Ipaint Basic Guide 2: Prepare Materials and Brushes

Q: What if I lose or damage the heat-erasable pen?

Replacement heat-erasable pens are available in our Paint by Numbers Collection. These pens are specially designed for iPaint and compatible with the heat-erasable technology that makes sketching guidelines disappear with heat.

Ipaint Basic Guide 2: Prepare Materials and Brushes | Paint by Numbers

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Ipaint Basic Guide 2: Prepare Materials and Brushes | 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: Setting Up Your iPaint Workspace

With your iPaint software installed and device connected (see iPaint Basic Guide 1), you're ready to set up your workspace! This guide covers preparing materials, installing the heat-erasable pen, and placing the canvas to start your paint-by-numbers artwork.

A well-organized workspace is the foundation of a smooth painting experience. When your materials are prepared and your canvas is correctly aligned, you'll spend less time on setup and more time on what really matters — creating beautiful art.

💡 Quick Tip: Before you begin, make sure your workspace is well-lit and your iPaint machine is placed on a stable, level surface. A clean, organized area helps prevent mistakes and keeps you focused on your creative process.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, collect the following items. Having everything ready before you start saves time and keeps you in the creative flow.

Acrylic Paint Kit: Provides vibrant colors for your artwork. The kit included with iPaint is specially formulated for paint-by-numbers projects.
Canvas: Your painting surface, included with iPaint. The canvas is pre-treated for optimal paint adhesion.
Brush: For detailed painting. A fine-tip brush allows for precision work on small numbered areas.
Heat-Erasable Pen: For sketching outlines that disappear with heat — perfect for marking guidelines without leaving permanent traces.
Tape: To secure the canvas to the machine's work surface during painting.
Silicone Pen Grip: Enhances pen comfort and precision, reducing hand fatigue during longer sessions.

📦 Included vs. Additional Supplies: Most of these items come with your iPaint machine. If you need replacements or extras, you can find them in our Paint by Numbers Collection.

Step 2: Install the Heat-Erasable Pen

Place the silicone pen cap on the thermal eraser pen. If you plan to paint on the same surface as your canvas, adjust the cap to the B mark by default. If your canvas is attached to a thicker drawing board (over 15mm), adjust it to the A mark. Finally, insert the pen into the iPaint pen holder and lock it in place.

🖊️ Pen Cap Adjustment Guide:

B Mark (Default): Use this setting when your canvas is directly on the machine's work surface. This is the standard setup for most projects.
A Mark: Use this setting when your canvas is mounted on a thicker drawing board or base (over 15mm thick). The added height requires a different pen position for accurate sketching.

⚠️ Important: Make sure the pen is securely locked in the holder before starting. A loose pen can cause inaccurate sketches and may damage your canvas. Always double-check that the lock mechanism is fully engaged.

Step 3: Place the Canvas

Align the canvas edges with the scale markers on the iPaint machine's feet. Secure the canvas by taping all four corners with tape to ensure it stays in place during painting.

Proper canvas alignment is critical for accurate sketching and painting. The scale markers on the machine's feet are designed to help you position the canvas consistently every time.

iPaint Basic Guide 2: Aligning the canvas with the scale markers on the machine's feet

📐 Canvas Alignment Tips:

Make sure the canvas lies completely flat on the work surface — no wrinkles or folds.
Use tape on all four corners to prevent shifting during the sketching and painting process.
For larger canvases, add extra tape along the edges for added stability.

Watch the Setup Video

See these steps in action with our video tutorial below:

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lose or damage the heat-erasable pen?

Replacement heat-erasable pens are available in our Paint by Numbers Collection. These pens are specially designed for iPaint and compatible with the heat-erasable technology that makes sketching guidelines disappear with heat.

Can I use any acrylic paint with iPaint?

We recommend using the acrylic paint kit that comes with iPaint, as the colors are specifically matched to the templates generated by the software. If you need to replace your paint, look for high-quality acrylic paints that offer good coverage and vibrant pigments. Avoid paints that are too thick or too thin, as they may not match the numbered color areas perfectly.

What type of canvas works best with iPaint?

iPaint is designed to work with the canvases included in your purchase. For replacements, we recommend using cotton or linen canvases with a fine grain surface. Avoid canvases with a heavy texture, as they may not capture the fine details of your paint-by-numbers template as clearly. You can find compatible canvases in our Paint by Numbers Collection.

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. For best results, 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. Our Paint by Numbers Collection offers replacement canvas sets so you can keep creating without interruption.

Next Steps

After placing your canvas and installing the heat-erasable pen, your workspace is fully prepared and ready for creative work. Make sure all your materials and tools are in place, and that the canvas is securely aligned with the machine's markers — this ensures precise sketching and painting, and greatly enhances your painting experience.

At this stage, simply follow the instructions to move on to the next step: uploading your custom image and starting your paint-by-numbers journey.

Upload your image to the HTVRONT app and select the artwork you want to create. For detailed instructions, refer to iPaint Basic Guide 3: How to Upload an Image to iPaint. The entire process is beginner-friendly, while also meeting the needs of experienced creators who value detail and efficiency.

To get a complete overview of all the steps, check out our iPaint Complete Basic Guide: Step-by-Step Paint by Numbers Tutorials, or visit our Paint by Numbers Collection for more inspiration and practical tips.

With thorough material preparation, professional tool installation, and standardized canvas placement, iPaint makes paint-by-numbers simple, efficient, and enjoyable. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, following each step of the guide will help you easily create your own beautiful artwork.

✅ Quick Checklist: Your iPaint Workspace Setup

Gather materials — acrylic paint kit, canvas, brush, heat-erasable pen, tape, silicone pen grip
Install the heat-erasable pen — adjust cap to B mark (standard) or A mark (thicker canvas)
Lock the pen securely — ensure the pen holder is fully engaged
Place the canvas — align with the scale markers on the machine's feet
Secure with tape — tape all four corners to prevent shifting
Check your workspace — level surface, good lighting, all tools within reach
Ready to create! — proceed to Guide 3 to upload your image and start painting

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:

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Ipaint Basic Guide 2: Prepare Materials and Brushes | Paint by Numbers

Ipaint Basic Guide 2: Prepare Materials and Brushes | Paint by Numbers

Introduction: Setting Up Your iPaint Workspace

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Step 2: Install the Heat-Erasable Pen

Step 3: Place the Canvas

Watch the Setup Video

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps

📚 Keep Learning: More Guides to Level Up Your Craft

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