Complete Guide to Paint by Numbers Paint Problems: What to Do When It Dries Out or Runs Out

For every Paint by Numbers enthusiast, few things are more frustrating than encountering a paint problem: opening a pot to find your most-used color has dried out, or realizing you are running out of paint halfway through your masterpiece.

Don't worry! These issues are common and easily solved. This guide provides a comprehensive troubleshooting strategy to help you prevent and deal with the most frequent Paint by Numbers paint issues.

I. What to Do When Paint Dries Out or Gets Too Thick (Drying Issues)

The key to solving the paint drying problem is understanding that you are working with Acrylic Paint, which is designed to dry quickly.

Why is My Paint Drying Out So Fast?

Paint drying has two main causes. Understanding them helps you effectively avoid the problem:

• Natural Properties: Acrylic paint is a water-soluble, fast-drying medium. Its moisture naturally evaporates when exposed to air—this is its inherent characteristic.

Emergency Fixes for Dried or Thickened Paint

Even if the paint has dried or thickened, don't discard it yet. Here are two effective rescue methods:

• 1. Hot Water Softening Method (For slightly dry or thick paint):

  • Add 1-2 drops of warm water (not boiling) directly to the paint surface.

  • Immediately seal the lid tightly and let it stand for about 2–5 hours.

  • Stir with a toothpick or brush; the paint should become smooth and restored.

• 2. Specialized Diluent (For severely dry paint):

  • If the paint is severely clumped, use a professional acrylic paint diluent (or gloss medium).

  • Add a small amount of the diluent and stir slowly. This provides a more stable fix than water and won't diminish the paint's coverage.

Daily Habits to Prevent Paint from Drying Out (How to Avoid)

The best solution is prevention. Adopt these habits:

• Seal Immediately: Only open the paint pot you are currently using, and make it a habit to seal the lid tightly immediately after dipping your brush.

• Cool Storage: Store unused paint kits in a cool, shaded environment, away from direct sunlight.

• Limit Air Time: Even during painting, if you won't be using a specific color for an extended period, close the lid.

II. What to Do When the Paint Runs Out (Quantity Issues)

Finding you are running out of paint is frustrating, especially when your artwork is near completion. This usually happens with light colors or large background areas.

Which Colors are Most Likely to Run Out? Why?

While Paint by Numbers kits should theoretically have enough paint, some colors are used up faster:

• Light Colors (e.g., white, light yellow): These colors typically have lower coverage. You need to apply 2–3 layers to fully cover the printed numbers and lines, naturally consuming more paint.

• Large Background Colors: Colors used for skies, oceans, or large color blocks inherently require more paint.

Three Effective Solutions When Paint Runs Out

If you find a certain color has run out, try these solutions:

• 1. Contact the Merchant for a Refill (Best Option):

  • Take a quick photo of your canvas and the empty pot and immediately contact our customer support team. We can usually re-send the specific pot you need for free or for a minimal shipping cost.

• 2. Try Mixing Your Own Color (Alternative Solution):

  • If you are only slightly short, and the missing color is simple, try mixing it yourself using the remaining acrylic paint from surrounding pots (e.g., mixing a tiny bit of blue into white to match a light sky color).

• 3. Use Paint-Saving Techniques:

  • Thin Coats are Better: Apply two thin layers instead of one thick layer. This saves paint, dries faster, and leaves a smoother finish.

  • Avoid Over-Dilution: Excessive water reduces the coverage of the paint, forcing you to apply more layers, which wastes paint.

Summary:

Issues with Paint by Numbers paint running out or drying are common, but they are easily addressed through proper management techniques and immediate emergency fixes. Use this solution guide to confidently tackle any problem and get back to enjoying your Paint by Numbers hobby!