You spent weeks on it. Now what?
Most people roll their finished paint-by-numbers up or tack it to the back of a door. Done properly, the same canvas can hang as confidently as anything from a gallery shop.
Step 1: Let It Cure
Even fast-drying acrylics keep curing for several days. Leave the finished canvas flat, somewhere dust-free, for at least 5–7 days before framing or sealing.
Rushing this step is the most common cause of cracked paint later.
Step 2: Seal With a Matte Varnish
Apply two thin coats of a clear acrylic matte varnish (gloss works too but tends to highlight brushstrokes). Use a wide soft brush and work in one direction.
Sealing protects against UV fade and makes future cleaning a damp-cloth job rather than a heartbreak.
Step 3: Choose the Frame
Floating frames suit canvases best — they sit slightly proud of the frame edge and give the painting a 'fine art' feel. Natural oak, walnut and matte black are the most versatile.
Avoid ornate frames — they fight the painting rather than support it. If you'd rather not shop for one at all, the framed 40×50cm custom kit includes the frame with the kit.
Step 4: Hang at Eye Level
Centre the painting at roughly 145–150 cm from the floor (gallery standard). This sounds low if you're used to hanging things high, but it's where the eye expects art to be.
Use two picture hooks rather than one — the canvas sits straighter and won't tilt.
Step 5: Light It
A small picture light or even a well-placed warm spotlight transforms a canvas after dark. You don't need gallery wiring — a clip-on LED on a nearby shelf is often enough.
Lit art looks intentional. Unlit art looks like it's waiting to be moved.
Frame your finished paint-by-numbers properly and visitors will ask where you bought it — which is exactly the compliment a finished kit deserves. When you're ready for the next canvas, the paint-it-yourself kits are all in one place.
— Be Artistic Club