6 Best Crelando Acrylic Paint Set Options for Beginners (2026)

Updated November 2026

Choosing a crelando acrylic paint set comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many colors you actually need, whether the set includes brushes and a palette, how the paint handles on canvas, wood and ceramic, and whether the bottles are sized for hobby use or larger projects. The six options below were compared on those factors, drawing on manufacturer specifications, brand reputation and the patterns owners tend to describe in their feedback. No product was physically tested for this guide.

Our Top Picks

Each pick below is ordered by how closely it matches the criteria most crelando acrylic paint set buyers care about: color range, bottle size, included tools and general suitability for mixed surfaces.

Product	Best for	Key feature
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes & Palette	General hobby painting	36 colors with brushes and palette included
DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint Set – Starter Set, 24 Bottles	Craft beginners	24 bottles with a broad craft-focused palette
Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set, 12, 24 Fl Oz	Small projects	Compact 12-color selection in larger fluid-ounce bottles
Caliart Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors with 12 Brushes	Kids and family crafts	36 colors paired with 12 brushes
55PCS Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors 2fl oz 60ml Bottles 12 Brushes	Complete starter kit	36 colors, 2 fl oz bottles and 12 brushes
Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set (250ml/8.45oz)	Bulk painting	Large 250ml bottles in an 18-color selection

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

Best for: General hobby painting with a wide color range

This set suits hobbyists who want a large palette without buying individual tubes. It is also a reasonable choice for people who are not yet sure which colors they will use most.

Key specs

• 36 colors
• 2 oz (60 ml) bottles
• Includes brushes and a palette
• Listed as non-toxic

Pros

• Wide color range for mixing and experimenting
• Brushes and palette included for immediate use
• Suitable for canvas, rocks, ceramic and wood, according to the listing

Cons

• 2 oz bottles may run low quickly on large surfaces
• Included brushes are generally described as basic rather than premium

Bottom line: A strong first purchase for someone who wants color variety and a complete kit in one box.

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DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint Set – Starter Set, 24 Bottles

Best for: Craft beginners who want a reliable starter palette

DecoArt is a long-established craft paint brand, and the Americana line is widely associated with decorative painting on wood, canvas and paper crafts. This set suits people who plan to work on a range of craft projects.

Key specs

• 24 bottles
• 2 fl oz bottles
• Designed for canvas, wood and similar craft surfaces

Pros

• Established brand with a long history in craft painting
• Palette is practical for common decorative projects
• Good coverage across mixed craft surfaces

Cons

• Fewer total colors than the 36-color sets on this list
• Colors may need mixing to reach more specialized shades

Bottom line: A sensible pick for beginners who prefer a trusted brand over the largest possible color count.

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Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set, 12, 24 Fl Oz

Best for: Small projects and focused color selections

This set is aimed at people who want a manageable number of colors and larger bottles. It fits well for a few specific projects rather than a broad creative range.

Key specs

• 12 colors
• 24 fl oz total volume as listed

Pros

• Fewer colors means less clutter and less decision-making
• Larger total fluid volume per set
• Apple Barrel is a recognizable craft paint name

Cons

• Limited color range for mixing complex shades
• May not include brushes, so check the listing before buying

Bottom line: Best for someone with a defined project who wants a few colors in quantity.

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Caliart Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors with 12 Brushes

Best for: Kids and family craft sessions

The combination of a large color range and a dozen brushes makes this set practical for shared use. It is also listed for holiday and seasonal crafts such as pumpkin painting.

Key specs

• 36 colors
• 12 brushes included
• Listed as non-toxic

Pros

• Enough brushes for several people painting at once
• Wide palette for bright, varied projects
• Listed for multiple surfaces including wood, rock and ceramic

Cons

• Brush quality is typically described as entry-level
• Small bottles may need refilling during heavy use

Bottom line: A good fit for families and classrooms who need quantity and variety over premium brushes.

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55PCS Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors 2fl oz 60ml Bottles 12 Brushes

Best for: A complete starter kit in one box

This set bundles paint and tools so a beginner can start without buying anything else. The 55-piece count reflects the paints and brushes together.

Key specs

• 36 colors
• 2 fl oz (60 ml) bottles
• 12 brushes
• 55 pieces total as listed

Pros

• Everything needed to begin is included
• Consistent bottle size across the palette
• Listed as suitable for canvas, wood and crafts

Cons

• Brushes are best suited to practice rather than detailed work
• Lightweight bottles may not suit large-scale painting

Bottom line: The most straightforward all-in-one choice for someone starting from scratch.

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Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set (250ml/8.45oz)

Best for: Bulk painting and large surfaces

The 250 ml bottles are far larger than typical hobby sizes, which makes this set better suited to big canvases, furniture and repeated projects where running out mid-session is a problem.

