Short answer: yes. Almost every custom paint-by-numbers kit on the market includes pre-mixed acrylic paints in numbered pots, ready to use straight out of the box. You do not need to buy paints separately, and you do not need to mix anything yourself.
The longer answer is more interesting — because not all 'included acrylic paints' are equal.
Why Acrylics Specifically
Acrylic paint is the industry standard for paint-by-numbers because it ticks every relevant box: it is water-based (so brushes clean with water), it dries quickly without becoming sticky, it covers in one or two coats, and it doesn't yellow or crack over time.
Oil paints — sometimes asked about — are unsuitable for paint-by-numbers. They dry too slowly, smell strongly, require solvents to clean and would defeat the convenience that makes paint-by-numbers enjoyable in the first place.
How Many Paint Pots You Should Expect
A standard 40×50 cm custom kit includes 24 paint pots. Larger or more detailed kits include up to 36. Each pot corresponds to a numbered region on the canvas — the number on the pot matches the number in the region.
Pots are typically 3–5 ml. That sounds small, but acrylic paint goes a long way, and a good kit always supplies more than enough to finish the canvas with leftover paint.
What Good Acrylic Paint Feels Like
Open a pot from a quality kit and the paint should look thick, glossy and richly pigmented — almost like a cake icing. It should cover the printed numbers underneath in a single coat.
Open a pot from a cheap kit and the paint will look thin, watery and slightly translucent. You will be able to read the canvas numbers through the first coat, which is a sign you'll need a second or third pass to finish.
Are the Paints Toxic? Safe for Kids? Safe for Pets?
Reputable custom paint-by-numbers kits use non-toxic, water-based acrylic paints that conform to international art-supply safety standards (ASTM D-4236 or equivalent).
They are safe to use around children and pets, though we always recommend keeping pots out of reach of toddlers and dogs who treat anything small and colourful as a snack. If a kit doesn't disclose its safety certification, ask before ordering — especially if it will be used in an aged care setting or with children.
Do the Paints Dry Out?
Sealed paint pots have a shelf life of 12–24 months unopened. Once opened, acrylic paint starts drying out within weeks if pots are left open between sessions. Always re-seal the lid firmly after each session.
If a pot has thickened slightly, a few drops of water mixed in usually restores it. If it has hardened completely, the only fix is contacting the company for a replacement pot.
Do You Need to Buy Anything Extra?
For a standard custom paint-by-numbers kit, no. The included paints, brushes and canvas are everything you need to finish the painting. Every custom kit made from your own photo arrives that way.
Optional extras some painters add: a small bottle of acrylic varnish to seal the finished canvas, a wooden easel for comfort, and a magnifying lamp for detail work. None of these are required.
Custom paint-by-numbers kits include acrylic paints by default — pre-mixed, numbered and ready to use. The thing worth checking before ordering is not whether paints are included, but whether they are good. A glossy, opaque, single-coat acrylic is the difference between a kit that feels premium and a kit that feels like a chore. Our guide to choosing a custom paint-by-numbers company covers the rest of the checklist.
— Be Artistic Club