Painting by numbers is a fun and therapeutic way to create beautiful artworks without needing any prior painting experience. However, like any activity, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the quality of your finished piece. Fortunately, most of these mistakes are easy to avoid or fix with a little bit of knowledge and preparation. In this guide, we’ll discuss some common mistakes in painting by numbers and how to remedy them to ensure your artwork turns out perfectly.
1. Using Too Much Paint
One of the most common mistakes is applying too much paint at once. This can lead to thick, uneven layers that may obscure the numbers or boundaries of the sections. It also increases the drying time and can result in unwanted texture or smudges.
How to Fix It: To avoid using too much paint, start with a small amount on your brush and gradually build up the coverage. Use thin layers and let each layer dry before adding more. If you’ve already applied too much paint, you can gently scrape off the excess with the edge of a palette knife or the flat side of your brush while the paint is still wet. If it has dried, lightly sand the area with fine sandpaper and repaint it.
2. Not Cleaning Brushes Properly
Another frequent error is not cleaning your brushes thoroughly between colors. This can lead to muddy, mixed colors that ruin the overall look of your painting. It can also damage your brushes, making them less effective over time.
How to Fix It: Always rinse your brushes thoroughly with water before switching to a new color. Gently swirl the brush in a cup of water and then wipe it on a clean paper towel until no more color comes off. For stubborn paint, especially acrylics, you can use a mild soap or brush cleaner. Keeping multiple brushes handy can also help you avoid cross-contamination of colors.
3. Ignoring the Numbering System
It can be tempting to start painting randomly, especially if you’re eager to see how the finished piece will look. However, ignoring the numbering system can result in missed sections, mismatched colors, and a less cohesive final artwork.
How to Fix It: Always follow the numbering system as closely as possible. Start with larger areas and move to smaller ones, or begin with lighter colors and progress to darker shades to avoid unwanted smudging. Keeping a checklist of completed sections can help ensure you don’t miss any spots.
4. Painting Outside the Lines
Painting outside the lines is a common mistake, especially in sections with tiny or intricate details. This can make the painting look messy and reduce the sharpness of the final image.
How to Fix It: Use smaller brushes for detailed areas and keep a steady hand. If you do paint outside the lines, don’t panic. Wait until the paint dries, then use the correct color to cover the mistake. Alternatively, you can use a fine-tipped paint pen or a small detail brush with a tiny bit of matching paint to correct the error.
5. Starting in the Wrong Place
Where you start painting can greatly affect your overall experience and the outcome. Beginning in the wrong place, such as the middle of the canvas, can cause accidental smudging as you rest your hand on wet paint.
How to Fix It: Always start from the top of the canvas and work your way down. If you’re left-handed, it’s best to start on the right side and work to the left, and vice versa for right-handed individuals. This approach minimizes the chance of smudging wet paint with your hand.
6. Not Letting Paint Dry Between Layers
Patience is key in painting by numbers. Not allowing enough drying time between layers can cause colors to bleed into each other, making the artwork look muddy.
How to Fix It: Ensure each section is completely dry before moving on to the next, especially if the areas are adjacent. You can use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process, but be careful not to blow paint onto other sections.
7. Using the Wrong Brush Size
Using a brush that is too large for small, detailed sections or too small for larger areas can result in a messy finish and an uneven texture.
How to Fix It: Always use the appropriate brush size for the area you’re working on. For detailed sections, use fine-tipped brushes. For broader areas, use a larger brush to achieve smooth, even strokes. Keeping a variety of brushes on hand will make it easier to tackle different parts of the painting.
8. Skipping Varnishing
Varnishing your painting is an essential final step that many people skip. Without varnish, your artwork may look dull, and the colors may not be as vibrant over time.
How to Fix It: After finishing and letting your painting dry completely, apply a clear varnish or sealant. This will protect your artwork from dust, moisture, and fading. Use a spray varnish for an even coat, or apply liquid varnish with a clean brush for a glossy finish.
9. Not Mixing Paint Properly
Paint can separate in the pot, especially if it has been sitting for a while. If not mixed well, the colors may not be consistent, leading to a patchy appearance.
How to Fix It: Before painting, stir each color thoroughly using a toothpick or a small mixing stick. This ensures the pigments are evenly distributed for a smooth application.
10. Running Out of Paint
Running out of paint midway can be frustrating and leave your artwork incomplete. This usually happens when using more paint than necessary or not mixing it properly.
How to Fix It: Be conservative with your paint usage and only squeeze out a little at a time. If you run out, you can mix similar colors to create a match, or purchase replacement paints from craft stores. Keeping a palette to mix and blend can help you maximize what you have.
Conclusion
Painting by numbers can be a rewarding and relaxing hobby, but it’s essential to be mindful of these common mistakes to create the best possible artwork. By following these tips and solutions, you can avoid pitfalls and enjoy a smooth, enjoyable painting experience. Remember, every mistake is an opportunity to learn, and the process is just as important as the finished piece!
