If you’re a paint by numbers fanatic, you realize the warfare: after finishing a paint by numbers package, you’re left with half of-used pots of acrylic paint. Toss them out, and also you’re wasting cash (not to say losing flawlessly proper color for future paint by numbers initiatives). Let them take a seat, and they dry up into vain clumps before you can grasp your subsequent paint by numbers canvas. But what if we instructed you there’s a simple storage hack that keeps leftover paint by numbers paint fresh for six entire months?
Why Leftover Paint by Numbers Paint Dries Out So fast
First, let’s wreck down why paint by numbers paints pass bad speedy. Maximum paint by numbers kits use water-primarily based acrylic paints—they’re ideal for paint by numbers due to the fact they dry speedy, cowl well, and blend easily on canvas. However that same “speedy-drying” satisfactory is their downfall whilst stored poorly. While the lid of a paint pot isn’t sealed tight, air receives in, evaporates the water in the paint, and turns it into a hard, unusable block.
Even if you assume you twisted the lid close, tiny gaps can let air seep in over days or even weeks. And if you’ve dipped a wet brush into the pot (which all of us do with paint by numbers!), you’re adding extra moisture that accelerates mildew boom or separation. The result? A drawer complete of dried-up paint by numbers paints that you could’t use for your next assignment—frustrating, proper?
The 6-Month Paint by Numbers Paint storage Hack (Step-through-Step)
The best information is, this hack fixes all the ones issues. It locks out air, controls moisture, and keeps your paint by numbers paints clean and ready to use for up to six months. Here’s a way to do it, the use of substances you possibly have already got at domestic:
Step 1: Prep Your Leftover Paint by Numbers Paints
First, snatch all of the 1/2-used paint pots out of your final paint by numbers undertaking. If any paint has commenced to split (watery on top, thick on bottom), stir it lightly with a toothpick or the end of your paint by numbers brush until it’s easy once more. Don’t bypass this—lumpy paint gained’t keep well, and also you’ll end up with a large number when you try to use it later.
If a pot is nearly empty (less than a tablespoon left), recall mixing it with a similar colour (e.G., mild blue + dark blue for a custom coloration) to make a bigger batch. Small amounts dry out quicker, so combining them gives you greater usable paint for future paint by numbers kits.
Step 2: Seal the Pots Tight (the key to Freshness!)
This is the most crucial step for keeping paint by numbers paint fresh. For the unique pots that came along with your paint by numbers package:
Wipe the rim of the pot with a clean paper towel. Paint residue at the rim prevents a decent seal, so ensure it’s spotless.
Upload a tiny drop of water (no greater than 1/8 teaspoon) to the paint. This replenishes the moisture that evaporates through the years—critical for acrylics! Stir lightly to mix.
Press a chunk of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the paint (not simply over the pot). This creates an airtight barrier that forestalls oxygen from touching the paint. Smooth out any wrinkles—bubbles suggest air is trapped.
Screw the lid lower back on as tight as you can. For additonal protection, wrap a strip of duct tape around the lid and pot (this continues the lid from popping unfastened in garage).
In case you’ve misplaced the authentic pots (it occurs!), use small airtight bins—like 1-ozplastic jars or maybe smooth tablet bottles. Label every box with the color name (e.G., “Paint by Numbers woodland inexperienced”) and the date you stored it—this helps you hold tune of freshness.
Step 3: keep within the right Spot (Cool, darkish, and Dry!)
Paint by numbers paints hate heat, light, and humidity. A sunny windowsill or a bathroom cabinet is a no-go—these spots will dry out the paint or make it moldy. Alternatively, store your sealed paint pots in:
A fab pantry (faraway from the range)
A table drawer with a moisture absorber (like a silica gel packet)
A plastic garage bin in a closet (upload a few tissue papers to take in more moisture)
Seasoned tip: keep all of your paint by numbers resources—paints, brushes, canvases—in a single bin. That manner, you’re geared up to begin a brand new paint by numbers venture in mins, and also you received’t lose track of your leftover paints.
How to check in case your saved Paint by Numbers Paint remains good
After three, four, or even 6 months, you may surprise in case your paint is still usable. Here’s how to check it before the use of it to your subsequent paint by numbers canvas:
Unscrew the lid and cast off the plastic wrap.
Test for mould (fuzzy spots, extraordinary hues like black or inexperienced) or a sour scent—in case you see either, toss it.
Stir the paint with a toothpick. If it’s clean and spreads without difficulty (no tough clumps), it’s correct to move!
If it’s a touch thick, add 1-2 drops of water and stir—this will bring it again to the correct consistency to your paint by numbers package.
If the paint is clumpy even after stirring, it’s time to say goodbye. However with this garage hack, that rarely happens—maximum paints live fresh sufficient to use for more than one paint by numbers projects.
Why This Hack Saves you money and time on Paint by Numbers
This garage hack helps you to reuse the ones leftover paints for destiny paint by numbers kits. For example:
Leftover “sky blue” from a beach paint by numbers package works for a mountain paint by numbers canvas.
Greater “leaf green” from a forest kit can be used for a garden paint by numbers venture.
Even small amounts of “purple” or “yellow” may be combined to make orange for a sunset paint by numbers design.
You’ll additionally save time: No more speeding to the store to shop for a unmarried paint coloration while you’re mid-venture. Your stored paints are equipped to go, so that you can recognition at the fun part—portray your paint by numbers canvas.
Final mind: maintain developing with sparkling Paint by Numbers Paints
Paint by numbers is all approximately playing the manner—from picking out your next package to placing the final brushstroke for your canvas. Wasting leftover paint shouldn’t be a part of that manner. With this easy storage hack, you could maintain your paint by numbers paints clean for six months, reduce waste, and hold your innovative momentum going.
Next time you finish a paint by numbers assignment, don’t toss those 1/2-used pots. Grasp some plastic wrap, seal them up, and shop them in a fab spot. While you’re geared up to start your next paint by numbers journey, you’ll be satisfied you probably did—your paints can be smooth, vibrant, and geared up to show your canvas into artwork.
Satisfied painting !