6 Best Jane Davenport Matte Acrylic Paint Set Options for Beginners (2026)

Updated November 2026

Shopping for a jane davenport matte acrylic paint set can feel confusing, because matte acrylic lines vary in pigment load, color range, tube size and how well they suit different surfaces. This guide compares six matte acrylic paint sets so you can match a set to your project, your skill level and your budget. Our selection criteria were specification clarity, the range of colors and tube sizes offered, the surfaces each set is designed for, and recurring patterns in owner feedback about coverage, matte finish and consistency. We did not test these sets ourselves; the comparisons below rely on manufacturer specifications and the general feedback patterns owners tend to report.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set, 30 x 12ml Tubes	Beginners who want variety	30 tubes in one set
DecoArt Crafter’s Acrylic Fall Colors Paint Set	Seasonal and autumn projects	18 matte fall colors
55PCS Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors	Budget-minded crafters	36 colors plus 12 brushes
ABEIER Acrylic Paint Set, 56 Colors x 2 oz	Color mixing and large projects	56 colors in 2 oz bottles
DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint Set – Essential Pastel Colors	Soft, muted palettes	9 pastel bottles
FolkArt Acrylic Paint Set (2-Ounce), PROMOFAI Colors I	Traditional folk art	18 colors in 2 oz bottles

Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set, 30 x 12ml Tubes

Best for: Beginners who want variety

This set suits someone starting out who wants a broad palette without buying individual tubes. It covers many common hues in a single purchase, which makes it easy to experiment across canvas, wood and craft surfaces.

Key specs

• 30 tubes at 12 ml each
• Marketed as non-toxic with rich pigments
• Designed for canvas, wood, clay, fabric and ceramic

Pros

• Large number of colors for the price category of a full set
• Smaller tubes let you try colors before committing
• Works across many surfaces listed by the manufacturer

Cons

• 12 ml tubes run out quickly on large canvases
• Owners sometimes note that some colors need extra layers for full opacity

Bottom line: A strong first pick for beginners who want the widest range of colors to learn with.

View on Amazon

DecoArt Crafter’s Acrylic Fall Colors Paint Set

Best for: Seasonal and autumn projects

Crafters who make fall decor, wreaths, signs or holiday pieces will find the palette useful. The set focuses on warm, earthy shades rather than a general-purpose rainbow.

Key specs

• 18 colors at 2 fl oz (59 ml) each
• Matte finish, as stated in the listing
• Intended for general DIY arts and crafts

Pros

• Coordinated seasonal palette saves mixing time
• Matte finish suits decorative and rustic projects
• Larger bottles last through multiple projects

Cons

• Limited range for general painting outside the seasonal theme
• Warm earth tones may need white or black for lighter or cooler shades

Bottom line: Best for crafters who work mainly with autumn and rustic themes.

View on Amazon

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

Best for: Budget-minded crafters

This set bundles paints and brushes together, which suits households building a craft supply kit from scratch, including families and classroom-style projects.

Key specs

• 36 colors at 2 fl oz (60 ml) per bottle
• 12 brushes included
• Marketed as non-toxic with fade-resistant pigments

Pros

• Paints and brushes in one kit
• Generous bottle size for the number of colors
• Suitable for kids and adults

Cons

• Brush quality is typically basic compared with artist-grade brushes
• Consistency can vary between colors, according to some owner reports

Bottom line: A practical choice when value and quantity matter more than professional-grade consistency.

View on Amazon

ABEIER Acrylic Paint Set, 56 Colors x 2 oz, Non-Toxic Matte Paint

Best for: Color mixing and large projects

With 56 colors, this set gives people who like to mix their own shades a wide base to work from. It also fits multi-surface craft work.

Key specs

• 56 colors at 2 oz each
• Matte finish, per the listing
• Marketed as waterproof when dry and fade-resistant

Pros

• Very wide color range for mixing
• Matte finish across the full set
• Marketed for multiple surfaces and craft projects

Cons

• Large set can be overwhelming for absolute beginners
• Storage requires dedicated space for 56 bottles

Bottom line: Ideal for hobbyists who want maximum color options and enjoy blending.

View on Amazon

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

Best for: Soft, muted palettes

Painters working on nursery decor, shabby chic furniture or soft-toned canvases will appreciate the pastel focus. Nine colors keeps the set compact.

Key specs

• 9 bottles, pastel colors
• 2 fl oz bottles, as stated in the listing
• Designed for canvas, wood and craft surfaces

Pros

• Cohesive pastel palette ready to use
• Compact set takes little storage space
• Good starting point for a specific theme

Cons

• Only nine colors, so mixing is required for most projects
• Pastels can need several coats for even coverage on dark surfaces

Bottom line: Choose this if your projects lean toward soft colors and you want a small, focused set.

View on Amazon

FolkArt Acrylic Paint Set (2-Ounce), PROMOFAI Colors I (18 Colors)

Best for: Traditional folk art

Folk art painters often want opaque, flat colors that are easy to layer. This set is aimed at that style of decorative painting.

