Art accidents – we’ve all been there. A dented canvas, a splatter gone rogue, or a paint pen that’s dried out right in the middle of the best bit. Even experienced artists hit a bump (or twelve) along the way. The good news? Most art mistakes can be fixed – or at the very least, reworked into something even better.

Here are the answers to your most common art mistake questions – plus some tips to help you troubleshoot like a pro.

1. My paint pen’s a bit crusty… how to fix a dried marker?

Possibly! A dried-out paint pen isn’t always the end of the road.

Try this:

-    Shake it thoroughly – sometimes the pigment just needs a good mix.

-    If the nib’s dry or clogged, gently press it down on scrap paper to re-prime it.

-    Still no flow? Try removing the nib and soaking it briefly in water (for water-based paint pens) or isopropyl alcohol (for alcohol-based markers). Let it dry before reinserting.

-    Last resort? Trim the dried tip slightly and reshape. Reprime and away you go.

If it’s still not working, the ink may be finished – time to treat yourself to a fresh one! See our how-to video above for a demo on how to fix your pen.

2. I accidentally banged my canvas – how to fix a canvas dent?

This one’s surprisingly fixable.

If it’s an unstretched or stretched cotton canvas:

-    Lay a damp sponge onto the back of the canvas dent, pressing it lightly so the fibres get wet

-    Leave it for a minute or two then remove and flip the canvas – the dent should be gone!

-    To prevent dents, always insert the canvas stretcher keys in the back of the frame

Just go easy on the water – too much can warp the frame.

3. Uh oh… I smudged! How to fix smudged ink on paper?

There are a few routes you can take:

-    Camouflage it. Can you layer over the mistake with more ink or marker work

-    Lift it. If the ink is still wet, dab it with a paper towel or clean brush to lift most of it off

-    Embrace it. Some of the most interesting textures and techniques come from ‘mistakes’ you work into the final piece

If you’re working in layers, it’s worth keeping a white paint pen nearby – they’re great for covering small smudges.

4. My painting looks flat or dull – how do I bring it back to life?

This usually comes down to contrast, layering, or gloss.

Try this:

-    Add highlights with lighter tones or a metallic accent.

-    Deepen shadows for more dimension.

-    Use a gloss varnish or gloss medium to refresh the surface (especially with acrylics – matte finishes can dull bright colours).

-    Step back and squint – often you’ll spot where a tweak in colour or value could make things pop.

5. Overworked painting alert! Can I undo it?

We feel you – knowing when to stop is a skill in itself. If you've gone a bit too far:

-    Let it dry completely, then rework the area with fresh layers.

-    Try softening edges or glazing over with a thin, transparent colour to restore depth.

-    In gouache or watercolour: re-wet the area gently and blot to lift pigment but be careful not to damage the paper.

Worst case? Crop it, collage it, or turn it into something else entirely.

6. My marker bled through the paper – help! What can I do to stop marker bleeding?

This usually happens when the paper isn’t thick or coated enough for alcohol markers.

To prevent it:

-    Use bleedproof or marker pad paper

-    Place a scrap sheet underneath to catch any bleed-through.

If it’s already happened:

-    If it’s the back of a sketchbook page, embrace it as a textured background for your next idea.

-    If it’s on something special, you could patch it with a paper layer, tape detail, or decorative sticker that blends into the design.

7. I don’t like how my piece turned out. Is this art regret?

Welcome to the club – even professionals finish pieces they’re not thrilled with. But that doesn’t mean it’s wasted.

Try:

-    Reworking it with new layers, collage, or mixed media additions.

-    Cropping it into a smaller artwork or trimming it into postcard-sized pieces.

-    Leaving it for a few days. A fresh eye can change your opinion entirely.

Remember, every ‘fail’ builds your skill – and sometimes, the best pieces come from a second look.

Want to level up your recovery skills? Keep a stash of tools on hand: white paint pens, gloss varnish, scrap paper, and a flexible mindset.

You’ve got this – mistake or not, it’s all part of the creative process.

If you do get creating at home, #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’re excited to see what y’all create!

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