9 Best Joann Acrylic Paint Set Options for Beginners (2026)
Compare 9 joann acrylic paint set options for beginners, with specs, pros, cons and buying tips to help you pick the right acrylic paint kit for your projects.
By craftscenter editorial team
Updated November 7, 2026
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Shoppers searching for a joann acrylic paint set usually want one thing: a kit that covers the basics without wasting money on colors and tools they will never use. This guide compares nine acrylic paint sets that fit that need, including options from the same kind of value-focused lineup you will find at craft retailers. We judged each set on color count, bottle size, pigment quality, the brushes or palette included, and how well the set suits common surfaces like canvas, wood, rocks and ceramics. Owner feedback patterns and manufacturer specifications were our main sources. Where a detail was not clearly stated on the listing, we left it out rather than guess.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes & Palette | Beginners who want variety | 36 colors in 2oz bottles with brushes and palette |
| Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Paint, 10 x 60ml Tube Paint Set | Students and careful beginners | Professional-grade pigments in an introductory range |
| Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set (250ml/8.45oz) | Large-surface projects | Bulk 250ml bottles in 18 colors |
| Caliart Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors with 12 Brushes | Kids and craft projects | 36 colors plus 12 brushes |
| Shuttle Art 80 Colors Acrylic Paint | Hobbyists who mix often | 80-color range with 12 brushes |
| Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set, 12, 24 Fl Oz | Budget-minded crafters | Large total volume across 12 colors |
| 55PCS Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors 2fl oz 60ml Bottles 12 Brushes | Multi-surface crafts | 36 colors with brushes in a complete kit |
| Chalkola 40 Acrylic Paint Set for Adults with 24 Acrylic Paints Kit | Adults trying canvas painting | Includes brushes, canvases and a palette |
| Acrylic Paint Sets for Adults 33.8oz/1000ml, 14 Color Large Bulk Paints kits | Pouring and large projects | Bulk 1000ml volume with pump and color wheel |
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes & Palette
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
This set suits beginners who want the widest range of colors in a single purchase. Its 36 shades mean you can paint many subjects without mixing every tone yourself, and the included brushes and palette cover the first steps of a new hobby.
Key specs
- 36 colors
- 2oz (60ml) bottles
- Includes brushes and palette
- Suitable for canvas, rocks, ceramic and wood
Pros
- Large color selection for the money
- Brushes and palette included
- Works on several common craft surfaces
Cons
- Small bottles run out quickly on large canvases
- Individual colors may need thinning for smooth coverage
Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Paint, 10 x 60ml Tube Paint Set
Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Paint, 10 x 60ml (2–oz) Tube Paint Set | Introductory Acrylic Paint made with Professional Pigments, Perfect for Beginners, Buttery Texture, High Tinting Strength
Students and beginners who want a recognized art-brand name will appreciate this introductory range. Ten tubes are fewer than most kits, but the focus on quality pigment makes it a good place to learn how paint behaves before expanding your palette.
Key specs
- 10 tubes at 60ml each
- Introductory acrylic line from a well-known fine art brand
- Marketed as buttery in texture with high tinting strength
Pros
- Brand reputation for pigment consistency
- Tubes make it easy to control how much paint you squeeze out
- Good for learning color mixing
Cons
- Fewer colors than the bigger bottle sets
- No brushes or palette are included
Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set (250ml/8.45oz)
Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set (250ml/8.45oz), Rich Pigmented Bulk Painting Supplies for Artists, Beginners and Kids on Rocks Crafts Canvas Wood Ceramic
This is a better match for people painting large surfaces, such as wall murals, big canvases or furniture, where small tubes would be used up too fast. The bulk bottles lower the cost per milliliter compared with small sets.
