Acrylic Paint Set Daler-Rowney Review: Features and Performance

By Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

If you are shopping for an acrylic paint set Daler-Rowney makes, the Daler Rowney System3 6-Tube set is one of the easiest entry points into the brand’s acrylic line. It is a small, focused kit: six tubes, each holding 0.74 fluid ounces, meant for adults, artists and students who want to try acrylics on canvas, paper or murals without committing to a large palette. It suits beginners who want a handful of usable colors and hobbyists who like to keep a compact set for sketching or small studies. It is less suited to painters who need a wide range of hues, large-format work that burns through paint quickly, or anyone looking for specialty effects like metallics or fluorescents. Those buyers will be better served by a larger set or a themed kit.

Daler Rowney System3 6-Tube Acrylic Paint Set for Adults, Artists and Students – Acrylic Paints for Murals Canvas and More – Art Paints for Any Skill Set, 0.74 Fl Oz (Pack of 6)

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Product Overview

The Daler-Rowney System3 6-Tube Acrylic Paint Set is part of the System3 acrylic range, a line that Daler-Rowney has marketed for students and general-purpose painting. The listing describes it as suitable for murals, canvas and other surfaces, and positions it for a wide range of skill levels. Within the Daler-Rowney family you will also find the Simply Acrylic line, which is a separate product family with its own tube sizes and palette, so it is worth checking the exact listing before you buy if you are comparing options.

Because this is a six-tube set, the palette is intentionally limited. Six colors are enough to mix a surprisingly wide range of tones, especially if you already own white and black, but you will need to plan your mixing. Many beginners find that a limited palette actually improves color sense, since every mixture has to be made deliberately instead of reaching for a ready-made shade.

Key Features & Specifications

The table below lists only the details that appear in the product name and listing title. Confirm anything else, such as pigment codes or lightfastness ratings, on the packaging or the manufacturer’s website.

Feature	Detail
Brand / line	Daler-Rowney System3
Paint type	Acrylic
Number of tubes	6 (listed as pack of 6)
Tube size	0.74 fluid ounces per tube
Intended users	Adults, artists and students
Listed surfaces	Canvas, murals and other surfaces
Skill level	Listed for any skill level

Pros & Cons

Pros

Compact six-tube format makes it easy to store and transport for small projects.
Listed for a range of surfaces, including canvas and murals, which gives flexibility.
Works as a low-commitment way to test the System3 line before buying larger sizes.
The limited palette encourages color mixing practice for beginners.
Suitable for students, adults and general hobby use under one set.

Cons

Six colors is a narrow palette, so you will need to buy additional tubes for many projects.
0.74 fluid ounces per tube may run low quickly on large canvases or murals.
No specialty finishes such as metallics or fluorescents are included in the listing.
Owners who expect professional-grade pigment load may find the set a step below studio lines.
Specific color names and pigment information should be checked on the packaging before purchase.

Performance Analysis

Performance for an acrylic set depends on three things: pigment load, consistency and how the paint behaves as it dries. Manufacturers of student-grade acrylics generally aim for a balance between affordability and workability, with paints that are thinner than heavy body lines but thick enough to hold a brushstroke. Owner feedback across student acrylic sets tends to focus on a few recurring points: how well the colors cover in a single pass, whether they dry to a consistent sheen, and whether they stay workable long enough for blending.

For this kind of six-tube set, the most common expectation is that colors will be clean and usable straight from the tube, with good coverage on primed canvas and reasonable blending on paper. Because the tubes are small, the more useful measure is how far each one goes in your own work. A quick way to judge this is to paint a test swatch of each color and note how much you use, so you can estimate when you will need to replace a tube.

Keep in mind that acrylics dry quickly, usually within minutes in thin layers. That is a benefit for layering but a challenge for blending, so a retarder or a spray mister can help if you find the paint setting too fast. Store the set with caps tightly closed and keep it away from freezing temperatures, since freezing can damage acrylic paint.

Who Should Buy This Product?

This set is a good fit if you are a beginner who wants to learn acrylics on a modest budget, a student who needs a simple kit for class projects, or an adult hobbyist who likes to paint small pieces, murals or practice studies. It also works well as a supplement to a larger collection, since the six tubes can cover core colors while you add specialty shades as needed.

