5 Best Crayola Signature Acrylic Paint Set Options for Beginners (2026)

Updated November 2026

Shopping for a crayola signature acrylic paint set usually means weighing a few things at once: how many colors you get, whether the paint is pigmented enough to cover in one or two coats, whether the bottles are big enough to last past the first project, and whether the included brushes are worth using. This guide compares five acrylic paint sets from the same general shopping range, so you can match a kit to your skill level and the surfaces you plan to paint. The selection method is research-based: we looked at manufacturer specifications, brand reputation and the feedback patterns owners tend to report, and we did not test these products ourselves.

Our Top Picks

If you are new to acrylics, it helps to read a few related guides before committing. The Crayola Signature Acrylic Paint Set Compared: 5 Best Options (2026) article covers the same product category from a different angle, and What Makes a Nice Acrylic Paint Set Worth Buying? Key Factors Explained walks through the criteria in more depth. Use the table below as a starting point.

Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
Mont Marte Acrylic Colour Paint Set Signature	Beginners working on canvas and wood	24 colors in 36 ml tubes
Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set	Large-scale and bulk painting	250 ml bottles per color
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors with Brushes & Palette	Mixing and color experimentation	36 colors plus brushes and palette
Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set	Kids, classrooms and casual crafts	Large 24 fl oz set in a compact kit
Caliart Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors with 12 Brushes	Budget-minded hobbyists	36 colors with a 12-brush set

Mont Marte Acrylic Colour Paint Set Signature

Best for: Beginners who want a well-rounded starter kit for canvas, wood and craft projects.

This set suits someone who wants a single purchase that covers the basics. It is aimed at first-time acrylic users who plan to work across several surfaces, including canvas, wood, air-dried clay and cardboard.

Key specs:

• 24 colors
• 1.21 US fl oz (36 ml) per tube
• Designed for canvas, wood, air-dry clay and cardboard

Pros:

• Good color range for learning mixing
• Tube size suits small and medium projects
• Works across several common craft surfaces

Cons:

• Tubes run out quickly on large pieces
• Smaller tubes cost more per milliliter than bottles

Bottom line: A strong first pick for a beginner who wants versatility without buying a large bulk supply.

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Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set

Best for: Large projects and bulk painting where running out of color is a real concern.

This set is aimed at people painting big surfaces, such as wall art, large canvases or rock and craft projects that use a lot of paint. Owners who work in volume often prefer bottles to tubes because they are easier to refill a palette from.

Key specs:

• 18 colors
• 250 ml (8.45 oz) bottles
• Suitable for canvas, wood, ceramic and rocks

Pros:

• Large bottle size reduces refill frequency
• Pigmented formula suits bold coverage
• Good for group or classroom volume

Cons:

• Fewer colors than the 36-color sets
• Bottles are bulky to store in small spaces

Bottom line: Best for painters who already know their core colors and need plenty of each.

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Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors with Brushes & Palette

Best for: Color mixing practice and anyone who wants a complete kit with tools included.

This set fits someone who wants lots of colors to experiment with and a set of accessories in one box. It is well suited to hobbyists who like to mix their own shades instead of buying every tone.

Key specs:

• 36 colors
• 2 oz (60 ml) bottles
• Includes brushes and a palette

Pros:

• Wide range makes color mixing easy to practice
• Accessories included in the box
• Bottle size is a reasonable middle ground

Cons:

• Brush quality varies by owner reports, so plan to test them
• Many colors may go unused in simple projects

Bottom line: A good pick for someone who wants a full studio-style kit and enjoys mixing.

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Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set

Best for: Kids, classrooms and casual craft sessions where paint is used freely.

This set is aimed at families, teachers and casual crafters who want a general-purpose acrylic supply without a lot of fuss. It is a practical option when several people share the paint.

Key specs:

• 12 colors
• 24 fl oz total volume
• Intended for general craft use

Pros:

• Large total volume for the price category of a basic set
• Simple color selection is easy for children
• Good for multiple users sharing supplies

Cons:

• Limited color range for mixing projects
• Not specifically positioned for fine-art work

Bottom line: A practical choice for shared, casual painting rather than detailed artwork.

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Caliart Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors with 12 Brushes

Best for: Budget-minded hobbyists who want a large color count and brushes in one kit.

This set suits someone who wants to start with plenty of color options and a set of brushes without buying each item separately. It is a reasonable pick for seasonal projects and craft variety.

Key specs:

• 36 colors
• 12 brushes included
• Non-toxic, rich-pigment formula as described in the listing

Pros:

• High color count for the number of items
• Brush set included
• Works on several craft surfaces

Cons:

• Small tubes run out quickly on larger work
• Brush quality may not match artist-grade tools

Bottom line: A good value pick for hobbyists who want variety and do not need professional-grade materials.

