How to Fix Dried Out Paint by Numbers? (Plus 3 Tips to Keep Them Fresh)

You finally found a quiet evening to sit down with your Paint by Numbers kit. You set up your easel, dip your brush, and... disaster strikes. The paint is thick, gummy, or completely dry.

Don't panic. This is the most common issue hobbyists face. Acrylic paint is designed to dry quickly—usually within 10 to 20 minutes when exposed to air—which is great for painting but terrible for storage.

The good news? In many cases, your paint can be saved. This guide will walk you through professional revival methods and share expert maintenance tips to ensure your next project stays fresh from start to finish.

Assess the Damage: Can It Be Saved?

Before you start adding water or chemicals, you need to diagnose the state of your paint. Not all dry paint is equal.

• Thick & Creamy: This is the ideal consistency (standard for Idocraft premium acrylics). It should flow off the brush like heavy cream.
• Clumpy/Gummy: The paint sticks to the brush in globs and is hard to spread. Status: Fixable.
• Rock Hard/Rubber-like: The paint has pulled away from the edges of the pot and feels like a rubber eraser. Status: Unfixable.

Note: Once acrylic polymer has fully cross-linked (cured), it cannot be reversed. If your paints are in this state, it is time to invest in a new, high-quality kit with better sealing pots.

1. How to Revive Dried Out Paint by Numbers?

If your paint is salvageable (clumpy or thick), follow these steps to restore its original flow.

Method A: The Warm Water Technique (The Household Fix)

Water is the universal solvent for acrylics, but temperature matters. Warm water helps break down the binders faster than cold water without diluting the pigment too quickly.

1. Add Water Sparingly: Use an eyedropper to add 1-2 drops of warm water.

• • Critical Rule: Never exceed a 5% water-to-paint ratio. Too much water breaks the chemical bond, resulting in transparent, streaky paint that won't cover the numbers on your canvas.

1. Stir with a Toothpick: Do not use your paintbrush! The vigorous stirring needed to mix thick paint will ruin the delicate bristles. Use a toothpick or a metal paperclip.
2. The Overnight Wait: Mix it as best as you can, close the lid tightly, and let it sit overnight. The water needs time to permeate the thick acrylic resin.

Method B: Acrylic Flow Improver (The Professional Fix)

For a smoother finish, professional artists use a Flow Improver (or Flow Aid). Unlike water, which evaporates, flow improver breaks the surface tension of the water already in the paint.

• How to use: Add 1 drop of Flow Improver to the paint pot. Stir gently.
• The Result: The paint becomes slick and smooth without losing its color opacity (coverage power).

Comparison: Water vs. Flow Improver

Feature	Warm Water	Acrylic Flow Improver
Cost	Free	$10 - $15
Effect on Opacity	Can reduce coverage if used too much	Maintains high coverage
Drying Time	No change	Slightly extends drying time (gives you more time to paint)
Best For	Minor thickening	Very clumpy/gummy paint

Idocraft Tip: Our kits come with high-pigment density acrylics. This means they are more forgiving if you need to add a drop or two of water compared to cheaper, watery paints.

2. What Are the Best Tips for Maintaining Paint by Numbers Kits?

Prevention is always better than cure. The longevity of your paint depends heavily on how and where you store it.

Environmental Control

Acrylic paint is sensitive to its environment.

• Avoid Heat & Sunlight: Never store your kit near a window or a heater. Heat accelerates the evaporation of the water content inside the pot.
• The Ideal Spot: A cool, dark drawer is the best place. Room temperature (20°C / 68°F) is ideal.

Pot Hygiene: The "Crust" Enemy

Have you ever noticed dried paint crusting around the rim of the pot?

• The Problem: That dry crust prevents the lid from sealing completely air-tight. Even a microscopic gap allows air to enter, drying out the paint in weeks.
• The Fix: Before closing your paints for the day, wipe the rim of the pot with a damp paper towel to ensure a clean, perfect seal.

The "Click" Rule

When closing the lid, do not just push it down. Press firmly in the center until you hear or feel a distinct "Click".

Fact: Many users think the lid is closed when it is only resting on top. The "Click" is your audible insurance policy against dried paint.

3. For a Beginner, What Are Some Easy Ways to Keep Paint by Numbers Fresh?

If you are new to this hobby, adopting good habits early will save you frustration and money.

The "One at a Time" Strategy

It is tempting to open all the pots to see the beautiful colors, but this is the fastest way to ruin a kit.

• Best Practice: Only open the specific number you are currently painting (e.g., Number 5). Keep all others closed.
• Time Limit: If you need to step away for a phone call or a break (more than 15 minutes), snap the lid shut. Acrylics start to skin over very quickly.

The Plastic Wrap Hack (For Long-Term Storage)

If you know you won't be painting for a few weeks or months, use this simple kitchen hack:

1. Open the paint pots.
2. Place a single sheet of plastic cling wrap over the entire row of open pots.
3. Snap the lids shut over the plastic wrap.
4. Trim the excess plastic.

• Why it works: The plastic acts as a secondary gasket, creating a near-vacuum seal that significantly extends shelf life.

When is it Time to Buy a New Kit?

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, old paint simply expires. If your paint is rubbery or separates immediately after stirring, using it will result in a lumpy, uneven texture on your canvas.

• Recommendation: Look for suppliers who prioritize freshness. At Idocraft, we use automated filling facilities to ensure paints are fresh when packaged, and our pots are designed with precision-molded lids to ensure tight seals during shipping.

Conclusion

Maintaining your paints is part of the art. By keeping your pots clean, cool, and sealed, you ensure that every time you sit down to paint, the experience is relaxing—not frustrating.

If you are looking for high-quality kits that are designed to last, explore our range of premium DIY art solutions.

Idocraft – Mass Creativity Made Possible

Idocraft is a professional painting stationery brand under Jiangsu Soho Runlong Innovation Co., Ltd, part of the Soho Group (Top 200 Chinese Enterprise). Since 2005, we have been dedicated to providing premium and cost-efficient art and painting product solutions for global partners.

Our product range covers Artist Canvas, DIY Painting Kits, Paint by Numbers, Diamond Painting, Easels, and more, meeting the diverse needs of art enthusiasts, hobbyists, and professionals alike.

Backed by Soho Group’s mature supply chain and strict quality control system, Idocraft has become the trusted supplier of many well-known international retailers in China, including Action, Aldi, Anko, and Soriana. Our reputation is built on:

• Strong product integration and design capabilities.
• Automated facilities ensuring stable production volumes and competitive pricing.
• Flexible payment terms to support distributors, chain stores, and specialty shops worldwide.

We are committed to making creativity accessible for everyone by delivering reliable, innovative, and affordable painting products.