How to Keep Paint by Numbers Paint From Drying Out
Everyone completes their paint by numbers project at their own pace. For those who like to work on pbn kits over the course of weeks, or potentially months acrylic paint can turn dry if not stored properly. Luckily, this is preventable if you take the right precautions.
Acrylic paint dries when the water in the paint evaporates, so the key to keeping your paint by numbers paints usable is limiting their exposure to air. Properly closing your paint pots, keeping the rims clean, and storing them correctly can dramatically extend their life.
Here’s how to keep paint by numbers paint from drying out as well as what you can do if your paint has already started to thicken.
How to Keep Paint by Numbers Paint From Drying Out
Whenever you finish painting, make sure every paint pot is completely closed and store the paints in a cool place away from direct sunlight or heat.
Before closing each pot, wipe away any paint around the rim so the lid can create a tight seal. For longer breaks, placing the closed paint pots inside an additional airtight container or resealable bag gives them another layer of protection from air.
While you're actively painting, try to keep each pot open only as long as necessary. Acrylic paint begins losing moisture as soon as it's exposed to air, even if you aren't actively using it.
For most painters, those few habits will make the biggest difference.
1. Keep the Rims of Your Paint Pots Clean
The most common reason for paint pots drying out This might be the most overlooked reason paint by numbers paints dry out.
As you use a color, small amounts of paint can accumulate around the rim of the pot. If that paint dries, which prevent the lid from sitting completely flush against the container.
The pot may look closed while still allowing a tiny amount of air inside.
Before putting your paints away:
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Wipe excess paint from the rim.
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Check the groove where the lid snaps into place.
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Remove any dried paint preventing the lid from closing.
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Press firmly around the entire lid until it is completely sealed.
Make this a habit every time you finish painting rather than waiting until you're putting the kit into long-term storage.
2. Put the Paint Pots Inside an Airtight Container
For extra protection, don't rely entirely on the individual paint pot lids.
Once all of your pots are securely closed, put the entire set inside an airtight plastic container or a well-sealed storage bag. This create a second barrier between your paint and the outside air.
If you're actively working on the painting daily, you this isn't a necessary step if you'll complete your pbn kit within 1-2 weeks.
3. Don't Leave Paint Pots Open While You're Painting
It's easy to get into the habit of opening several colors at once. If you can, avoid doing this. Acrylic paint is water-based, which is one reason it's so convenient for paint by numbers. It dries relatively quickly on the canvas and doesn't require complicated cleanup. Unfortunately, that also means it begins drying inside an open paint pot. Some painters prefer completing as much of one color as possible before moving to the next. You certainly don't have to paint this way, but it has the added benefit of reducing how frequently different paint pots are opened and exposed to air. No matter how short of a break you're taking, close the pot to prevent unnecessary drying.
4. Consider Using Acrylic Flow Aid or Flow Improver
If your acrylic paint is becoming thicker, an acrylic flow improver or flow aid can sometimes help improve its consistency. These products are specifically designed for use with acrylic paints. They can help improve paint flow without simply flooding the paint with water.
If you're using any additive in the small pots included with a paint by numbers kit, use it very sparingly and follow the manufacturer's directions. Paint by numbers pots contain relatively little paint, so adding too much liquid can quickly make the paint overly thin or affect its coverage. You also don't need to automatically add something to every fresh paint pot. If your paints are still smooth and easy to work with, focus on keeping them properly sealed and stored.
5. Pay Extra Attention to Nearly Empty Paint Pots
You may notice that the colors you've used the most are also some of the first to become thick.
There's a simple reason this can happen: as the amount of paint in the container decreases, there's more air inside the pot relative to the amount of paint.
That makes proper storage especially important once a color starts running low.
Make sure these pots are completely sealed after every use and consider keeping your entire set inside an airtight container between painting sessions.
6. Keep Your Paints Away From Heat and Direct Sunlight
Keep your kit and paint stored in a cool, dry place. Its better to store your paints somewhere with a relatively stable room temperature and out of direct sunlight. A drawer, closet, cabinet, or storage container in a climate-controlled room is usually perfectly fine. There's no need to find an elaborate paint storage solution. You're mainly trying to avoid conditions that accelerate evaporation or expose the pots to excessive temperatures.
What If Your Paint by Numbers Paint Is Already Drying Out?
Don't immediately throw away a paint pot just because it seems thicker than you remember. There are different stages of "dried out" acrylic paint, and slightly thick paint may still be usable.
If the Paint Is Slightly Thick
Start by stirring it thoroughly. Sometimes paint that has been sitting for a while simply needs to be mixed again. If it's still too thick, a very small amount of water may help restore a workable consistency. Add as little as possible, mix thoroughly, and check the consistency before adding any more. You can always add another drop. It's much harder to fix paint you've made too watery.
If the Paint Is Very Thick or Gummy
If stirring alone doesn't work, an acrylic medium or appropriate flow improver may be a better option. Add only a tiny amount at a time and mix thoroughly. Your goal is to restore a smooth consistency that spreads easily while still providing enough pigment to cover the numbered areas of the canvas.
