Ipaint Complete Basic Guide: Step-by-Step Paint by Numbers Tutorials

Q: What type of photos work best with iPaint?

iPaint works best with well-lit, high-contrast photos where the subject is clearly defined. Portraits, landscapes, and pet photos all produce great results. Avoid blurry images, extreme low-light photos, or very busy backgrounds.

Q: How do I clean the heat-erasable pen tip?

To clean the heat-erasable pen tip, use a soft, damp cloth. Gently wipe the tip to remove any dried ink or residue. Avoid using harsh chemicals or submerging the pen in water. Clean the pen after each use to maintain smooth, consistent lines.

Q: Can I reuse the canvas after painting?

The canvas is designed for one-time use. Once you've completed your artwork, it's ready to be displayed or gifted. For more projects, simply use a fresh canvas from our Paint by Numbers Collection.

Paint by Numbers-Ipaint Complete Basic Guide

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Ipaint Complete Basic Guide: Step-by-Step Paint by Numbers Tutorials

Written by Tia Isom

Published on August 15, 2025

Modified on August 27, 2026

Reading time for 5 min

Table of Contents

Introduction: Welcome to iPaint Digital Painting

Welcome to the world of iPaint digital painting! This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process of creating stunning paint-by-numbers artwork, from setting up your device to showcasing your masterpiece.

Covering five essential steps — software setup, material preparation, image selection, parameter configuration, and final coloring — this tutorial series, paired with detailed videos, ensures you can unleash your creativity with ease. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, follow these steps to transform your ideas into vibrant creations with iPaint.

💡 What Makes iPaint Different?

iPaint uses AI technology to turn your photos into custom paint-by-numbers templates. Unlike traditional kits that come with pre-printed designs, iPaint lets you create artwork from your own images — family portraits, pet photos, or any special memory. The machine draws the outline, and you bring it to life with color.

Step 1: Set Up Software and Devices

Start your iPaint journey by downloading the HTVRONT app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Install the app, create an account, and ensure a stable internet connection.

Guide 1

Set Up Software and Devices

Next, unbox your iPaint machine, plug it into a power outlet, and confirm the green light indicates it's powered on. Pair the device with the app via Bluetooth by navigating to "Device Settings" and selecting "Add Device." This setup prepares your iPaint for seamless operation.

Read Full Guide: iPaint Basic Guide 1 [Tutorial Video]

Step 2: Prepare Materials and Brushes

With your device ready, gather your materials: an Acrylic Paint Kit, canvas, brush, heat-erasable pen, tape, and silicone pen grip.

Guide 2

Prepare Materials and Brushes

Install the heat-erasable pen by sliding the silicone grip to the B mark (or A mark for canvases thicker than 15mm) and securing it in the iPaint Holder. Place the canvas on the machine, aligning its edges with the scale markers on the machine's feet, and tape down all four corners for stability. This ensures a perfect workspace.

Read Full Guide: iPaint Basic Guide 2 [Tutorial Video]

Step 3: Upload and Select Images

Choose your artwork in the HTVRONT app by tapping the Canvas Icon. Upload a personal photo via the "Upload" option and select "Oil Painting" to process it with styles like Oil Painting Transfer (Easy, Medium, Complex) or AI Transfer (six artistic variations).

Guide 3

Upload and Select Images

Alternatively, browse the Library, filter for Oil Painting designs, and add your favorite to the Canvas with the ➕ icon. This step sets the foundation for your artwork.

Read Full Guide: iPaint Basic Guide 3 [Tutorial Video]

Step 4: Adjust Settings and Preview Strokes

Configure your painting settings in the HTVRONT app by clicking "Make" and selecting "Paint by Number." Choose your paint set (5 or 48 colors) and generate the digital draft.

Guide 4

Adjust Settings and Preview Strokes

View the outline by clicking "Hide Image," then select your brush (heat-erasable pen), substrate (Canvases, Canvas Panel, or Stretched Canvas), and canvas size. Adjust the image to fit. Test the pen's depth with "Pen Down," then use "Preview" to trace the outline, ensuring perfect alignment before adding to the task list.

