How to Remove Wrinkles from Paint by Numbers Canvas?

We’re aware that you’ve been scratching your heads over this vexing question i.e. “how to fix wrinkles”, so here we are perpetually to help you overcome this nuisance as well. Wrinkles/creases are quite normal owing to numbers and lines printed all over the canvas. Nevertheless, it is quite a daunting task to keep them at bay. Also, some wrinkles & creases can be expected during shipping but they can be removed easily. Our team of experts has rolled out the perfect list of methods to get rid of this trouble.

5 Magical Methods to remove wrinkles from Paint by Numbers Canvas

Method 1: Ironing

Prerequisites:

• An iron
• A piece of cloth
• Paint by numbers canvas

Steps:

1. Place the paint by numbers canvas on a flat surface.
2. Cover the canvas with the piece of cloth to protect it from direct heat.
3. Preheat the iron to a low temperature.
4. Press the iron gently over the wrinkles on the canvas.
5. Continue ironing until the wrinkles disappear.
6. Allow the canvas to cool down before painting.

Method 2: Steaming

Prerequisites:

• A steam iron or a handheld steamer
• Paint by numbers canvas

Steps:

1. Place the paint by numbers canvas on a flat surface.
2. Fill the water reservoir of the steam iron or handheld steamer.
3. Preheat the steamer to a low temperature.
4. Hold the steamer close to the wrinkles on the canvas.
5. Move the steamer back and forth over the wrinkles.
6. Continue steaming until the wrinkles disappear.
7. Allow the canvas to cool down before painting.

Method 3: Damp Towel Method

Prerequisites:

• A damp towel
• Paint by numbers canvas

Steps:

1. Place the paint by numbers canvas on a flat surface.
2. Dampen the towel with water and wring it out until it is damp, but not soaking wet.
3. Lay the damp towel over the wrinkles on the canvas.
4. Gently press down on the towel to transfer moisture to the canvas.
5. Allow the towel to sit on the canvas for a few hours.
6. Remove the towel and allow the canvas to air dry.
7. If any wrinkles remain, repeat the process.

Method 4: Hair Dryer

Prerequisites:

• A hair dryer
• Paint by numbers canvas

Steps:

1. Place the paint by numbers canvas on a flat surface.
2. Set the hair dryer to a low heat and low-speed setting.
3. Hold the hair dryer close to the wrinkles on the canvas.
4. Use your hand to smooth out the wrinkles as you blow warm air on them.
5. Continue blowing warm air and smoothing out the wrinkles until they disappear.
6. Allow the canvas to cool down before painting.

Method 4: Heating Pad

Prerequisites:

• Heating pad
• Paint by numbers canvas
• Water spray bottle

Steps:

1. Lay the paint by numbers canvas flat on a table or other flat surface.
2. Fill the water spray bottle with water and lightly mist the wrinkles on the canvas. This will help to loosen them.
3. Place the heating pad on top of the canvas, covering the wrinkled areas.
4. Turn on the heating pad and set it to a low or medium temperature. Allow the pad to heat up for a few minutes.
5. Leave the heating pad on the canvas for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the heat to penetrate the canvas and relax the wrinkles.
6. After 15-20 minutes, turn off the heating pad and remove it from the canvas.
7. Use your hands to gently smooth out any remaining wrinkles. If needed, lightly mist the canvas with the water spray bottle again.
8. Allow the canvas to dry completely before painting.

Note: Be careful not to overheat the canvas or leave the heating pad on for too long, as this could damage the paint or canvas. Always use a low or medium heat setting and monitor the canvas closely while using the heating pad method.

The things that you should do:

• Always use the #1 superhero to fight the wrinkles i.e. iron. Every paint by number enthusiast recommends using a splash of water droplets before ironing. Always apply the iron weight and press down firmly but don’t let the iron stay at a place for too long as it might wipe off the lines or numbers accidentally.

• Always stretch your canvas and make it taut. This way you’d never see any wrinkles whatsoever. A simple trick here is to use masking tape and ply it across the edges of the canvas and tape it facedown onto a flat surface.

