Dipping your brushes into the world of acrylic painting is an exciting first step. For beginners, the right paint set can make all the difference, providing vibrant colors, a smooth consistency, and the confidence to create. Acrylics are a fantastic medium to start with because they are versatile, fast-drying, and easy to clean up with water. This roundup is designed to help you find the perfect starter set, whether you’re looking for a massive color selection, large-volume bottles for big projects, or a compact kit to test the waters. We’ve compiled a list of the top options to get your artistic journey started on the right foot.
Navigating the vast array of choices can be overwhelming for a new artist. The best sets for beginners offer a balance of quality, quantity, and value. They should be highly pigmented for good coverage, non-toxic for safe use, and suitable for a variety of surfaces like canvas, wood, and crafts. From comprehensive kits that include brushes to bulk sets perfect for classroom use, there is an ideal option for every aspiring painter ready to bring their ideas to life.
The Best Acrylic Paint Sets for Beginner Artists
- Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set, 36 Colors with Brushes
- 55PCS Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors with 12 Brushes
- Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 50 Colors Acrylic Paint Set
- Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set (250ml)
- Huestry Acrylic Paint Set 118 PCS of 99 Colors
- Artkey Acrylic Paint Set – 24 colors 2 oz/59 ml
- Acrylic Paint Set Canvas Art Paints 24 Colors
- Nicpro 14 Colors Large Bulk Acrylic Paint Set
- Apple Barrel Acrylic Craft Paint Set, 18 Assorted Matte Colors
- Arteza Acrylic Paint Set, 60 Colors x 2oz Tubes
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set, 36 Colors with Brushes
This comprehensive set from Shuttle Art is an excellent starting point for any beginner. It includes 36 highly pigmented colors in generous 2oz bottles, providing a wide spectrum to work with, including classic metallic gold and silver. The creamy consistency is easy to blend, mix, and layer, offering great coverage for various techniques.
As a complete kit, it comes with 10 brushes and a palette, so you have everything needed to begin painting immediately. The paints are water-based, waterproof when dry, and suitable for many surfaces like canvas, rock, and wood. The sturdy cardboard packaging also acts as a convenient organizer, keeping your supplies safe and accessible.
55PCS Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors with 12 Brushes
For those who value safety and quality, the HissiCo set is a reliable choice. Conforming to ASTM D-4236 and EN71 standards, these non-toxic paints are safe for artists of all ages. The rich pigments provide a fantastic thick consistency that holds brush marks well, allowing for interesting textures in your artwork.
The flip-top squeeze bottles offer excellent control over paint flow, reducing mess and waste. This set is designed for ease of use and storage, arriving in a sturdy flip-lid cardboard box that keeps your 36 colors and 12 brushes neatly organized and protected.
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 50 Colors Acrylic Paint Set
If you’re ready to expand your color palette, this Shuttle Art set offers an impressive 50 different shades. It includes a range of commonly used colors along with inspiring fluorescent and metallic options to make your projects stand out. The premium, water-based formula has a creamy texture that is a pleasure to work with.
These versatile paints dry quickly to a permanent, waterproof, and fade-resistant finish. They adhere well to virtually any surface, from glass and rocks to canvas and fabric, making them a great multi-purpose set for beginners exploring different crafts and painting styles.
Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set (250ml)
This set is perfect for the beginner who works on larger projects or simply doesn’t want to run out of paint quickly. Each of the 18 essential colors comes in a large 250ml (8.45oz) bottle. The artist-grade paints offer a thick, vibrant, and creamy texture with incredible consistency.
Ideal for covering big areas or for group settings, these bulk paints mix and blend beautifully to create new shades. They provide excellent coverage with a small amount of paint and dry to a durable, waterproof finish on most surfaces, from wood and ceramic to crafts and canvas.
Huestry Acrylic Paint Set 118 PCS of 99 Colors
For the beginner who wants maximum creative freedom, the Huestry set provides an almost overwhelming 99 unique colors. This massive collection ensures you will have the perfect shade for any project. The highly pigmented colors are smooth to blend and layer, providing consistent results for detailing and texturing.
This all-in-one kit goes beyond just paint, including 12 brushes and 6 painting knives to experiment with different application techniques. The non-toxic, water-based formula is safe for all ages and easy to clean up, making it a fantastic comprehensive set for serious starters.
Artkey Acrylic Paint Set – 24 colors 2 oz/59 ml
Artkey offers a professional-grade experience for beginners with this 24-color set. The paints have a butter-like consistency that glides smoothly over surfaces, providing strong coverage for both large areas and fine details. They mix easily and dry quickly to a long-lasting, fade-resistant finish.
Practicality is a key feature here. The bottles are designed to be non-leaking, with tightly screwed caps to prevent drying out. Each bottle is clearly labeled with its color name for easy identification, helping you stay organized as you learn to mix and identify different shades.
Acrylic Paint Set Canvas Art Paints 24 Colors
This set is formulated with high-quality pigments to deliver maximum brilliance and color clarity. The paints have a buttery consistency that offers great covering power, making them effective for both broad strokes and intricate details. They dry to a beautiful gloss finish that makes colors pop.
Included with the 24 vibrant colors are 3 professional brushes, providing the basic tools to get started. The paints are certified safe, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly, conforming to ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 standards, so you can focus on creating with peace of mind.
Nicpro 14 Colors Large Bulk Acrylic Paint Set
When you need a lot of paint for big craft projects or group activities, the Nicpro bulk set is an ideal solution. It includes 14 essential shades in large 16.9oz (500ml) squeeze bottles. The set also comes with a bonus palette knife, art sponge, and a color wheel to guide your color mixing.
