Are Paint by Numbers Kits Highly Expensive?

 Paint by numbers is a growing hobby around the world. It becomes a hobby for everyone: beginners looking to unlock their creativity, established artists looking for a more cathartic experience, and everyone in between. However, for many newcomers, there is often the question of how expensive a Paint by Numbers Kit is.

At first glance, paint by number kits may seem like a high-end craft item, especially now that there are elaborate designs, high-quality materials, and custom options. However, the facts are much more positive! Paint by numbers is one of the most affordable, and value-packed hobbies available. There is a kit available for nearly all budgets, whether you are purchasing a traditional set, or a personalized painting.

In this blog, we will help you breakdown the actual costs, compare kit types, and explain what makes paint by numbers a worthwhile, and very affordable, investment in creativity, peace of mind, and personal development.

1. Understanding What’s Included in the Price

To appreciate the cost of a paint by number kit, you need to appreciate the inherent value of what you’ll be getting. Most kits are complete in that you will receive: 

• A pre-printed, numbered canvas 

• A full set of acrylic paints (which are pre-mixed and named) 

• Multiple brushes (typically 2-3) 

• Instructions and reference images 

You are not buying a piece of canvas; you are buying everything you need to complete a finished painting, from start to a framed finish. Compared to other art pastimes that you have to buy every element (brushes, paints, sketch pads and palettes, etc.), the value is hard to argue against. 

Basic kits cost as low as $8-15, and for those starting out or just looking for a quick project, these are great! As you get into a larger canvas or more details, the price ranges from $20 to about $50. But again, it is still very competitively priced for a single art class or premium adult colouring books or supplies.

2. Cost Versus Experience: A Deeper Value

When we evaluate whether or not something is expensive, our primary consideration tends to be cost—price tag, budget, etc. However, with hobbies, value is not limited to the price we pay. Paint by numbers offers much more than just the physical product; it offers an experience. And nowadays, an experience holds value in and of itself. 

A typical painting takes anywhere from 10 to 30 hours to finish. That is 10-30 hours of mindful, screen-less activity that promotes calmness and concentration while allowing us to use and stimulate our creative side. Many people compare the act of painting to meditation or journaling. It's a semi-relaxing mental break that helps the brain reduce stress and refocus to improve well-being. 

When we compare a paint by number kit to the cost of going out to a movie, for dinner, or even a subscription to a streaming service, we find that a paint by number kit provides a substantial number of hours of enjoyment and satisfaction for a much smaller price—and you have an original piece of artwork to keep, gift or frame.

3. Factors That Affect the Price

While Paint by Numbers Kits are generally budget-friendly, the price can vary depending on several key factors:

Canvas Size

The costs associated with larger canvas sizes with more detailed images will usually cost more due to the increased manufacturing and shipping costs, in addition to giving you more hours of painting time and a more impactful final product.

Design Complexity

Some kits have very large, easy places to fill, while others have more complex, detailed designs that include hundreds of small, numbered areas. The more complex the design, the more time it takes to manufacture and pay, elevating both the challenge and the price a little.

Custom Options

With personalized kits, otherwise known as custom painting by number kits, you can choose to upload your own photo, i.e. of a treasured pet, a family portrait, a favorite trip memory. These kits generally start at a higher price (about $30 - $60), but provide a more personal value and meaning that standard kits cannot typically provide.

The price difference includes fees associated with converting a photo to canvas processing, to digitally rendering your photo and accurately numbering the spaces. The negatives of the price, for many, are dwarfed by the memories and aesthetics of painting your own memories.

Material Quality

Premium kits include thicker canvases, more wrinkle resistant canvases, better pigments and nicer brushes. These upgrades, while offering a better painting experience, do usually add some cost to the overall price. For hardcore hobbyists, the improvement in materials can make the extra cost worthwhile. 

4. Are Budget Kits Worth It?

Without a doubt. Budget kits are great for most people as they allow you to try out the activity without making a significant financial investment. Budget kits can provide vibrant results and are still a lot of fun to paint and experience, even if they are low value

Not all budget canvas paint kits are created equally. Here are some tips for purchasing a quality budget kit:

• Listen to the reviews on the paint quality and if the canvas seems clear.

• Buy from Amazon, Etsy, or a specific art supply site.

• Always like to look at customer photos to see their results when they are finished.

Choose inexpensive small to mid-sized canvases. It will allow you to get the paint quality you want without breaking the bank.

If you are not sure if you should be ordering custom kits, or large,e expensive designs and would rather buy a budget kit just to try it out as a standard set, it will help you decide if the activity and/or product is something you want to explore further!

5. Stretching Your Kit Further

To help you get the most value from your kit, we have some suggestions to maintain in your work and use to save costs:

• Repurpose the brushes from your past kits in an upcoming project

• Store leftover paints in airtight containers to have available for touch-up or use on another piece of art

• Use a cost-effective way of framing your painting, like DIY wood strips and inexpensive photo frames

• Display or give away your work to enjoy beyond the canvas.

With a little intentionality and care, one kit can provide value for years, not just for hours of engagement, but also finished art that takes pride of place in your home or joy away as a gift to others.

6. Hobby or Heirloom?

For a lot of people, something that started as a fun little craft hobby turns into a lifelong love. Some enthusiasts gather piles of kits, transforming spare bedrooms into mini-art studios. Some people will take their finished paintings and create gallery walls in their homes, gifting their favourites to friends and family. Those who choose custom paint by number kits, the finished work will often sit proudly on display for years as part of a family treasure.

So, are paint-by-number kits expensive? Through the lens of creativity, mental health, and personal satisfaction, the answer is no: in fact, Paint-by-numbers kits offer some of the best returns on investment of any hobby out there, financially and emotionally.

Conclusion

In a time when almost everything is getting more expensive, it's a great feeling to find a cheap, enjoyable hobby. Paint by Numbers Kits allow you to slow down, turn off the electronics, and create artwork without spending too much money. 

If you're trying colour for the first time, falling in love with art again, or just looking for a way to occupy your time without stress, paint by numbers provides more than just entertainment. It gives you time to grow, reflect, and turn empty canvases into a personal victory. 

And how can you forget about all the options like custom painting by number that can take your most memorable moments and turn them into a masterpiece created by you just for you.