Article Summary: The Cold Hard Truth
- The Fear: Why Canadians worry about ordering paint when it's -30°C outside.
- The Science: Acrylic paint can freeze, but modern formulas are designed to survive "freeze-thaw" cycles.
- The Protocol: What to do (and not do) if your package sits on a snowy porch.
- The Guarantee: Our promise to replace any winter-damaged paints for free.
We are proudly Canadian. We know that "shipping in winter" doesn't just mean a bit of chill, it means packages traveling through -30°C blizzards in Edmonton, sitting in unheated trucks in Winnipeg, and waiting on snowy porches in Montreal.
A common question we receive from customers this time of year is: "If I order a kit now, will the paints arrive frozen solid? Should I just wait until spring?"
The short answer is: Don't wait. Here is the science behind why your paints are safe, and the guarantee we offer to make sure of it.
Figure 1: Winter deliveries happen. Here is how we ensure your art supplies survive the cold.
The Science: Can Acrylic Paint Freeze?
Technically, yes. Acrylic paint is water-based, and water freezes.
However, quality acrylics are resilient. Manufacturers know that their products will be shipped in unheated trucks all over the world. Because of this, modern acrylic formulas are designed to withstand what is called "Freeze-Thaw Stability." Ideally, they can undergo several cycles of freezing and thawing without the chemical structure breaking down.
In 99% of cases, even if the paint freezes during transit, it will return to its normal creamy consistency once it thaws.
The "Thaw Protocol": What To Do If Your Paints Arrive Cold
If your package has been sitting on your doorstep in freezing temperatures, follow these steps to ensure your paints are ready to use:
- Do Not Open Immediately: Bring the box inside and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours. Do not try to speed up the process with a hair dryer or by putting them on a radiator. Rapid heating can damage the binder.
- Stir, Don't Shake: Once they are back to room temperature, open a pot. If you see separation (clear liquid on top), use a toothpick or the back of a brush to gently stir it.
- The "Cottage Cheese" Test: If the paint mixes back into a smooth cream, it is perfect. If it stays lumpy, gritty, or looks like cottage cheese even after stirring, it has suffered freeze damage.
Did You Know?
Winter is actually the most popular time for stress-relief hobbies. The shorter days and colder nights make it the perfect season to stay indoors and create.
Our Winter Shipping Guarantee ❄️
While modern chemistry is beneficial, we are aware that Canadian winters can be extremely harsh. Sometimes, despite everyone's best efforts, nature wins.
That is why we offer the Paint On Numbers Winter Guarantee.
If your paints arrive frozen and do not recover after following the "Thaw Protocol," simply take a photo of the lumpy paint and email us. We will ship you a fresh set of paints immediately, free of charge.
We take the risk so you don't have to. You can order your custom kits and gifts with total confidence, regardless of the forecast.
Figure 2: This is what you want, smooth, creamy consistency. If yours looks lumpy, we replace it.
Final Thoughts
Don't let the weather delay your creativity. With our specialized packaging and Winter Guarantee, you can start your next masterpiece while the snow falls outside.
Start Your Winter Project
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