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Buying Guide

Color Count and Range

A 36-color set gives you room to mix, but an 18- or 24-color set can be enough if you know which shades you use most. Look for a range that includes a true white, black, primary colors and a few earth tones. Mixing from a smaller core palette is a good habit to build early.

Good picks for this: Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors with Brushes & Palette; Mont Marte Acrylic Colour Paint Set Signature

Bottle Size and Volume

Tubes around 36 ml suit small projects, while 60 ml and 250 ml bottles make more sense for larger surfaces. Estimate how much paint a project needs before buying. A small canvas may use only a few milliliters per color, but a large wall piece can go through a bottle quickly.

Good picks for this: Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set; Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set

Pigment Quality and Coverage

Good acrylic paint should cover in one to three thin coats, depending on the color. Dark colors usually cover better than light ones, and yellows and certain reds can be more transparent. Check the listing for descriptions such as rich pigment, and read owner comments about how opaque the colors appear on the surfaces you plan to use.

Good picks for this: Caliart Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors with 12 Brushes; Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set

Included Brushes and Accessories

Brushes in a set are often adequate for basic work, but they vary in stiffness and shape. A flat brush, a round brush and a fine detail brush cover most beginner needs. If accessories matter to you, check whether the set includes a palette, which makes mixing easier.

Good picks for this: Caliart Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors with 12 Brushes; Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors with Brushes & Palette

Surfaces and Use Case

Acrylics adhere to canvas, wood, paper, cardboard, rocks and many craft materials, but some surfaces need priming or sealing for durability. If you plan to paint on glass, plastic or fabric, read up on preparation first. Guides such as How to Set Acrylic Paint on Fabric: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners explain the extra steps those surfaces may need.

Good picks for this: Mont Marte Acrylic Colour Paint Set Signature; Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set

Consistency and Drying Time

Most acrylic paints dry to the touch within minutes and can be dry enough to recoat within about an hour, though thick applications take longer. Smoother consistency is easier to layer, while thicker paint holds brush texture. Owners often note that bottled paints sometimes thin more with water than tubes do, so test a small swatch before a big project.

Good picks for this: Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors with Brushes & Palette; Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set

Storage and Care

Keep caps tightly closed to prevent drying, and store bottles upright in a cool place. Clean brushes promptly with water, since dried acrylic is difficult to remove. For a more organized setup, How to Set Up an Acrylic Paint Palette: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners shows how to lay out colors for easy access.

Good picks for this: Caliart Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors with 12 Brushes; Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set

FAQ

Is a crayola signature acrylic paint set good for beginners?

Yes, most beginner acrylic sets are designed for ease of use. Look for a moderate color count, pigmented formulas and a bottle or tube size that suits your first projects. Practice on inexpensive surfaces before moving to finished pieces.

How many colors do I need to start?

Many painters start with about 12 to 18 colors, including white, black and primaries. A larger set of 24 to 36 colors gives more flexibility, but it is not required for good results.

Can acrylic paint from these sets be used on fabric?

Acrylic can be used on fabric, but it usually needs a fabric medium or heat setting to stay flexible and washable. Follow the steps in a dedicated guide before painting garments.

Do acrylic paints need a sealer?

A clear sealer or varnish helps protect finished work from scratches and moisture, especially on surfaces that will be handled. Indoor decorative pieces may not need one, but outdoor or high-use items usually benefit from it.

How long does acrylic paint last once opened?

Acrylic paint can last a long time if the cap is sealed tightly and the paint is kept at moderate temperatures. Thickening, skinning or a change in smell suggests the paint may be past its best and should be checked before use.

Is a larger bottle always better value?

Larger bottles often cost less per milliliter, but only if you will use the paint before it deteriorates. For occasional use, a smaller set with more color variety can be the better choice.

Conclusion

There is no single best option for every painter. The Mont Marte set suits beginners who want a balanced starter kit, the Shuttle Art 18-color bottle set fits large or bulk projects, and the 36-color Shuttle Art set works well for mixing and experimentation. The Apple Barrel set is a practical choice for kids and shared classroom use, and the Caliart set offers a good balance of colors and brushes for budget-minded hobbyists. Match your choice to the surfaces, project size and color needs you have now, and you will get more out of the paint.

Sources

• Consumer product safety guidance on art materials and labeling for children's craft supplies (cpsc.gov)
• Background information on pigment safety and chemical exposure considerations for art materials (nih.gov)
• Workplace safety guidance on handling solvents, sealers and ventilation during painting (osha.gov)

Related reading

• 5 Best Crayola Acrylic Paint Set Options for Beginners (2026)
• Which Acrylic Nail Art Paint Set Is Best for Beginners? 2026 Guide
• Top 5 Miniature Acrylic Paint Set Options for Tabletop Figures (2026)

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