You should skip this set if you need a broad palette out of the box, if you paint large canvases that consume a lot of paint, or if you are looking for metallic, pearlescent or fluorescent effects. Professional painters who rely on very high pigment strength or specific archival ratings should compare studio-grade lines directly. If you are unsure which colors you need, look at a color chart from the manufacturer before committing.

Buying Guide

When choosing any acrylic paint set, start with the number of colors and tube sizes. A six-tube set is good for learning, but if you plan to paint regularly, you may find a larger set with more basic colors more economical in the long run. Check whether the set includes white and black, since these two are essential for tinting and shading. If it does not, plan to buy them separately.

Next, think about the surfaces you will paint on. Most acrylic sets work on canvas, paper, wood and board, but the listing should confirm this. For murals or outdoor work, look for paints marketed as suitable for those surfaces and check their weather resistance. Finally, consider your skill level. Beginners often do best with a set that encourages mixing, while more advanced painters may want heavy body paints with stronger pigment.

Here are a few well-known alternatives you might compare:

Daler-Rowney Simply Acrylic Paint Set (12 tubes): a larger palette in the Simply Acrylic line, useful if you want more colors from the same brand.

Daler Rowney Simply Acrylic Paint Set – 12 Acrylic Paint Tubes for Student Artists of all Ages – Vibrant Smooth Acrylic Paint Colors – 12ml Acrylic Paints for Canvas Paper and More

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View on Amazon
Daler-Rowney FW Acrylic Ink 6-Color Primary Set: a different medium altogether, suited to fluid work, drawing and calligraphy rather than traditional painting.

Daler-Rowney FW Acrylic Ink Bottle 6-Color Primary Set with Empty Marker – Acrylic Set of Drawing Inks for Artists and Students – Art Ink Calligraphy Set – Permanent Calligraphy Ink

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View on Amazon

If you want to compare beyond this brand, the site’s guides on Professional Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes: 5 Best Picks Compared (2026) and Top 4 Acrylic Paint Set Kits for Beginners Compared (2026) cover other options. For a broader view of what to look for, see What Makes a Nice Acrylic Paint Set Worth Buying? Key Factors Explained, and if you already own this set, Daler-Rowney Acrylic Paint Set 40 Pcs: What's Included and How to Use It explains how to get the most from a Daler-Rowney kit.

FAQ

Is the Daler-Rowney System3 set good for complete beginners?

Yes, the six-tube format and the listing’s “any skill level” positioning make it a reasonable starting point. Beginners should expect to mix colors, since the palette is limited, and should pair the set with a few brushes and a canvas or paper pad.

How many tubes come in this set?

The listing describes a pack of six tubes, each holding 0.74 fluid ounces. Check the packaging when it arrives to confirm the color names included.

What surfaces can I paint on with it?

The listing names canvas, murals and other surfaces. Acrylic paint generally adheres to primed canvas, paper, wood and board. Test a small area first on unusual materials.

Does the set include white and black?

This should be confirmed on the listing or packaging, since palettes can change. If white and black are not included, buy them separately, as they are used constantly for tinting and shading.

How should I store acrylic paint tubes?

Keep caps tightly closed, store the tubes upright or flat in a cool place, and avoid freezing temperatures. A small plastic organizer helps keep the set tidy.

How long does acrylic paint last once opened?

Acrylic paint can last for years if sealed properly, though it may thicken over time. If a tube dries out or develops lumps, discard it rather than risk poor performance. Consult the manufacturer’s guidance for specific shelf-life information.

Can I mix this set with other acrylic brands?

Most acrylics mix reasonably well across brands, but results can vary. Test combinations on a scrap surface before using them on a finished piece.

Final Verdict

A practical, compact starter set with a limited palette

The Daler-Rowney System3 6-Tube Acrylic Paint Set is a sensible choice for beginners, students and casual hobbyists who want a small, versatile kit from an established brand. Its strengths are the compact format, the listed range of surfaces and the encouragement to mix colors. Its limits are the narrow palette, the small tube size and the absence of specialty finishes. If you already know you will need more colors or larger quantities, consider a bigger set or add tubes over time. For a closer look at the listing and to check current details, use the link below.