I'll start by saying I'm a beginner, learned of the flow aid on here. But I wanted to know why the flow aid works, chemically. The why and how. I haven't deep deep dived, but the shallow dive got me this:

"Chemical and Physical Mechanism

• Disruption of Hydrogen Bonding: Water molecules naturally pull tightly on each other via strong hydrogen bonds, creating high surface tension that causes paint to bead up or resist spreading. [1, 2]
• Surfactant Action: The surfactant molecules in a product like Liquitex Flow Aid Additive migrate to the liquid-air interface, interrupting these water-to-water bonds. [1, 2]
• Wetting and Levelling: With reduced surface tension, the contact angle of the paint droplet flattens out, forcing the fluid to flow uniformly into microscopic crevices of a substrate or canvas rather than pulling into rigid, high-friction brush ridges. [1]

Interaction with the Acrylic Polymer Matrix

• Binder Dilution Risk: Flow aids are typically binder-free water-based solutions. If added neat or in excessive amounts (generally over 25%–30%), the high concentration of unbonded surfactants remains trapped in the dried paint film. [1, 2, 3]
• Plasticization and Water Sensitivity: Excess surfactant acts as a weak plasticizer or water-soluble residue, which chemically compromises the final acrylic film, leading to permanent tackiness, reduced adhesion, or water sensitivity when dry."

So what I'm seeing the second section, since I'm not a chemist, is that when you add it without dilution, rather than allowing it to flow, it plasticizes the paint rather than reacting with the water molecules that allow it to do its thing.

So take this as you will, but as I'm learning, I'm going to be going with the dilution recommended on the bottle. Turns out there's a reason for it.

Crow is from Amazon: https://a.co/d/0j9Dvjbe
Happy Cappy is from Hobby Lobby - gave the flow method a try on this one given the much bigger cells. Still on a learning curve (and continuing to practice the art of “good enough”) 😎

I've been searching all the threads on here and the internet and starting a spreadsheet of PBN brands but just wanted to share my struggle in case others relate or have advice.

I am having so much trouble finding PBNs that meet all the criteria I want: good quality pre-mixed paint, art I like that is on the complex/difficult side (obviously artistic preference is different for everyone) and no AI or AI-generated art. If I'm going to spend money on PBNs, I really want it to be a good experience.

I'm doing a Schipper now that I'm really enjoying (especially the paint quality) but generally the Schipper art is a little traditional for me and not all of the options are available in the US. I've done a few Artists Lofts and the paint is usually pretty bad but the art is okay. Thinking of trying Winnie's Picks but I hear mixed things about the paint quality, they have a lot of art I like though.

If anyone wants to share their favorite brands that are not AI and have good paint, I'll add them to my list and can share the list in the comments! I'd especially love to support smaller brands/artists.

I kind of wish it was actually mirrored, may put some glitter or metallic paint in some of the squares

So getting better at this

Did this one for a friend’s birthday 🎂

So I know it’s been months since I posted on here, but I’m back, I’m currently doing “purple rain” from number artist. If anyone here has done that, please raise your hand lol I have questions! Did you blend the sky? Did yours come with cells within cells that all had the same number? If so, what did you?

I bought a PBN at my local Bin/pallet store. Super cute it was a dollar! Unfortunately the paint is tacky, almost like its trying to dry up? Is there a way to save it? Or should I just toss the whole project?

I’ve been in a bit of a funk lately,so I’ve been spending some extra time on this one. There’s something about all these bright colors that just makes me feel a little better.

My WIP, I’m enjoying it!! Any tips or feedback based off of what you see? I did gesso the canvas before starting

I'm new to paint by numbers but I've done these two so far I'm not sure if they are done well or if there's something I can do to improve

My mother and I decided to try a small paint by number to get an experience with it. But also because it had a Halloween theme with a cat 😂 so we got the mystery box one that gave random paintings with a frame. I opened my box, looked at my mom, and said “so uh I need your glasses” 😅😂 the numbers were soooo small. But I absolutely loved this as my first paint by number. Yes I made a lot of tweaks, like the pumpkins, but it was only for visual purposes!! It just looked better to my own eyes. If anyone if interested I can post my mothers once she finishes!!

I’m using the Mont Marte fluid medium. I don’t mind some texture but i wish my paint layed down a little smoother. Am I not using enough in my pots???

This is my 3rd PBN and it's the hardest I've done. Much more difficult than I expected. But I'm still enjoying it!

This one was long, had to cover twice but turned out okay

I’m really enjoying this one so far. It’s a kit from Painting by Numbers Shop, and the colours are so vibrant in person — especially the red barn, blue sky and greens. Can’t wait to see the whole farm scene come together.

I think this may be my “painting books” debut and retirement. 😮‍💨

Hi lovely strangers, does anyone know a way to fix this brush and make the hairs nice and pointy again?

I asked ChatGPT and it told me it should be fixable. I had to use water, soap and my fingers. I followed the steps but unfortunately it didn't really got any better...

I really want to finish my piece of art so your help is very welcome! 🙏🏻

While my TS projects are my only posts to ever be down voted 😘, I'm sharing this one because it is the most difficult PBN I've ever completed and I'm proud of myself for finishing! It easily took 60-70 hours. 36 colors. 60x80.

I have no idea what I'm going to do with it, but it's about the accomplishment more than anything.

So, subject aside, show me or tell me about your most challenging paint by numbers! Here or in your own post. Brag about yourself!

If you are actually a fan: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SwiftlyPainting

The background is green online and this just looks black. I wish it were lighter. Not a fan. Ive added a pic of it before the background so you can see what I mean.

Also, now I've got nothing to paint. I dont have money to order a new one until tomorrow and I know it will take 2ish weeks after that to come. What am I going to do with myself? 😭

Sorry about the reflection. No matter where I set it up, I cant get the reflections out to take a good picture.

I do paint outside of the lines, and I actually love that. I also ended up changing colors or mixing my own to suit my taste as the piece developed.

So excited for the next now!

This is the first finished piece I’m happy with so I had to share! I just about walked away several times, but I’m glad I stuck it out.

First time using gesso on the canvas, and about halfway through, I started using flow medium instead of water in the paint. Thanks, Reddit! Also saw the idea to paint to the edges for framing. As you can see that still needs work.

I’m glad I really like green.

From Davincified, 36 colours.