Painting by numbers colors dried out – what to do?
Painting by numbers is very popular with people of all ages. But an annoying problem often arises: the paints dry out and become unusable. This can be frustrating, especially when you are engrossed in a work of art. Fortunately, there are methods and tricks to revive dried paints.
Painting by numbers colors dried out – these are the causes
There are various reasons why paints can dry out. Acrylic paints used for paint by numbers are particularly sensitive to air and environmental influences. Frequent opening and closing of containers causes moisture to escape, which speeds up the drying process. Storing paints in a very dry environment or near a heat source can also encourage drying out. Improper storage, such as leaving the lid open completely, is also a common mistake.
Make dried paints liquid again with water
Acrylic paints are water-soluble, so in many cases water is the easiest and most effective way to reactivate dried paints.
However, caution should be exercised here.
Using a pipette or teaspoon, carefully add small amounts of water to the paint pot and stir the mixture thoroughly with a toothpick or brush.
Make sure that the paint does not become too runny, otherwise it will lose its opacity and become more difficult to apply. For more stubborn paints, it can be helpful to cover the paint pots with a damp cloth for a few hours so that the paint can slowly absorb the moisture.
Make dried paints liquid again with thinner
If water is not enough, there are special thinners available at art supply stores. These thinners are designed to loosen the pigments and binders of the paint without changing the consistency or opacity too much. An acrylic thinner is usually a good choice, but here the motto is "less is more". Start with a few drops and stir well.
Compared to water, thinners are often more expensive, but they offer a more targeted and gentle method of reactivating dried paints.
Make dried paints liquid again with oil
A more unusual but effective method of reactivating acrylic paints is to use linseed oil. Linseed oil is a classic agent used in oil painting and can give dried paints a new consistency.
However, this method is not suitable for every application, as the oil can extend the drying time of the acrylic paint and affect the feel of the image.
For delicate work that requires fine detail, this method can be distracting. Use just a few drops of linseed oil and mix it thoroughly into the paint for best results.
Paint by Numbers Storing Paints Properly
The best way to prevent paint from drying out is to store it properly. Paint should always be kept airtight and stored at room temperature if possible. Store your paint pots in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and radiators.
It is particularly helpful if you clean the edge of the container after each use so that the lid can be closed optimally.
Another option is to store the paints in a sealable plastic bag to minimize contact with the ambient air.
Reorder paints for painting by numbers – when all rescue attempts fail
Sometimes dried paints can no longer be saved. In this case, it is possible to reorder certain colors. Many paint-by-numbers providers offer a service where you can repurchase specific pots of paint. This is particularly useful if only individual colors are affected that you need for the picture. Reordering is also worthwhile for advanced painters who want to keep paint in larger quantities and for a longer period of time.
How should I store paint by numbers acrylic paints?
Proper storage of paints is crucial:
Always store acrylic paints in a closed, cool room protected from light.
Direct sunlight and heat sources should be avoided as these factors accelerate the drying of the paint. A common mistake is not closing the containers completely.
Clean the rim of the lid and the edges of the containers after each use so that they can be sealed airtight. Also make sure not to leave the paints unsealed for long periods of time - even short moments can cause the moisture to evaporate.
Conclusion: Dried paints – know your options
Dried paint-by-numbers paints are an annoying problem, but they are not necessarily a reason for despair. With simple household remedies such as water or professional thinners, the original consistency of the paint can often be restored. However, storing and caring for your paints correctly is the most effective preventative measure. If all rescue attempts fail, you can always reorder. This way, nothing stands in the way of your painting fun.
