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

By Eleanor Hayden

Updated November 2026

The artist’s loft acrylic paint set is a compact starter kit aimed at people who want to try acrylics without committing to a large palette. This review is best suited to beginners, hobby crafters working on small canvases, paper, wood and kids’ projects, and anyone who wants a few reliable colors to mix from. It is less suited to experienced painters who need professional pigment load, a wide range of specialty hues, or heavy-body paint for thick impasto work. Before you buy, check whether six tubes will cover the colors your projects actually call for, because most starter sets leave you mixing secondary tones yourself.

Acrylic Paint Tube Starter Set by Artist's Loft, 6 Count

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Product Overview

The Acrylic Paint Tube Starter Set by Artist’s Loft is a six-count set of acrylic paint in tubes. The listing name identifies it as a starter set, which tells you the intended audience: people building their first kit. Acrylics are water-based, dry quickly, and can be thinned with water or used with mediums, so this format works on a wide range of surfaces including canvas, paper, cardboard, wood and some fabrics when properly primed or sealed.

Tube packaging matters in practice. Compared with jars, tubes let you squeeze out a controlled amount, keep paint from skinning over as quickly, and make it easier to store several colors in a small box. For a starter set, that convenience is often the main reason people choose tubes over larger containers.

Because six colors is a small number, the set works best as a base you build on. You will likely add white and black in larger sizes over time, since those are the colors you use most for tinting and value shifts. Think of this set as the foundation of a palette rather than a complete one. A related read: Cotton Acrylic Blend Yarn: A Knitter's Guide to Choosing and Using It.

Key Features & Specifications

The table below lists only the details the product name confirms. Check the manufacturer’s packaging for exact tube size, pigment codes and label information before you buy, since those specifics can change between production runs.

Feature	Details
Paint type	Acrylic, water-based
Format	Tubes
Count	6 tubes
Intended use	Starter set for beginners and hobby crafters
Suitable surfaces	Canvas, paper, wood, cardboard (primer recommended on porous or raw surfaces)
Cleanup	Water for wet paint; dried acrylic needs scrubbing or solvent-free cleaner

Pros & Cons

Pros

A small, manageable number of colors makes it easy to learn basic color mixing without decision fatigue.
Tube format is easy to squeeze, store and keep organized in a small case or drawer.
Works with standard acrylic techniques such as thinning, layering and dry brushing.
Good entry point for kids and adults who are not yet sure how much they will paint.
Water cleanup while paint is wet keeps brushes and hands manageable during a session.

Cons

Six colors means you will need to buy or mix additional hues for most subject matter.
Starter-grade paint generally has less pigment density than artist-grade lines, so coverage may take extra coats.
Limited color range can make it harder to match specific tones in landscapes or portraits.
Tube quantity is modest, so heavy users may go through a color quickly.
Dried acrylic is permanent once cured, so spills on fabric or unsealed surfaces need prompt attention.

Performance Analysis

Performance for a starter acrylic set depends on three things: how well the pigment covers, how easily the paint mixes and thins, and how it behaves on your chosen surface. Owners of starter acrylic sets commonly report that the paint is usable for classroom projects, craft décor, and first canvases, but that opaque coverage on dark backgrounds usually takes two or three thin layers rather than one thick pass. That pattern is typical of this price tier and format.

Mixing is where a six-color set shows its limits. Blending primary colors yields secondary tones, and adding white lightens them, but you will find that some greens and purples look muddy without a larger selection of blues and yellows. Many beginners solve this by adding a small tube of titanium white and a dedicated blue or yellow in the next purchase.

Drying time is consistent with most acrylics. Thin layers dry to the touch within minutes, which is useful for layering. Thick applications take longer and can crack if applied unevenly. A few owners mention that the paint can feel slightly stiff straight from the tube, so a brief knead or a few drops of water will smooth it out. Acrylic mediums such as gloss or matte medium can extend open time and improve flow if you find the paint drying before you finish a section.

Surface choice affects results more than most beginners expect. Raw cardboard and unsealed paper absorb paint unevenly, so a coat of gesso first will give more consistent color. Canvas usually performs well with no extra preparation. For wood, sanding lightly and sealing will prevent grain from showing through the paint.

Who Should Buy This Product?

This set suits beginners who want to learn the basics of acrylic painting, parents and teachers buying for classroom or home art time, and hobbyists who need a small set for craft projects, décor or journaling. It is also a sensible choice if you want to test whether you enjoy acrylics before investing in a larger palette.

