FAQ
- How does it work?
- What is included in the kit?
- What is the recommended age range for this product?
- Do I need painting experience?
- Can I only paint pets?
- Can I preview my paint by number before I start painting?
- How do I upload my photo / using the website tool
- My paint by number preview does not look good, how can I fix it?
- What makes for a good photo to paint?
- Can I keep trying as many images as I’d like?
- Why did you zoom in on my pet's face?
- Where are my canvases?
- I didn’t get the email with my design.
- Do I have to use an inkjet printer?
- Why are there two canvases?
- Which side of the canvas should I print on?
- How do I know it will print correctly?
- What print settings should I use?
- Can I create a reference sheet?
- How do I clean the brushes?
- How long does it take to complete the painting?
- What happens if I make a mistake or paint something the wrong color?
- How long does it take my painting to dry?
- What kind of paint is in the kit?
- Where do you ship to?
- How long does shipping take?
- What does shipping cost?
- Where is my tracking on my order?
- Do you offer expedited shipping?
- What is your return policy?
- Contact Us
How it works
- How does it work?
How does it work?
We’re excited to start your painting project with you! Simply follow the instructions on the inside of the box to create your paint by number design. It only takes a few minutes.
We’ll use our special website tool to create a paint by number design. Once you create the design you can print it on your home inkjet printer on the special printable canvas included in your kit. Once printed you simply begin painting using the brushes and paints included in the kit.
This process is guided step by step as you go. But if you get stuck, below are the full step by step instructions all in one place:
Step 1: Creating your printable design (~1 minute)
Note: for this step, using your smartphone is recommended
- Get started by scanning the QR code on the inside of the box using your smartphone
- Once you review the photo tips, tap the ‘choose photo’ button, and select a photo from your photo library on your phone. (this may be called ‘photo library’ ‘photo gallery’ or similar)
- Once you select a photo, tap ‘continue’ and we’ll transform that design into a paint by number design!
- Satisfied with your design? Tap ‘Looks good!’
- Want to try another design? Tap ‘Try another’
- In the last step on the website, you’re prompted to enter your email address. We need this to send you your printable design. You can create and send yourself as many designs as you’d like.
Step 2: Printing your design to canvas (~2 minutes)
Note: for this step, using a computer/laptop connected to your inkjet printer is recommended
- Find the special printable canvas in your box and load it into your printer.
- Identify the printable side of the canvas. This is the side that has the rougher, coarser texture.
- Load the printable canvas into your printer so that your printer prints to the correct side.
- Tip: use a test sheet of paper to learn which side your printer applies ink to. If you make a mistake on the actual canvas do not fear - simply slip the canvas sheet over and try again.
- Open the email with your printable design titled ‘Nice work! Your custom paint by number design is ready!’.
- Print the attachment in the email to your canvas sheet.
- Begin painting your pet using the brushes and paints included in the kit!
About the Paint your Photo Pets Edition product
- What is included in the kit?
- What is the recommended age range for this product?
- Do I need painting experience?
- Can I only paint pets?
- Can I preview my paint by number before I start painting?
- How do I upload my photo / using the website tool
- My paint by number preview does not look good, how can I fix it?
What is included in the kit?
The Paint your Photo Pets Edition product contains everything you need to paint a photo of your pet. This includes access to tools to create a paint by number design, 2 printable canvas sheets, 2 paint brushes, and 48 paints. The 48 paint colors are specifically chosen to meet the color palette of pets.
What is the recommended age range for this product?
The product is designed to be used by adults and teens, given some of the steps required may be too complex for children. The formal age grading for compliance and safety purposes is 9+.
Do I need painting experience?
This product is designed to be usable for inexperienced and experienced painters alike.
Can I only paint pets?
This product contains a set of 48 paints curated to paint pets and animals, and as a result pets and animals will get the best painted results. You may attempt to create designs for other subjects (such as people), but you likely will not achieve a similar quality result.
Can I preview my paint by number before I start painting?
Yes! You will preview every design in the website tool before printing. And you can attempt as many designs as you’d like.
How do I upload my photo / using the website tool
The website tool can be found at magic.paintablepictures.com. It a step by step tool that walks you through each of the steps needed to create a paint by number.
Once you open that website address, review the tips and hit ‘next’ and ‘continue’ until you arrive on the ‘Choose a photo’ screen. Tap the ‘Choose a photo’ button simply select a photo from your phone’s camera roll.
My paint by number preview does not look good, how can I fix it?
We take each photo uploaded to the website tool and make our best possible paint by number design for that specific photo. If the design doesn’t look good, try a difference photo and try some of these tips in selecting another photo:
- Make sure the photo is well-lit, and that your pet is brightly showing without large shadows.
- Use a photo taken at the eye-level of the pet. This will help create a more natural looking painting design.
- If there are multiple pets/subjects in the photo, try using a photo of just your pet. Additional elements in the photo beyond your one pet can impact the detail of the pet.
Using the Website Tool
- What makes for a good photo to paint?
- Can I keep trying as many images as I’d like?
- Why did you zoom in on my pet's face?
What makes for a good photo to paint?
Generally, we recommend:
- Photos where light is shining evenly on your pet's face, as opposed to lights that are behind your pet, shining on the back of their head. We also advice against any sort of colored light like red or neon green.
