Top 9 Paint by the Number Kits Loved by Australian Beginners
If you've scrolled Instagram lately, you've probably seen someone's half-finished canvas covered in tiny numbered sections and tiny paint pots. That's paint by the numbers, and it's become one of Australia's favourite low-pressure hobbies. I've tested a stack of kits over the past few months, some brilliant, some disappointing and I'm sharing what actually holds up.
Whether you're buying your first kit or hunting for a gift, this guide breaks down what separates a great paint by number set from a flimsy one, plus nine kits under $50 that Aussie beginners genuinely rate highly.
What to Look for Before Buying?
Not every number of paint kits is created equal. Here's what actually matters once the box arrives on your doorstep.
Canvas quality
A pre-stretched cotton canvas on a wooden frame paints far better than a flat, unstretched sheet. Flat canvases wrinkle and pull paint unevenly.
Look for at least 280–380gsm canvas thickness thinner material that lets paint bleed through the numbered lines.
Paint pigmentation
Cheap acrylics require three or four coats to properly cover a numbered section. Better kits use richer pigment that covers in one or two strokes.
Pre-labelled, pre-portioned paint pots save time and reduce mixing mistakes essential for anyone new to painting.
Design complexity and size
Beginners do best with 30–40cm canvases and fewer than 24 colours. Anything busier can feel overwhelming on a first attempt.
Simple subjects, single flowers, animals, calm seascapes build confidence faster than dense, detailed cityscapes.
Price-to-value ratio
Under $50 should still include brushes, a numbered reference sheet, and enough paint to finish the whole canvas without needing extra pots.
Watch for kits that charge separately for frames or brushes that "cheap" $25 kit can quietly become a $60 purchase.
Durability and finish
A well-made kit dries to a smooth, almost glossy finish that looks good framed on a wall, not like a school craft project.
Check whether the canvas is washable or varnish-ready if you want it to last for years.
Top 9 Paint by Number Kits Under $50
Here's my hands-on shortlist, weighted toward designs and canvas quality that suit first-timers rather than seasoned painters.
1. Beginner Floral Bouquet Canvas
Price: ~$29 AUD
Key features: 30x40cm pre-stretched canvas, 18 numbered colours, non-toxic acrylics, includes 3 brushes.
Why it's worth it: Florals are forgiving, soft colour blending hides small mistakes, and the large numbered sections make this one of the easiest paint by the number starter projects around.
Pros: Fast to complete (4–6 hours), vivid colour payoff, great gift option
Cons: Frame sold separately
2. Calm Ocean Sunset Landscape Kit
Price: ~$32 AUD
Key features: Gradient sky sections, 24 colours, thick 380gsm canvas, waterproof paint pots.
Why it's worth it: Landscape kits teach beginners how colour blending works without demanding tight detail work ideal for a relaxing weekend project.
Pros: Beautiful finished look for the price, minimal fine detail
Cons: Sky gradients need patience for even coverage
3. Cute Animal Portrait Series (Dogs, Cats, Owls)
Price: ~$27 AUD
Key features: 25x30cm canvas, 16–20 colours, rounded brush set included.
Why it's worth it: Animal portraits are consistently the best-selling number of painting subjects for a reason they're emotionally satisfying and quick to finish, perfect for kids and adults painting together.
Pros: Family-friendly, quick turnaround, popular gifting choice
Cons: Smaller canvas size limits wall impact
4. Custom Photo Paint by Numbers (Small Format)
Price: ~$39 AUD
Key features: Upload your own photo, converted into a numbered canvas, 40x50cm option, digital colour-matching.
Why it's worth it: Nothing beats painting a memory yourself. A well-optimised custom kit avoids the "blurry face" problem that cheaper custom services are known for.
Pros: Deeply personal, great sentimental gift
Cons: Turnaround takes longer than pre-designed kits (7–10 days)
5. Beginner Mandala & Pattern Canvas
Price: ~$25 AUD
Key features: Repetitive geometric sections, 15 colours, matte finish canvas.
