Custom Photo Paint-by-Numbers: Joysine and PBNCanvas Picks

Turning a favorite photo into a paint-by-number kit makes a thoughtful gift, and some online sellers want to offer the same product to their own customers. The hard part is finding a maker that prints clear numbers, supplies usable paint, ships on time and handles customer photos carefully.

Based on what each supplier publishes, we recommend two options. Joysine is our pick for sellers and brands that need a manufacturing partner. PBNCanvas is our pick for people who want one custom kit for themselves or as a gift.

Quick answer

• For a shop or brand: Joysine, which offers dropshipping, neutral packaging and private-label options.
• For one personalized kit: PBNCanvas, which publishes its prices and offers a 40×50 cm size and a 24-color option.
• For either one: get the total price, the duty terms and the photo-retention terms in writing before you pay.

What a custom photo kit includes

A custom kit usually has a pre-printed, numbered canvas made from your photo, numbered acrylic paints, brushes and a reference guide. Each number on the canvas matches a numbered paint pot. Both suppliers below offer a 40×50 cm size, which is about 16×20 inches. The color count affects detail: more colors usually mean finer detail and more painting time.

Joysine: our pick for sellers and brands

Joysine describes itself as a paint-by-number and diamond-painting manufacturer based in Shenzhen, China. Its website says it runs a 2,000 m² production facility and offers OEM, private-label, wholesale and dropshipping programs. It also says it takes photo-to-kit orders from individuals.

These points stand out for sellers:

• Dropshipping with no stated minimum. Joysine says it fulfills single orders in neutral packaging, with no factory markings and no promotional inserts.
• Platform support. The site describes its dropshipping as ready for Etsy, Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce and TikTok Shop.
• Photo previews. For custom kits, its designers return a preview for approval within 24–48 hours before production.
• Production and express delivery. Standard production takes 3–7 business days. Express delivery to the US typically takes 5–10 business days and includes tracking. Put together, that's roughly 8–17 business days before customs.
• Defect remedy. Defective kits reported within 30 days, with photos, can be replaced or refunded.
• Free sample. Business buyers can request one free sample per company.
• Photo handling. Its privacy policy says custom artwork files are kept only as long as needed to produce and support the order, and are deleted on request.

Confirm these before you order

• Whether one photo kit qualifies for dropshipping with no minimum. Joysine's public pages also say custom OEM production starts at 50 sets per design.
• Whether invoices are left out of the parcel. The pages mention neutral packaging but not invoices.
• Whether the quote is DDP (duties paid) or DAP/DDU (buyer pays on delivery). Its DDP options are listed for wholesale and white-label terms, so confirm the terms for a single order.
• Whether missing or dried paint falls under the defect policy.

PBNCanvas: our pick for individual buyers

PBNCanvas sells custom paint-by-number kits made from customer photos directly to buyers through a standard online checkout. Its custom range offers size, color-count and frame choices.

These points stand out for individual buyers:

• Clear options. The custom collection includes 24-, 36- and 48-color versions, and the 16×20 inch (40×50 cm) size is available.
• Published price range. Custom listings show prices from $33.85 to $102.85, depending on the options you pick.
• Standard contents. A numbered linen canvas, a numbered acrylic paint set (about 24 colors, depending on the painting), three brushes (small, medium and large) and reference paper with a copy of the canvas.
• Production and shipping. PBNCanvas says most US orders are produced in 5–10 business days, and US shipping takes 10–20 days. Put together, that's roughly 2½ to 5 weeks. Busy periods can add time.
• Tracking. A tracking number is emailed when it becomes available.
• Photo check. The company reviews each photo before production. If it asks for a different photo, the delay can add a few days.