Key specs
- 18 colors
- 250ml (8.45oz) bottles
- Suitable for canvas, rocks, wood and ceramic
Pros
- Large volume for big projects
- Good for teachers and group craft sessions
- Rich pigmentation reported by owners
Cons
- Bottles are heavy and take up shelf space
- Fewer colors than the 36-color options
Caliart Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors with 12 Brushes
Caliart Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors with 12 Brushes | Craft Painting Kit for Artists Kids Adults, Rich Pigment Non-toxic, Canvas Wood Rock Ceramic Halloween Pumpkin Art Supplies
Families and kids’ craft sessions often need a wide palette and enough brushes for several people at once. This set is aimed at that use, with a brush count that covers multiple painters without constant sharing.
Key specs
- 36 colors
- 12 brushes included
- Labeled as non-toxic
Pros
- Brush count suits group projects
- Broad color range for seasonal crafts
- Non-toxic labeling is useful for kids
Cons
- Brush quality varies with kits at this price tier
- Smaller bottles may need frequent refills
Shuttle Art 80 Colors Acrylic Paint
Shuttle Art 80 Colors Acrylic Paint, Acrylic Paint set with 12 Paint Brushes, 2oz/60ml Bottles, Rich Pigmented, Premium Paints for Artists, Beginners and Kids on Canvas Rocks Wood Ceramic
Hobbyists who enjoy mixing custom tones will get the most from an 80-color range. It reduces the need to buy extra single tubes and gives you a reference set for color study.
Key specs
- 80 colors
- 2oz (60ml) bottles
- 12 brushes included
Pros
- Very wide color selection
- Useful for color-mixing practice
- Brushes included
Cons
- Storage takes up significant space
- Many colors may go unused by beginners
Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set, 12, 24 Fl Oz
Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set, 12, 24 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Budget-minded crafters who mostly paint with a core set of colors will find the total volume useful. Twelve colors cover primaries, earth tones and whites for most basic projects.
Key specs
- 12 colors
- 24 fluid ounces total volume
- Sold by a well-known craft brand line
Pros
- Good total volume for the number of colors
- Covers core color needs for crafts
- Familiar brand for craft shoppers
Cons
- Fewer colors limit mixing options
- Pigment strength may be lighter than artist-grade paints
55PCS Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors 2fl oz 60ml Bottles 12 Brushes
55PCS Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors 2fl oz 60ml Bottles 12 Brushes,Non Toxic 36 Colors Acrylic Paint No Fading Rich Pigment for Kids Adults Artists Canvas Crafts Wood Painting
This kit suits multi-surface crafting, such as painting wood signs, rocks and small canvases in the same session. Its 55-piece count includes the paint, brushes and extras, making it a complete starter package.
Key specs
- 36 colors at 2fl oz (60ml) each
- 12 brushes included
- 55 pieces total
Pros
- Complete starter contents
- Good color variety at 60ml per bottle
- Suitable for many surfaces
Cons
- Brush quality may not match premium brushes
- Some colors can look thin without a second coat
Chalkola 40 Acrylic Paint Set for Adults with 24 Acrylic Paints Kit
Chalkola 40 Acrylic Paint Set for Adults with 24 Acrylic Paints Kit (22ml) | 10 Painting Brushes, 5 Canvas for Painting (8×10) & 1 Palette – Art Paint Supplies Set for Kids, Beginners, Artists & Adult
Adults who want to start canvas painting without buying each supply separately will benefit from the included canvases and palette. It is designed as a ready-to-paint package.
Key specs
- 24 acrylic paints at 22ml each
- 10 painting brushes
- 5 canvases (8×10)
- 1 palette
Pros
- Includes canvases, so you can start right away
- Good for adult beginners and gifting
- Palette and brushes included
Cons
- Smaller 22ml bottles run out faster
- Canvases are small for larger ideas
Acrylic Paint Sets for Adults 33.8oz/1000ml, 14 Color Large Bulk Paints kits
Acrylic Paint Sets for Adults 33.8oz/1000ml, 14 Color Large Bulk Paints kits, 1/4 Gallon Rich Pigment Art Painting Supplies for Artists/Beginners, Acrylic Paint Sets for Canvas with Pump, Color Wheel
This is aimed at people who need a lot of paint at once, such as pour painting, large panels or classroom use. Its 1000ml total volume and included pump make dispensing easier than with small bottles.
