Color by Numbers with Markers: Why Markers Instead of Paint
Stitchi Studio color by numbers uses numbered markers instead of paint — so it stays clean, has no drying time, and you can pause whenever you like, without knowing a thing about brush technique. That is exactly what makes it so easy to do right at the kitchen table: no water, no palette, no mess. Curious what it looks like? Browse the Color by Numbers collection, or turn your own photo into a Custom Photo – Color by Numbers canvas.
Quick facts
- Clean to work with: no water, no palette, no spilled paint — just markers with a cap.
- No drying time: move straight on to the next area, no waiting and no smudging.
- Easy to pause: cap on and you are done; tomorrow you pick up right where you left off.
- No brush skill needed: markers glide on their own, with no paint to load or mix.
- Paint still wins on texture: acrylics build relief and coverage — honestly, markers are weaker there.
- Choose your detail: collection sets come in 24, 36 or 48 colors. More colors means more detail.
How do numbered markers work?
The idea is simple, and that is the whole charm. You get a pre-printed canvas where the design is split into small areas, each with a number in it. The set includes markers that carry the same numbers. An area with a 7? Grab the marker labelled 7 and fill it in. Nothing to choose, nothing to mix, nothing to measure — the canvas tells you exactly which color goes where.
Because the colors are already worked out for you, the final result is essentially set before you even start. Your only job is the calm and the rhythm: area by area, color by color. Many people like to work color by color (all the 7s first, then the 8s) or top to bottom, so your hand never drags across a freshly colored area. There is no right or wrong order — whatever relaxes you is the correct one.
Want a step-by-step start? Our beginner's guide walks you gently through the whole process.
Why markers instead of paint?
The classic version — paint by numbers with acrylics — is lovely, but it needs a setup: pots of paint, a brush, water to rinse, a cloth, and a spot where spills do not matter. Markers remove all of that. You pick up the canvas, pick up the markers, and start. Done coloring for today? Cap on and away it goes — no brushes drying out, no paint thickening in the pot.
| Color by numbers (markers) | Paint by numbers (paint) | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup & cleanup | Start instantly, cap on when you finish | Set out and clean paint, brush, water and cloth |
| Drying time | No waiting, straight through | Let neighbouring areas dry between passes |
| Pausing | Any moment, no consequences | Possible, but brush and palette must be cleaned |
| Technique | No experience needed, markers glide on their own | Loading paint and staying inside the lines takes practice |
| Workspace | Kitchen table, sofa, train — no protection needed | A protected surface and water pot help |
| Finish | Even, graphic and crisp | Visible brush strokes and relief |
In short: markers win on ease, speed and tidiness. That also makes it a great hobby for evenings when you have no appetite for a whole ritual and simply want to clear your head. If you also enjoy stitching, see how the two crafts compare in cross stitch vs paint by numbers.
When does paint actually have the edge?
Fair is fair: paint can do things markers cannot, and you deserve to know. Acrylics build a physical texture — you can see and feel the brush strokes, which gives a canvas a real, painterly look. Paint is also stronger on coverage: you can layer and fully block out an area. And if you love to experiment, you can mix paint into a color of your own.
Markers, by contrast, give an even, crisp, graphic finish with no relief. For some that is exactly the appeal (clean and modern); for others it lacks that painterly feel. There is no winner — it comes down to which result and which process suit you. If you want something with real texture and don't mind the cleanup, paint may be your thing. If you want a calm, no-mess craft you can do anywhere, markers are the friendlier pick.
What do 24, 36 and 48 colors mean?
With our collection sets you choose how many colors your set contains. That number decides how finely the design is divided: more colors means more, smaller areas and smoother transitions — and therefore more detail in the finished piece.
| Number of colors | Name | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 24 colors | Essential | Beginner-friendly: larger areas, quicker to finish, very relaxing |
| 36 colors | Detailed | The sweet spot between pace and detail |
| 48 colors | Premium | The most refined: subtle shading and the smoothest gradients |
Not sure? Feel free to start with 24 colors if you have never colored by numbers before; it stays relaxing and the result is still beautiful. Fancy a challenge or love fine detail? Go for 48. A nice touch: every collection set includes two canvases that share the same color palette, so one marker set makes two matching pieces — perfect as a diptych above the sofa. Read more in the two-canvas set guide.
Note: the personalised Custom Photo – Color by Numbers does not use a color count. We match the number of markers to your photo and simply include them all.
Who are markers ideal for?
Markers are ideal if you want to start without any fuss and keep it relaxed at the table — with kids nearby, between two chores, or as an evening wind-down on the sofa. Even if you have never painted before, this is a friendly, low-threshold start, because no technique is involved. And because pausing is so easy, it fits a busy life: five minutes or two hours, both are fine.
Collection sets start from €59.95 for a set of two canvases, and the personalised Custom Photo version from €50.95. Shipping is free, worldwide, with no minimum order. Want to know the time commitment before you begin? See how long color by numbers takes.
Frequently asked questions
Why markers instead of paint for color by numbers?
Markers are cleaner and faster: no water, no palette and no drying time. You start right away, can pause any moment by putting the cap on, and you need no brush technique. Paint has its own strengths (texture and coverage), but markers are far more accessible for simply coloring at the kitchen table.
Will the marker bleed or leak on the canvas?
No, you work dry. There is no water or liquid paint involved, so nothing can run or leak across your canvas. Cap on and you set it aside worry-free, even halfway through.
Can I really start with no experience?
Yes. You do not need to be able to draw or paint. The canvas uses numbers to tell you exactly which color goes where, and the markers glide on their own. You only need to stay inside the lines, and that is easier than with a brush.
What is the difference between 24, 36 and 48 colors?
The number of colors decides how much detail your design has. 24 colors (Essential) is beginner-friendly with larger areas, 36 (Detailed) is the middle ground, and 48 (Premium) gives the most refinement and the smoothest transitions. This choice applies to the collection sets; with Custom Photo we include the matching markers by default.
When would I still prefer paint?
If you specifically love the visible brush strokes and relief of acrylics, or enjoy mixing your own colors, paint by numbers suits you better. If you want a crisp, even, clean finish with no fuss, markers are the nicer choice.
Are the markers included in the kit?
Yes. Every set and the Custom Photo canvas come with the numbered markers matched to the design. You do not need to buy anything extra to get started.