If the Paint Is Completely Hard
Unfortunately, acrylic paint that has completely hardened is generally a different story. Once the water has evaporated and the acrylic binder has fully dried into a solid mass, adding water isn't the same as reactivating something like watercolor paint. At that point, replacing the color is usually easier and produces a better result than trying to revive it.
Can You Add Water to Paint by Numbers Paint?
If your paint has become slightly too thick, adding a drop of water and thoroughly mixing it can make it easier to work with. The important part is a drop. Paint by numbers pots are small, so it doesn't take much water to significantly change the consistency of the paint. Adding too much can make the color watery, reduce coverage, and force you to paint several coats over the same section. Start small and add more only if necessary.
How Thick Should Paint by Numbers Paint Be?
Ideally, the paint should be smooth enough to spread easily from your brush but thick enough to provide solid coverage.
You don't want it to feel like you're dragging sticky paste across the canvas.
At the same time, it shouldn't be so watery that you can easily see the printed number and lines through the first coat.
Some colors naturally provide better coverage than others. Light colors such as whites, yellows, and pale shades may require additional coats even when the paint has the correct consistency.
How Long Does Paint by Numbers Paint Last?
There's no universal expiration date for an opened paint by numbers pot.
How long the paint remains usable depends heavily on how frequently it's opened, how well the container seals, how much paint remains, and where it's stored.
That's why storage habits matter more than trying to follow a specific countdown.
If you know you're going to stop working on a project for a while, prepare the paints for storage rather than simply leaving the kit exactly as it was after your last painting session.
Clean the rims, tightly close every pot, put them in an airtight container, and store them somewhere cool and dry.
Should You Refrigerate Paint by Numbers Paint?
For normal use, you shouldn't need to refrigerate your paint by numbers paints.
A cool, stable indoor environment and properly sealed containers are generally much more important.
You should also avoid freezing acrylic paint. Extreme temperatures can affect the paint's consistency and performance.
Instead, concentrate on preventing unnecessary air exposure.
How to Store an Unfinished Paint by Numbers Kit
If you're stepping away from your painting for a few weeks or months, it's worth properly storing the entire project.
For the paints, clean the rims, close every lid securely, and place the pots inside an airtight container or sealed bag.
Clean your brushes thoroughly and allow them to dry before storing them. Leaving acrylic paint inside the bristles can permanently damage a brush.
Keep your canvas somewhere dry and protected from moisture, excessive heat, and anything that could crease or damage it.
Finally, keep your paints, brushes, canvas, and reference image together if possible. You'll thank yourself when you return to the project months later.
What to Do Before Taking a Long Break From Your Painting
If you know you won't be able to work on your painting for a while, spend five minutes preparing everything for storage:
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Close every paint pot you're no longer using.
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Clean dried or wet paint from around the rims.
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Make sure every lid snaps completely shut.
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Place the paint pots inside an airtight container or sealed bag.
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Clean and dry your brushes.
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Store the canvas somewhere cool, dry, and protected.
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Keep the entire kit together so nothing gets lost.
A little preparation can save you from discovering a collection of dried-out paints when you're finally ready to start painting again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my paint by numbers paint keep drying out?
Acrylic paint dries as moisture evaporates from it. Paint pots can dry out faster if they're frequently left open, aren't completely sealed, have dried paint around the rim, or are stored somewhere warm.
Can dried paint by numbers paint be revived?
Paint that has only become slightly thick may be salvageable by thoroughly mixing it and, if necessary, adding a very small amount of water or an appropriate acrylic medium. Acrylic paint that has completely hardened is generally better replaced.
What can I add to paint by numbers paint to keep it from drying out?
Proper storage should be your first line of defense. If the paint has started getting thick, a small amount of water or an acrylic flow improver may help depending on the condition of the paint. Avoid adding large amounts of liquid to the small pots.
Can I leave a paint by numbers kit unfinished?
Absolutely. There's no rule saying you have to finish a paint by numbers project within a certain amount of time. If you're taking a long break, properly seal and store the paints and protect the canvas so everything is ready when you return.
Should I store paint by numbers paint upside down?
It's generally safer to keep the pots upright. The biggest priority is making sure each lid is clean and completely sealed.
Can I freeze paint by numbers paint?
It's best not to. Acrylic paints should be protected from extreme temperatures, including freezing. Store your paint pots securely closed in a climate-controlled area instead.
Keep Your Paints Fresh and Your Project Ready
Paint by numbers should be relaxing. You shouldn't have to race to finish a painting because you're worried your paints will disappear before you get back to it.
The biggest thing to remember is simple: air is the enemy.
Keep the rims of your paint pots clean, snap every lid completely shut, minimize how long the pots remain open, and use an airtight container when storing a project for an extended period.
Then, whether you come back to your painting tomorrow or several weeks from now, you'll have a much better chance of finding your paints ready to go.
And if you're ready for your next project, you can turn one of your own favorite photos into a custom paint by numbers kit and create a painting that's completely unique to you.
