Top Professional Watercolor Paints for Serious Artists
For most serious artists, Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolors offer the best balance of brilliance, lightfastness, and handling, with a wide range of colors and consistent quality. Their main limitation is price, as individual tubes can be expensive, but the performance justifies the cost for professionals.
Professional watercolor paints are formulated with higher pigment concentrations and superior binders, resulting in more vibrant and durable artworks. Choosing the right brand can significantly impact your painting experience and final results.
This roundup compares top professional watercolor paints to help you find the best fit for your artistic needs. From the extensive color ranges of Daniel Smith to the traditional excellence of Winsor & Newton, we break down the strengths and weaknesses of each.
What matters most
The top picks, ranked
Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paint Set of 24
This 24-color set from Winsor & Newton is a staple for professionals. It offers a well-chosen palette that covers the spectrum with excellent lightfastness. The paints re-wet easily and flow beautifully, making them ideal for detailed work and glazing.
Pros
- Exceptional color brilliance and transparency
- Consistent quality across the entire range
- Excellent rewetting properties
Cons
- Pricey compared to other brands
- Some colors are less granulating than expected
Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors Introductory Set of 6
Daniel Smith is known for its innovative colors and high pigment loads. This introductory set includes six vibrant colors, perfect for exploring the brand. The paints are highly pigmented and offer a wide range of granulating effects.
Pros
- Unique colors like Serpentine and Piemontite
- Strong granulation for texture
- Excellent for botanical and landscape painting
Cons
- Some colors separate if not mixed thoroughly
- Higher price per tube
Schmincke Horadam Professional Watercolor 12 Half Pan Set
Schmincke Horadam is a premium German brand with a reputation for outstanding quality. This 12 half-pan set is ideal for plein air painting and travel. The paints are creamy, highly pigmented, and re-wet beautifully.
Pros
- Exceptional color purity and luminosity
- Compact and portable pan set
- Great for layering without lifting
Cons
- Expensive for the amount of paint
- Limited color selection in this set
Sennelier Artists’ Watercolor Set of 24
Sennelier watercolors are made with honey, which gives them a unique, glossy finish and intense color saturation. This 24-color set is a favorite among illustrators and artists who love bold, radiant colors.
Pros
- Honey binder prevents drying and enhances flow
- Extremely vivid colors
- Generous tube size
Cons
- Honey can attract insects if left open
- Some colors may not be fully lightfast
Holbein Artists’ Watercolor Set of 12
Holbein watercolors are known for their smooth, even dispersion and minimal granulation. This 12-color set offers a balanced palette with high pigment load and excellent lightfastness.
Pros
- Very smooth and even washes
- Colors mix cleanly without muddiness
- Compact size ideal for studio use
Cons
- Less granulation for texture
- Limited availability outside Japan
M. Graham Artists’ Watercolor Set of 10
M. Graham watercolors use a honey binder for excellent rewetting and vibrant colors. This set of 10 is a great introduction to the brand, which is known for its sustainable practices and high-quality pigments.
Pros
- Large tubes provide value
- Honey binder prevents dry-out
- Sustainable and ethically sourced pigments
Cons
- Honey scent may be off-putting
- Colors may be more intense than needed
Rembrandt Artists’ Watercolor Set of 20
Rembrandt watercolors offer professional quality at a more accessible price point. This 20-color set provides a wide palette with good pigment load and lightfastness, making it a reliable choice for artists on a budget.
Pros
- Affordable price for the quality
- Wide range of colors
- Good for beginners and students
Cons
- Pigment load not as high as premium brands
- Some colors lack granulation
How they compare
| # | Model | Pigment Load | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paint Set of 24 | High | Overall best professional watercolor set | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors Introductory Set of 6 | Very high | Artists who love granulation and unique colors | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Schmincke Horadam Professional Watercolor 12 Half Pan Set | High | Artists who prefer pans and a traditional approach | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Sennelier Artists’ Watercolor Set of 24 | High | Artists seeking vibrant, honey-based paints | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Holbein Artists’ Watercolor Set of 12 | High | Artists who appreciate Japanese precision | 8.7 | Check price |
| 6 | M. Graham Artists’ Watercolor Set of 10 | High | Artists who value sustainable and honey-based paints | 8.5 | Check price |
| 7 | Rembrandt Artists’ Watercolor Set of 20 | Medium-high | Budget-conscious professionals | 8.3 | Check price |
Questions worth asking
What makes watercolor paints ‘professional’?
Professional watercolors contain higher concentrations of high-quality pigments, use superior binders, and have excellent lightfastness ratings. They are formulated to meet archival standards, ensuring your artwork remains vibrant for many years.
Are professional watercolors worth the extra cost?
Yes, for serious artists. Professional paints offer more pigment, better color mixing, and higher lightfastness. They also tend to have a smoother consistency and better rewetting properties, making them easier to work with and more reliable.
What is the difference between student and professional watercolors?
Student-grade paints have lower pigment loads, often using filler or dyes, which results in less vibrant colors and reduced lightfastness. Professional paints use pure pigments and higher concentrations, providing more intense color and better performance.
How many colors do I need to start?
A basic palette of 12 colors is sufficient for most beginners. This allows for a wide range of mixing possibilities. As you progress, you may want to expand to 24 or more to have a broader selection of hues and granulating effects.
What are the best colors for a limited palette?
A classic limited palette includes a warm and cool yellow, red, and blue, plus a neutral like burnt sienna. For example, lemon yellow, cadmium yellow, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, and cerulean blue. This allows you to mix almost any color.
How should I store watercolor paints?
Store tubes upright in a cool, dry place. Pans should be kept in a palette with a lid to prevent dust and moisture. Avoid extreme temperatures, as they can affect the paint’s consistency and longevity.
Can I use professional watercolors on regular paper?
Yes, but for best results, use watercolor paper that is at least 140lb (300gsm) to prevent warping and ensure proper absorption. Professional paints have high water content, so a sturdy paper is essential.
What is the difference between transparent and opaque watercolors?
Transparent watercolors allow light to pass through and reflect back from the paper, creating luminous effects. Opaque colors contain more pigment and cover the paper, often used for highlights or corrections. Most professional watercolors are transparent or semi-transparent.
How long do watercolor paints last?
Unused watercolor paints can last for decades if stored properly. Once mixed with water and applied to paper, the paint becomes permanent. However, over time, exposure to light and pollution can cause fading, so use lightfast pigments.
What is granulation in watercolor?
Granulation refers to the settling of pigment particles as the paint dries, creating a textured, mottled effect. Some pigments, like ultramarine and certain earth colors, granulate naturally. Artists use this effect for added interest in washes.
Final word
For most professional artists, the Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor set is the top choice due to its exceptional quality and reliability. If you prioritize granulation and unique colors, Daniel Smith is an excellent alternative. For a budget-friendly option without compromising too much, Rembrandt offers solid performance at a lower price.
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.
