6 Best Acrylic Paint Sets for Artists: Our Picks Compared (2026)

Updated November 2026

Choosing an acrylic paint set for artists comes down to a few practical questions: how much paint you will use, how thick you like it, how many colors you need to mix from, and whether the set includes tools you will actually use. This guide compares six sets built for different stages, from first paintings to regular studio work. Each pick is judged on its listed specifications, the reputation of the brand, and the patterns owners commonly report, including tube size, pigment quality, texture and value for the number of colors included.

Our Top Picks

Product	Best for	Key feature
Artbreezing 48 Colors Professional Acrylic Paint Set	Artists who want maximum color choice	48 colors in 22ml tubes
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes & Palette	Beginners who want everything in one box	Brushes and palette included
Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Paint, 10 x 60ml	Students moving toward professional work	Professional pigments in a 10-color set
Mont Marte Acrylic Colour Paint Set Signature 24pc	Hobbyists on a tight budget	24 colors at 36ml each
GOLDEN Heavy Body Acrylics Mixing Set	Painters who mix their own colors	12 artist-grade colors plus glazing liquid
WUO 24 Colors Acrylic Paint, 250ml Bottles	Large canvases, murals and craft projects	250ml bottles for high-volume use

Artbreezing 48 Colors Professional Acrylic Paint Set, Artist Paint Supplies | 22ml Tubes

Best for: Artists who want maximum color choice

This set suits painters who prefer to pick colors straight from the tube rather than mixing most of them. It is also a practical gift set for someone starting out, since the range covers most subjects without immediate restocking.

Key specs

• 48 colors
• 22ml tubes
• Suitable for canvas, paper, clay, rocks and other crafting surfaces, as the listing states

Pros

• Very wide color selection in one purchase
• Tube size is manageable for learning and small projects
• Works across many surfaces listed in the product name

Cons

• Smaller tubes can run out quickly on large works
• Many colors may overlap, so some owners find they use only a core group

Bottom line: A strong choice for beginners and gift-givers who want the widest palette without buying colors one at a time.

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Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes & Palette

Best for: Beginners who want brushes and a palette in the same box

This set is aimed at people who would otherwise need to buy brushes and a palette separately. Its bundled tools make it a convenient starting point for kids, teens and adults new to acrylics.

Key specs

• 36 colors
• 2oz (60ml) bottles
• Includes brushes and palette, according to the listing name

Pros

• Brushes and palette are included
• Large bottles give good paint volume for the color count
• Suitable for canvas, rocks, ceramic and wood, as the listing indicates

Cons

• Bundled brushes are generally considered starter-grade by owners
• Bottle format can be less convenient than tubes for precise squeezing

Bottom line: Best for a complete beginner setup where convenience matters more than professional-grade tools.

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Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Paint, 10 x 60ml (2-oz) Tube Paint Set

Best for: Students moving toward professional work

Winsor & Newton is a long-established artist paint brand, and Galeria is its introductory line. This set gives a taste of professional pigment without the full cost of studio-grade ranges.

Key specs

• 10 colors
• 60ml (2-oz) tubes
• Introductory acrylic paint made with professional pigments, per the listing

Pros

• Trusted brand with a long history in artist materials
• Buttery texture and high tinting strength, as the listing describes
• Generous tube size for the color count

Cons

• Only 10 colors, so mixing is needed for a full palette
• Less color variety than larger beginner sets

Bottom line: A good step up for students who want reliable pigment and are willing to mix.

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Mont Marte Acrylic Colour Paint Set Signature 24pc x 1.21 US fl.oz (36ml)

Best for: Hobbyists on a tight budget

This set offers a broad range of colors in a format that works for canvas, wood, air-dry clay and cardboard. It is a sensible pick for hobbyists who paint often but do not need studio-grade volume.

Key specs

• 24 colors
• 36ml (1.21 US fl oz) per color
• Suitable for canvas, wood, air-dry clay and cardboard, per the listing

Pros

• Good color count for the format
• Works across several craft surfaces
• Budget-friendly entry into a multi-color set

Cons

• Student-grade paint means lower pigment load than artist-grade lines
• Smaller tubes may need replenishing with heavy use

Bottom line: Ideal for hobbyists and kids who want variety on a modest budget.

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GOLDEN Heavy Body Acrylics Mixing Set, 12 x 22 ml Tubes + Glazing Liquid

Best for: Painters who mix their own colors

GOLDEN is widely regarded in the acrylic community for consistent pigment and paint behavior. This limited palette is designed around mixing, so it suits painters who want to learn color theory through hands-on work.

Key specs

• 12 colors in 22ml tubes
• Heavy body consistency, as the product name states
• Includes glazing liquid

Pros

• Artist-grade pigments from a well-known manufacturer
• Limited palette teaches color mixing effectively
• Glazing liquid adds versatility for thin layers

Cons

• Fewer colors out of the box
• Heavy body paint can be costly to use in large quantities for some painters

Bottom line: Best for serious beginners and intermediate painters who want a mixing-focused palette from a respected brand.

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WUO 24 Colors Acrylic Paint, 250ml/8.45oz Bottles Artists Acrylic Paint Set

Best for: Large canvases, murals and craft projects

The 250ml bottle size is the main draw here. Painters working at scale or running group projects often find that bulk bottles reduce how often they need to reorder.

