Oops! How to Fix 5 Common Paint by Numbers Mistakes (Easy Guide)
Article Summary
Don't panic if your brush slips. This guide covers the five most common paint by numbers mistakes, from using the wrong colour to dealing with dried-up pots, and provides simple, effective solutions to get your artwork back on track.
Acrylic paint is forgiving; most mistakes are easy to fix.
It happens to everyone. You’re in the zone, painting away, and suddenly you realise you’ve just painted a "14" section with colour "4". Your heart sinks.
Don't worry. Paint by Numbers is meant to be a relaxing experience, like those found in our Adults Collection, not a stressful one. The acrylic paints supplied in our kits are incredibly forgiving and opaque. Almost any mistake can be fixed with a little patience. Here are the simple solutions to the most common mishaps.
1. The Mistake: Painting the Wrong Colour
This is the most common error. You misread a number or dip into the wrong pot.
The Fix: The "Wait and Layer" Technique
Do not try to wipe wet paint off the canvas; you will just smear it into surrounding areas. Instead:
- Stop and let the wrong colour dry completely. This usually takes 10-15 minutes.
- Once dry to the touch, simply paint over it with the correct colour.
- If you painted a dark colour over a light section, you might need two coats of the correct light colour to cover it completely. Let each coat dry in between.
2. The Mistake: Numbers Showing Through Lighter Colours
Pale colours like yellows, creams, and light pinks, often found in our Floral Kits, sometimes don't contain enough pigment to fully hide the printed number and lines on the canvas on the first pass.
The Fix: The "Whiteout" Trick
For stubborn numbers that won't disappear:
- The Standard Way: Apply a second, slightly thicker coat of the paint once the first layer is dry.
- The Pro Trick: Before applying your colour, paint over the number itself with a tiny dot of white paint (or the lightest colour in your kit). Let it dry, then apply the correct colour over the top. The white acts as a primer, hiding the number completely.
Using a dot of white paint as primer helps cover stubborn numbers.
3. The Mistake: Dried-Up Paint Pots
If you leave a lid cracked open overnight, or if you've had a paint by numbers kit stashed away for months, you might find some paints have become thick and gummy.
The Fix: The Warm Water Revival
Acrylic paint is water-based and can often be revived.
- Add one or two drops of warm water to the paint pot. Do not add too much, or the paint will become transparent.
- Use a toothpick or the back of a thin brush to stir it slowly and thoroughly.
- If it's still too thick, add one more drop and stir again until it reaches a creamy consistency.
A drop or two of warm water can usually bring thick paint back to life.
Note: If a paint has completely solidified into a hard, rubbery puck, it unfortunately cannot be revived.
4. The Mistake: Smudges and Spills
You leaned your hand on a wet section or dropped a blob of paint where it doesn't belong.
The Fix: Quick vs. Slow Actions
- If wet: Use a slightly damp cotton bud (Q-tip) or the corner of a paper towel to gently lift the wet paint straight up. Don't rub sideways.
- If dried: Treat it like Mistake #1. Let it dry completely, then paint over the smudge with the correct background colour.
Ready for a Mistake-Free Project?
Now that you know how to fix any mishap, you can paint with confidence. Explore our best-sellers and find your next relaxing escape.
Shop Best SellersThe Final Step: A Flawless Finish
Remember, a few small bumps along the way are part of the creative process. Once you've fixed your mistakes and completed your canvas, the final step is making it look gallery-ready.
Check out our guide on How to Frame and Display Your Finished Artwork to ensure your hard work is protected and showcased beautifully.
