How to Fix Common Painting Mistakes: Recovery Techniques

Every artist makes mistakes. What separates beginners from experienced painters is knowing how to fix them. Most errors are recoverable with the right technique.

Oil Painting Fixes

While Paint Is Wet

Scraping Off

• Use palette knife to remove paint
• Wipe clean with rag
• Repaint immediately or let dry

Wiping Back

• Use rag dampened with solvent
• Gently wipe away paint
• Good for large areas

After Paint Has Dried

Sanding

• Lightly sand dried paint
• Creates tooth for new layer
• Don't sand through to canvas

Painting Over

• Let dry completely
• Apply new paint over error
• May need multiple coats

Acrylic Painting Fixes

While Wet

• Wipe off immediately with damp cloth
• Acrylics dry fast—work quickly
• Mist with water to extend working time

After Drying

• Acrylics cover well
• May need gesso for major changes
• Light colours may need multiple coats over dark

Watercolour Fixes

Most challenging to correct:

Lifting

• Rewet area with clean water
• Blot with tissue or clean brush
• Works best with non-staining colours
• Some pigments won't lift

Prevention Tips

• Plan before painting
• Work from general to specific
• Step back frequently
• Know when to stop
• Use reference images

Find quality materials in our painting guides to help prevent and fix mistakes.