Read Full Guide: iPaint Basic Guide 4 [Tutorial Video]

Step 5: Draw, Color, and Showcase

Bring your artwork to life! Click "Start" in the app to draw the paint-by-numbers outline, monitoring progress via the app's progress bar.

Guide 5

Draw, Color, and Showcase

Prepare your Acrylic Paint Kit, noting the numbered bottle caps. Match the canvas numbers to the corresponding colors and fill in each section. Once done, use a hairdryer to erase the heat-erasable pen's outline, revealing a polished masterpiece ready to showcase.

Read Full Guide: iPaint Basic Guide 5 [Tutorial Video]

Tips for Paint by Numbers

Maximize your iPaint experience with these practical tips:

Keep Paint Fresh — Acrylic paints dry quickly, so close the paint kit lids after each use to prevent drying. A mist of water on the paints before closing can also help keep them moist.
Paint Supply — The included paint kit supports about 10 artworks. Need more? Visit our Paint by Numbers Collection or supplement with additional primary color paints.
Mix Colors — Blend colors from your paint kit to create custom shades for unique effects. Keep a small mixing palette or paper plate nearby for color blending.
Canvas Mounting — If mounting your canvas on a board for coloring, adjust the silicone grip to the A mark (Guide 2) and perform a Pen Down Test (Guide 4) to ensure proper depth.
Versatile Paints — Acrylic paints are vibrant, durable, and adhere well to wood, glass, or plastic, but ensure iPaint operates on a flat surface for the best results.
Clean Your Brushes — Rinse brushes thoroughly between colors to keep your paints vibrant and prevent muddying. A cup of clean water and a cloth for blotting are essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete a paint-by-numbers project with iPaint?

The total time varies depending on the complexity of your image and the size of your canvas. The machine typically takes 5 to 15 minutes to draw the outline, while painting time depends on your speed — anywhere from 1 to 5 hours for a detailed design. The app's progress bar shows real-time progress during the drawing phase.

Can I use iPaint without an internet connection?

iPaint requires an internet connection for AI photo processing and template generation. Once the template is generated and saved to your device, you can print the canvas offline. However, we recommend staying connected for the best experience and to receive software updates.

What type of photos work best with iPaint?

iPaint works best with well-lit, high-contrast photos where the subject is clearly defined. Portraits, landscapes, and pet photos all produce great results. For best results, avoid blurry images, extreme low-light photos, or images with very busy backgrounds.

How do I clean the heat-erasable pen tip?

To clean the heat-erasable pen tip, use a soft, damp cloth. Gently wipe the tip to remove any dried ink or residue. Avoid using harsh chemicals or submerging the pen in water, as this may damage the mechanism. Clean the pen after each use to maintain smooth, consistent lines.

Can I reuse the canvas after painting?

The canvas is designed for one-time use — once you've completed your paint-by-numbers artwork, it's ready to be displayed or gifted! If you'd like to create more artwork, simply use a fresh canvas. Replacement canvas sets are available in our Paint by Numbers Collection.

Start Creating Today

With these five steps and expert tips, you're ready to create stunning paint-by-numbers artwork using iPaint. Follow the detailed guides and videos to master each stage, from setup to showcasing your creation.

✅ Quick Checklist: Your iPaint Journey at a Glance

Step 1: Download the HTVRONT app, create an account, pair via Bluetooth
Step 2: Gather materials — paint kit, canvas, brush, heat-erasable pen, tape
Step 3: Upload your photo or choose a design from the Library
Step 4: Set parameters — choose paint set, canvas size, test pen depth
Step 5: Start drawing, color by number, erase the outline with heat
Pro Tip: Keep paint lids closed, clean brushes between colors
Share! Tag us @HTVRONT and show off your masterpiece