Would you like to start this new activity? Are you a beginner and enjoy all the tips?
Not following some simple rules can make the experience less enjoyable.
But don't panic; we are passionate about this activity and know how to help you.
I want to learn tips to help you avoid some beginner's pitfalls.
Tip 1: Use the brush tip
Before painting, you must know how to use your brush properly. We recommend that you use only the tip of the brush for the following reasons:
- It will allow you to use less paint and, therefore, avoid waste
- You will make cleaning the brush easier, as there will be less paint
- Avoid ending up with dry paint.
Tip 2: Start with the larger areas and finish with the smaller ones
This is one of the most essential tips. You can start your painting by numbers, painting the larger areas and finishing with the smaller ones. This will allow you to:
- Waste less time as you finish the larger areas, and rinse your brush less often.
- Start to see the "contours" of the final image quickly.
Tip 3: Take regular pictures
The more you practice this activity, the more you look forward to seeing your finished work. As you finish painting each number, you'll be proud and get closer to the final result.
What better way to keep track of your paint-by numbers than by taking regular pictures to remind yourself of all the steps you've taken?
Tip 4: Start with the darkest colors
The second important tip is to start with the darkest color and work to the lightest shade. This gives you much more control over the color composition on the canvas.
Tip 5: Paint one number at a time
Acrylic paint is known to dry quickly, unlike oil paint. We recommend that you use one color at a time. This way, only one can of paint is opened at a time. This will prevent unused paint cans from drying out.
Tip 6: Smooth out wrinkles and creases
Before you begin your masterpiece, ironing your canvas to make it smooth is a good idea. It is essential to set the iron temperature correctly to not damage the canvas. This trick will remove wrinkles, giving you a smooth surface.
Tip 7: Good Lighting
Do you start a painting by number? Each number represents a color. It is essential to do your number painting in a well-lit room. Indeed, this will allow you to make mistakes on the numbers and, therefore, paint an area with harmful paint.
In addition, for complex paint-by-numbers, that is to say, with a lot of detail. Therefore, in small areas, we recommend using a magnifying glass and an extra lamp to work more precisely.
When choosing your room to do this activity, it is essential to consider the shadows. To avoid this, it is best to use indirect light from a lamp suspended from the ceiling.
It is best to use daylight to do this activity in cases where it is possible. If this isn't possible, could you make sure to move to the brightest room?
Tip 8: Clean your brushes thoroughly between colors
After finishing a specific area, you should always wash your brushes properly before moving on to the next room. This will prevent you from mixing colors and damaging the purity of the paint.
Tip 9: Keep your brush wet
Please get your brush before dipping it into one of the paint pots. We recommend dipping the meeting in a glass of water and then wiping the excess water with a paper towel (or napkin) before dropping the brush tip into the paint can.
Tip 10: Set up in a comfortable area
As discussed in a previous section, setting up in a well-lit, comfortable space is essential. Setting up in an area where you won't be too disturbed is also necessary. This will allow you to do this activity for longer, and you will discover the proper relaxation of paint by numbers.
I would like to mention that posture is critical. Indeed, you should think only a little forward. Of course, having a good view of the areas you need to paint is essential. However, poor posture can quickly lead to uncomfortable sitting or neck and back pain. Please pay attention to your posture and take the time to stretch from time to time.
To avoid all of this, we recommend taking a small easel to have a better posture and a good view of the areas to be painted.
Tip 11: Protect the work area
Even if you are careful not to go over the areas, the desk or table may get dirty occasionally.
We recommend that you protect the surface of your work surface so that you don't have to clean it afterward. Acrylic paint is relatively easy to remove, but it is better to avoid this extra work. So cover anything you don't want to get dirty, so you don't have to worry about it.
Tip 12: Use nail polish remover to clean up
Did you accidentally get paint in the wrong place? No problem! Acrylic paint can be easily removed, as it is a water-based paint. Don't wipe away the stains, but gently dab around the area where the acrylic paint is.
Tip 13: Use water for your dry paint
Sometimes, for example, the paint can become more complex and more viscous after leaving the can open. Add two drops of warm water to the paint, and it will return to life! To prevent the paint from drying out, it is advisable to paint one color at a time and check to see if the paint cans are correctly closed. This will prevent this problem from occurring.
Tip 14: Use toothpicks as brushes
Some paint-by-numbers are for experts and, therefore, have much detail and small areas. We recommend using toothpicks as brushes to paint the narrow areas without sticking out.
Tip 15: Water and Paper Towel
Having a small glass of water and a towel is essential when painting. This will allow you to rinse your brushes a little wet.
Please ensure the paint doesn't dry in the brushes since it will be more difficult to remove later.
Want to change the color? Use a glass of water to rinse your brushes well. Then, dry the bristles of your meeting with paper towels. Repeat the process with water and the cloth several times to wash the color out. This will prevent you from mixing the colors.
Tip 16: Use one color at a time
You want to paint by number, so you'll use each color individually. This will keep you from:
- Mixing colors;
- Rinsing the brush too often;
- Having one can of paint open at a time, which will prevent it from drying out;
- Wasting paint, as there is always a tiny amount left in the brush that you will rinse.
Tip 17: Relaxing Music
An essential tip for painting by number is a little more personal, but many people find painting more comfortable while listening to relaxing music. This way, they can relax and focus on painting.
Could you turn on the music as you prepare your tools and workspace? This will put you in a good mood. Also, could you turn off your cell phone so you can't be reached for a while? This will keep you focused.
Tip 18: Start with large areas
Most people start by painting the most significant areas. This allows you to see the advances immediately and, therefore, see the final result take shape as you go along.
Tip 19: Paint from darkest to lightest
It's a good idea to start with the darker colors. This usually gives you a quick view of what the whole thing will look like.
To conclude
As you can see, there are many tips about painting by number.
With all this information, you have many more ways to do this activity with confidence. The more painting you do, the more confidence you will gain.
Our store lets you choose from hundreds of paint-by-numbers divided by theme and format.
Discover them now by clicking on the image below.