- Having your pet looking straight at the camera/phone when you take the picture.
- Just one pet per painting. There's nothing stopping you from doing something other than one pet on your canvas, but the product is designed specifically for one pet.
Can I keep trying as many images as I’d like?
Yes! Feel free to try out images until you find one you want to paint.
Why did you zoom in on my pet's face?
We zoom in to get more facial detail in the painting.
With a paint by number, there is a tradeoff between having lots of detail in the painting and having the painting be easy or possible to paint. Zooming in allows us to get facial detail while still making the painting process fun and accessible.
Printing
- Where are my canvases?
- I didn’t get the email with my design.
- Do I have to use an inkjet printer?
- Why are there two canvases?
- Which side of the canvas should I print on?
- How do I know it will print correctly?
- What print settings should I use?
Where are my canvases?
Your two canvases are tucked securely under the paint insert in your box.
I didn’t get the email with my design.
Here's a couple things to try:
- Wait at least one minute after you triggered the email within the website tool for the email to be delivered to you.
- Check your spam folder. If you find it in there, mark as "not spam" to move it back to your inbox.
- Ensure you typed the correct email.
- If none of those work, contact us at support@paintablepictures and we'll be happy to help you out!
Do I have to use an inkjet printer?
Yes, this canvas is designed only for use with an ink jet printer. If you're unsure what kind of printer you have, Ink jet printers take ink, while laser jet printers take toner. Most people have an ink jet printer at home. Laser jet printers are more common to have in an office or commerical setting.
Why are there two canvases?
The second canvas is intended as a backup, in case there are any printing or painting mishaps with the first one.
Which side of the canvas should I print on?
You want to print (and paint) on the side that has the rougher and courser texture. If you're not sure which side your printer prints on, take a blank sheet of paper (not included) and mark it with a pen or pencil. Then print the design to see which side the printer prints on.
If you do print on the back side, you should still be able to use the correct side to print, you will just have the uncompleted paint by number design on the back of your painting. Alternatively, you can use the second canvas.
How do I know it will print correctly?
Do a test print on a blank sheet of paper (not included) to verify that your design prints as intended. Once it looks good, proceed to print on the canvas.
What print settings should I use?
For your painting to result in a final 8x10 size, make sure your print settings do not scale the image. Select “Actual size” or “Scale: 100%”. Scaling to a smaller size will result in a smaller canvas after trimming.
Painting
- Can I create a reference sheet?
- How do I clean the brushes?
- How long does it take to complete the painting?
- What happens if I make a mistake or paint something the wrong color?
- How long does it take my painting to dry?
- What kind of paint is in the kit?
Can I create a reference sheet?
Yes! You can create a reference sheet by printing the canvas design on a blank sheet of paper (not included). This can be helpful to refer to as you start to paint over the numbers on your canvas.
How do I clean the brushes?
While painting and changing to a new color, use a glass filled with water and rinse out the brush. Pat down with a nearby paper towel.
When finishing a painting session, wash the brush more thoroughly in a sink. Shake them to get out excess water. Pull the brushes tightly forward and leave to dry so that the bristles stay in good shape.
How long does it take to complete the painting?
Typically about 5-10 hours, but it depends a bit on the complexity of the painting and your speed as a painter.
What happens if I make a mistake or paint something the wrong color?
Mistakes happen! The paint by number design is a guide, not a law so feel free to make the painting your own. Bob Ross calls these mistakes happy little accidents.
You can also use a reference sheet or refer to the PDF in your email to simply paint over the mistake.
How long does it take my painting to dry?
The included acrylic paints should be dry to the touch within 30-60 minutes and fully cure within a few days.
What kind of paint is in the kit?
The included 48 paints are acrylic paint.
Shipping & Returns
- Where do you ship to?
- How long does shipping take?
- What does shipping cost?
- Where is my tracking on my order?
- Do you offer expedited shipping?
- What is your return policy?
Where do you ship to?
Currenly, we only ship within the United States.
How long does shipping take?
Estimated delivery times will be provided at checkout, typically ranging between 2-4 business days from the time your order is placed. Should you wish for expedited delivery, options are available at checkout. Orders placed before noon EST will be shipped the same day, while those placed after will ship the following business day. The estimated delivery time reflects this schedule.
What does shipping cost?
We offer free standard shipping on all orders. There are also options for expedited delivery at checkout.
Where is my tracking on my order?
You will recieve an email with tracking information when your order ships. Orders placed by noon EST will ship the same day. Otherwise orders will ship on the next business day.
Do you offer expedited shipping?
Yes! There are options for expedited shipping at checkout.
What is your return policy?
We at Paintable Pictures prioritize your satisfaction. If for any reason, our products did not meet your expectations, contact us at support@paintablepictures.com and we'll try to make it right.
Eligibility for Returns:
- Returns are accepted within 30 days from the receipt of your shipment.
- Items should be in original condition, unused, and retained in the original packaging.
Return Process:
- To initiate a return, please email us at support@paintablepictures.com with the reason for the return.
- Upon approval, we will provide you with the return address and any additional instructions.
Refunds:
- Once your return is received and inspected, we will notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund.
- If approved, your refund will be processed, and a credit will be applied to your original payment method within 10 business days.
More Questions?
- Contact Us
Contact Us
Contact us at support@paintablepictures.com.