Why Brush Strokes Matter
You know how exciting it is to see an image come to life if you’ve ever done paint by numbers. But occasionally, brush strokes look uneven and harsh. Not only can smooth strokes make the painting look better, but they also make the process more fun. The good news? You can paint like an expert with only a few easy changes.
The Right Brushes Make All the Difference
Most kits come with basic brushes. They do the job, but they’re not necessarily the best. You might want to get a few delicate brushes with fine tips. They hold paint better and move more easily across the canvas. A small flat brush is good for filling in big areas, and a round detail brush is good for drawing delicate lines.
Thin Layers Beat Thick Blobs
It’s easy to fill the brush and cover quickly. But heavy paint makes lumps and leaves ridges. Instead, dip lightly and put on thin coatings. Two or three thin layers will give you a smooth finish without losing any detail. Also, thinner layers dry faster and are easier to work with.
Keep Your Paint Smooth
The texture of the paint is a big secret to getting even strokes. It’s tougher to distribute paint that feels thick or sticky.
Add a Drop Off Water
Check the paint’s consistency before you start painting. Mix in a single drop of water if it is too thick. The paint spreads out better when you stir it well. But be careful: too much water makes it runny and see-through.
Keep Paint Fresh
Don’t leave pots open for too long. The air dries them up quickly. After each usage, make sure the lids are tightly closed. Add water and stir it in gently if the paint is still wet. Acrylic medium is better than water at bringing paint back to life after it is entirely dry.
Clean as You Go
When you paint, you should rinse your brushes often, not just at the end. Have a cup of water close by and stir it every few minutes. Before dipping back into paint, wipe off any extra water using a cloth.
Shape and Store
Use your fingers to realign the bristles after cleaning. Keep brushes flat or standing erect with the points up. This keeps them ready for the next time.
Mastering the Stroke
Everything changes depending on how you drag the brush. It’s more about how things move than how fast they go.
Short, Gentle Strokes
Instead of long, sweeping strokes, use small ones. They let you do more in tight spaces. You don’t need to push too hard, just enough pressure will do. Pressing too hard can bend the bristles and leave uneven impressions.
Follow the Shape
Look at the shape of the part you are painting. Brush in the same direction as the outline. This mixes strokes into the picture in a natural way.
Finishing Touches for a Professional Look
After you’re done painting, smooth off the edges where two colors meet to give it a polished look. While the paint is still wet, use a clean brush to carefully run it over the edge. This will soften the line and make the transition between shades look smooth and natural.
Seal Your Artwork
Let the painting dry completely when you’re done. Then put on a transparent acrylic sealant. It smooths out the surface, keeps the paint safe, and makes colors stand out. Brush-on sealers work well too, but spray sealers give the best results.
Final Thoughts
It’s not about being perfect with smooth brush strokes. They have to do with little things like using the appropriate brushes, thinning the paint just right, keeping instruments clean, and moving in a steady way. These tips will help your paint by numbers creations look more like actual art and less like a kit.
