You’re staring at your paint by numbers canvas, ready to create something beautiful. But wait, before you dip that brush, let’s talk about the mistakes that can turn your masterpiece into a mess.
I’ve seen it happen too many times. Someone gets excited, rushes through the painting process, and ends up with muddy colors or paint bleeding into the wrong sections. The good news? These common mistakes in paint by numbers are totally fixable once you know what to watch for.
Shomaz Brand creates quality paint by numbers kits that make painting easier, but even the best materials won’t save you from these rookie errors. Let’s break down what goes wrong and how to keep your artwork looking sharp.
Starting Without Prep Work
Here’s the thing, jumping straight into painting is like cooking without reading the recipe first. Bad idea.
Mistake: Opening your kit and immediately starting to paint without organizing your supplies or reviewing the canvas.
Why it matters: You’ll waste time searching for the right paint color, accidentally grab the wrong number, and lose your flow. Plus, you might not notice if something’s missing from your kit until you’re halfway through.
How to fix it:
- Lay out all your paint pots and match them to the legend
- Check that every number on your canvas has a corresponding paint color
- Set up your workspace with good lighting (seriously, this matters)
- Keep a cup of water nearby for rinsing brushes
- Have paper towels ready for blotting
I always tell people to spend 10 minutes organizing before you start. It saves you hours of frustration later.
Using Too Much Water
This one sneaks up on beginners all the time.
Mistake: Dipping your brush in water before loading it with paint, thinking you need to thin the paint like watercolors.
Why it matters: Paint by numbers kits come with acrylic paint that’s already the right consistency. Adding water makes the paint runny, causes it to bleed into neighboring sections, and creates a streaky, uneven finish. You’ll also need way more coats to get solid coverage.
How to fix it:
- Use paint straight from the pot, no water needed
- Only rinse your brush when switching between colors
- Dry your brush on a paper towel before loading new paint
- If paint feels too thick, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes
The Shomaz Brand paint by numbers sets include pre-mixed acrylic paint that’s ready to go. Don’t overthink it.
Painting in the Wrong Order
Yeah, there’s actually a strategy to this.
Mistake: Randomly painting whatever section catches your eye first, usually starting with tiny details or dark colors.
Why it matters: You’ll smudge wet paint as you work, your hand will drag through completed areas, and you’ll have a harder time blending edges later. Dark colors also tend to bleed more easily into unpainted sections.
How to fix it:
- Start from the top of the canvas and work your way down (prevents smudging)
- Paint light colors first, then move to darker shades
- Complete larger sections before tackling tiny details
- For right-handed folks, work left to right; lefties, go right to left
- Save the background for last if it’s a large area
This approach keeps your canvas cleaner and your sanity intact. Trust me on this one.
Not Closing Paint Pots Properly
Such a simple thing, yet it ruins so many kits.
Mistake: Leaving paint pots open while you work or not sealing the lids tightly after use.
Why it matters: Acrylic paint dries out fast, like, within hours. Once it’s dried in the pot, you can’t use it. And since paint by numbers kits give you just enough paint to complete the design, losing even one color means you’re stuck.
How to fix it:
- Only open the paint pot you’re currently using
- Close each pot immediately after loading your brush
- Press the lid down firmly until you hear it click
- Wipe the rim clean before closing to create a better seal
- Store pots upside down to prevent air from getting in
If paint does start to dry out, you can add a tiny drop of water (one drop!) and stir it. But prevention’s way easier than fixing dried paint.
Skipping Numbers You Can’t See
This mistake’s sneaky because you won’t notice it until it’s too late.
Mistake: Assuming that if you can’t see a number clearly, that section doesn’t need paint, or just guessing which color goes there.
Why it matters: Those hard-to-read numbers are usually in dark sections or areas with similar colors. Skipping them leaves gaps that ruin the finished look. Guessing the wrong color creates obvious mistakes that stand out.
How to fix it:
- Use a magnifying glass for tiny or faded numbers
- Shine a flashlight at an angle to see numbers better
- Take a photo with your phone and zoom in to read numbers
- Cross-reference with surrounding sections to figure out patterns
- Mark off numbers with a pencil as you complete them
The Shomaz Brand canvases have clear numbering, but lighting makes a huge difference. Natural daylight works best for spotting those tricky numbers.
