Paint by Numbers Sizes & Colors – Which Set Is Right for You?

Buying Decision Guide

Which Paint by Numbers set is right for you?

Size alone does not decide. Only the combination of canvas format and number of colors determines how detailed and challenging a set truly is. This guide will help you find the right set for your experience level, time budget, and desired result.

Size Format
×
Colors Count
=
Level Effort
3 Size Formats
to choose from
3 Color Levels
24, 36, 48
Many Motifs in
the collection
9 Orientation
Combinations
The Core

The Complexity Matrix

Compare format and number of colors at a glance. This way, you can quickly see which combination is relaxing, balanced, or particularly detailed.

Important note: A small set with many colors can be more challenging than a larger set with fewer colors. Size and number of colors together determine how fine the areas are.
Colors ↓
Size →
30 × 40 cm from €14.95
40 × 50 cm from €17.45
50 × 70 cm from €29.95
24 Colors Beginner
Very easy
Entry-level Set
approx. 5–10 hours
For a first attempt and a quick sense of achievement.
Medium
Large & Relaxing
approx. 20–32 hours
For large motifs with reduced color complexity.
36 Colors Medium
Medium
Small & Detailed
approx. 10–18 hours
More nuances on a small surface. Good as a second set.
Medium
Balanced
approx. 18–28 hours
For more beautiful color transitions and a more realistic effect.
Challenging
Statement Piece
approx. 30–44 hours
For large motifs with noticeably more depth of detail.
48 Colors Pro
Challenging
Fine Details
approx. 15–24 hours
Many small areas on a compact canvas.
Challenging
Very Detailed
approx. 26–38 hours
For detailed motifs and deep color.
Expert
Maximum Challenge
approx. 40–60 hours
For those with patience, precision, and a desire for significant visual impact.
Formats Compared

The Three Sizes in Detail

Each format has its strengths. Find out which canvas size suits your project here.

Paint by Numbers 30×40 cm example motif with penguins 30 × 40 cm
Compact Format

Small & Fast

The 30×40 cm format is ideal for beginners. The surface remains manageable, motivation stays high, and the result can be achieved in just a few evenings. Particularly pleasant with 24 colors.

Color Levels 24–36 colors
Time Required approx. 5–15 hrs
Level Beginner
Starting Price €14.95
Beginner-friendly Quick to finish Manageable
From €14.95 incl. canvas, paints & brushes
View 30×40 sets →
Paint by Numbers 50×70 cm example motif Blue Mosque 50 × 70 cm
Large format

The Statement Piece

The 50×70 cm format is for those who want to create a large wall painting. It takes more time and patience, but rewards you with a particularly strong visual impact.

Color levels 36–48 colors
Time required approx. 25–60 hrs
Level Advanced
From price €29.95
Large format Detailed Wall art
From €29.95 incl. canvas, paints & brushes
View 50×70 sets →
Number of colors explained

24, 36 or 48 colors?

The number of colors influences how subtle the transitions appear and how small the individual areas are.

24 colors
Beginner

Clear & straightforward

With 24 colors, the areas are usually larger and more clearly defined. This makes getting started easy and ensures a good painting flow.

Complexity level
  • Larger color areas
  • Ideal for first sets
  • Fewer color changes
  • Pleasant painting flow
  • Faster visible progress
36 colors
Medium

More nuanced & detailed

36 colors ensure softer transitions and more depth. A good choice if you want a more realistic result without starting with maximum complexity right away.

Complexity level
  • More color transitions
  • More realistic effect
  • Good balance of effort and result
  • Suitable for many motifs
  • Also manageable for beginners with some patience
48 colors
Advanced

Maximum color depth

48 colors offer particularly fine nuances. The areas become smaller, color changes more frequent, and the result appears significantly more detailed.

Complexity level
  • Very fine color areas
  • Many nuances and shades
  • Recommended for experienced painters
  • Requires more patience and precision
  • Strong detailed effect in the end
What type are you?