Why it's worth it: Repeating patterns are meditative and genuinely easier to paint accurately than freeform scenes, a smart entry point if you've never picked up a brush.
Pros: Very forgiving for shaky hands, satisfying symmetry
Cons: Less "wall art" appeal for some buyers
6. Cottage & Countryside Scene Kit
Price: ~$34 AUD
Key features: 30x40cm canvas, 22 colours, includes fine-detail brush for windows and doors.
Why it's worth it: A step up in complexity once you've finished the first canvas cottage scenes teach layering without becoming frustrating.
Pros: Rewarding sense of progression, good for gifting to parents/grandparents
Cons: Slightly more time-intensive (8+ hours)
7. Night Sky & Stars Canvas
Price: ~$28 AUD
Key features: Dark base canvas, glow-friendly paint option, 20 colours.
Why it's worth it: Dark backgrounds hide brush inconsistency well, making this one of the more beginner-forgiving paint by number designs on the market.
Pros: Striking finished result, unique gift idea
Cons: Dark paint needs two coats for solid coverage
8. Floating Frame Botanical Kit
Price: ~$45 AUD
Key features: Includes a pinewood floating frame, 30x40cm canvas, premium acrylics.
Why it's worth it: This is the closest you'll get to gallery-ready presentation under $50 no separate framing purchase needed.
Pros: Frame included saves $15–$20 elsewhere, premium finish
Cons: Sits at the higher end of the under-$50 range
9. Mini Starter Set (Two Small Canvases)
Price: ~$22 AUD
Key features: Two 20x25cm canvases, simplified 12-colour palettes, ideal for testing the hobby.
Why it's worth it: If you're unsure whether painting is "your thing," this low-commitment paint bundle lets you try two designs before investing in a larger canvas.
Pros: Cheapest entry point, good for kids or first dates/date nights
Cons: Smaller finished pieces, less wall presence
Quick Comparison
Best overall for beginners: Beginner Floral Bouquet Canvas easiest colour blending, fast finish
Best for personalisation: Custom Photo Paint by Numbers
Best value with frame included: Floating Frame Botanical Kit
Best low-commitment option: Mini Starter Set
Best for families with kids: Cute Animal Portrait Series
Practical Tips From Experience
Paint light colours first, then darker shades, to avoid smudging wet paint into finished sections.
Keep a damp cloth nearby acrylics dry fast and can clog brush tips within minutes.
Work in natural daylight where possible; numbered sections are much easier to distinguish than under yellow indoor lighting.
Store opened paint pots with the lid pressed firmly shut between sessions most acrylics dry out within a week if left open.
If a colour runs low, water it down slightly rather than stretching it thin thin paint still gives even coverage.
FAQs
What is painted by the number and how does it work?
Paint by the numbers is a pre-printed canvas divided into numbered sections, each matched to a specific paint colour. You fill in each section using the number key, and the full image appears once all sections are painted.
Are paint by number kits good for complete beginners?
Yes. A paint by number kit removes the guesswork of colour mixing and composition, which are usually the hardest parts of learning to paint. Beginners typically finish their first small canvas in 4 to 8 hours across a few sessions.
How much should I expect to pay for a decent kit?
A quality painting kit with canvas, brushes, and full paint sets typically costs between $25 and $45 AUD in Australia. Anything much cheaper often skimps on canvas thickness or paint pigmentation.
Do paint by number kits come with everything included?
Most reputable kits include a canvas, acrylic paints, brushes, and a numbered reference sheet. Always check the listing though, since some budget kits charge extra for frames or replacement brushes.
How long does a typical paint by number canvas take to finish?
A 30x40cm paint by number canvas with a moderate colour count usually takes between 6 and 12 hours total, often spread across several relaxing sessions rather than one sitting.
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