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 + our Instagram page has some examples of great images to convert into a Paintillio. 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! Simply email us a couple of photos and we'll create previews for you to choose your favourite. We'll make sure you are happy with your final choice before you are asked to complete your payment/order transaction. 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 

    If you need a rush order and we're able to squeeze it in, we will! Just pop us a note via email and we'll see what we can do.

    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! 

    We also provide an option to pre-print some of your image at no additional cost, to get the party started! Choose between 25%, 50%, 75% or more! You won't be able to see the difference between what was pre-printed and what was painted when it's all said and done! 

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

    Pop on that apron 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 hosting a short event. Is there any way you can pre-paint some of my image to get it started?

    We’re all about impact and we want your guests to have the best experience possible! So, we started a pre-printing program to do our part in reducing the amount of time it takes to complete your Paintillio. And it's FREE! We'll get your painting started for you so that you can feel good about your piece being completed at your event. Choose between 25%, 50%, 75% or more! You won't be able to see the difference between what was pre-printed and what was painted when it's all said and done! 

    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 90 days of opening.