Using the Wrong Brush Technique
Here’s where technique actually matters.
Mistake: Scrubbing the brush back and forth like you’re cleaning a dish, or barely touching the canvas with the tip.
Why it matters: Scrubbing creates visible brush strokes that look messy and makes paint coverage uneven. Dabbing too lightly means you’ll need five coats instead of two, and you’ll run out of paint before finishing.
How to fix it:
- Use gentle, even strokes in one direction
- Apply medium pressure, not too hard, not too soft
- For small areas, use the tip of your brush with light dabs
- For larger sections, use the full body of the brush
- Let the first coat dry completely before adding a second
Think of it like coloring with a marker. Steady, smooth strokes in one direction look way better than random scribbles.
Not Letting Paint Dry Between Coats
Patience isn’t just a virtue, it’s required for paint by numbers.
Mistake: Adding a second coat of paint while the first one’s still wet because you want to finish faster.
Why it matters: Wet paint lifts and mixes with the new layer, creating a muddy mess. You’ll also push paint into neighboring sections, causing bleeding and mistakes that are hard to fix.
How to fix it:
- Wait 20-30 minutes between coats (acrylic dries fast)
- Touch the paint lightly, if it’s cool or tacky, it’s not ready
- Work on different sections while waiting for others to dry
- Use a fan to speed up drying time in humid weather
- Paint in thin layers rather than thick globs
I know you’re excited to see the finished piece, but rushing this part always backfires. Put on a podcast and work on another section while you wait.
Pressing Too Hard on the Canvas
Your canvas isn’t a punching bag.
Mistake: Applying heavy pressure while painting, especially in areas where the canvas feels thin or loose.
Why it matters: You’ll create dents and texture lines that show through the paint. Pressing too hard can even tear the canvas if it’s not stretched tight. Plus, you’ll wear down your brush bristles faster.
How to fix it:
- Use a light to medium touch, let the paint do the work
- If your canvas feels loose, tighten it on the frame before starting
- Support the back of the canvas with your free hand for stability
- Switch to a smaller brush for detailed areas instead of pressing harder
- Take breaks if your hand feels tense
The Shomaz Brand kits come with pre-stretched canvases that hold up well, but gentle handling keeps everything looking smooth.
Mixing Up Similar Numbers
This one’s frustrating because you won’t notice until it’s dried.
Mistake: Confusing numbers that look similar (like 6 and 8, or 1 and 7) and painting sections with the wrong color.
Why it matters: By the time you realize the mistake, the paint’s dry and you’ve already moved on. Fixing it means scraping off dried paint or painting over it multiple times, which wastes paint and looks messy.
How to fix it:
- Double-check the number before loading your brush with paint
- Keep the color key visible while you work
- Mark completed numbers on the legend so you know what’s left
- Take photos of your progress to spot mistakes early
- Use your phone’s zoom to confirm numbers in tricky spots
I’ve done this more times than I’d like to admit. Now I check twice, paint once.
Ignoring the Background
The background makes or breaks your painting.
Mistake: Leaving the background for last and then rushing through it, or skipping tiny background sections because they’re tedious.
Why it matters: The background ties everything together. Sloppy background work makes even perfect foreground details look amateur. Those tiny gaps you skip? They’re way more noticeable than you think.
How to fix it:
- Save energy for the background, don’t treat it like an afterthought
- Use a larger brush for big background sections to speed things up
- Go back and fill in small missed spots with a fine brush
- Take breaks during background sections to stay focused
- Step back every 15 minutes to check for gaps
Paint by numbers backgrounds often have the most sections. Don’t burn yourself out on details and then phone in the background.
Not Cleaning Brushes Between Colors
This habit ruins colors fast.
Mistake: Switching from a dark color to a light color without rinsing your brush, or just wiping it on a paper towel.
Why it matters: Leftover paint mixes with the new color, creating off-shades that don’t match the rest of your painting. Dark colors especially contaminate lighter ones, turning whites into grays or yellows into greens.
How to fix it:
- Rinse your brush thoroughly in water between every color change
- Swirl the brush until the water runs clear
- Blot dry on a paper towel before loading new paint
- Use separate brushes for very dark and very light colors if possible
- Check the bristles under good lighting to catch hidden paint
Clean brushes mean true colors. It’s that simple.