Your personal quick finder

Identify with one of the three profiles and start directly with a suitable combination.

🌱
Profile 1

First time

You want to try paint by numbers casually and not start with a very large project right away.

Recommendation
30×40 cm · 24 colors
  • Little to no experience yet
  • Desire for quick sense of achievement
  • Manageable after-work project
  • Good entry under €20
Discover 30×40 sets →
🎨
Profile 2

Already experienced

You already know the principle and want to paint a motif with more details and a stronger wall impact.

Recommendation
40×50 cm · 36 colors
  • Completed at least one set
  • Desire for more color transitions
  • Planned multiple painting sessions
  • Motif should look good on the wall
Discover 40×50 sets →
🏆
Profile 3

Ambitious painter

You love detailed motifs and are up for a larger project that will accompany you for several weeks.

Recommendation
50×70 cm · 48 colors
  • Successfully completed multiple sets
  • Enjoys precision and details
  • Ready for many painting sessions
  • Desires a large wall impact
Discover 50×70 sets →
Planning aid

How long does each set take?

The values are guidelines. Your pace depends on the motif, experience, breaks, and painting style.

Tip: It's better to plan for several relaxed short sessions than to try to finish everything at once.

Format & Colors Difficulty Beginner Experienced Very skilled
30×40 cm · 24 colors Very easy 8–12 hrs 5–8 hrs 4–6 hrs
30×40 cm · 36 colors Medium 14–18 hrs 10–14 hrs 7–10 hrs
30×40 cm · 48 colors Challenging 20–28 hrs 15–20 hrs 10–15 hrs
40×50 cm · 24 colors Easy 14–20 hrs 10–15 hrs 7–10 hrs
40×50 cm · 36 colors Medium 22–30 hrs 16–22 hrs 12–16 hrs
40×50 cm · 48 colors Challenging 30–42 hrs 22–30 hrs 16–22 hrs
50×70 cm · 24 colors Medium 26–36 hrs 18–26 hrs 14–18 hrs
50×70 cm · 36 colors Challenging 38–50 hrs 28–38 hrs 20–28 hrs
50×70 cm · 48 colors Expert 50–70 hrs 38–50 hrs 28–40 hrs

Guideline: 1–2 hours per evening is ideal for a relaxed project.

Frequently asked questions

FAQ — Sizes, colors, and difficulty

The most important questions about format selection, number of colors, and painting effort.

30×40 or 40×50 cm — which size for beginners?
For absolute beginners, we recommend a 30×40 cm set with 24 colors. It is clear, motivating, and easily manageable in several short painting sessions. 40×50 cm is ideal if you want more wall impact and plan a bit more time.
What does 24 colors mean for paint by numbers?
The number of colors indicates how many different acrylic paints are included in the set. With 24 colors, the areas are usually larger and more clearly separated. With 36 or 48 colors, finer transitions and more detail are created.
Can the included paints run out?
With normal use, the included paints are usually sufficient for the respective set. It is important to close the pots tightly after use and to use paint sparingly. If there is still a problem, you can contact us.
Do I have to mix colors myself?
No. The paints are already suitably prepared. Each number on the canvas belongs to a specific color in the set.
Is a small set with many colors more difficult than a larger set with fewer colors?
Yes, that can happen. Many colors on a small area often mean smaller color fields and more precision. A larger set with fewer colors, on the other hand, can be more relaxing to paint.
Which size is suitable as a gift?
For beginners, 30×40 cm with 24 colors is very suitable as a gift. For people with some experience, 40×50 cm is a nice, balanced choice with a stronger wall impact.
Start now

Find your perfect set

Choose your format — all sizes as a complete set with canvas, paints, and brushes.

30 × 40 cm
Compact format
24–36 colors · approx. 5–15 hrs
Ideal for getting started
From €14.95
Choose design →
50 × 70 cm
Large format
36–48 colors · approx. 25–60 hrs
For strong wall impact
From €29.95
Choose design →
View all designs →
Complete set Paints included Brushes included For various experience levels