How to Frame Your Finished Paint by Numbers as a Pet Lover: A Complete Guide

Turn Your Pet Portrait Into a Work of Art Worth Displaying

Framing your finished paint by numbers piece is one of the most rewarding steps in the entire process — especially when that painting features your beloved pet. Whether you've just completed your first beginner kit or you're a seasoned hobbyist, knowing how to properly frame and display your artwork makes all the difference between a canvas that sits in a drawer and one that becomes a proud centerpiece in your home.

This guide walks pet lovers through everything they need to know about framing a finished paint by numbers piece, from prep work to choosing the right frame style.

Why Framing Matters More Than You Think

A well-chosen frame does more than protect your painting — it elevates it. For pet portraits in particular, the right frame can make your dog, cat, or rabbit look like a fine art masterpiece. It also signals to guests that this piece means something to you personally.

Framing also preserves your work for years to come, protecting the canvas from dust, moisture, and UV damage.

Step 1: Let Your Painting Fully Dry

Before you even think about frames, make sure your paint by numbers canvas is completely dry. Acrylic paint can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day to cure properly, depending on the thickness of your brush strokes.

To check: lightly touch an area where paint was applied thickly. If it feels even slightly tacky, give it more time. Rushing this step can lead to smudged artwork inside the frame.

Step 2: Touch Up Before You Frame

Take a close look at your finished pet portrait under good lighting. Look for:

• Unpainted or thin spots around the edges
• Areas where numbers are still faintly visible
• Any color that bled outside the lines

A small brush and some leftover paint can fix these issues quickly. This is especially worth doing for pet portraits, where details like eyes and fur texture really stand out when framed and hung at eye level.

Step 3: Choose the Right Frame Size and Style

Most beginner paint by numbers kits come in standard canvas sizes, which makes finding a matching frame straightforward. Check the back of your canvas for dimensions before shopping.

For pet-themed artwork, consider these popular framing styles:

• Classic wooden frames — warm tones like walnut or oak complement animal portraits beautifully
• Sleek black frames — great for modern interiors and high-contrast pet portraits
• Floating frames — these give a gallery-quality look by letting the canvas appear to "float" inside the frame
• Gallery canvas stretcher bars — if you prefer a frameless look, stretching your canvas over wooden bars is a clean, contemporary option

Step 4: To Varnish or Not to Varnish?

Applying a varnish coat before framing is optional but highly recommended for pet portraits you plan to display long-term. Varnish protects against fading and gives the painting a uniform finish — you can choose matte, satin, or gloss depending on the look you want.

Use a wide, soft brush and apply the varnish in smooth, even strokes. Let it dry completely before placing the painting in a frame.

Step 5: Hang It With Care

Once framed, choose a wall location that avoids direct sunlight and high humidity (so skip the bathroom, even if it's a cute idea). Eye level is generally the best height for framing your finished piece — this allows the details of your pet's face and fur to be appreciated up close.

Consider grouping your pet portrait with other framed photos of your pet for a charming gallery wall effect.

Ready to Start Your Next Pet Portrait?

Framing your finished paint by numbers piece is truly the final touch that transforms a fun hobby project into something display-worthy. And the best part? The more you practice, the more confident you become — both with the painting and the framing process.

If you're looking for high-quality kits designed specifically for beginners, explore our Beginner & How-To paint by numbers collection, which includes a wide range of pet portrait designs. Each kit comes with everything you need to create a framing-ready masterpiece — no experience required. Browse our beginner pet portrait kits and start your next piece today.