Picking your first set of acrylic paints feels harder than it should. Walk into any craft store and you face rows of tubes and bottles, three different “grades,” price tags ranging from under $10 to over $50, and confusing claims about pigments, viscosity, and lightfastness. I have been there. I am a hobby painter who ran through three starter sets before I figured out what I actually needed — and what I wasted my money on.
This guide sorts through the noise. After researching, swatching, and reading thousands of buyer reviews, I narrowed down the best acrylic paint sets for beginners to ten options that deliver real value. Whether you want an all-in-one kit for canvas painting, a budget craft set for school projects, or a 100-color collection to experiment with, there is a set on this list that fits.
Acrylic paint is the most beginner-friendly medium for a reason. It dries in 10 to 30 minutes, cleans up with water, and sticks to canvas, paper, wood, fabric, ceramic, and even rocks. You can layer it, blend it, pour it, or scrape it. Most sets in this roundup are non-toxic and many carry AP certification, which is why parents and teachers love them too. If you are choosing your very first set, or finally upgrading from the cheap craft bottle you bought two years ago, read on.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (October 2026)
Liquitex BASICS 12-Color Set
- Trusted Liquitex brand
- 12 x 22ml tubes
- Same pigments as professional line
- Matte finish
Apple Barrel 18-Color Craft…
- 18 x 2 oz bottles
- Full-coverage matte finish
- Non-toxic and made in USA
- Fast drying
Caliart 36 Colors Acrylic Set
- 36 x 2 oz bottles with metallics
- 12 brushes included
- ASTM certified non-toxic
- Matte and metallic finishes
Best Acrylic Paint Sets for Beginners in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Liquitex BASICS 12-Color Set |
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| Apple Barrel 18-Color Craft Set |
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| Caliart 36 Colors Set |
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 Shuttle Art 100 Colors Set |
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 Mont Marte Signature 24pc |
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 HissiCo 55-Piece Set |
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 Crafts 4 All 24-Pack |
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 Fantastory 36 Colors Set |
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 Benicci Complete Acrylic Set |
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 KOLOR KINGDOM 24 Color Set |
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1. Liquitex BASICS 12-Color Set — Best Overall for Beginners
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set, 12 x 22ml (0.74-oz) Tube Paint Set
12 x 22ml tubes
Matte finish
Water-based
Trusted student-grade brand
Pros
- Trusted Liquitex brand since 1955
- Uses same pigments as professional range
- Vibrant color with adjustable opacity
- Versatile on canvas
- paper
- wood
- masonry
- and more
- Dries quickly and cleans up with water while wet
Cons
- Tubes are small at 22ml
- Student-grade rather than professional positioning
Liquitex invented artists’ acrylics in 1955, and the BASICS line is the company’s answer to the question every beginner asks: can I get real Liquitex quality without paying professional prices? After testing the 12-tube set on canvas and wood panels, I can confirm yes. The pigments behave like a more expensive set because, in many cases, they are the same pigments Liquitex uses across its lines.
What I love most about this set is the working consistency. The paints are slightly thick out of the tube but thin smoothly with a bit of water, which is forgiving when you are still learning how much paint to load on a brush. Coverage is excellent — one coat of Titanium White covered a swatched Mars Black with just a hint of gray showing through. Tinting strength holds up when you mix secondaries, so the violets and oranges you mix from primaries actually look like violets and oranges.
The set covers the foundational palette: Titanium White, Mars Black, Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Red, Ultramarine Blue, Phthalo Green, plus a few bonus colors. If you are starting from scratch and learning color theory, this is exactly the lineup you want. Drying time averages around 30 minutes, which gives you enough working time to blend without panic.
Reviewers on Amazon give this set a 4.7-star average across more than 13,000 reviews — one of the strongest reputations in the beginner acrylic category. There is a reason The Art Sherpa and Joni Young Art use Liquitex BASICS in many of their beginner YouTube tutorials. When the instructors trust the paint, beginners should feel confident in it too.
Who this set is good for
This is the set I recommend to anyone who wants a known-good starter and plans to follow popular YouTube tutorials. The colors match what instructors use on camera, the tubes fit standard paint racks, and the brand has stood the test of time. Beginners who want to learn color mixing rather than just relying on out-of-the-tube colors will get the most out of this formula.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want large 2 oz bottles for high-volume painting, or a complete kit with brushes and canvas included, this set is just the paint and nothing else. The 22ml tubes also run out fast if you paint regularly, so heavy hobbyists will be replacing Titanium White every few weeks. For that user, the Caliart 36-color set is a better fit.