Key specs

• 24 colors
• 250ml (8.45oz) bottles
• Non-toxic and waterproof, as the listing describes; check the label for current safety data

Pros

• Very high paint volume per color
• Multi-surface use listed, including wood, rock and ceramic
• Good value for large or repeated projects

Cons

• Bottle format is less precise than tubes for detail work
• Brand is less established than some artist-line manufacturers, so consistency is worth checking on arrival

Bottom line: A practical bulk option for large-format painters, teachers and craft groups.

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Buying Guide

Paint consistency: heavy body, student and fluid

Heavy body paint holds brush and knife marks well, while student-grade paint is thinner and more forgiving for beginners. Fluid or high-flow paints suit glazing and staining. Match consistency to the way you paint, not just the brand name.

Good picks for this: GOLDEN Heavy Body Acrylics Mixing Set, Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Paint

Pigment quality and lightfastness

Artist-grade paints generally use higher pigment loads, which affects color strength and how well colors hold over time. Check whether a set lists lightfastness ratings, and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for display conditions.

Good picks for this: Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Paint, GOLDEN Heavy Body Acrylics Mixing Set

Number of colors versus mixing needs

A 48-color set saves mixing time, but many painters use a smaller core palette of warm and cool primaries plus white and black. If you plan to mix, a smaller, well-chosen set can be more useful than a large one.

Good picks for this: Artbreezing 48 Colors Professional Acrylic Paint Set, GOLDEN Heavy Body Acrylics Mixing Set

Tube size versus bottle size

Tubes give precise control and less waste for small work. Bottles or large tubes suit broad coverage and frequent painting. Estimate how much area you cover per session to choose a format that will not run out mid-project.

Good picks for this: WUO 24 Colors Acrylic Paint, Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set

Included tools and surfaces

Some sets include brushes and palettes, which helps beginners start immediately. Check which surfaces the paint is intended for, such as canvas, wood, clay or paper, and whether the listing names them.

Good picks for this: Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set, Mont Marte Acrylic Colour Paint Set Signature 24pc

Budget and value per milliliter

Compare the total milliliters and number of colors rather than the set’s headline count. A set with fewer, larger tubes can deliver more usable paint per color than a crowded box of small ones.

Good picks for this: Mont Marte Acrylic Colour Paint Set Signature 24pc, WUO 24 Colors Acrylic Paint

Durability and care

Cap tubes and bottles tightly after each session. Acrylics dry quickly, so keep a spray bottle handy and clean brushes promptly. Store sets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Good picks for this: GOLDEN Heavy Body Acrylics Mixing Set, Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set

FAQ

What is the best acrylic paint set for a beginner artist?

For beginners who want everything in one box, a set with brushes and a palette is the most convenient start. Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set is a practical option for that purpose. Beginners who want to learn mixing may prefer a smaller professional palette.

Is artist-grade acrylic paint worth the extra cost?

Artist-grade paints typically offer higher pigment loads and more consistent behavior, which many painters find useful for finished work. Student-grade sets remain a good choice for practice and hobby projects. Your choice depends on how long you plan to keep and display the work.

How many colors do I need in an acrylic paint set?

Most painters can work well with a core of around 10 to 12 colors, including warm and cool versions of each primary, plus white and black. Larger sets add convenience but are not required for good results.

What is the difference between heavy body and fluid acrylics?

Heavy body acrylics are thick and hold texture, suiting impasto and palette-knife work. Fluid acrylics flow more easily and suit washes, glazes and fine lines. Many painters use both within the same piece.

Can acrylic paint from a set be used on surfaces other than canvas?

Many sets are labeled for canvas, wood, paper, clay and rocks. Check each product listing for the surfaces it names, and test a small area first, especially on unusual materials. Sealing finished pieces can improve durability.

How should I store acrylic paint sets?

Keep caps tightly closed, store tubes upright or flat as recommended by the manufacturer, and avoid freezing temperatures. Acrylic paint that thickens can sometimes be reconstituted with water or a medium, but check the label for specific guidance.

Conclusion

For most readers, the right acrylic paint set for artists depends on skill level and how you plan to work. Beginners who want convenience should look at Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set. Painters who want the widest palette can consider Artbreezing 48 Colors Professional Acrylic Paint Set. For learning mixing and controlled color, GOLDEN Heavy Body Acrylics Mixing Set is a strong fit, while WUO 24 Colors Acrylic Paint suits large-scale work. Compare the specifications against your own projects before deciding.

For more background, see Acrylic Paint Set for Artists: 6 Best Picks for Every Skill Level (2026), What Makes a Nice Acrylic Paint Set Worth Buying? Key Factors Explained, 7 Best Heavy Body Acrylic Paint Sets for Artists and Crafters (2026), Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set Review (2026) and How to Set Up an Acrylic Paint Palette: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners.

Sources

• Consumer safety guidance on art materials and product labeling (cpsc.gov)
• Health and safety information on pigments and art materials (nih.gov)
• Background on arts education and materials used in studio practice (arts.gov)

Related reading

• Artist's Loft Acrylic Paint Set Review: Is It Worth It?

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