Cass Art Acrylic Paint Set: 5 Best Options for Beginners (2026)

Updated November 2026

Shoppers searching for a cass art acrylic paint set usually want one thing: a complete, reliable starter kit that covers canvas, rocks, wood and craft projects without a lot of guesswork. This guide narrows the field to five acrylic paint sets from well-known brands, judged on color count, pigment quality, bottle size, included brushes or palette, and how well each set suits beginners and hobbyists. Nothing here is based on our own testing. Instead, we compare manufacturer specifications, brand reputation and the patterns that owners tend to mention in their feedback.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors	Beginners and kids	36 colors in 2oz bottles with brushes and palette
Artbreezing 48 Colors Professional Acrylic Paint Set	Small kitchens and tight storage	48 colors in 22ml tubes
Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set (250ml/8.45oz)	Large-surface projects	Large 250ml bottles in a 18-color range
DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint Set – Essential Pastel Colors	Pastel and soft-tone painting	9 pastel-focused 2 fl oz bottles
Shuttle Art 80 Colors Acrylic Paint	Hobbyists who want maximum range	80 colors with 12 brushes

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

Best for: Beginners who want a broad color range in a single, easy-to-store set.

This set suits people starting out with acrylics who want enough colors to mix most shades without buying individual tubes. It also works well for kids and adults who paint on canvas, rocks, ceramic and wood.

Key specs

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

Pros

• Wide color range for a set at this bottle size
• Includes brushes and a palette, so little extra gear is needed
• Suitable for multiple surfaces listed in the product name

Cons

• Bottles are small for large canvases
• Pigment strength varies by color, as with most budget-leaning sets

Bottom line: A strong first purchase for beginners who want variety and a complete starter kit.

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Artbreezing 48 Colors Professional Acrylic Paint Set, Artist Paint Supplies

Best for: Small kitchens and tight storage, where a compact tube set makes sense.

Hobbyists with limited space often prefer tubes, which stack neatly in a drawer. This set also appeals to gift buyers, since the listing describes it as giftable.

Key specs

• 48 colors
• 22ml tubes
• Suitable for canvas, crafts, clay, rocks and paper, per the listing name

Pros

• High color count in a compact format
• Tubes are easy to squeeze and control on small details
• Works across a range of craft surfaces

Cons

• 22ml tubes run out faster on large areas
• Owners sometimes mention that tube caps can be tight to remove

Bottom line: Good for people who want many colors in minimal space and mainly work on detailed or small-scale pieces.

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

Best for: Large-surface projects, such as background washes and furniture.

Painters who cover big areas or mix their own shades will get more paint per color from the 250ml bottles. This set is aimed at artists, beginners and kids alike.

Key specs

• 18 colors
• 250ml (8.45oz) bottles
• Pigmented formula, per the listing name

Pros

• Large bottles reduce how often you need to refill
• Good value for bulk painting when measured by volume
• Suitable for canvas, rocks, crafts, wood and ceramic

Cons

• Fewer color options than the larger sets in this list
• Large bottles take up more storage space

Bottom line: Best for people who paint big surfaces and already know which colors they use most.

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DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint Set – Essential Pastel Colors, 9 Bottles

Best for: Pastel and soft-tone painting, especially for home decor and craft projects.

Crafters working on pastel palettes, nursery decor or shabby-chic finishes will find this set more focused than a general-purpose kit. It is also a sensible choice for people who want a limited, coordinated palette.

Key specs

• 9 bottles
• 2 fl oz per bottle
• Pastel color selection
• Suitable for canvas, wood and similar surfaces, per the listing name

Pros

• Curated pastel palette reduces color decisions
• DecoArt is a long-established craft paint brand
• Works well for decorative and craft surfaces

Cons

• Limited range for general painting or deep, saturated colors
• Smaller number of bottles means less mixing flexibility

Bottom line: A good pick for crafters who want a focused pastel palette rather than a large assortment.

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Shuttle Art 80 Colors Acrylic Paint, Acrylic Paint set with 12 Paint Brushes

Best for: Hobbyists who want the widest color selection and a full brush set in one box.

This set suits people who paint regularly and want to avoid buying single colors mid-project. It is also a practical gift for a crafty family member.

Key specs

• 80 colors
• 2oz (60ml) bottles
• 12 paint brushes included, per the listing name
• Rich pigmented formula, per the listing name

Pros

• Largest color range in this list
• Includes 12 brushes for varied strokes and detail work
• Suitable for canvas, rocks, wood and ceramic

Cons

• Large box takes up significant storage space
• Many colors may go unused by beginners who work with a small palette

Bottom line: The right choice for hobbyists who want maximum variety and a complete kit to start with.

