Canvas Painting Kits: What's Inside and How to Use Them
By Michaels Canada | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Learn what comes in a canvas painting kit and follow simple steps to create your first canvas art, even if you're a beginner.
Quick answer
A canvas painting kit typically includes a pre-printed canvas, paints, brushes, and instructions, so you can start painting right away. Our step-by-step guide helps you set up, paint, and finish your artwork with confidence.
Why choose a canvas painting kit?
Canvas painting kits take the guesswork out of starting a new hobby. They come with everything you need, so you don't have to buy supplies separately. This makes them perfect for beginners who want to try painting without a big upfront investment.
Kits also offer a guided experience. Many include pre-printed outlines that show where each color goes, making it easy to create a polished piece even if you've never painted before. This is great for building confidence and learning basic techniques.
What's typically inside a canvas kit?
While contents vary by brand, most canvas painting kits include a canvas with a printed design, a set of acrylic paints, and at least one brush. Some kits also provide a reference image or instructions to help you follow along.
The Jonathan Adler x Michaels 11" x 11" Stacked Ice Cream Canvas Painting Kit, for example, includes everything you need to paint a graphic ice cream cone design. The kit is designed with maximalist style and eye-catching color contrasts, so you can create a piece that stands out in your living room.
How to use your canvas painting kit
- Set up your workspace: Lay down newspaper or a drop cloth to protect your table. Place your canvas on a flat surface with good lighting, and have a cup of water and paper towels nearby for cleaning brushes. Make sure your workspace is well-ventilated if you're using acrylic paints.
- Review the instructions and layout: Read the instruction sheet and look at the reference image. Identify the numbered or labeled sections on the canvas so you know which colors go where. Check that you have all the listed colors before you start; if any are missing, contact the store.
- Start with larger areas or background: Begin painting the larger background sections first, using a wider brush if available. This helps you get comfortable with the paint consistency and covers the base quickly. Use thin layers and let each dry before adding another to avoid streaks.
- Paint the details and smaller areas: Switch to a smaller brush for outlines and fine details. Take your time and follow the printed lines. If you make a mistake, wait for the paint to dry and paint over it with the correct color. Clean your brush between colors to prevent muddying the paint.
- Let it dry and display: Allow the painting to dry completely, usually a few hours. Once dry, you can hang it on the wall or place it on a shelf. If you want to protect the surface, consider applying a clear acrylic sealer. Avoid touching the wet paint to prevent smudges.
Featured kit
- Jonathan Adler x Michaels 11" x 11" Stacked Ice Cream Canvas Painting Kit: This kit includes everything you need to paint a graphic stacked ice cream cone design, perfect for mid-century modern décor. You can start painting immediately without shopping for separate supplies, and the finished piece adds a pop-art inspired accent to your space.
Jonathan Adler x Michaels 11" x 11" Stacked Ice Cream Canvas Painting Kit