Formulated with premium pigments, these paints have a rich, creamy consistency for smooth blending and easy layering. The fast-drying, fade-resistant formula ensures your artwork and crafts stay bright and bold, resisting water and light over time.
Apple Barrel Acrylic Craft Paint Set, 18 Assorted Matte Colors
A trusted name in craft paints, Apple Barrel offers this versatile set of 18 matte colors. The convenient 2oz bottles are filled with bold and bright colors that dry to a brilliant matte finish. The paint is known for its easy and smooth application, making it very beginner-friendly.
This paint is incredibly versatile for various crafts. It can be used on wood, Styrofoam, plaster, and terra cotta, and can be applied with a brush, sponge, or stencil. It’s a straightforward, reliable set perfect for general arts and crafts projects.
Arteza Acrylic Paint Set, 60 Colors x 2oz Tubes
Arteza is renowned for providing artist-quality materials at an accessible price point. This set of 60 colors in convenient tubes gives beginners a professional feel with a wide array of shades to choose from. The highly pigmented, thick-bodied paint offers excellent coverage and workability.
The tube packaging allows for easy dispensing and helps prevent the paint from drying out. These versatile paints can be used on multiple surfaces and are ideal for beginners looking to practice with a quality product that offers a substantial color range for mixing and creating.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Acrylic Paint Set for You
When I first started looking for my own set of acrylic paints, the options were overwhelming. I made a few mistakes along the way, buying paints that were either too cheap and chalky or too expensive for my skill level. To help you avoid that, here’s a straightforward guide on what to look for in the 10 best acrylic paint sets for beginners.
First, consider the paint quality. You’ll see terms like student-grade and professional-grade. As a beginner, a good student-grade set is your best friend. These paints are more affordable and still offer decent pigmentation and a workable consistency. They are forgiving while you learn how acrylics behave. Professional paints have a higher pigment load, which means the colors are more intense, but they come with a much higher price tag that isn’t necessary when you’re just getting started.
Next, think about the set size and the colors included. A set with 12 to 24 tubes is a great starting point. It gives you a basic color wheel to work with without being too complicated. Look for a set that includes the primary colors (red, blue, yellow), white, and black. A large tube of white paint is always useful, as you’ll use it for mixing tints more than any other color. Some sets also include useful extras like a couple of brushes, a palette, or even a basic canvas board, which can be a huge help if you don’t have any supplies yet.
The type of acrylic paint also matters. You have heavy body and soft body options. Heavy body paints are thick and buttery, holding brushstrokes and texture well—great for impasto techniques. Soft body paints have a smoother, more fluid consistency, similar to heavy cream, which is excellent for detail work, glazing, and watercolor-style techniques. For a beginner, a standard heavy body set is often the most versatile choice.
Finally, don’t forget about the packaging. Tubes are the most common and practical because they keep the paint from drying out. Some very beginner-friendly sets come in squeeze bottles, which are also easy to use. Just make sure whatever you get has a secure lid. Acrylic paint dries quickly and permanently, so a good seal is non-negotiable. Start with a well-regarded student-grade brand, and you’ll have a solid foundation for your painting journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between student-grade and professional-grade acrylic paint?
The main difference boils down to pigment concentration and cost. Professional-grade paints are loaded with high-quality, pure pigments, which gives them incredibly vibrant colors and excellent longevity. They are also much more expensive. Student-grade paints use a mix of synthetic pigments and fillers to make them more affordable. While the colors might not be as intensely saturated, a good student-grade paint is perfectly suitable for learning, practicing, and completing beautiful projects without breaking the bank.
How do I stop my acrylic paints from drying out so quickly?
This is the number one challenge with acrylics! They dry fast. I use a few tricks to manage this. First, I work on a stay-wet palette, which is a game-changer. You can buy one or make your own with a shallow tray, parchment paper, and a damp sponge cloth. When squeezing paint onto a regular palette, only put out small amounts at a time. You can also spritz your paints lightly with water from a spray bottle to keep them moist during your painting session. Always, always remember to screw the caps back on your tubes tightly immediately after use.
Can I use acrylic paint on any surface?
Acrylic paint is very versatile and can be used on many surfaces, but preparation is key. It works best on primed canvases, wood panels, and watercolor paper that is specifically labeled for acrylics. You can also use it on terracotta, certain plastics, and fabric, but you may need a specific primer or medium for it to adhere properly and last. I don’t recommend using it on surfaces with wax or oil, as the paint may not stick well and could peel off over time.
Is it necessary to varnish a finished acrylic painting?
While not strictly necessary right away, varnishing is a really good idea for any painting you care about preserving. A varnish protects the surface from dust, dirt, and UV light, which can cause colors to fade over time. It also evens out the final appearance, making any areas that dried matte or glossy look uniform. You should wait until the painting is completely dry through and through—usually about a week—before applying a varnish.
What are the essential brushes for a beginner?
You don’t need a huge collection to start. I recommend getting a few basic shapes in synthetic bristles, which work well with acrylics. A couple of round brushes (one small for details, one medium for filling), a couple of flat brushes in different sizes for covering large areas and creating sharp edges, and a filbert brush (which has a rounded edge) for soft blending are a perfect starter kit. With these five or six brushes, you can accomplish most beginner techniques as you build your skills.
How should I clean my brushes after using acrylic paint?
Cleaning your brushes properly is crucial because dried acrylic paint will ruin them. As soon as you’re done painting, rinse your brushes thoroughly in warm, soapy water. I gently massage the bristles with my fingers to work the paint out from the ferrule (the metal part). Never let your brushes sit in water, as this can bend the bristles. Reshape the bristles and let them air dry horizontally or with the bristles facing up. If you accidentally get paint dried on a brush, you can try soaking it in a brush cleaner designed for acrylics.