Painting Outside the Lines
Okay, this sounds obvious, but hear me out.
Mistake: Getting sloppy with edges and letting paint bleed into the next section because you’re moving too fast or not paying attention.
Why it matters: Messy edges make your painting look unfinished and amateurish. Fixing mistakes means extra coats, which wastes paint and creates texture bumps where sections overlap.
How to fix it:
- Slow down when painting near borders between sections
- Use the tip of your brush for edges, not the whole bristles
- Paint away from the edge, not toward it
- Keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe mistakes immediately
- Let sections dry completely before painting adjacent areas
The Shomaz Brand canvases have clear lines, but your hand still needs to cooperate. Take your time with edges.
Storing Your Kit Wrong
You’re not done until you’re done, and storage matters for unfinished projects.
Mistake: Leaving an unfinished painting out in the open, storing it somewhere humid or dusty, or rolling up the canvas before it’s completely dry.
Why it matters: Dust settles on wet paint and gets permanently stuck. Humidity makes paint crack or causes mold on the canvas. Rolling a partially painted canvas creates texture marks and can cause paint to stick to itself.
How to fix it:
- Cover unfinished paintings with a clean cloth when not working
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Keep the canvas flat or on its frame, never roll it
- Make sure all paint is 100% dry before moving or storing
- Close all paint pots tightly and store them upright
Treat your paint by numbers kit like the art project it is. A little care goes a long way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I accidentally mix two paint colors?
Don’t panic. If the colors are close in shade, you might be able to use the mixture for the intended section without anyone noticing. If they’re drastically different, let the mixture dry and use it for experimenting or touch-ups later. You can’t separate mixed paint, so your best bet is to close pots immediately after use and keep them organized to prevent this from happening. Check out Shomaz Brand’s paint by numbers collection for replacement kits if you run out of a color.
How do I fix a section where I used the wrong color?
Wait until the incorrect paint is completely dry (at least 30 minutes). Then paint over it with the correct color. You’ll likely need two coats to fully cover the mistake. If the wrong color is very dark and the correct one is very light, you might need three coats. Apply thin layers and let each one dry before adding the next.
Can I add extra details or change colors in my paint by numbers?
Absolutely! Once you’ve got the basics down, feel free to add your own touches. Some people add highlights, adjust shading, or change colors to match their decor. Just remember that if you’re a beginner, stick to the guide first, common mistakes in paint by numbers usually happen when people get too creative before mastering the basics.
Why does my paint look streaky even after two coats?
You’re probably adding too much water or not applying enough paint per stroke. Acrylic paint should go on smoothly without water. Load your brush properly, not too much, not too little, and use even pressure. If the paint in the pot seems thick, stir it gently instead of adding water. The Shomaz Brand paint is pre-mixed to the right consistency.
How long should a paint by numbers project take?
It depends on the size and your pace, but most people spend 10-20 hours on a standard kit. Don’t rush, paint by numbers is about enjoying the process. Work in sessions of 1-2 hours to stay fresh and avoid the mistakes we’ve covered here. Taking breaks actually helps you paint better.
What do I do if I run out of a specific paint color before finishing?
First, check if you’ve closed pots properly after each use, dried paint is the main reason people run short. If you genuinely don’t have enough, you can mix a similar shade from other colors (risky for beginners) or contact the manufacturer for replacement paint. Shomaz Brand offers customer support for kit issues.
Look, paint by numbers isn’t rocket science, but these common mistakes in paint by numbers can turn a fun project into a frustrating mess. The key is simple: prep your workspace, take your time, and follow the process.
You don’t need to be a pro artist to create something you’re proud of. You just need to avoid the dumb mistakes that trip up beginners. Start with the basics, work methodically, and let the paint dry when it’s supposed to.
Shomaz Brand makes paint by numbers kits that give you everything you need to succeed: quality canvas, pre-mixed paint, and clear numbering. But even the best kit can’t save you from rushing or skipping steps.
So grab your brush, double-check those numbers, and paint with purpose. Your finished masterpiece is waiting, and now you know exactly how to get there without the common mistakes that slow everyone else down.
