Acrylic vs Oil Paint by Number Kits: Which Is Best for UK Beginners?

If you've been scrolling through craft shops or Instagram wondering whether to pick up acrylic or oil paint by number kits, you're not alone. We've tested dozens of sets over the past two years  from budget high-street boxes to premium canvas kits  and the type of paint makes a bigger difference than most beginners expect. Painting with numbers should feel relaxing, not stressful, and the wrong medium can turn a cosy Sunday project into a sticky, smelly mess. This guide breaks down exactly what sets acrylic kits apart from oil kits, who each one suits, and which five kits under £40 are genuinely worth your money right now.

Acrylic vs Oil: What Actually Matters Before You Buy

Choosing between acrylic and oil isn't just about the paint itself  it affects drying time, smell, cleanup, and how forgiving the kit is for a first attempt.

Drying Time and Patience

Acrylic paint dries within 15 to 30 minutes, so you can layer numbers close together without smudging adjacent sections. Oil paint can take 24 to 48 hours to touch-dry, which means beginners often end up dragging wet colour into the wrong box by accident.

Smell and Ventilation

Oil-based kits usually need thinner or mineral spirits, which have a strong odour and require an open window or ventilated room. Acrylic kits use plain water for thinning and brush cleaning, making them far more practical for flats, small bedrooms, or paint by numbers for kids sessions at the kitchen table.

Fabric, Canvas and Durability

Look at the canvas weight before buying  thin, flimsy canvases wrinkle under wet paint and warp as they dry. A pre-stretched cotton canvas around 280-300gsm holds paint evenly and stays flat, whether you're using acrylic or oil.

Price-to-Value Ratio

Under £40, acrylic kits almost always include more accessories (multiple brush sizes, hooks, extra paint pots for touch-ups) because the paint itself is cheaper to manufacture. Oil kits at this price point tend to cut corners on canvas quality to keep costs down, so check reviews specifically for canvas thickness.

Skill Level and Versatility

Acrylic suits nearly every beginner, including children with supervision. Oil suits adults who enjoy a slower, meditative pace and don't mind extended drying between sessions; it's less forgiving if you're short on time or patience.

Top 5 Best Paint by Number Kits Under £40

Here are the five kits we rate highest for UK beginners right now, based on canvas quality, paint pigmentation, and how closely the finished piece matches the reference image.

1. Classic Acrylic Starter Kit  £24.99

Key features: pre-stretched 40x50cm canvas, numbered acrylic pots, 3 brush sizes, wall-mount hooks included. Why it's worth buying: this is the most balanced entry point we've tested. Pigments are vivid straight out of the pot, and the canvas doesn't need extra stretching before you start.

• Pros: fast drying, beginner-friendly numbering, minimal paint waste

• Cons: smaller canvas may feel limiting for detailed landscape designs

2. Kids Wildlife Collection  £19.99

Key features: chunkier number sections, non-toxic acrylic paint, shorter brush handles sized for smaller hands. Why it's worth buying: this is our top recommendation specifically for paint by numbers for kids, since the simplified sections reduce frustration for ages 6 and up.

• Pros: safe formula, quick 20-minute drying, easy for small hands to grip

• Cons: fewer colour blends, so older kids may outgrow it quickly

3. Premium Oil-Effect Landscape Kit  £34.99

Key features: oil-textured acrylic paint (oil look, water cleanup), 50x65cm canvas, gallery-style finish. Why it's worth buying: it gives you that rich, blended-oil aesthetic without solvents, which is ideal if you love the look of oil painting but don't want the ventilation hassle.

• Pros: realistic depth and texture, larger statement-piece size

• Cons: takes longer to dry than standard acrylic due to thicker paint application

4. Traditional Oil Paint Kit  £29.99

Key features: genuine oil-based paints, linen-blend canvas, wooden easel stand included. Why it's worth buying: for adults who want an authentic oil-painting experience on a budget, this kit's linen canvas supports layered strokes noticeably better than cotton alternatives.

• Pros: authentic oil finish, sturdy easel for proper setup

• Cons: needs a ventilated space and 24+ hours between coats

5. Couples Double Canvas Acrylic Set  £27.99

Key features: two 30x40cm canvases with matching design halves, shared brush set, acrylic paint. Why it's worth buying: it's a genuinely fun date-night or family activity, and the acrylic formula means both canvases finish in a single sitting.

• Pros: great for shared projects, fast drying keeps momentum going

• Cons: smaller individual canvas size limits fine detail

How Do These Kits Compare?

• Best overall for beginners: PaintWithNumbers.uk Classic Acrylic Starter Kit  easiest learning curve, quick results

• Best for children: PaintWithNumbers.uk Kids Wildlife Collection  safest formula, simplest sections

• Best for an oil look without the mess: Premium Oil-Effect Landscape Kit  rich texture, water cleanup

• Best for authentic oil painting: Traditional Oil Paint Kit  real oil paint, includes easel

• Best for shared activities: Couples Double Canvas Acrylic Set  two canvases, one relaxing evening

Practical Tips From Our Testing

• Tape down the edges of your canvas before starting so it doesn't shift while you're filling in numbered sections.

• Work from the smallest-numbered areas outward prevents you from accidentally smudging finished sections with your hand.

• If a colour dries out mid-project, a single drop of water can revive most acrylic paints; oil paints rarely need this.

• Store finished acrylic canvases flat for the first 24 hours; oil canvases need a full week to clear of dust before hanging.

• For paint by numbers for kids, lay down a plastic tablecloth first  acrylic washes out of fabric but not always out of carpet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is acrylic or oil better for paint by number beginners?

Acrylic is better for almost all beginners because it dries quickly, cleans up with water, and doesn't require solvents. Oil suits more experienced hobbyists who prefer a slower pace and don't mind waiting a day or two between paint layers.

Are paint by number kits actually good for kids?

Yes, as long as you choose a paint by numbers kit specifically labelled for children, with non-toxic acrylic paint and simplified numbered sections. Kits designed for kids also tend to use shorter brushes and larger colour blocks that are easier for smaller hands to manage.

How long does a paint by numbers canvas take to finish?

Most 40x50cm acrylic kits take between 8 and 15 hours of total painting time, often spread across several sessions. Oil kits typically take longer overall because you need to wait for layers to dry between sittings.

Do paint by number kits under £40 come with everything needed?

Most kits in this price range include the canvas, numbered acrylic or oil paints, brushes, and a hanging hook, though canvas quality and brush count vary by brand. Always check whether the canvas is pre-stretched, since unstretched canvases need extra framing before you can paint or display them.

Can I frame a finished paint by numbers canvas?

Yes, once the paint is fully dry  usually 24 hours for acrylic and up to a week for oil  you can frame it like any standard canvas artwork. Many UK buyers skip framing altogether and mount the canvas using the wooden stretcher bars included in most kits.