• Always use a damp cloth to fight off wrinkles (If you’re unable to eradicate them using the above-mentioned tips). It works wonders when applied on the backside of the canvas. Once you’ve caressed the wrinkles from the backside using a damp cloth, iron it instantly and experience the magic.

• Always place a cotton towel beneath your canvas before spraying water droplets or ironing over it to prevent any sort of scorching or dampening.

• If you’re sick of ironing, always use a heating pad to remove any lurking wrinkles. Always make sure that you sandwich the heating pad between two layers of towels and then place the canvas on top of that towel. Your canvas should be facing towards you and not towards the heating pad beneath it.

• Always make sure that you don’t unnecessarily roll your canvas while storing. Rolling contributes most towards the nuisance of wrinkles. The use of a flat surface or the use of prolific framing techniques is recommended to cope with wrinkles.

The things that you shouldn’t do:

• Never make a habit of using excess water and/or steam. You might stumble onto many false narratives that state otherwise but it's best that you shouldn’t use a lot of steam or water to combat the wrinkles. Many enthusiasts fell prey to the false narrative and ended up losing the numbers and lines of their canvas.

• Never iron on the front side. (We repeat “NEVER!”) If you’re naïve enough to iron face up instead of ironing on the backside, you’ll end up smearing the paints all over the canvas and it could potentially blemish the ink over the canvas and resultantly destroy your masterpiece.
• Never use a heating pad without the towels placed on either side of it because it has the potential to burn your canvas upon direct contact.
• If you’re a growing enthusiast, never use an iron or heating pad without parental guidance or supervision.
• Never face the canvas towards the heating pad. The labels present on the masterpiece might wipe off and evaporate.
• Last but not the least, NEVER Compromise with or get accustomed to wrinkles. Know that there’s always a way out and wrinkles are your worst nemesis.

Some Pro Tips:

• Mind the Heat: When ironing or using a hair dryer, start with the lowest heat setting and gradually increase if needed. Too much heat can damage the canvas or cause colors to bleed.
• Test in a Small Area: Before applying any method to the entire canvas, test it in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility and avoid any unwanted effects.
• Use a Pressing Cloth: Place a thin cotton cloth or parchment paper between the iron and the canvas to protect the surface from direct heat and prevent any accidental burns or marks.
• Steam with Caution: When steaming, avoid getting too close to the canvas to prevent excess moisture buildup, which can lead to warping or color distortion. Maintain a safe distance and steam gently.
• Patience is Key: Allow the canvas to cool completely before handling it or moving on to the next step. Rushing the process can result in re-wrinkling or damage to the paint.
• Smooth Out Carefully: When using a damp towel or heating pad, apply gentle pressure and smooth out wrinkles gradually. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can cause the canvas to stretch or distort.
• Mind Your Surroundings: Ensure the workspace is clean and free of debris before starting. Any dirt or particles trapped under the canvas can cause imperfections or marks during the wrinkle removal process.
• Handle with Care: When handling the canvas, use clean, dry hands to avoid transferring oils or dirt onto the surface. Minimizing contact with the canvas helps preserve its pristine condition.
• Inspect and Adjust: After applying the chosen method, carefully inspect the canvas for any remaining wrinkles. If necessary, repeat the process or try alternative methods to achieve the desired results without compromising the integrity of the artwork.
• Work in Sections: If the canvas is large, tackle one section at a time to ensure thorough and effective wrinkle removal. This approach allows for better control and precision, resulting in a smoother overall finish.
• Opt for Professional Help: If you're unsure about using DIY methods or dealing with stubborn wrinkles, consider seeking assistance from a professional art conservator. They have the expertise and tools to safely restore your paint by numbers canvas to its original condition.
• Share Your Experience: Document your wrinkle removal journey and share it with others in the paint by numbers community. Your insights and tips could help fellow enthusiasts achieve flawless results and foster a sense of camaraderie among artists.