for longer, so consider how much time you realistically want to devote to it.
4. Am I looking to relax or challenge myself?
Neither answer is better. They simply point towards different kinds of kits.
5. Do I really like the picture?
This might be the most important question of all.
A painting should appeal to you before you’ve even opened the box.
If you love the design and the difficulty seems manageable, you’re probably on the right track.
Finding Your Next Paint by Numbers Project at Hobby Paint
At Hobby Paint, we want choosing a paint by numbers kit to be as enjoyable as painting it.
That’s why we’ve added difficulty ratings to the Hobby Paint Studio and Chenistory collections.
Rather than guessing how demanding a picture might be, you can browse by the level that suits your experience and the kind of challenge you enjoy.
You can explore all five levels:
If you’re new to the hobby, our paint by numbers FAQs also answer common questions about choosing kits, preparing canvases and getting started.
Final Thoughts: Choose Enjoyment, Not Just Difficulty
Painting by numbers is supposed to be enjoyable.
For some people, that means sitting down with a simple design and watching broad areas of colour gradually turn into a lovely picture.
For others, it means spending hours carefully painting tiny sections and enjoying the satisfaction of completing something intricate.
Both are equally worthwhile.
The right difficulty level isn’t necessarily the highest one you can manage. It’s the one that gives you the painting experience you’re looking for.
So whether you’re choosing your very first Easy kit or searching for your next Master-level challenge, pick a picture you love, make yourself comfortable and enjoy the process.
After all, the best paint by numbers kit is the one you actually look forward to painting.
Browse paint by numbers kits at Hobby Paint and find your next creative project.