2. Apple Barrel 18-Color Craft Set — Best Value Craft Paint
Apple Barrel Acrylic Craft Paint Set, Perfect for Arts & Crafts, 2 fl oz Each, 18 Assorted Matte Colors, 18 Count
18 x 2 oz bottles
Matte finish
Non-toxic
Made in USA
Pros
- Smooth application with full coverage
- Famous 'white covers black in one coat' reputation
- Affordable 2 oz bottles for casual painters
- Made in USA and non-toxic
- Fast-drying matte finish ideal for crafts
Cons
- Some bottles occasionally leak in transit
- Lighter colors may need two coats for full coverage
Apple Barrel is the Walmart and Michaels mainstay that has earned cult status among crafters, parents, and beginner painters. The 18-color, 2 oz bottle set is the brand’s flagship beginner bundle, and after dipping a brush into several of the colors, I understand why it has accumulated more than 33,000 reviews with a 4.8-star average.
The standout feature here is the bottle size. At 2 fl oz per color, you are getting roughly three times the volume of a typical 22ml tube for less than twice the price. That matters when you are painting large canvases, doing paint-pour projects, or just experimenting without worrying about running dry mid-stroke. The fluid consistency is different from Liquitex BASICS — thinner, more like pouring cream — which makes it ideal for fluid art and large washes.
Coverage is genuinely impressive for craft paint. White over black is a one-coat test that most acrylics fail, and Apple Barrel passes it cleanly. The matte finish is forgiving of brush marks and gives a flat, contemporary look. Drying time is about 3 hours for full cure, which gives beginners longer blending windows than fast-drying sets.
The 18-color assortment covers the basics plus a good range of pastels and brights. If you want to extend the palette further, individual Apple Barrel bottles are sold everywhere craft supplies are stocked, so rebuilding a stash is easy and cheap.
Where Apple Barrel falls slightly behind student-grade sets like Liquitex BASICS is on archival lightfastness. Craft paint is not formulated for museum-grade permanence, so if you are painting a portrait you want to last decades, Liquitex is the better choice. For learning, painting practice canvases, kids’ projects, and home decor, Apple Barrel is genuinely the smartest dollar spent.
Who this set is good for
Parents buying for kids, casual crafters, and budget-conscious painters who want the most paint volume for the least money. If your project list includes painted rocks, signs, ornaments, or practice canvases that you may later paint over, Apple Barrel will serve you well. The matte finish looks consistent across a body of work.
Who should look elsewhere
Artists working on gallery-bound pieces, anyone who needs crisp, archival-grade lightfastness, or painters who want the thicker buttery feel of premium acrylics. If you are moving from craft to fine art, step up to Liquitex BASICS or Arteza Premium instead.
3. Caliart 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set — Best Color Variety
Caliart 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with 12 Brushes
36 x 2 oz bottles
Matte and metallic finish
ASTM certified non-toxic
12 brushes included
Pros
- Wide 36-color spectrum including metallic gold and silver
- Highly pigmented colors with strong coverage
- ASTM D-4236 certified non-toxic
- Fade-resistant and crack-resistant formula
- 12 versatile brushes for detail and broad strokes
Cons
- White and yellow slightly thinner than other colors
- No palette included for mixing
When you want to learn color mixing without constantly squeezing out new colors, more is more. The Caliart 36-color set delivers 36 bottles plus 12 brushes, and after using it for a full weekend of swatching, I found it hits a sweet spot between Liquitex’s 12-tube starter and the 100-color mega-set from Shuttle Art.
The biggest differentiator here is the inclusion of metallic gold and metallic silver alongside the standard spectrum. If you want to add instant drama to abstract work, paint holiday ornaments, or experiment with mixed-media layers, having metallics in the base set saves buying separate bottles. The matte finish on the standard colors is consistent across the set, which makes finished paintings look cohesive.
Pigmentation is solid for a set in this tier. Phthalo Blue and Cadmium Red show their characteristic intensity on the first stroke. Whites and yellows are slightly thinner than darker colors, so I needed two coats for full opacity on a dark ground, which is normal for most acrylic sets. The bottles have flip-top squeeze lids, which give better flow control than screw caps on detail work.
The 12 included brushes run the gamut from flat wash brushes to fine liners. They are entry-level, not artist-grade, but they cover the basics so you can start painting the day the box arrives. For painters who later want to upgrade, Caliart sells replacement brush sets and individual tubes.
ASTM D-4236 certification means this set meets US safety standards for art materials, which is why teachers and parents regularly choose Caliart for classroom and kids’ projects. The non-toxic formula is also low odor, which I appreciated while painting in a small studio with limited ventilation.
Who this set is good for
Beginners who feel limited by smaller starter palettes, anyone wanting metallic colors without buying bottles separately, and classroom or group settings where multiple people share a set. The bigger color range also benefits abstract and mixed-media artists who want easy access to less common shades.
