Best Acrylic Paint Sets for Beginners and Hobbyists
The Arteza Acrylic Paint Set of 60 colors offers the best overall value for beginners. It includes a wide range of vibrant colors in convenient 12 ml tubes. Owners report good consistency and opacity. The main limitation is that the tubes are small for large projects.
Starting with acrylics is exciting, but choosing the right paint set can be overwhelming. A good starter kit should offer a variety of colors, decent quality, and ease of use.
We compared top-selling kits to help you find one that matches your style. Whether you paint on canvas, wood, or paper, there is a set here for you.
What we recommend
Arteza Acrylic Paint Set of 60 Colors
This set includes 60 vibrant colors in 12 ml tubes. The paint is thick and creamy, with high pigment load. It blends well and dries to a satin finish. Ideal for beginners who want a broad palette without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Excellent color variety
- Smooth, buttery consistency
- Good opacity
Cons
- Small tube size for large canvases
- Some colors may separate over time
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set
Liquitex BASICS offers professional-grade pigments at an entry-level price. This set of 24 colors in 22 ml tubes is perfect for learning color theory. The paint is thick and retains brush strokes well.
Pros
- Trusted brand
- Thick, high-quality paint
- Good for heavy body techniques
Cons
- Limited color range
- Tubes may be hard to squeeze when cold
U.S. Art Supply 24 Color Acrylic Paint Set
This set provides 24 colors in 12 ml tubes at a very low price. The paint is suitable for beginners and crafters. Colors are bright, but some may need multiple coats for full coverage.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Plenty of colors
- Good for crafting
Cons
- Lower pigment load
- May require multiple coats
Mont Marte Acrylic Paint Set
Mont Marte offers 36 colors in 18 ml tubes. The paint is smooth and has a nice consistency. It is popular among hobbyists for its balance of quality and quantity.
Pros
- Large tube size
- Great color selection
- Smooth flow
Cons
- Some colors dry darker
- Not as lightfast as professional lines
Castle Art Supplies Acrylic Paint Set
This set includes 24 paints in 12 ml tubes, plus 3 brushes and a palette. It is designed for beginners, with a helpful guide and color chart. The paints are vibrant and easy to blend.
Pros
- Includes brushes and palette
- Instructional guide
- Great for gifts
Cons
- Brushes are basic
- Small tubes
FolkArt Acrylic Paint Set
FolkArt is a favorite for crafters. This set of 18 colors in 2 oz bottles is perfect for wood, glass, and ceramic. The paint is highly pigmented and covers well.
Pros
- Large bottles
- Excellent coverage
- Works on many surfaces
Cons
- Limited color range
- Bottles may drip
Sargent Art Acrylic Paint Set
Sargent Art provides a durable set of 16 colors in 16 oz bottles. It is ideal for schools and group projects. The paint is washable and non-toxic, making it safe for kids.
Pros
- Huge bottles
- Non-toxic
- Washable
Cons
- Not for fine art
- Colors may be less vibrant
How they stack up
| # | Model | Number of Colors | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arteza Acrylic Paint Set of 60 Colors | 60 | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set | 24 | Student quality | 9.0 | Check price |
| 3 | U.S. Art Supply 24 Color Acrylic Paint Set | 24 | Budget friendly | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | Mont Marte Acrylic Paint Set | 36 | Value pack | 8.9 | Check price |
| 5 | Castle Art Supplies Acrylic Paint Set | 24 | Complete beginner kit | 9.1 | Check price |
| 6 | FolkArt Acrylic Paint Set | 18 | Crafts and DIY | 8.5 | Check price |
| 7 | Sargent Art Acrylic Paint Set | 16 | Classroom use | 8.2 | Check price |
What matters most
Good to know
How many colors should a beginner get?
Start with 12 to 24 colors. This range provides enough variety without overwhelming you. You can mix colors to create many shades.
Are expensive acrylic paints worth it?
Yes, they often have more pigment and better color strength. But for beginners, student-grade paints are fine to practice with.
Can I mix acrylic paints from different brands?
Yes, as long as they are all acrylic-based. But be aware that different consistencies may affect the result.
Do acrylic paints dry darker or lighter?
They usually dry slightly darker. This is normal. Test on a scrap surface to get the color you want.
How do I clean acrylic paint from brushes?
Use warm soapy water immediately after use. For dried paint, use a brush cleaner or isopropyl alcohol.
What surfaces can I paint on with acrylics?
Canvas, wood, paper, glass, ceramics, and many plastics. Prime porous surfaces with gesso for best results.
How long do acrylic paints take to dry?
Thin layers dry in minutes. Thick layers may take hours or days to fully cure. Use a hairdryer for faster drying.
Are acrylic paints toxic?
Most are non-toxic when used as directed. Check the label for safety. Avoid ingesting and wash hands after use.
Our take
For most beginners, the Arteza 60-color set is the best choice due to its balance of color variety and quality. If you need a budget option, the U.S. Art Supply set is adequate. For a complete kit, Castle Art Supplies is a great gift.
Jake Monroe
Jake worked as a residential contractor for over a decade before shifting to full-time writing. He evaluates power tools, hand tools and workshop gear through the lens of someone who has actually used them on job sites, not just read the box.
