Acrylic paint is a popular medium among artists because it is versatile, fast-drying, and water-soluble. That's why it is the type of paint included in every PaintbyNumbersSets.com kit. Accidents happen to all of us, though, and cleaning up acrylic paint can be a challenge, especially if it has already dried. Below are some tips to clean up acrylic paint from your paint by numbers kit.
Note that if you're trying to clean a small area of your canvas that you accidentally brushed paint onto, you can use a cotton swab with any of the methods described below.
Wipe It Up While It's Wet
The best time to clean up acrylic paint from your paint by numbers kit is when it is still wet. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe up any spills or drips immediately. If the paint has already dried, you may need to use one of the methods below.
Use Soap and Water
The acrylic paints in our paint by numbers kits are water-soluble, which means you can clean them up with soap and water. Use lukewarm water and a mild soap, such as dish soap, to clean up any paint that has dried on your brushes, paint pots or anywhere else.
Don't forget to rinse brushes thoroughly and reshape them before letting them dry. For more details about cleaning and care for your paint by numbers brushes, click here.
Use Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a powerful solvent that can help break down and remove dried acrylic paint. Soak the affected area in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush or sponge until the paint comes off. Rinse the area with water and dry it with a clean cloth.
Use White Vinegar
White vinegar is another effective cleaning agent for dried acrylic paint. Soak the affected area in vinegar for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush or sponge until the paint comes off. Rinse the area with water and dry it with a clean cloth.
Use an Acrylic Paint Remover or Pure Acetone
If other methods don't work, you can use an acrylic paint remover or nail polish remover that is pure acetone. These products are specifically designed to dissolve and remove dried acrylic paint. Follow the instructions carefully and use them in a well-ventilated area.
Protect Your Work Surface
To make cleaning up acrylic paint easier, it's a good idea to protect your work surface with a plastic or vinyl tablecloth, drop cloth or a sheet of paper. This will catch any drips or spills and prevent the paint from staining your work surface.
Clean Your Brushes and Tools Regularly
To prevent acrylic paint from drying on your brushes and tools, it's important to clean them regularly. Rinse your brushes in warm water and reshape them before letting them air dry. Clean your palette with lukewarm water and soap after each use.
In conclusion, cleaning up acrylic paint from your paint by numbers kit can be a challenge, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done. Wipe up wet paint immediately, use soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or vinegar to clean up dried paint, use an acrylic paint remover if necessary, protect your work surface, and clean your tools regularly to keep them in good condition. With these tips, you can keep your work area clean and your tools in good shape.