Key specs

• 18 colors
• 250 ml (8.45 oz) bottles
• Listed as rich pigmented and non-toxic

Pros

• Large volume reduces refill frequency
• Pigment strength is well suited to covering large areas
• Good value per milliliter for heavy users

Cons

• Fewer color choices than the 36-color sets
• Large bottles may dry out before use if not sealed well

Bottom line: The right choice for painters who go through paint quickly and need volume more than variety.

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Buying Guide

Color count and palette range

Sets range from about 12 colors to 36 in this group. A larger palette reduces the need to mix basic shades, but a smaller set with carefully chosen colors can be just as useful for focused projects. Check whether the set includes white and black, since these are the colors most often used for mixing.

Good picks for this: Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes & Palette; Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set, 12, 24 Fl Oz

Bottle size and fill volume

Bottle size is listed in ounces or milliliters. Small 2 oz (60 ml) bottles suit detail work and sampling, while 250 ml bottles are better for large surfaces. Estimate how much paint your typical project uses before choosing.

Good picks for this: Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set (250ml/8.45oz); 55PCS Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors 2fl oz 60ml Bottles 12 Brushes

Included brushes and palette

Some sets include brushes and a palette, while others are paint only. Included brushes are usually basic, so plan to add better brushes later if you find you use the set regularly. A palette is useful for mixing, and a set without one may need a separate purchase.

Good picks for this: Caliart Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors with 12 Brushes; DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint Set – Starter Set, 24 Bottles

Surface compatibility

Acrylic paint is flexible, but it performs differently on porous and non-porous materials. Most listings in this group name canvas, wood, rock and ceramic. For glass, plastic or fabric, check whether a sealer or heat-setting step is recommended, since the paint alone may not adhere well.

Good picks for this: DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint Set – Starter Set, 24 Bottles; Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes & Palette

Use case and skill level

A beginner working on small craft pieces needs different things from a painter working on large canvases or a family sharing supplies. Match the set to how often you will paint and what you will paint on.

Good picks for this: 55PCS Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors 2fl oz 60ml Bottles 12 Brushes; Caliart Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors with 12 Brushes

Durability and storage

Acrylic paint dries quickly once exposed to air, so well-sealed caps matter. Store bottles upright in a cool place and wipe the threads after each use. Large bottles can thicken over time if left partly open, so check consistency before a session.

Good picks for this: Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set (250ml/8.45oz); DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint Set – Starter Set, 24 Bottles

Safety and labeling

Many sets are labeled non-toxic, which is useful for families and classrooms. Read the label and packaging rather than relying on marketing alone, and supervise young children with any art supply.

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

FAQ

What is a crelando acrylic paint set best used for?

Most sets in this list are suited to canvas, wood, rocks, ceramic and general craft projects. Check each listing for the surfaces it names, since performance on glass, plastic and fabric often requires extra preparation.

How many colors do I need to start painting?

Many beginners start with a set of around 12 to 24 colors, including white and black, and mix the rest. A 36-color set gives more options without needing to mix as often.

Do acrylic paint sets include brushes?

Some do, and some do not. Sets that include brushes are convenient for beginners, though the brushes are usually basic. Check the product listing before buying.

Are bigger bottles always better?

Not necessarily. Larger bottles lower the cost per milliliter for heavy use, but they can dry out if not sealed well and may be more paint than a small project needs.

Is acrylic paint safe for children?

Many acrylic sets are labeled non-toxic. Always supervise young children, keep caps closed, and read the packaging for age guidance. For specific health concerns, consult a pediatrician or a qualified professional.

How do I keep acrylic paint from drying out?

Close caps tightly after each use, wipe the threads clean, and store bottles upright. Adding a small amount of water or a retarder medium can help paint stay workable during longer sessions.

Can I use acrylic paint on fabric?

Acrylic paint can be used on fabric, but it usually needs a fabric medium and a heat-setting step to stay put through washing. Test on a scrap piece first.

Conclusion

For most people, the Shuttle Art 36-color set offers the best balance of color range and included tools. Beginners who value a trusted name may prefer the DecoArt starter set, while families and classrooms may find the Caliart set most practical. The 55-piece kit suits anyone starting from zero, and the 250 ml Shuttle Art bottles are the choice for heavy, large-scale painting. Match the set to your surface, project size and how many colors you plan to use.

Sources

• Consumer safety guidance on art and craft materials, including labeling and supervision for children (cpsc.gov)
• Workplace guidance on handling art materials, ventilation and safe storage of paints (osha.gov)
• Information on volatile organic compounds and safe use of paint products in indoor spaces (epa.gov)

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• Top 5 Acrylic Paint Travel Set Options for Painting On the Go
• Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set Review (2026): Is It Worth It?

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