First of all, don't worry! If you notice that your canvas has lots of tiny spaces and microscopic numbers, it actually means your final painting will be highly detailed and look incredibly realistic! Paintings with larger spaces tend to look more "blocky" or abstract.
However, we understand that painting tiny sections can cause eye strain. If you are having trouble reading the numbers, here are the best tricks used by Paint by Numbers pros to make the process easy and relaxing:
1. Use the Paper Reference Sheet
Every standard kit comes with a paper reference guide (a smaller paper replica of the canvas). Keep this sheet handy! If you accidentally paint over a number or can't read a tiny space on the canvas, you can easily check the paper reference.
2. The Smartphone Camera Trick (Highly Recommended!)
You hold a powerful magnifying glass in your hand every day—your smartphone!
- Take a clear, well-lit photo of the blank canvas before you start painting.
- Whenever you encounter a tiny number you can't read, simply open the photo on your phone or tablet and zoom in. It makes reading even the smallest numbers effortless.
3. Request a Digital PDF Copy
If you lost your paper reference sheet or prefer to use an iPad/Tablet, email our support team at service@paintsuper.com with your Order Number. We will happily send you a digital PDF version of your canvas design so you can zoom in as much as you need! (Note: Digital PDFs are always available for Custom Photo kits).
4. Good Lighting is Everything
Never paint in a dimly lit room. Make sure you are painting in natural daylight or use a bright, focused LED desk lamp directly over your canvas to reduce eye strain.
5. Get a Magnifying Tool
If you plan on painting often, consider investing in a hands-free magnifying glass, a magnifying desk lamp, or even magnifying crafting glasses. They are a game-changer for detailed hobby work!
6. Don't Stress—Just Guess!
Remember, Paint by Numbers is meant to be a relaxing, stress-free hobby. If you find a space that is so tiny you truly can't read the number, just guess! Pick a color from a neighboring space and fill it in. We promise that missing one tiny 2-millimeter spot will absolutely not ruin the look of your final masterpiece. Have fun with it!