As a beginner, diving into the world of paint by numbers feels like a thrilling way to explore art. But even the simplest hobbies have a learning curve. Our small mistakes can turn excitement into frustration, primarily when you work with your first paint by numbers kit for adults.
At Malenify, we’re here to ensure your painting journey is smooth. In this guide, I’ll share the top beginner mistakes to avoid and give you some practical paint-by-numbers tips to keep your canvas pristine. Whether using our Easy Cat Paint by Numbers Kit or another beginner design, these insights will help you create a masterpiece without hiccups. Let’s brush up on what not to do!
Table of Contents
Why Mistakes Happen in Paint by Numbers?
As a beginner, it’s normal to make mistakes when learning a new painting technique. Common errors stem from misreading instructions, rushing, or misunderstanding tools. Malenify’s easy paint-by-numbers for adults kits, like the Simple Floral Paint by Numbers Kit, are forgiving, with precise numbers and quality materials to minimize issues.
Avoiding mistakes as a beginner builds confidence and keeps the process fun, letting you focus on creativity. Want to know how to paint like a pro? Our Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Your First Paint by Numbers Canvas complements this advice perfectly.
Top 7 Beginner Mistakes
As we all know, we humans have different approaches to doing the same task, so it is humanly not possible to cover all the mistakes that you can make in the painting process, but here are the most common pitfalls and why they matter:
Overpainting
This is a common mistake I also made while working on my first Canvas kit. Applying thick layers of paint on the canvas buries numbers and makes later sections hard to see. Thin coats are key, especially for light colors like whites or yellows.
Using the Wrong Brush
We include three high-quality nylon brushes of different sizes (small, medium, and large) with our painting kits, but still a lot of people make this mistake. Some beginners use a large brush in a tiny section (e.g., eyes or petals), creating sloppy edges and reducing output quality. Malenify kits include small, medium, and large brushes, you should use them wisely according to the section size. I suggest you use smaller brushes in the detailing areas like eyes, face, and lips.
Rushing the Process
I know you can’t wait to see your masterpieces by numbers coming to life, but speeding through the process leads to uneven paint and missed spots. Painting is relaxing, so savor it, as noted in What to Expect from Your First Paint by Numbers Experience.
Poor Lighting
Working in dim light obscures numbers and can cause color mix-ups. So I suggest you paint in daylight or use a bright lamp. If you want suggestions about the lamp, ask me at [email protected]. I will guide you.
Skipping Brush Cleanup
This is also a common mistake while painting. I highly recommend rinse the brush with water before working on a new color. If you don’t rinse brushes between colors, it will create ruined hues and output. Keep a water cup handy while working on your painting project.
Ignoring the Reference Sheet:
We include a reference sheet with each kit. You should check the sheet carefully and plan your project. The guide shows the finished image. Check it to plan your approach, especially for complex areas.
Painting Out of Order
As I have often recommended, you should start your painting with larger sections. Starting with details instead of large areas can smudge wet paint. As explained in How to Do Paint by Numbers, you should follow a logical flow.
Solutions to Stay on Track
Dodging these mistakes is easier with Malenify’s beginner-friendly kits and these fixes:
Apply Thin Layers
When working on a section, you should dab paint lightly; you can apply another layer if needed. This preserves numbers for multi-step sections.
Match Brush to Task
Use the small brush for details, the large for backgrounds. Practice on scrap paper if unsure. Malenify’s nylon brushes are durable for this. We also send our professional paint brushes free for bigger kits.
Pace Yourself
Paint in 30–60 minute sessions to stay focused without fatigue. To get he maximum relaxing and calming effect yout should take rest between the sessions. The relaxing benefits of Paint by Numbers highlight why slow and steady wins.
Optimize Lighting
I always use natural lighting for my painting process. But you can use a bright lamp if you are working in a low-light condition or at night.
You can set up near a window or clip a bright light to your canvas. A well-lit space saves headaches.
Clean Brushes Thoroughly
Rinse until the water runs clear after each color. Dry on a paper towel to avoid drips.
Consult the Guide
Keep the reference sheet visible to track progress and confirm colors, especially for kits like boy in moonlight.
Start Broad
Paint large areas (e.g., skies) first, then details. This keeps wet paint from smudging, a tip from Advanced Paint by Numbers Mastery (#).
Extra Tips for Stress-free Painting
Check out some of the advanced tips I learned in past five years of paint by numbers experience. Beyond avoiding mistakes, these habits enhance your experience:
Organize Paints
When I receive a kit the first thing I do is I label all the paint pots. You should also label pots if numbers fade, and close lids to prevent drying. Malenify’s paints are long-lasting but thrive with care.
Test Colors
This tip is for advanced users, but beginners can also benefit from it. Swatch paints on paper to see true hues because some colors look different wet vs. dry.
Fix Errors:
I have also made this mistake many times, but there is a straightforward solution to this. If you painted the wrong number? Then don’t worry, let it dry, and cover it with the correct color. Acrylics are forgiving!
Check Tools and Accessories for Advanced Paint by Numbers for more tools to elevate your setup.
FAQs
Can I undo a mistake?
Yes, you can undo a mistake. If you applied the wrong color in a section, don’t worry, let it dry and apply the correct color. You must use a thick layer of the correct color to hide the wrong color.
How do I keep paints fresh?
We use high-quality and long lasting acrylic painting but I will recommend you to store paints in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion
Mistakes are part of learning how to paint by numbers, but with these paint-by-numbers tips, you’ll sidestep the big ones and create a stunning canvas. Malenify’s easy paint by numbers for adults, like the Easy Fruits and Flowers Kit, are designed to make your first try successful, with clear instructions and quality supplies. Ready to paint flawlessly? Browse our Paint by Numbers collection and start your masterpiece today.
