Paint by numbers is often marketed as an easy, stress-free hobby. But once you actually start painting, mistakes happen—and when they do, many people immediately worry that the painting is ruined.
In reality, most paint by numbers mistakes are completely fixable, especially when you understand how the painting process works and know when to correct an error versus when to leave it alone. Many common problems can be avoided altogether by following a clear, structured painting workflow rather than improvising as you go.
This guide focuses specifically on how to fix common paint by numbers mistakes—what to do when something goes wrong, what not to do, and how to prevent the same issues from happening again.
Before You Fix Anything: Three Rules That Prevent Bigger Problems
Before addressing individual mistakes, there are three universal principles that apply to nearly every correction.
1. Let the Paint Dry Completely
Trying to fix wet paint almost always creates more damage. Thin layers typically need 20–30 minutes to dry, while thicker areas may need longer. When in doubt, waiting is always safer than rushing.
2. Use Thin Layers, Not Heavy Cover-Ups
Thick paint causes texture buildup and uneven shine. Two thin layers blend far more naturally than one heavy coat and make repairs much less visible.
3. Fix the Edge, Not the Whole Section
Most visible mistakes occur at boundaries. Clean edge correction is far more effective than repainting large areas unnecessarily.
Mistake 1: Painting Outside the Lines
This is the most common issue people encounter—and fortunately, one of the easiest to fix.
How to Fix It
Let the paint dry completely. Using a small detail brush (size 0 or 00), repaint the correct color from the center of the section outward toward the edge. If paint crossed into a neighboring color, allow your correction to dry, then repaint the neighboring edge back.
Why It Happens
-
Brush size is too large
-
Hand fatigue or instability
-
Poor lighting
-
Rushing edges before filling the center
How to Prevent It
Painting outside the lines is usually a technique issue rather than a skill issue. Working from the center outward, supporting your wrist, and choosing designs appropriate for your experience level all significantly reduce this problem. If you are new to paint by numbers, starting with projects designed specifically for beginners can make edge control much easier.
Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Color
Using the wrong color feels serious, but it rarely ruins a painting.
How to Fix It
Allow the incorrect color to dry fully, then apply the correct color in 2–4 thin layers, letting each layer dry before the next. Light colors may require additional coats over darker mistakes.
Why It Happens
-
Similar-looking paint numbers
-
Too many paint pots open at once
-
Jumping between sections without checking
How to Prevent It
Good color control starts before painting begins. Organizing paints, limiting how many are open at one time, and understanding how colors are distributed across the canvas—especially when selecting a kit—can prevent confusion caused by overly complex designs or excessive color counts.
Mistake 3: Paint Is Too Thick, Too Thin, or Drying Out
How to Fix It
Add 1–2 drops of water, mix thoroughly, and test the paint on scrap paper. The paint should flow smoothly without dripping or clumping.
If paint has completely dried inside the pot, replacement is usually the safest option. Severely dried paint often becomes gritty and difficult to control even after thinning.
Why It Happens
-
Paint pots left open
-
Dry or warm room conditions
-
Long pauses during painting sessions
How to Prevent It
Closing paint pots immediately after use and transferring small amounts to a palette instead of working directly from the pot helps maintain consistent paint quality throughout the project.
Mistake 4: Uneven Coverage or Visible Brush Strokes
How to Fix It
Once the first layer is fully dry, apply a second thin coat using smooth strokes in one direction. Pale colors often require a third coat to achieve even coverage.
Why It Happens
-
Paint applied too thickly or too dry
-
Scrubbing motions instead of smooth strokes
-
Worn or low-quality brushes
-
Canvas texture showing through
How to Prevent It
Consistent brush loading, gentle strokes, and realistic expectations are key—especially for adult painters working on detailed designs. Choosing projects designed for adult skill levels often results in smoother coverage and fewer correction passes.
Mistake 5: Numbers Disappearing Under Paint
How to Fix It
Use a photo of the blank canvas, hold the canvas against a bright light, or lightly redraw the number with a pencil once the paint has dried.
Why It Happens
-
No reference photo taken before painting
-
Painting in a random order
-
Low-opacity paint covering printed numbers
How to Prevent It
Photographing the canvas before you start and working one color at a time across the entire painting greatly reduces the risk of losing important reference points.
Mistake 6: Smudging Wet Paint
How to Fix It
If the paint is still wet, gently blot—do not wipe. If it has dried, repaint the affected section to maintain a consistent finish.
How to Prevent It
Follow a consistent painting direction and rotate the canvas instead of reaching across wet areas. Placing clean paper under your hand also helps protect finished sections.
Mistake 7: Accidental Spills
How to Fix It
Blot immediately without spreading the paint, allow the area to dry, then repaint carefully.
How to Prevent It
Keep paint pots stable, separate your canvas area from water and cleaning supplies, and bring tools to you rather than reaching across the painting.
Mistake 8: Paint Colors Don’t Match the Reference Image
How to Fix It
Minor color differences are normal. For major discrepancies, contacting the seller is often the best solution. For small mismatches, careful color mixing and testing usually resolves the issue.
How to Prevent It
Use real, finished customer photos rather than box images as your expectation baseline when choosing future kits.
Mistake 9: Canvas Warping or Buckling
How to Fix It
Minor warping can be flattened under books overnight. Severe buckling may require lightly misting the back of the canvas and drying it flat under weight.
How to Prevent It
Avoid excessive water use and store the canvas flat or properly supported throughout the painting process.
Mistake 10: Difficulty Seeing Small Numbers
How to Fix It
Improve lighting and use magnification if needed. Phone camera zoom works surprisingly well in a pinch.
How to Prevent It
Choosing kits with clear printing and difficulty levels appropriate to your comfort zone significantly reduces eye strain and frustration.
Final Thoughts
Paint by numbers mistakes are part of the process. What determines the final result is not whether mistakes happen, but how calmly and methodically they are corrected.
By letting paint dry, working in thin layers, and understanding the structure of your project, most repairs disappear entirely by the time the painting is finished.