Key specs

• 18 colors at 2 oz each
• Designed for decorative and folk art techniques

Pros

• Well-suited to flat, decorative painting
• Established line with a long history in craft circles
• Good range of core colors for a single set

Cons

• Fewer colors than the larger sets on this list
• Less suited to blending or realistic work

Bottom line: A good match for traditional painted decor and folk-style projects.

View on Amazon

Buying Guide

Matte versus satin or gloss finish

Matte acrylics dry flat and non-reflective, which hides brushstrokes and suits signs, furniture and fine art backgrounds. Glossy finishes show more sheen and can look wet under light. If you plan to seal a piece with a matte varnish later, a matte base paint is still useful. Check whether the manufacturer describes the finish as matte on the product page.

Good picks for this: Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set, ABEIER Acrylic Paint Set

Number of colors and mixing needs

A large color count reduces mixing, but a smaller set of well-chosen primaries can be more flexible. If you plan to mix, look for sets that include a range of warm and cool versions of each hue. A 56-color set gives you more starting points, while a 9-color pastel set requires you to build most shades yourself.

Good picks for this: ABEIER Acrylic Paint Set, DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint Set

Bottle size and volume

Two-ounce bottles (about 59 ml) are common in sets. Smaller 12 ml tubes suit trying out colors, while larger bottles make more sense for big surfaces. Estimate how much paint a project needs before buying. For a coat on a small craft piece, a few milliliters is often enough; for a canvas, you will use considerably more.

Good picks for this: Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set, DecoArt Crafter’s Acrylic Fall Colors Paint Set

Surface compatibility

Acrylics adhere to canvas, wood, paper, clay and many plastics, but manufacturers note that some surfaces need primer or sanding first. Check the listed surfaces. For glossy or non-porous surfaces, a primer improves adhesion. Test a small area before committing a full project.

Good picks for this: 55PCS Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors, Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set

Intended use and skill level

Beginners often do well with a broad, inexpensive set that lets them practice. Hobbyists who sell work or create fine art may prefer higher pigment loads and more consistent formulations. Children’s projects benefit from paints labeled non-toxic, though adult supervision is still wise.

Good picks for this: 55PCS Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors, FolkArt Acrylic Paint Set

Durability and fade resistance

Look for manufacturer claims about lightfastness and water resistance once dry. Outdoor or high-light projects benefit most from fade-resistant formulas. Keep in mind that the information on a product page is the manufacturer’s claim; independent long-term testing varies.

Good picks for this: ABEIER Acrylic Paint Set, DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint Set

Care and storage

Cap bottles tightly after each use and store them upright in a cool place away from direct heat. Acrylic paint thickens as water evaporates, so a few drops of water and a gentle stir can restore flow. Dispose of paint that has clumped or developed an odd smell.

Good picks for this: ABEIER Acrylic Paint Set, DecoArt Crafter’s Acrylic Fall Colors Paint Set

FAQ

Is a matte acrylic paint set good for beginners?

Yes. Matte finishes are forgiving because they hide brushstroke marks and do not show glare. A beginner can focus on color and coverage without worrying about sheen.

How many colors do I need to start?

Many painters start with six to twelve colors, including white and black, and mix the rest. Larger sets are helpful once you know which colors you use most.

Can I use matte acrylic paint on fabric?

Several sets on this list are marketed for fabric or multi-surface use. Fabric painting usually works best with a fabric medium and heat setting, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific product.

Do I need to seal matte acrylic paint?

Sealing is optional for many decorative projects but recommended for pieces that will be handled, displayed outdoors or cleaned often. A matte varnish keeps the finish matte while adding protection.

How long does acrylic paint take to dry?

Thin coats often dry to the touch within minutes, but thicker coats can take an hour or more to dry fully. Drying times depend on humidity, temperature and paint thickness.

Is acrylic paint safe for children?

Products labeled non-toxic are generally considered suitable for supervised children’s crafts. Always check the label and supervise young children, and consult a pediatrician or product safety guidance if you have specific concerns.

Can I thin matte acrylic paint with water?

Yes, a small amount of water thins acrylics for washes and smoother coverage. Add water gradually, because too much thins the binder and weakens the film.

Conclusion

For a balance of variety and approachability, the Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set is a sensible starting point for most beginners. Seasonal crafters will find the DecoArt fall palette useful, while the 36-color and 56-color sets suit people who want broad options or value. The DecoArt pastel set and FolkArt set serve more specific styles. Match the set to your surface, color needs and project size, and you will get more out of your purchase.

Sources

• Consumer product safety guidance on children's art materials and labeling (cpsc.gov)
• Workplace guidance on safe handling of art and craft materials, including ventilation and storage (osha.gov)
• Background on pigment safety and toxicity assessments for consumer products (nih.gov)

Related reading

• 6 Best Matte Acrylic Paint Set Options for Beginners (2026)
• Which Acrylic Nail Art Paint Set Is Best for Beginners? 2026 Guide
• What Makes a Nice Acrylic Paint Set Worth Buying? Key Factors Explained

About the author