Ipaint Basic Guide 5: Draw, Color, and Showcase

Q: What if the machine stops during the drawing process?

First check the app for error messages. Common causes include power connection issues, low ink, or Bluetooth disconnection. You can restart the drawing process using the app's 'Redraw' function.

Q: Do I have to use the provided acrylic paint kit?

We highly recommend using the included paint kit for best color matching. If you use other brands, colors may not match the numbered system perfectly. For most accurate results, stick with the provided kit.

Q: What if I make a mistake while painting?

Mistakes happen! For small errors, wait for the paint to dry slightly and gently scrape off excess with a craft knife or toothpick. For larger mistakes, paint over with the correct color once the first layer is dry.

Q: How do I preserve my finished paint-by-numbers artwork?

Once fully dry (allow 24 hours), protect with a clear acrylic sealant spray. For framing, wait at least 48 hours before placing behind glass to ensure the paint is fully cured.

← Go back

Ipaint Basic Guide 5: Draw, Color, and Showcase | Paint by Numbers

Written by Tia Isom

Published on August 15, 2025

Modified on August 27, 2026

Reading time for 5 min

Table of Contents

Introduction: Bringing Your Artwork to Life

With your iPaint parameters set and outline previewed (iPaint Basic Guide 4), it's time to bring your paint-by-numbers artwork to life! This guide covers drawing the outline and coloring your masterpiece using the HTVRONT app and iPaint machine.

This is the moment you've been waiting for — watching your digital image transform into a physical painting, line by line and color by color. The process is designed to be smooth and enjoyable, so take your time and enjoy every step.

💡 Pro Tip: Before you start, make sure you have everything within reach: your paint kit, brushes, a cup of water for rinsing, and a cloth for drying. A well-organized workspace makes the painting process much more enjoyable.

Step 1: Drawing the Outline

In the HTVRONT app, click the Start button to begin drawing the paint-by-numbers outline. Monitor the progress bar in the app to track the drawing progress and estimated completion time. While the machine works, you can prepare your paints or take a moment to grab a coffee to boost your focus.

🖊️ During the Drawing Process:

Watch the progress bar — it shows both completion percentage and estimated time remaining.
Stay nearby — while the machine works automatically, it's good to be present in case of any issues.
Prepare your paints — use this time to organize your acrylic paint kit and arrange the colors in order.
Don't interrupt — let the machine complete the drawing process without interference for the best results.

⚠️ Important: Do not move the canvas or touch the pen while the machine is drawing. Any movement during the process can misalign the outline and affect the final result. If you need to pause, use the app's pause function rather than manually interfering with the machine.

Step 2: Coloring

Once the outline is complete, use the Acrylic Paint Kit with numbered bottle caps. Match the numbers on the canvas to the corresponding paint colors and fill in each section. After coloring, use a hairdryer to gently heat the canvas, erasing the heat-erasable pen's outline for a clean, polished look.

🎨 Coloring Tips for Best Results:

Work from top to bottom — start at the top of the canvas and work your way down to avoid smudging.
One color at a time — paint all sections of one color before moving to the next to minimize brush rinsing.
Thin layers — apply thin, even coats of paint. Thick layers take longer to dry and may crack.
Clean your brush — rinse your brush thoroughly between colors to keep your paints vibrant and clean.

🔥 Erasing the Outline:

Use a hairdryer — set it to warm (not hot) and gently heat the entire canvas surface.
Keep it moving — don't hold the hairdryer in one spot for too long to avoid overheating.
Watch the lines disappear — the heat-erasable pen marks will fade as the canvas warms up.
Let it cool — after erasing, let the canvas cool before handling.

Tip: If any outline marks remain, repeat the heating process. The lines are designed to disappear with gentle heat.

Watch the Tutorial Video

See these steps in action below:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the machine take to draw the outline?

The drawing time depends on the complexity of your design and the canvas size. For a standard 8×10 inch canvas with a medium-complexity design, expect the process to take approximately 5 to 15 minutes. The app's progress bar will give you a real-time estimate as the machine works, so you'll always know how much time is remaining.

What if the machine stops during the drawing process?

If the machine stops unexpectedly, first check the app for any error messages or notifications. Common causes include a loose power connection, low ink in the heat-erasable pen, or a Bluetooth disconnection. If the issue persists, you can restart the drawing process from the beginning using the app's "Redraw" function. The machine is designed to be forgiving, so don't worry — you won't waste your canvas.

