Is Your Paint-By-Numbers Kit Dried Out?

Have you bought a paint by numbers kit but have one that is dried up? Or perhaps you were given one as a gift but you didn’t finish it and now the paint is dry? Here is a look at why it happens and how to deal with dried acrylic paints.

Why does it dry out and go hard?

There are a number of reasons why the paint might go hard and dry. Here are some of the main ones.

Exposure to air - If the paint is not properly sealed then air gets to them and it dries out.
Keeping them in a dry environment - Acrylic paints are sensitive and in low humidity, they can dry out even faster. Paints should be in a cool place.
High temperatures - Again keep them out of direct sunlight or other sources of heat as it dries them out.
Not storing them correctly - Paints should be kept somewhere ait tight to maintain their consistency and to limit issues of evaporation.
Not mixing them properly - The paints should be stirred well to might all the components before you use them or it can lead to them drying out.

Has it gone completely bad?

Here are some of the big signs that the paint is bad and cannot be used. Acrylic paint does have a long life but it is not forever.

The paint in your paint by number kits, is bad is there is a very unpleasant smell that is strong and foul.
If the paint is clumpy, this is separation or curdling and it has gone bad.
If there is discoloration or mold that is another sign it is spoiled.

Have water with you as you paint

Here are some reasons why you should have warm water with you as you paint.

If the paint is too thick and needs thinning then you can dip a toothpick into the warm water and add a drop at a time to get the consistency you need. Avoid adding too much though.
Between strokes dipping the brush into warm water not only keeps it clean it also helps to stop the paint from drying out and helps with smoother painting.

Try flow aid

Flow aid is another tool like warm water to help with the consistency of your paint in your paint by numbers, kit.

It can help to rehydrate paints that have dried out or become too thick as they start to dry out.
Helps to extend the lifespan of your paints to give you more time to blend and work with them.
Improves the levelling and flow as you paint so you can get smoother strokes.

Preventing the paint from drying out

Seal the paint containers correctly and store them in an air-tight container
Keep them away from heat or dry environments
When you have multiple paint by number kits work on one at a time
Make sure all caps are returned
Only use the amount of paint you need for that section.