FAQ

Everything you’re aching to know…
and some things you didn’t know you wanted to know.
You know?

> GENERAL Q & A

I’m really not great at art, but want to do something creative. Is Paintillio for me?

You bet. All you need to be able to do is match numbers to numbers, and stay (somewhat) within the lines. The numbers lay out a roadmap to Paintillio-success - so no need to worry about the imposing nature of a blank canvas (which can intimidate even the most experienced artists!).

I have a HUGE group attending my event and are afraid it’s going to get crowded. Is there a max number of people a project is best suited for?

What’s awesome about Paintillio is how easy it is to dip in and out of while an event is going on, so there’s always brushes and space being freed up. And because it’s incredibly social, it becomes a hub for conversation and connection between guests. The more people, the merrier the process will be!

My kids are keen to have Paintillio at their birthday party. Is Paintillio age appropriate for kids?

As long as those kids are 10 and up, you bet. We’ve found kids younger than 10 like to go rogue...which means the final product doesn’t look exactly like it’s supposed to. Teens though? They love it.

Are there height or accessibility constraints?

Paintillio is awesome and accessible for people of every ability. We believe in making art, community, fun and belonging accessible to everyone - so no matter your ability there’s a way for you to contribute.

> ORDERING PROCESS

Having a hard time selecting an image for my Paintillio. How do I choose the best photo?

Here’s the top things to look for when choosing your image:

1) The photo must be yours OR you must have permission to use it.

2) The best images for us to work with are:

  • digital
  • high resolution
  • clear, crisp images where there is a clear difference between the main subject (e.g. someone’s face) and the background (e.g. trees or sky). Portraits work best with close up photos.
  • colourful & bright


Our Gallery has tons of examples of great images to convert into a Paintllio. Have a peek and if you want some advice in selecting the best one, send your short list to us in an email and we’ll be happy to help choose the winner.

    Change happens, right? What if I need to cancel my order; do you provide a refund?

    Change totally happens, agreed and we get it. However, because each painting is a custom product, once your order has been processed onto a canvas and the paints mixed, we do not provide exchanges or refunds. If your Paintillio is damaged during shipping, please email us and we’ll see what we can do!

    I want to see what the Paintillio will look like before I put down my credit card. Can I preview the image before I order?

    YOU BET! Once you upload your image you’ll be able to preview it before you are asked to complete your payment/order transaction. And if you don’t like what you see, send it to us in an email and we’ll work on it until it’s just right - or suggest trying alternate photos. We’re all about no surprises and all OMG YES when you unpack your canvas or mural.

    I’ve got a specific date I’m trying to have a Paintillio ready for. How long does it take to receive my kit after I order?

    Your kit will arrive in approximately 2 - 3 weeks, depending on where it has to ship to. Keep in mind that holidays and other times of unusually high volume (aka wedding season) may require additional processing time. #handmixed #handpacked #handpainted #everythingbyhand

    I know you’re based in Vancouver but I’m not in the city. How much is shipping?

    Costs are based on location, so they vary based on where you’d like the kit mailed to. You can estimate your shipping rate in the checkout process without having to make a purchase.

    > PAINTING PROCESS

    I can’t wait to get my painting complete! How long does it take to finish a project?

    Finishing a Paintillio depends on how many people are collaborating on it, and how big your project is.

    Here's the basic math:

    More people = faster. Less people = slower.

    And remember: you can’t rush art!

    Sometimes I get enthusiastic when I’m creating (aka I’m messy). Is the paint washable?

    Pop on that apron (provided in your kit) and do your best to keep your brushes wrangled: acrylic paint is only washable if you hit it with hot water right away! If you don’t wash the paint out of your clothes immediately, it will usually live with you forever.

    I have huge ideas for a whole handful of projects. If I want to order multiple kits, can I reuse the paint?

    Custom pictures turned into custom paintings mean custom paint palettes. We recommend only using the paints that are provided with each painting…otherwise someone might end up with a green nose and purple teeth.

    I’m done my project but have extra paint left over; what do I do with it?

    We’re nature nerds and obsessive about being as environmentally friendly as possible! So, we started a paint recycling program to do our part in reducing the amount of waste Paintillio produces. When you’re done your masterpiece, simply send us back any unused paints with the pre-paid packaging in your kit.

    I love that you have a paint recycling program...but I really want to keep my paint for other art projects. Can I do that?

    Totally - create away. And, know that once opened and used, the paints have a short shelf life. We suggest using the paints within 30 days of opening.

    But I really want to keep my paint for other art projects. Can I do that?

    Totally - create away. And, know that once opened and used, the paints have a short shelf life. We suggest using the paints within 30 days of opening.