Daler-Rowney Acrylic Paint Set 40 Pcs: What's Included and How to Use It

By Eleanor Hayden

A daler-rowney acrylic paint set 40 pcs gives beginners and hobbyists a wide range of colors in one purchase, but the real value depends on how you use it. In this guide you will learn how to evaluate a 40-piece acrylic set, prepare your workspace, test and mix colors, and keep your paints usable for months. By the end you should be able to get consistent results from a large set without wasting paint or guessing at color.

What a 40-Piece Acrylic Set Usually Includes

Forty-piece sets are typically made up of individual tubes or pots of acrylic paint in assorted colors, sometimes with a few metallic, pearl, or fluorescent shades mixed in. Before you open anything, check the packaging or the manufacturer’s product listing for the exact contents, since tube sizes and color mixes can differ between editions of the same set. Some sets include brushes or a palette, while others are paint only.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 7 Best Set of Acrylic Paint Compareds: Buyer's Guide 2026.

Manufacturers generally specify the tube volume and the pigment type for each color. Pay attention to whether the paints are labeled as student grade or artist grade, because pigment load and lightfastness affect how vivid and durable the colors will be. Student-grade paints usually have more filler and fewer pigments per tube, which can make mixing more work.

Step-by-Step: Getting Started With Your Set

Step 1: Set Up a Workspace

Acrylic dries quickly, so work where you can clean up easily. Cover your table with a plastic sheet or a canvas drop cloth, and keep a bowl of water and paper towels within reach. Good light matters too. Natural daylight or a daylight-balanced lamp will help you judge colors accurately.

Step 2: Make a Color Chart

Before you paint your project, create a swatch chart on a sheet of heavy paper or cardstock. Paint a small stripe of each color, label it with the color name, and let it dry. Dried acrylic often looks darker or more matte than it does wet, so this chart shows you the true finish. Keep it nearby as a reference while you work.

Step 3: Test Mixing Ratios

Mixing is where a large set earns its keep. Start with the primary and secondary colors you use most, then try simple ratios such as 1:1, 2:1, and 1:2 on your scrap sheet. Write each ratio beside the result. A small notebook or the margin of your swatch chart works well for this. Recording ratios saves you from re-mixing the same shade later.

Step 4: Thin Paint Correctly

Acrylic can be thinned with water for washes and glazes, or with an acrylic medium for more control and better adhesion. Add water a few drops at a time. Too much water weakens the binder and can cause paint to flake on some surfaces. For smooth brush strokes, aim for a consistency similar to heavy cream.

Step 5: Build Layers

Let each layer dry before adding the next. Acrylic typically dries to the touch within minutes, but thicker applications can take longer. Thin layers dry faster and reduce the risk of cracking. Two or three thin coats usually give more even coverage than one thick coat.

Recommended Brushes and Supporting Tools

A set of paints is only as good as the tools you use with it. Start with a basic assortment of synthetic brushes in flat, round, and filbert shapes, plus a fine liner for detail work. Synthetic bristles hold up well to acrylic, while natural hair can splay and clump. A palette with a lid also slows drying between sessions, which helps when you are blending.

Caring for Your Paint So It Lasts

Acrylic tubes dry out if the cap is left loose or the tube is squeezed open at the tip. Wipe the threads clean before closing each tube, and store the set upright in a cool, dry place. Avoid freezing temperatures, which can separate the binder and change the texture permanently. If a tube becomes thick, you can sometimes restore it by adding a few drops of water and kneading, but results vary by brand and age.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Painting on an unprimed or very glossy surface without testing adhesion first.
Squeezing too much paint onto the palette, which dries out before you use it.
Skipping the swatch chart and then being surprised by the dried color.
Leaving brushes standing in water, which bends the bristles and loosens the ferrule.
Using heavy applications of paint without drying time, leading to cracks or peeling.

Tips for Getting More From Your Set

Group colors by family on your palette so you can find them quickly while working.
Keep a small mixing record for every project so you can repeat good results.
Use a clear acrylic sealer once the project is fully dry if it will be handled often.
Clean brushes with mild soap and water immediately after use, then reshape the tips while damp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 40-piece acrylic set good for beginners?

Yes, a large set can be a practical starting point because it covers many colors without buying singles. The main trade-off is that you will need to learn basic mixing to get the most out of it. Many beginners find that a limited core palette of a few primaries, white, and black produces more consistent results than trying every shade at once.

How long do acrylic paints last once opened?

Properly capped and stored tubes can stay usable for a long time, often several years, though manufacturers’ shelf-life guidance varies. Signs that paint has gone bad include a lumpy texture, a sour smell, or mold on the surface. Check the packaging for any date or storage advice from the manufacturer.

Can I use acrylic paint on fabric or glass?

Acrylic can adhere to many surfaces, but fabric and glass usually need preparation and sometimes heat setting or a sealer to hold up to washing or handling. Follow the guidance for the specific surface and test on a scrap piece first.

Do I need a medium with my paint?

Not always. Water works well for thinning and basic painting. A gloss, matte, or flow medium can improve flow, extend drying time, or change the finish. Add mediums gradually and test them on your swatch chart.

Why does my paint look darker when dry?

Acrylic naturally dries a shade or two darker than it appears wet because the water evaporates and the pigment settles. This is normal. Your swatch chart will help you account for it on future projects.

How do I clean up dried paint on my palette?

Dried paint can be rewetted with a damp sponge and scraped off with a palette knife once softened. Avoid scraping plastic palettes with metal tools, which can scratch the surface and make future cleanup harder.

Should I varnish my finished piece?

A varnish or sealer adds protection against scuffs, moisture, and dust. Choose a finish that suits your project, such as matte for a soft look or gloss for more shine. Allow the paint to dry fully before applying, and follow the varnish manufacturer’s drying times.

Is it safe to use acrylic paint around children?

Many acrylics are designed for general craft use, but you should always read the label for safety information and age guidance. Supervise young children, keep paints out of reach when not in use, and wash hands after handling. If you have health concerns about paint exposure, consult a healthcare professional or your local poison control center.

Conclusion

A daler-rowney acrylic paint set 40 pcs can cover a huge range of projects if you approach it methodically. Set up your workspace, build a swatch chart, test your mixing ratios, and care for your tubes so they last. With those habits in place, the set becomes a reliable tool rather than a box of guesses.

About Eleanor Hayden

Eleanor covers arts & crafts supplies, comparing specs, features and long-term owner feedback to help readers choose with confidence.

About the author

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craftscenter editorial team writes reviews and buying guides for Crafts Center.

Daler-Rowney Acrylic Paint Set 40 PCs: What’s Included and How to Use It