Canvas vs. Board: Decoding the Ideal Surface for Your Paint-by-Number Adventure

Here are some considerations for choosing between a kit that is on a canvas versus one on a board.

Feature	Canvas	Board
Texture	Slightly textured for a classic painting feel	Smooth surface, ideal for precision
Flexibility of Mounting	Can be stretched over a frame or mounted on a board. can be hung with or without a finishing frame	Fixed, stable structure. No additional prep work required before framing. Best hung in a frame to keep stable.
Durability	Stretched canvases are sturdy and long-lasting	May be less durable if not properly hung. More susceptible to the impact of moisture.
Size	There are many more options in the size choice for canvas surface versus Boards. Looking for an unusual size, you could try Aliexpress. Early in my journey I had bought from a few of the suppliers on this site. It takes quite a while to get the kit as it comes from China but the prices are affordable. Pick a supplier that has lots of positive reviews.	Boards typically come as 40x50cm and a few kits are smaller 24 x 30cm . Some kits come with multiple panels of boards for a unique look. Search for Schipper brand Paint by Number for some great examples of board paintings.
Framing	Can be hung with or without a frame (on a stretcher board). If you hang without a frame, be sure to paint the sides of the canvas.	Fits seamlessly into a standard size frame
Preparation	Requires more preparation than a board. Sometimes the canvas surface can feel glossy. A product called Clear Gesso may be used to give the canvas a smooth finish for painting. Click Here for Clear Gesso product example: Clear Gesso Canvas may come folded with creases. Usually needs to be stretched and mounted in some way before or after painting.	No preparation is necessary for a board in order to begin painting

Special Note about Aliexpress. You will notice that some suppliers on this site mention Oil paintings in the title of the painting. Be aware that I have yet to find a kit that is actually oil paint. When you read the description and look at the pictures, the paints are acrylic. I believe a paint by number would be more difficult with oil paint. Mistakes would be less forgiving. With acrylic paint, you can clean up with mild soap and water and if a color doesn't turn out well, let it dry and then you can paint over it.

Check back soon, I will post additional topics about how to prepare your canvas, options for mounting a painting, and more. I also plan to post a Gallery of some of my finished works and I"ll share what I liked (and perhaps didn't like so much) about each kit.