How To Pick The Perfect Image For Your Custom Paint By Numbers Kit
Turning your favorite photo into a custom paint-by-numbers kit is one of the most meaningful ways to create art, but most people don’t realize how much the photo itself impacts the final result.
Luckily, if you order a custom paint by numbers kit from Paint Me Like we review every photo and contact you if the uploaded image has the potential to cause issues in the final design.
We've created over 50,000 custom paint by numbers kits so we have the most common photo issues laid out below to give you a complete framework for choosing a photo that actually turns into a great painting.
1. Start With a High-Resolution Photo
If your image is blurry, pixelated, or low resolution, your final painting will lose detail and look flat. A high-quality image ensures cleaner lines, better color transitions, and a more recognizable subject.
What to look for:
- Clear focus (especially on faces or pets)
- No grain or blurriness
- At least ~1000px on the shortest side
If it doesn’t look sharp when you zoom in, pick a different photo.
2. Keep the Composition Simple
Paint-by-numbers kits simplify your image into sections. If your photo is too busy, important details get lost and the final result feels cluttered.
Best-performing photos:
- One main subject
- Minimal background distractions
- Subject takes up most of the frame (~70%)
Avoid:
- Large group photos
- Busy or chaotic backgrounds
- Subjects that are far away
3. Strong Contrast Makes a Huge Difference
Contrast helps define shapes and makes your painting look more detailed.
Photos with clear light and dark separation create more depth and better color mapping.
Low-contrast images frequently look flat in the final result.
4. Lighting Can Make or Break the Result
Good lighting = better detail.
Best conditions:
- Natural daylight
- Even lighting across the subject
- Minimal harsh shadows
Avoid:
- Dark indoor photos
- Flash-heavy images
- Faces hidden in shadow
5. More Colors = More Detail (Set Expectations Early)
Paint-by-numbers kits simplify your image into a limited number of colors. More colors = more detail, but also more time to complete.
General guideline:
- 24 colors → simpler, faster, less detail
- 36 colors → balanced (best for most people)
- 48 colors → highest detail, best for portraits
Important: your painting is an artistic interpretation, not a perfect photo copy.
6. Make Sure Important Details Are Large Enough
Small details don’t translate well.
If faces, eyes, or key features are too small, they’ll be simplified in the final painting.
If you have to zoom in to clearly see a detail, it’s probably too small to paint well.
7. Match Your Photo to the Canvas Size
- Smaller canvases → best for simple images
- Larger canvases → better for detailed photos
If your image has multiple elements or fine detail, choosing a larger canvas will noticeably improve the result.
8. Pay Attention to the Background
Backgrounds can make or break the clarity of your painting.
Best:
- Clean or blurred background
- Minimal colors
- Clear separation from subject
Avoid:
- Cluttered environments
- Competing objects behind your subject
9. Consider Cropping and Aspect Ratio
Your image may be adjusted to fit the canvas size.
Before uploading:
- Center your subject
- Remove unnecessary edges
- Keep important details away from borders
10. Choose a Photo You Actually Care About
Custom kits take time to complete, so choosing a meaningful photo makes the process more enjoyable and the final result more rewarding.
Great options:
- Pets
- Family moments
- Travel memories
- Special occasions
Good vs Bad Photo Examples
Good photo:
- Subject fills most of the frame
- Clear lighting and contrast
- Simple background
- Sharp details
Bad photo:
- Subject is small or far away
- Blurry or grainy quality
- Busy background
- Poor lighting or shadows
FAQ: Choosing the Right Detail Level
What’s the difference between 24, 36, and 48 colors?
24 colors are simpler and faster to paint, but they reduce detail. 36 colors offer a good balance of detail and effort, while 48 colors provide the most realistic result, especially for faces and pets.
Which option should I choose?
If your image includes faces or fine details, go with 36 or 48 colors. For simpler images or beginners, 24 colors works well.
Will more colors make it harder?
Yes, slightly. More colors mean more sections and time, but the final result is noticeably better.
11. Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Low-resolution or blurry images
- Subjects that are too small
- Overly busy compositions
- Poor lighting
- Expecting a perfect photo replica
Most disappointing results come from these avoidable issues.
Have A Question About A Photo?
If you are curious if a photo will work for a custom pbn kit please send us an email at info@paintmelike.co and our team will get back to you within 24 hours on if the picture will turn out well for a paint by numbers kit.
