Whether you are new to paint by numbers or you just want to perfect your masterpiece, this article is for you! Let us introduce you to our top tips and tricks for an ultimate hobby experience!
1.Blurring technique
The most common question our clients ask us is what is the best blurring technique between the color segments. Even without blurring them, our canvases still look good but a proper blur will give your painting a professional look.
The goal is to create a gentle gradient between the colors to remove the sharp lines between different colored segments. In order to do that, first, color the adjacent areas normally. After that, paint horizontal or diagonal lines going from one area to the other in a zig zag fashion. Then clean off your brush and do the same from the second color segment to the first. It should now look like s cross-stich over the division line. Clean off your brush again, then merge the cross-stich horizontally blurring the two colors, but don’t move too far away from the division line. And voila, you now have a professional gradient!
2.Paint care
If you have done PBNs before, you might have noticed that the paint tends to dry out. This is normal behavior and happens when the paint has interacted with air for too long. To prevent this, we suggest that you paint one color at a time. Going even further, make sure to keep the paint can closed in between dippings. If you find it easier, you can even take some out on a flat surface and only refill it once it’s over. And last, but not least, finish every painting session with a paint cans check - make sure they all are properly closed.
3.Digitalize the instructions
Your canvas comes with a paper printed version of your painting and in some cases, paint mix instructions for some of the colors. You don’t want to realise in the middle of your painting, that you have lost either of those, so our suggestion is to take a photo of them before you start. You can also take a photo of your canvas and especially the areas with clusters of small segments. That, you will always have a digital reference that you can see clearly and zoom in when necessary.
4.Leftover paint
Your kit comes with more paint than you need, just in case. You might find yourself with some leftover paint cans once you’re finished. Treat this as an opportunity! Explore how your painting skills have improved and improvise without lines or instructions!
5.Diluting the paint
It happens that some colors are thicker than the rest. Or perhaps you need to fill particularly small segments that are more difficult to do with thick paint. In this case, remember that the acrylic paint is water soluble so adding a drop of water or two (dip your brush in water without wiping it off) will make it less thick and easier to paint with without reducing the quality. If you are not sure how much diluted paint you need, it is always better to do that with a small portion of the paint on a flat surface. At least until you learn how the paint behaves with water.