Key specs
- 14 colors
- 33.8oz (1000ml) total volume
- Includes pump and color wheel
Pros
- Large volume for big surfaces
- Pump makes dispensing cleaner
- Color wheel helps with mixing
Cons
- Fewer distinct colors than larger kits
- Bulk volume may be more than a casual painter needs
Buying Guide
Choosing a joann acrylic paint set comes down to a few practical factors. Start with the surfaces you plan to paint, the size of your projects, and how much you are willing to mix colors yourself. A kit that fits your work will serve you better than the one with the most bottles.
Selection criteria
- Color count: Larger counts (36 to 80) suit people who want to avoid mixing. Smaller counts (10 to 18) suit learners who want to understand color theory.
- Bottle or tube size: 60ml and 2oz bottles suit detail work. 250ml to 1000ml bottles suit big surfaces.
- Included tools: Brushes, palettes and canvases add value if you are starting from scratch.
- Pigment quality: Brands with a fine art background often advertise higher pigment load and more consistent color.
Important features
Look for paints labeled as acrylic and check whether the set is marketed as non-toxic if children will use it. Consider whether the paint is labeled for use on the surfaces you plan to decorate. If you plan to heat set designs on fabric, read the product label, because not every acrylic is suited to that process.
Specs to check
- Total number of colors and whether the palette includes white and black
- Bottle or tube size in milliliters or fluid ounces
- Number and type of brushes
- Whether a palette, canvas or pump is included
Choosing by need
- Learning basics: A 10 to 18 color set lets you practice mixing without overwhelm.
- Variety for hobby projects: A 36-color set covers most craft needs in one purchase.
- Large surfaces: Bulk bottles save time and reduce refills.
- Adult starter kits: Sets with canvases and palettes let you begin painting the same day.
Things to watch out for
Smaller bottles look like good value until you run out mid-project. Brush quality varies across kits, so plan on buying a better brush for detail work later. Also check that colors are described clearly, since some listings name colors inconsistently.
FAQ
Is a joann acrylic paint set good for beginners?
Yes, most sets in this range are designed for learners. A set with 18 to 36 colors and a few brushes gives you enough options to practice without a large upfront investment in tools.
How many colors do I need to start?
Many beginners get by with white, black, the three primaries and a few earth tones. Larger sets are helpful once you know which colors you use most.
Can acrylic paint be used on canvas, wood and rocks?
Acrylic paint is widely used on canvas, wood, rock and ceramic surfaces. Prep the surface first by sanding wood lightly and cleaning rocks, and check your paint’s label for surface suitability.
What bottle size should I choose?
Choose 2oz or 60ml bottles for small crafts and detail work. Choose 250ml or larger bottles for big canvases and furniture projects.
Are acrylic paint sets non-toxic?
Many sets are labeled non-toxic, but you should read the specific product label, especially for children. Supervise young users and wash hands after painting.
Do I need brushes that come with the set?
Included brushes are fine for practice, but most painters eventually add a few higher-quality brushes for smoother strokes and finer detail.
Can I mix acrylic paints from different sets?
Yes, acrylic paints from the same type of medium generally mix well, though colors may shift slightly between brands. Test a small amount before committing to a large project.
Conclusion
For a broad starter kit, the 36-color Shuttle Art set with brushes and palette is a strong general choice. Students who want a recognized art brand should look at the Winsor & Newton Galeria tubes. Large projects call for bulk bottles such as the 250ml Shuttle Art set or the 1000ml bulk kit, while adult beginners who want canvases included will find the Chalkola kit most convenient. Match the set to your surfaces, your project size and how much mixing you plan to do, and you will get the most value from your joann acrylic paint set choice.
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About the author
craftscenter editorial team writes reviews and buying guides for Crafts Center.