The short answerMost adults should buy a 16 x 20 in kit already stretched on a wooden frame, for $15 to $30. You can paint it the minute it arrives and hang it when you finish.
What to buy
Tight budget
Rolled canvas, 16 x 20 in, no frame
The cheapest way in, with the same paints and picture as pricier kits. It arrives creased, so you'll flatten it and tape it to a board first.
$8 to $15
See options on Amazon →A quick first win
Small framed kit, about 8 x 10 in
You can finish it in a weekend. Keep the design simple, because small canvases make tiny sections.
$8 to $15
See options on Amazon →Most adults
Pre-framed canvas, 16 x 20 in, 24 or more colors
It's stretched tight on a wooden frame, so it's ready to paint and ready to hang. It costs more and ships in a bigger box.
$15 to $30
See options on Amazon →Your own photo
Custom photo kit, 16 x 20 in, 24 to 36 colors
Great for pets, houses and wedding photos. Busy or blurry photos turn into confusing blobs, so choose one clear subject.
$25 to $60
See options on Amazon →Links go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What the numbers mean
- Framed vs rolled
- Framed means the canvas is already stretched over a wooden frame. Rolled means bare canvas in a tube or folded, with creases to flatten.
- DIY frame
- Loose wooden bars you assemble and stretch the canvas over yourself. It's cheaper than pre-framed and takes about 20 minutes.
- Canvas size
- 16 x 20 in (40 x 50 cm) is the standard. Bigger sizes give larger sections that are kinder to tired eyes.
- Number of colors
- 24 colors is typical. 36 or more gives smoother shading and also more tiny sections to fill.
- Paint
- Kits use water-based acrylic in small numbered pots. It dries on canvas in minutes and dries in an open pot nearly as fast.
What not to pay for
- Detailed scenes on small canvases
The sections shrink until the numbers barely fit. Go 16 x 20 in or bigger for busy pictures.
- A rolled canvas as a gift
A creased canvas with no frame is a chore before the fun starts. Spend the extra few dollars on framed.
- Leaving the pots open
Open one color at a time and snap the lid shut after. Dried paint is the number one reason kits go unfinished.
Questions
My paint dried out. Can I save it?
If it's thick, stir in 1 or 2 drops of warm water. If it's rock hard, it's gone. Ask the seller for a replacement pot or match the color with craft acrylic.
How do I hide the numbers under light colors?
Let the first coat dry, then add a second. Whites and yellows often need 2 or 3 thin coats to cover the print.
How long does a 16 x 20 in kit take?
Most take somewhere between 10 and 30 hours, depending on the detail. Paint one color at a time and work from the top down so your hand stays out of wet paint.
Written by the DIY Project team. We recommend by type and spec, cheapest option that does the job first. How we check
Updated October 3, 2026. Prices are estimates.