Returns and cancellations

• Return window. The refund page says 30 days, but the FAQ says 14 days. Ask which one applies to your order.
• Cancellation. The FAQ says a $5 service fee applies, and orders canceled after 24 hours face a 40% production and administration fee.
• Refunds. Custom orders don't get full refunds. Damaged, defective or incorrect items are replaced.
• Return postage. You pay return shipping, and that cost is non-refundable.
• Dried or missing paint. The wholesale FAQ says support sends replacement paint for dried or unusable paint. Confirm that the same applies to a retail order.

Confirm these before you order

• Photo privacy. The public privacy policy covers website and order data. It doesn't mention uploaded photos or copyright, so ask for written terms before you send a personal photo.
• Unframed shipping. The public pages don't say whether unframed kits ship rolled.

Photo rights and privacy checklist

Whichever supplier you choose, protect the photo before you upload it:

1. Upload only photos you own or have permission to use. In most cases the photographer owns the copyright.
2. For recognizable people, get their consent first.
3. Remove GPS location data from the file. Joysine asks customers to avoid uploading photos with embedded GPS data.
4. Ask how long the photo is kept, when it is deleted, and whether it is used for samples, portfolios or ads.
5. Save the written answers with your order records.

Duties, taxes and who pays

Since 2025, US de minimis rules have generally stopped low-value parcels from China from entering duty-free. The suspension began for China and Hong Kong in May 2025 and was extended to all countries in August 2025 (trade guide).

Ask every supplier whether the quote is DDP (the seller pays duties) or DAP/DDU (you pay on delivery). Get the answer in writing, including the total you will pay.

Etsy sellers: check the production-partner rules first

If you plan to list these kits on Etsy, read Etsy's rules before you start. Items made with a production partner must follow Etsy's Creativity Standards, and the partner must be disclosed on the listing (Etsy Help Center). Neutral packaging doesn't change those requirements.

If something goes wrong

1. Photograph the damaged or incomplete kit and its packaging.
2. If the parcel is damaged, note it on the delivery receipt before you sign, and file a carrier claim right away.
3. Email the supplier with your order number, the photos and a short description of the problem. Keep a copy.
4. For missing or dried paint, ask for replacement paint in writing.
5. If tracking shows delivered but the parcel never arrives, check the address and contact the local post office before you escalate.
6. Ask any supplier for its lost-parcel policy and deadlines before you order.

Our recommendation

If you're building a product line and need a supplier relationship, start with Joysine. Get single-order terms in writing, including minimums, packaging, duties and photo retention. If you want one personalized kit, start with PBNCanvas. Read its return and privacy terms first, and upload your photo only after you're comfortable with them.

Frequently asked questions

Is Joysine a manufacturer?

Yes. Its privacy policy names Shenzhen Joysine Technology Co., Ltd. as the operator and describes it as a paint-by-number and diamond-painting kit manufacturer.

Does PBNCanvas make its own kits?

PBNCanvas says it makes kits at its production center in China. It doesn't name a factory.

What is the minimum order?

Minimums depend on the product line. PBNCanvas sells single custom kits at retail, and its wholesale starts at 10 kits. Joysine's dropshipping has no stated minimum, its custom OEM runs start at 50 sets per design, and its wholesale starts at 50 units.

Can I get a free sample?

Joysine offers one free sample per company to business buyers. PBNCanvas hasn't published a sample program.

Who pays import duties?

It depends on the quote. Ask whether the price is DDP or DAP/DDU, and get the answer in writing.

Sources

• Joysine privacy policy
• Joysine About page
• Joysine free sample and dropshipping page
• Joysine OEM page
• Joysine wholesale page
• PBNCanvas custom product page
• PBNCanvas custom collection
• PBNCanvas shipping page
• PBNCanvas FAQ
• PBNCanvas refund policy
• PBNCanvas wholesale page
• PBNCanvas privacy policy
• Etsy Help Center: production partners
• US de minimis background (trade guide)

Supplier terms change. This guide reflects public information checked on October 9, 2026. Confirm prices, timelines and policies in writing before you order. This article is not legal, tax or customs advice.