Elevate Your Paint by Numbers Art: ORFON’s Two Must-Have Acrylic Mediums
For paint by numbers enthusiasts—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist—creating a smooth, long-lasting masterpiece often comes down to the right tools. While high-quality canvases and pigments lay the foundation, two game-changing products can take your artwork from “great” to “gallery-worthy”: ORFON Acrylic Paint Thinner and ORFON Acrylic Varnish (Gloss & Protectant).
Designed specifically for paint by numbers projects, these mediums solve common frustrations (think clumpy paint or fading colors) and help you get the most out of your creative process. Let’s break down how each works, how to use them, and why they’re essential for your next project.
1. ORFON Acrylic Paint Thinner (30ml): Smooth Brushstrokes, No More Clumps
If you’ve ever struggled with thick, sticky acrylic paint that leaves streaks on your canvas—or makes fine details hard to fill—you know the hassle. Our 30ml Acrylic Paint Thinner is here to fix that.
What It Does
This specially formulated thinner is engineered to mix seamlessly with acrylic paints (including the ones in your ORFON paint by numbers kit) to:
- Improve flow: Thin out thick paint without watering down its vibrant color, so your brush glides across the canvas effortlessly.
- Eliminate streaks: Say goodbye to uneven coverage—thinned paint lays down smoothly, even on small numbered sections.
- Extend paint life: A little goes a long way! The 30ml bottle is perfectly sized to last through multiple projects, keeping your paints usable longer.
How to Use It (It’s Foolproof!)
Using our Acrylic Paint Thinner takes just 3 simple steps:
- Squeeze a small amount of paint into a mixing dish (we recommend using the lid of your paint pot for easy cleanup).
- Add 1–2 drops of thinner (start with less—you can always add more!). Stir gently with a brush until the paint reaches a creamy, pourable consistency (like heavy cream).
- Paint as usual: The thinned paint will flow smoothly, making it easier to fill tiny numbers and create consistent, streak-free coverage.
Pro Tip: For light colors (like white, pale yellow, or soft pink)—which tend to thicken faster—add an extra drop of thinner to maintain smoothness without losing opacity.
2. ORFON Acrylic Varnish (Gloss & Protectant): Make Colors Pop, Protect for Years
You’ve spent hours perfecting your paint by numbers art—now you want it to stay bright and intact for years to come. Our Acrylic Varnish (Gloss & Protectant) is the final step to lock in your hard work.
What It Does
This spray-on varnish is a dual-purpose hero:
- Boosts shine & vibrancy: Dull, flat colors get an instant lift! The gloss finish enhances the depth of your paint, making reds richer, blues brighter, and greens more vivid—like adding a “professional coat” to your artwork.
- Shields against damage: It forms a protective barrier over your canvas to resist:
- Dust and dirt (no more wiping away grime and smudging paint).
- UV rays (prevents fading, even if you hang your art near a window).
- Minor scratches (ideal if you want to display or gift your piece).
How to Use It (Post-Painting Essential)
Wait until your paint by numbers artwork is 100% dry (we recommend letting it sit for 24–48 hours, depending on humidity) before using the varnish. Then:
- Prepare your workspace: Lay down newspaper or a drop cloth to avoid overspray. Hold the varnish can 8–10 inches (20–25cm) away from the canvas.
- Apply light, even coats: Spray in a side-to-side motion, covering the entire canvas with a thin layer. Avoid heavy sprays—they can cause drips.
- Let it dry: Allow 1–2 hours between coats. For maximum shine and protection, apply 2 thin coats (this is enough to seal the paint without making the canvas look “gloopy”).
Pro Tip: If you prefer a matte finish instead of gloss, let the first coat dry completely, then lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit) before applying the second coat—this softens the shine while keeping the protective layer intact.
Why These Two Mediums Are a Must for Paint by Numbers Lovers
Together, ORFON’s Acrylic Paint Thinner and Acrylic Varnish solve two of the biggest pain points in paint by numbers:
- The “creation struggle”: No more fighting with thick paint—you can focus on enjoying the process, not fixing mistakes.
- The “longevity worry”: Your artwork won’t fade or get damaged over time, so you can display it proudly or gift it as a timeless keepsake.
Plus, both products are:
- Safe for all skill levels: Beginners don’t need any special experience to use them—just follow the simple instructions.
- Travel-friendly: The 30ml thinner and compact varnish can fit in your art kit, so you can paint (and protect) on the go.
- Compatible with ORFON kits: They’re designed to work seamlessly with our paint by numbers canvases and pigments, but they also pair well with other brands!