You should skip this product if you need a wide range of specialized colors, if you work mainly in heavy-body or professional-grade acrylics, or if your projects demand maximum pigment strength and lightfastness for sale or archival work. In those cases, a larger artist-grade set or a single-color purchase of key hues will serve you better.

Buying Guide

Before buying any acrylic starter set, look at how many colors you will realistically use. Six is enough for learning value mixing and basic color theory, but you will want at least a white and a black in larger sizes eventually. Check whether the set includes brushes or a palette, since those add practical value if you are starting from nothing.

Consider your surface and subject. If you paint mostly on canvas, a basic set is fine. If you paint on wood or tin, budget for a primer or sealer. If you plan to paint detailed miniatures, a set with finer pigment and a wider selection of mid-tones may be more useful, and a dedicated miniature set is worth a look.

Compare the paint line you are buying into. Lines differ in pigment load, consistency and how they dry, so check that your chosen set matches the finish you want. Finally, make sure you can store tubes upright or in a sealed case so caps do not dry out.

Some well-known alternatives to consider:

Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes & Palette – A much larger color selection with brushes and a palette included, suited to users who want to skip mixing basics and explore a broader range from the start.

Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes & Palette, 2oz/60ml Bottles, Rich Pigments Non-toxic for Artists Kids & Adults, Painting on Canvas Rocks Ceramic Wood

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Artist’s Loft 24 Assorted Metallic & Neon Acrylic Paint Tube Value Set by Paint Smart – A value-pack option that focuses on metallic and neon tones, useful for craft projects, card making and bold graphic work rather than traditional color mixing.

Artist's Loft 24 Assorted Metallic & Neon Acrylic Paint Tube Value Set by Paint Smart – Water-Based Paint For Drawing, Painting, Art & Crafts Supplies – 1 Pack

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For a broader look at how starter kits compare, see 6 Best Acrylic Paint Sets for Artists: Our Picks Compared (2026) and What Makes a Nice Acrylic Paint Set Worth Buying? Key Factors Explained.

FAQ

Is the artist’s loft acrylic paint set good for complete beginners?

Yes, for most people starting out. Six colors is a manageable number to learn with, and the tube format is easy to handle. You will get more out of it if you pair it with a few basic brushes and a sheet of canvas paper or a small canvas to practice on.

Can I use this set on canvas?

Yes. Canvas is one of the most common surfaces for acrylics and typically needs no special preparation. Pre-primed canvas gives the most even color.

Can I mix these six colors to get other shades?

Yes, but with limits. You can create secondary colors and tints with white, and you can adjust tones with black. Some vivid greens, purples and earth tones will be harder to achieve without additional colors, so plan to add a few pigments as your skills grow.

How long does acrylic paint take to dry?

Thin layers usually dry to the touch within minutes, while thicker applications take longer. Acrylic reaches full cure over several days. Drying speed also depends on humidity, temperature and how much water you use.

Is this paint safe for kids?

Acrylic paints are generally considered suitable for supervised children’s art, but check the labeling for any specific safety or non-toxic statements, and supervise younger children closely. Keep caps closed and wash hands after use. If you have questions about a child’s exposure to art materials, consult a pediatrician.

How do I clean up dried acrylic paint?

Clean brushes and surfaces with water while the paint is still wet. Once acrylic dries, it is water-resistant, so you will need to scrub with soap and warm water, or use a dedicated acrylic paint remover on brushes. Avoid letting paint dry on skin or clothing, and always work in a ventilated area.

Do I need a medium to use this paint?

No. You can use the paint straight from the tube with water for thinning. A medium is optional and helps with flow, gloss or drying time when you want more control.

When should I upgrade to a larger set?

Consider upgrading when you find yourself mixing the same colors repeatedly, when you need colors that are hard to achieve with your current six, or when you start producing work you want to sell or display long term. At that point, an artist-grade set with a wider range will likely serve you better.

Final Verdict

The artist’s loft acrylic paint set is a practical, low-commitment way to learn acrylic painting and to supply simple craft and décor projects. Its strength is simplicity: six tubes, a manageable learning curve, and a format that is easy to store and use. Its limits are equally clear. You will need to add colors and possibly a larger white and black sooner than you might like, and coverage on dark or porous surfaces may take extra coats. If you are a beginner or a hobbyist who wants to test the medium before building a full palette, it is a sensible starting point. If you need a broad color range or professional pigment strength, look at the larger alternatives above instead.