How to Fix Dried Out Paint in Your Paint by Numbers Kit
Thickened acrylic paint can usually be revived in under five minutes: add one or two drops of water, stir with a toothpick, wait a few minutes and stir again. Lift off any rubbery skin first. Paint that has dried solid cannot be saved, so match the color from other pots or contact support.
At ArtistryByNumbers, our paint pots are sealed for maximum shelf life, but accidents happen. Free shipping to the US, Canada, the UK, the EU, Australia and New Zealand and Buy 2 Get 1 Free.
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Turn one of your own photos into a numbered canvas (from $19.95). We trace it, mix the paints to match, and ship the kit with brushes.
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- Bold and Free Painting by Numbers Premium Kit (from $19.95)
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- Still Life Goblet Painting by Numbers Kit (from $19.95)
Thickened Paint (Still Soft)
If the paint is thick and pasty but still soft when you push a toothpick into it
- Add 1-2 drops of water (literally drops, not a splash)
- Stir with a toothpick for 30 seconds
- Wait 2-3 minutes
- Stir again, the paint should be smooth and creamy
- If still thick, add ONE more drop of water and repeat
Important Less water is always better. Too much water makes the paint transparent and watery.
Partially Dried Paint (Rubbery)
If the paint has a rubbery skin on top but is still soft underneath
- Remove the dried skin carefully with a toothpick
- Discard the dried pieces
- Add 2-3 drops of water to the remaining paint
- Stir thoroughly
- The remaining paint should be usable
Fully Dried Paint (Solid)
If the paint has dried into a hard solid, it unfortunately cannot be revived. Acrylic paint is a plastic polymer, once fully cured, it is permanent. Options
- Match the color at a craft store (bring the pot for color matching)
- Mix a similar shade from your other pots
- Contact our support. We may be able to send replacement colors
Prevention Tips
- Always close pots tightly after use: the #1 prevention method
- Clean the rim before closing: dried paint on the rim prevents airtight seal
- Store upside down: paint creates an extra seal against the lid
- Keep away from heat: heat accelerates drying
- Do not leave pots open while painting: only open the pot you are currently using
No experience needed.
Free shipping to the US, Canada, the UK, the EU, Australia and New Zealand, with no minimum order. Buy two kits and the third is free, applied automatically at checkout.
Paint that went on too thin after reviving it can leave streaks. Our guide to fixing streaky paint by numbers covers the second coat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you add water to dried paint by numbers paint?
Yes, if the paint is still soft. Add one or two drops, stir with a toothpick for 30 seconds, wait two or three minutes and stir again. More than a few drops turns the color thin and see-through.
Why did my paint by numbers paint dry out?
Almost always air getting into the pot: a lid not pressed down, dried paint on the rim stopping it from sealing, or a pot left open while you worked on another color. Heat speeds it up.
Can fully dried acrylic paint be revived?
No. Once acrylic has cured into a hard solid it is permanent, and water will not bring it back. Mix the shade from your other pots, match it at a craft store, or ask us for a replacement color.
How do I stop paint by numbers pots drying out?
Open only the pot you are using, wipe the rim before closing, press the lid down firmly and store the pots upside down away from heat.
