Made a smudge? Painted the wrong section? Don't panic. One of the best things about acrylic paint — the type used in most paint by numbers kits — is that it's very forgiving. Most mistakes are completely fixable, and with a few simple techniques, you can get your painting back on track without starting over.
The Good News About Acrylics
Acrylic paint dries quickly and layers well. This means that in most cases, you can simply paint over a mistake once it dries. Unlike watercolors, acrylics are opaque enough to cover errors cleanly — especially if you apply two thin coats rather than one thick one.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
1. Painted Outside the Lines
This is the most common beginner mistake, and it's almost always fixable. Wait for the paint to dry completely, then carefully paint the correct color back over the area where you went outside the lines. Use a fine-tipped brush for precision. If the overlap is very small, the surrounding colors will cover it naturally as you fill in adjacent sections.
2. Wrong Color in the Wrong Section
If you catch it while the paint is still wet, blot it gently with a damp paper towel — don't rub, as that spreads the paint further. Once dry, apply the correct color over the top. You may need two coats if the wrong color was significantly darker than the right one.
3. Colors Bleeding Together
This usually happens when you paint a section right next to a wet area. Prevention is the best fix here: always let one section dry before painting its neighbor. If bleeding has already occurred, let everything dry fully, then carefully reapply the correct colors to restore the clean edges.
4. Paint Too Thick or Clumpy
Thick paint can obscure the numbers and create an uneven texture. If your paint is drying clumpy, you may have too much on your brush or the paint in the pot has started to dry out. Add a tiny drop of water to the pot and stir to restore a smooth consistency. For sections already painted too thickly, let them dry and lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper before repainting with a thinner coat.
5. Numbers Still Showing Through
This just means you need another coat. Let the first layer dry completely — usually 10–15 minutes — then apply a second thin layer. Two thin coats will always look better than one thick coat, and the numbers will disappear completely.
6. Dried Paint on the Wrong Brush
If acrylic paint dries on your brush, it can be difficult to remove and will affect your next strokes. Rinse brushes thoroughly in water between colors and never let them sit in water for long periods (this damages the bristles). If a brush has dried paint on it, soak it in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes, then work the bristles gently to loosen the paint.
Prevention Tips to Avoid Mistakes
- Work in good lighting so you can clearly read the numbers on the canvas.
- Work one color at a time to reduce the chance of grabbing the wrong pot.
- Let sections dry before painting neighbors to prevent bleeding.
- Use the right brush size — a fine brush for small sections, a larger brush for open areas.
- Keep your reference image nearby to double-check colors as you go.
When to Embrace Imperfection
Here's a secret: most small imperfections disappear completely when you step back and view the painting from a normal distance. What looks like a glaring mistake up close often blends seamlessly into the overall image. Paint by numbers is about the joy of the process — don't let the pursuit of perfection take away from the experience.
Ready to Start Fresh?
If you're looking for your next project, explore our Custom Paint by Numbers Kits — each one comes with everything you need for a smooth, enjoyable painting experience. And if you're just getting started, check out our beginner's guide to paint by numbers for a full walkthrough.
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