4 Best Artistro Acrylic Paint Set Options for Beginners (2026)

Updated November 2026

Shopping for an artistro acrylic paint set can feel like a guessing game, especially when every listing promises vibrant color and smooth coverage. This guide narrows the field to four acrylic paint sets that suit beginners and hobbyists. Our selection criteria were color count and range, pigment and consistency, bottle size and packaging, included extras such as brushes or palettes, and the kinds of surfaces each set is marketed for. We also looked at brand reputation and the patterns owners tend to mention in feedback, both positive and critical. This is a research-based comparison, not a hands-on test, so treat the notes below as a guide to what each listing offers rather than a verdict from our own painting.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set	Beginners who want a balanced starter palette	250ml bottle volume with 18 colors
Acrylic Paint Set Canvas Art Paints 24 Colors	Small craft and miniature projects	24 small 12ml tubes with 3 brushes
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set	Painters who want maximum color range	36 colors in 2oz bottles with brushes and palette
Caliart Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors with 12 Brushes	Kids, families and group craft sessions	36 colors plus 12 brushes in one kit

Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set

Best for: Beginners who want a balanced starter palette

This set suits someone starting out who wants enough colors to mix a wide range of shades without buying individual tubes. Its larger bottle format also fits people who paint on bigger surfaces such as canvas, wood or ceramics.

Key specs

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

Pros

• Generous paint volume for larger projects
• Palette covers the core colors most beginners need
• Suitable for multiple surfaces listed on the packaging

Cons

• Bottles can be heavy to store in a small craft space
• No brushes included, so you will need your own

Bottom line: A strong choice for a beginner who wants volume and a practical color base without needing extras.

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Acrylic Paint Set Canvas Art Paints 24 Colors

Best for: Small craft and miniature projects

Small tubes are useful when you want to test colors or work on small pieces. This set is a good fit for hobbyists who paint detailed items and do not need large quantities of each color.

Key specs

• 24 colors
• 12ml (0.41oz) tubes
• Includes 3 brushes, per the listing

Pros

• Good for testing color combinations
• Compact size for small workspaces
• Includes brushes in the box

Cons

• Smaller volume may run out quickly on large surfaces
• Brushes are a basic starter set rather than a professional selection

Bottom line: Best for detailed, small-scale work where color variety matters more than paint volume.

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

Best for: Painters who want maximum color range

With 36 colors, this set gives you more options for blending and mixing. It suits learners who want to explore color theory or who expect to paint a wide variety of subjects.

Key specs

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

Pros

• Wide color selection for mixing practice
• Brushes and palette included in the kit
• Mid-size bottles balance volume and portability

Cons

• Brush quality is typically basic, so upgrades may be needed later
• Many colors may go unused by beginners on simple projects

Bottom line: A good pick for someone who wants the largest palette in a single box and plans to experiment with color.

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Caliart Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors with 12 Brushes

Best for: Kids, families and group craft sessions

The 12 included brushes make this kit convenient for shared use, where several people need their own tools. It is also marketed for holiday and seasonal crafts such as pumpkin painting.

Key specs

• 36 colors
• 12 brushes included
• Listed for canvas, wood, rock and ceramic surfaces

Pros

• Enough brushes for several painters at once
• Large color count supports varied projects
• Marketed as non-toxic, which suits family use

Cons

• Individual brush quality will vary and may not suit fine detail
• Smaller tubes may not last long on large projects

Bottom line: Best for families, classrooms or groups who want one kit with plenty of color and tools to share.

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Buying Guide

Color count and range

A higher color count gives you more mixing options, but a smaller set with well-chosen primaries can be just as useful. Look for a palette that includes a warm and cool version of the primary colors, plus white and black. Many beginners find that 18 to 24 well-chosen colors cover most projects.

Good picks for this: Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set, Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set

Bottle size and volume

Larger bottles suit big surfaces and frequent painters, while small tubes suit detail work and color testing. Check the listed volume in milliliters or ounces and estimate how much paint your typical project needs.

Good picks for this: Acrylic Paint Set Canvas Art Paints 24 Colors, Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set

Surface compatibility

Acrylic paint is often marketed for canvas, wood, ceramic and rock. Check the listing for the surfaces it names, and remember that glass, fabric and plastic usually need a medium or heat setting for lasting results.

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 palette

Brushes and a palette add value to a kit, but the quality of included tools is often basic. If you plan to paint seriously, expect to upgrade brushes later. A palette with separate wells helps keep colors clean.

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

Pigment quality and consistency

Look for descriptions of rich pigment and smooth consistency. Acrylics that are too thin may streak, while overly thick paint can be hard to blend. Paint that is described as non-toxic is generally preferred for family and classroom use.

Good picks for this: Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set, Acrylic Paint Set Canvas Art Paints 24 Colors

Intended use and skill level

Match the set to your project. A kid’s craft session has different needs from a miniature painting hobby. Beginners often do well with a moderate palette and included brushes, while detailed work benefits from smaller tubes and finer tools.

Good picks for this: Caliart Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors with 12 Brushes, Acrylic Paint Set Canvas Art Paints 24 Colors

Storage and care

Keep caps tightly closed and store bottles upright in a cool place to slow drying. Dried acrylic can clog caps, so wipe the rims after each session. Storing paint away from freezing temperatures helps preserve the consistency of the paint.

Good picks for this: Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set, Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set

FAQ

Is an artistro acrylic paint set good for beginners?

Many acrylic sets are designed with beginners in mind because they include a range of colors and basic tools. Check the color count, bottle size and included extras to see whether the set matches your project.

Do acrylic paint sets include brushes?

Some do and some do not. Several of the options above list brushes in the product name or description, while others are paint only. Always check the listing before you buy.

Can acrylic paint be used on fabric?

Acrylic can be used on fabric, but it usually needs a fabric medium and a heat-setting step to stay put through washing. Results depend on the paint and fabric used.

How many colors do I need to start painting?

Many beginners find that a set of 18 to 24 well-chosen colors covers most projects. Mixing a wider range of shades from a smaller set is a useful skill to build.

What is the difference between small tubes and large bottles?

Small tubes are better for detail work and color testing, while large bottles are better for big surfaces and frequent painting. Choose based on how much paint you expect to use.

How should I store acrylic paint?

Keep caps closed, store bottles upright and keep them away from freezing temperatures. Wipe the threads of each bottle after use to prevent clogging.

Are acrylic paint sets non-toxic?

Many sets are marketed as non-toxic, but you should read the packaging and safety information for each product. For questions about safety for children, consult the manufacturer or a qualified professional.

Conclusion

For most beginners, the Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set offers a practical balance of volume and color selection. If you work on small or detailed pieces, the 24-color tube set is a better fit. Painters who want the widest palette in one box should consider the 36-color Shuttle Art set, while families and group projects may find the Caliart 36-color kit most useful because of its included brushes.

Sources

• Consumer safety guidance on art materials and product labeling for children (cpsc.gov)
• Workplace guidance on chemical hazard communication and safe handling of art supplies (osha.gov)
• General information on household and craft product safety and disposal (epa.gov)

Related reading

• Which Acrylic Nail Art Paint Set Is Best for Beginners? 2026 Guide
• What Makes a Nice Acrylic Paint Set Worth Buying? Key Factors Explained
• Top 5 Miniature Acrylic Paint Set Options for Tabletop Figures (2026)
• Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set Review (2026): Is It Worth It?
• Professional Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes: 5 Best Picks Compared (2026)

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