Paint by numbers colors dried up - what to do?
Painting by numbers is very popular with people of all ages. However, there is often an annoying problem: the colors dry up 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-up colors.
Paint by numbers colors dried up - these are the causes
There can be various reasons for dried paints. Acrylic paints used for painting by numbers are particularly sensitive to air and environmental influences. Frequent opening and closing of the containers causes moisture to escape, which accelerates the drying process. If the paints are also stored in a very dry environment or near a heat source, this can also promote drying. Improper storage, such as not closing the lid 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 simplest and most effective means of reactivating dried paints.
However, care should be taken here.
Use a pipette or teaspoon to 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 be more difficult to apply. For more stubborn colors, 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 in artists' stores. These thinners are designed to loosen the pigments and binding agents in the paint without changing the consistency or opacity too much. An acrylic thinner is usually a good choice. However, the motto "less is more" applies here. 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 paint.
Making 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 medium 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 prolong the drying time of the acrylic paint and affect the feel of the painting.
For delicate work where fine detail is required, this method can be distracting. Use only a few drops of linseed oil and mix it thoroughly into the paint to achieve the best results.
Storing paint by numbers colors correctly
The best way to prevent paints from drying out is to store them correctly. Paints should always be stored in an airtight container and preferably at room temperature. Store your paint pots in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and radiators.
It is particularly helpful if you clean the rim of the container after each use so that the lid can be closed properly.
Another option is to store the paints in a sealable plastic bag to minimize contact with the surrounding air.
Reorder paint by numbers colors - when all rescue attempts fail
Sometimes dried up colors can no longer be saved. In this case, it is possible to reorder certain colors. Many paint by number suppliers offer a service where you can buy specific paint pots again. This is particularly useful if only individual colors that you need for the picture are affected. Reordering is also worthwhile for advanced painters who want to keep larger quantities of colors for a longer period of time.
How should I store paint by numbers acrylic paints?
Storing the paints correctly is crucial:
Always store acrylic paints in a closed, cool and light-protected room.
Direct sunlight and heat sources should be avoided, as these factors accelerate the drying out of the paints. A common mistake is not closing the container completely.
Clean the rim of the lid and the edges of the containers after each use so that they can be closed airtight. Also make sure that the paints are not left unsealed for long periods of time - even short moments can contribute to the evaporation of moisture.
Conclusion: Dried paints - know your options
Although dried paint-by-numbers paints are an annoying problem, they are not necessarily a reason to despair. With simple household remedies such as water or professional thinners, the original consistency of the paint can be restored in many cases. However, proper storage and care of your paints is the most effective preventive measure. If all rescue attempts fail, you still have the option of reordering. So nothing stands in the way of your painting pleasure.