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Buying Guide

Color Count and Palette Range

More colors mean fewer mixing steps, but a large set is not always better. Beginners often paint with a small group of primaries, whites and earth tones. Check whether the set includes white, black and a few neutrals, since these are the colors you will mix most. Manufacturers list color counts clearly, so compare them directly.

Good picks for this: Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors; Shuttle Art 80 Colors Acrylic Paint

Bottle Size and Tube Format

Bottle volume determines how often you will need to replace paint. Small tubes (around 22ml) suit detail work and limited storage. Larger bottles (60ml to 250ml) suit broad coverage. Think about the surfaces you paint most often and choose a volume that matches your typical project size.

Good picks for this: Artbreezing 48 Colors Professional Acrylic Paint Set; Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set

Pigment Quality and Opacity

Pigment load affects coverage, color intensity and how many coats you need. Brands often describe their paints as rich or pigmented, but the best way to judge is to read owner comments on coverage. Pay attention to whether colors look similar to their swatches on the label, since mismatch is a common complaint in budget sets.

Good picks for this: Shuttle Art 80 Colors Acrylic Paint; DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint Set

Included Brushes and Accessories

Sets that include brushes and a palette save you from buying extras right away. Check the brush count and whether the brushes suit your project. Flat brushes handle broad fills, while round brushes work for lines and details. If a set includes only one or two brushes, you will likely need more.

Good picks for this: Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors; Shuttle Art 80 Colors Acrylic Paint

Surface Compatibility

Acrylic paint bonds to many surfaces, but some sets are described for specific ones. Canvas, wood, rocks, ceramic and paper are common. Check the product description for the surfaces listed. For glass, plastic or fabric, you may need extra preparation or a sealer, and it is a good idea to test on a scrap first.

Good picks for this: Artbreezing 48 Colors Professional Acrylic Paint Set; DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint Set

Storage Space and Portability

A large set needs room in a closet or craft cabinet. Compact tube sets slide into drawers, while bottle sets often need a dedicated box. If you paint in different rooms, a set with a portable case or a lightweight palette will make transport easier.

Good picks for this: Artbreezing 48 Colors Professional Acrylic Paint Set; Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set

Care and Shelf Life

Acrylic paint dries quickly once exposed to air. Keep caps tightly closed, store bottles upright, and avoid freezing. Manufacturers generally recommend storing paint at room temperature. If a paint thickens, a small amount of water or acrylic medium can restore flow. Stir before use, since pigment can settle.

Good picks for this: DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint Set; Shuttle Art 80 Colors Acrylic Paint

FAQ

Is a cass art acrylic paint set good for beginners?

Yes, a well-chosen set can be a practical starting point. Look for a range that includes primaries, white and black, along with brushes and a palette. Sets with 30 to 40 colors often give beginners enough options without overwhelming them.

How many colors do I need to start painting?

Most beginners do well with about 12 to 18 colors, since you can mix many shades from a smaller group. A larger set is useful if you want to avoid mixing or work across many projects.

Can acrylic paint from these sets be used on fabric?

Acrylic paint can be used on fabric, but results depend on the paint, the fabric and any heat-setting steps. Test on a scrap piece first. Heat-setting or a fabric medium may be needed for washable results.

Should I buy tubes or bottles?

Tubes suit small details and limited storage. Bottles suit larger surfaces and frequent painting. If you are unsure, start with a mixed set that includes a few larger bottles for your most-used colors.

How long does acrylic paint last once opened?

Shelf life depends on the brand and how well the cap is sealed. Manufacturers generally recommend tightly closing bottles and storing them at room temperature. Paint that smells off, separates badly or grows mold should be discarded.

Is acrylic paint safe for children?

Many acrylic sets are labeled non-toxic, but supervision is still important, especially with younger children who may put brushes or paint in their mouths. Check the product labeling and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For concerns about paint safety, consult a qualified professional or your local health authority.

Do I need a sealer after painting?

A sealer or varnish helps protect finished pieces from moisture and scratches, especially on surfaces that will be handled. Choose one suited to acrylic paint and your project surface.

Conclusion

For most beginners, the Shuttle Art 36-color set offers the best balance of range, included tools and portability. Hobbyists who want maximum variety will find the Shuttle Art 80-color set more useful. Painters who work on large surfaces should look at the 18-color bottle set, while crafters with limited space may prefer the Artbreezing tube set. If pastel projects are your focus, the DecoArt Americana set gives a coordinated palette. Match the set to your surfaces, storage space and how much color variety you actually need, and the right choice will be clear.

Sources

• Consumer product safety information, including guidance on art materials and children's products (cpsc.gov)
• Workplace safety guidance on handling and ventilation for paints and solvents (osha.gov)
• Background on visual arts materials, practice and resources for artists (arts.gov)

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