Do I have to use the provided acrylic paint kit?

While we highly recommend using the included acrylic paint kit for the best color matching and consistency, you can use other high-quality acrylic paints if needed. However, note that colors may not match the numbered system perfectly if you use different brands. For the most accurate results, stick with the provided kit or ensure your replacement paints are closely matched to the supplied color chart.

What if I make a mistake while painting?

Mistakes happen! Acrylic paint is relatively forgiving — if you paint outside the lines, you can wait for the paint to dry slightly and gently scrape off the excess with a craft knife or toothpick. For larger mistakes, you can paint over the area with the correct color once the first layer is dry. Acrylic paint covers well, so small errors won't be visible in the final piece.

How do I preserve my finished paint-by-numbers artwork?

Once your painting is complete and fully dry (allow at least 24 hours), you can protect it with a clear acrylic sealant spray for a glossy or matte finish. This will protect the paint from dust, UV light, and minor scratches. For framing, make sure the paint is completely dry before placing it behind glass — we recommend waiting at least 48 hours before framing to ensure the paint is fully cured.

Next Steps

Your artwork is complete! Share your masterpiece or start a new project. Review the full process in our iPaint Complete Basic Guide: Step-by-Step Paint by Numbers Tutorials or visit our Paint by Numbers Collection for more inspiration and supplies.

✅ Quick Checklist: Bringing Your iPaint Artwork to Life

Start the drawing process — tap "Start" in the app and monitor progress
Prepare paints while drawing — organize your acrylic paint kit by number
Let the machine complete — don't interrupt the drawing process
Color section by section — work from top to bottom, one color at a time
Apply thin layers — thin coats dry faster and look more professional
Clean your brush between colors — keep your paints vibrant and clean
Erase the outline — use a hairdryer on warm setting to remove heat-erasable marks
Let it dry — allow 24 hours before sealing or framing
Share your masterpiece! — tag us @HTVRONT to show off your work

Final Words

And that's a wrap! Our tutorial on Paint by Numbers has come to an end. We hope this guide has been helpful in making it easier for you to use this creative machine. At HTVRONT, we truly believe that creativity makes life better, which is why we're constantly developing and providing innovative DIY machines and products, including heat press machines, laser engravers, vinyl cutters, DTF printers, and more.

If you're a seasoned HTVRONT and LOKLiK user, you've probably noticed that the HTVRONT app can seamlessly connect to multiple devices like laser engravers, vinyl cutters, and DTF printers. Fun fact: iPaint can actually double as a vinyl cutter — just swap out the pen tip for a cutting blade! (Pretty surprising, right?)

Finally, we wish you endless joy in your creative journey. Enjoy the fun of crafting and the beauty of life!

Shop iPaint & Paint by Numbers →

📚 Keep Learning: More Guides to Level Up Your Craft

Love iPaint? Explore these related resources to expand your creative skills:

Ipaint Basic Guide 5: Draw, Color, and Showcase | Paint by Numbers

Ipaint Basic Guide 5: Draw, Color, and Showcase | Paint by Numbers

Introduction: Bringing Your Artwork to Life

Step 1: Drawing the Outline

Step 2: Coloring

Watch the Tutorial Video

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps

Final Words

📚 Keep Learning: More Guides to Level Up Your Craft

Other Guest Post

How to Price HTV, Sublimation, DTF, Embroidery & Laser Crafts in 2026

DIY Apparel Printing in 2026: Which Method Makes the Most Money?

What Is Sublimation Paper Used For

What is the best sublimation paper

Back-to-School DIY with the A100 Multi Heat Press: Custom Sashes, Shirts, Hats & More

How to Wash DTF Shirts and Keep That Soft, Rubbery Feel

How to Wash HTV Shirts So They Never Peel or Fade: The Complete Guide

How to Cure DTF without Oven

Other Video

How to Use Auto Heat Press 2

What is A100 Auto Multi Heat Press

How to Heat Press Shirts with A100 Auto Multi Heat Press

Love You, Mom! Business Inspiration for D2 DTF Printers

Preheat, dry, and perform vacuum sublimation. New phone case ready

Making Cute Teddy Bear Phone Cases Using the H17 Heat Press - Sublimation Idea

Hand-Draw Your Love - Creative Sublimation Ideas for Phone Cases

Bring your DIY Kraft paper bag creations to life with the H1 Mini Heat Press

Get the latest news from HTVRONT