Should You Mix Colors in Paint by Numbers?
The short answer: sometimes, and only strategically. Paint by numbers kits are designed so that each numbered section is painted with a specific provided color. However, there are situations where mixing becomes necessary or beneficial:
- A paint pot has dried out completely and needs to be recreated
- You are running low on a heavily-used color and need to extend it
- You want to blend adjacent sections for a more realistic, seamless result
- You choose to deviate slightly from the numbered design for artistic reasons
Basic Color Mixing Principles
All paint by numbers kits use acrylic paint. Understanding basic acrylic mixing principles helps you make adjustments confidently.
The Primary Colors
All colors are combinations of three primary colors: Red, Yellow, and Blue. With these three plus white and black, you can approximate almost any color.
| To Get | Mix | Ratio (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | Red + Yellow | 1:1 (adjust for warm/cool orange) |
| Purple / Violet | Red + Blue | 1:1 (more blue = cooler purple) |
| Green | Yellow + Blue | 1:1 (more yellow = lime, more blue = teal) |
| Brown | Red + Yellow + Blue (all three primaries) | 2:1:1 or adjust to taste |
| Pink | Red + White | Small red into large white |
| Light Blue / Sky | Blue + White | Small blue into large white |
| Tan / Beige | White + Yellow + tiny Brown | Mostly white; add color slowly |
| Grey | White + Black | Small black into large white |
| Cream / Off-white | White + tiny Yellow + tiny Brown | Mostly white; tint gently |
| Skin tone (light) | White + tiny Red + tiny Yellow | Mostly white; warm gently |
| Skin tone (medium) | White + Red + Yellow + tiny Brown | Adjust until it matches |
| Darker shade of any color | Color + tiny Black | Add black in very small increments |
| Lighter shade of any color | Color + White | Add white gradually |
How to Recreate a Dried-Out Paint
Dried paint pots are a common frustration. Here is how to approach it:
If the Paint Is Just Thick
Add a few drops of water to the pot and stir thoroughly with a toothpick. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir again. Acrylic paint that has thickened but not fully dried can usually be revived this way. Be careful — too much water weakens the paint and reduces coverage.
If the Paint Has Completely Dried
Unfortunately, fully dried acrylic paint cannot be fully revived. You have two options:
- Purchase the same color: Many manufacturers sell individual replacement pots. Check the kit manufacturer's website with the color number.
- Mix an approximation: Use the color mixing chart above to recreate the color from your other paints. Test the match on paper before painting on the canvas.
Blending for Realism
Standard paint by numbers results in a "stained glass" look where each section has a defined border. This is part of the charm. However, for a more realistic, painterly effect, experienced painters sometimes blend adjacent sections while wet.
Wet-on-Wet Blending
Paint two adjacent sections immediately one after the other — while both are still wet. At the border, use a clean brush to gently feather the two colors into each other with small strokes. This works particularly well for:
- Sky sections where multiple blues and whites meet
- Skin tones in portrait kits
- Foliage where many similar greens meet
- Sunset gradient sections
Dry Brushing
For a textured, impressionistic look, dip a nearly-dry brush into slightly thinned paint and drag it lightly over a dried section. This adds texture and a soft secondary color over the base without fully covering it.
Preventing Paint from Drying Out
- Always close paint pots immediately after use — even briefly open pots can skin over
- Work on one section at a time and close the pot before moving to the next
- Store unused kits in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Place a damp paper towel inside your kit box to maintain some humidity around the pots
- If a pot has a dried skin on top, carefully remove it with a toothpick — the paint beneath is often still usable