Best Watercolor Paints for Beginners: Kits and Sets for Every Artist
The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Set is the best overall for beginners due to its balanced pigment load, good spreadability, and reasonable price. It offers a nice range of colors that mix well, but the plastic case is not as durable as metal pans.
Starting with watercolors can be overwhelming with so many options available. We looked at sets that are affordable, easy to use, and offer good color payoff for beginners.
Our top picks include pan sets, tube sets, and portable kits. We focused on those that have received positive feedback from users and are known for their quality and usability.
How to choose
The shortlist, ranked
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Set
This set includes 12 half pans in a sturdy metal tin. The colors are vibrant and mix well. It is a reliable choice for learning.
Pros
- High quality pigments
- Compact and portable
- Good mixing properties
Cons
- Pans are small
- No empty palette for mixing
Prismacolor Premier Watercolor Pencils
These are water-soluble pencils, not traditional paints, but they are perfect for beginners who want control. You can draw and then add water for a paint effect.
Pros
- Easy to control
- Great for detailed work
- No need for extra palette
Cons
- Not true paint
- Requires waterbrush
Koi Water Colors Pocket Field Sketch Box
This compact set from Koi includes 24 colors and a water brush. It is perfect for travel and sketching outdoors. The colors are bright and transparent.
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Many colors
- Built-in water brush
Cons
- Plastic case may crack
- Pans are small
Sakura Koi Water Colors 48 Color Set
A larger set with 48 vibrant colors in a sturdy case. It offers a wide spectrum for experimenting. Ideal for those who want many options from the start.
Pros
- Huge color selection
- Good pigmentation
- Includes water brush
Cons
- Case is bulky
- Some colors less used
Van Gogh Watercolor Paint Set
Van Gogh offers a professional-level paint in a beginner-friendly set. This 12-color set includes a brush and is known for its high pigment concentration.
Pros
- Excellent pigmentation
- Smooth application
- Good lightfastness
Cons
- More expensive
- Small pans
Arteza Watercolor Paint Set
This 24-color set comes in tubes, which is great for beginners who want to learn how much paint to use. It is affordable and offers decent quality.
Pros
- Affordable
- Good color selection
- Tubes allow easy control
Cons
- Need to squeeze out
- May dry out if not sealed
Yasen Cheng Yue Watercolor Paint Set
A very affordable option with 24 colors in a tin. It is great for children or absolute beginners. The quality is not as high as others but it is a good starter.
Pros
- Very cheap
- Comes with brush
- Good for practicing
Cons
- Lower pigment quality
- Colors may be chalky
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Format | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Set | Half pans | Best Overall for Beginners | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Prismacolor Premier Watercolor Pencils | Pencils | Best for Drawing and Painting | 9.0 | Check price |
| 3 | Koi Water Colors Pocket Field Sketch Box | Half pans | Best Portable Set | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | Sakura Koi Water Colors 48 Color Set | Half pans | Best for Color Variety | 8.7 | Check price |
| 5 | Van Gogh Watercolor Paint Set | Half pans | Best Professional Grade for Beginners | 8.9 | Check price |
| 6 | Arteza Watercolor Paint Set | Tubes | Best Budget Option | 8.4 | Check price |
| 7 | Yasen Cheng Yue Watercolor Paint Set | Half pans | Best for Beginners on a Tight Budget | 8.0 | Check price |
Good to know
What are the best watercolor paints for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Set for its quality and ease of use. Alternatively, Koi Water Colors are also great for portability.
Should beginners use pans or tubes?
Pans are easier for beginners because they are mess-free and you don’t have to worry about squeezing out paint. Tubes give more control but require a palette.
How many colors do I need to start?
A set of 12 colors is sufficient to start. You can mix many colors from primary colors. More colors can be overwhelming.
Are expensive watercolor paints worth it?
Expensive paints have higher pigment concentration, making them more vibrant and lightfast. For beginners, student-grade paints are a good start, but you can upgrade as you improve.
Can I use regular paper for watercolor?
No, regular paper will buckle and tear. Use watercolor paper that is thick and absorbent. Cold-pressed paper is ideal for beginners.
How do I clean my watercolor brushes?
Rinse brushes in clean water and gently wipe with a cloth. Use mild soap occasionally. Store brushes upright to dry.
What is the difference between student and professional grade watercolors?
Student grade paints have more filler and less pigment, so they are less vibrant. Professional paints have more pigment and better lightfastness. They cost more.
Are watercolor pencils considered watercolor paints?
Watercolor pencils are water-soluble colored pencils, not traditional paints. They can be used like pencils and then activated with water for a paint effect. They are good for detailed work.
How long do watercolor paints last?
Pans can last for years if kept dry and clean. Tubes can dry out if not sealed properly. Always close caps tightly.
Can I mix watercolor paints with other mediums?
Yes, you can mix watercolors with gouache, ink, or colored pencils. However, be aware of the opacity and drying time of each medium.
Final word
For most beginners, the Winsor & Newton Cotman set is the best choice because it combines good quality with a manageable price and provides a solid foundation for learning. If you plan to paint on the go, the Koi Water Colors set is a great alternative. If you are on a tight budget, the Yasen set is a functional starter, but be prepared to upgrade as you advance.
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.