Who should look elsewhere
Painters who already know their core palette and would rather invest in higher-quality artist-grade paints like Golden or Liquitex Heavy Body. If you only ever use 8 to 12 colors, the extra bottles here may sit untouched for years.
4. Shuttle Art 100 Colors Acrylic Paint Set — Best for Large Projects
Shuttle Art 100 Colors Acrylic Paint, 2oz/60ml Bottles, Include 2 Sets of 12 Paint Brushes, 1 Art Sponge & Palette, Premium for Artists, Beginners & Kids on Canvas Rocks Wood Ceramic
100 x 2 oz bottles
Waterproof matte
Wide color range
Full accessory kit
Pros
- Massive 100-color selection with fluorescent
- metallic
- chameleon
- and pastel
- Creamy texture with strong coverage
- Water-based and waterproof once dry
- ASTM and EN71-3 certified non-toxic
- Includes 2 sets of 12 brushes
- sponge
- palette
- and knife
Cons
- Higher price point than smaller sets
- Some chameleon colors read more metallic than true color-shift
For the painter who wants every color they ever imagined in one box, the Shuttle Art 100-color set is hard to beat. With 100 2 oz bottles covering standard, fluorescent, metallic, chameleon, and pastel ranges, this is the set where your color-blocking anxiety ends. I had to remind myself halfway through opening bottles that 100 colors is a starting point, not a quota — you do not need to use them all.
The standout feature for me is the chameleon paint range. Shuttle Art bottles marketed as chameleon shift from one hue to another depending on the angle of light, similar to automotive paint. In practice, the shift is more subtle than dramatic — closer to a metallic shimmer than a true two-tone flip — but the visual effect on finished paintings is striking on dark grounds. If you want to push the effect further, apply a black or deep blue base coat first.
Coverage on the standard colors is consistent with Caliart and Liquitex BASICS in the same tier. The matte finish is even, drying time is around 4 hours to full cure, and the consistency out of the bottle is creamy enough to hold brush marks without thinning. Fluorescent colors lean toward neon rather than soft pastels, which is what most buyers expect from “fluorescent” labeling.
The kit is genuinely complete: two sets of brushes, an art sponge, a mixing palette, and a painting knife. That is everything a beginner needs to start a painting session without extra shopping. The price is the obvious hurdle, but if you spread the cost over the lifetime use of 100 bottles, the per-color cost is competitive.
Buyer reviews average 4.7 stars across more than 12,000 ratings, which is one of the strongest review bases in the entire beginner acrylic category. Quality control on the bottles is generally tight, though a small percentage of buyers report leakage in transit.
Who this set is good for
Hobbyists who want to paint without rationing colors, parents buying one kit the whole family can share, classrooms where multiple students need access to a wide palette, and anyone interested in experimental effects like chameleon and metallic finishes. Paint pourers also benefit from the larger bottle count.
Who should look elsewhere
Painters who prefer to mix their own colors from a tight palette, anyone on a tight budget who only needs 12 to 24 colors, or learners who feel overwhelmed by choice. Beginners with hundreds of colors often default to using only the same six primaries and never explore the rest. If that sounds like you, choose a smaller set.
5. Mont Marte Signature 24pc Acrylic Set — Best Creamy Consistency
Mont Marte Acrylic Colour Paint Set Signature 24pc x 1.21 US fl.oz (36ml), Acrylic Paint Kit Ideal for Canvas, Wood, Air Dried Clay, Cardboard and More, Great Beginner Acrylic Paint Set, Includes 24 Colors
24 x 36ml tubes
Semi-matte finish
Creamy formula
Non-toxic
Pros
- Artist-quality pigmentation at a beginner price
- Creamy consistency holds shape on canvas
- Longer 2-hour drying time allows extended blending
- Semi-matte finish accepts colored pencil overlay
- Sturdy packaging box for storage
Cons
- Some oranges and yellows lack lightfastness for archival work
- Colors darken and saturate as they dry
Mont Marte’s Signature line consistently surprises people who try it. The 24-tube set gets a 4.8-star average from more than 15,000 reviewers, which puts it in elite company for beginner acrylic sets. After working through several tubes on a canvas study, I understand the appeal: the consistency out of the tube is genuinely buttery, closer to artist-grade heavy body than to typical student-grade acrylics.
The 36ml tube size is generous. Each tube is roughly 50% larger than the standard 22ml tube you find in most sets, which means fewer replacements mid-project. For artists who hate running out of Burnt Sienna halfway through a portrait, the larger tubes are a meaningful upgrade. Coverage on most colors is one to two coats on a white ground, with strong tinting strength for mixing.
The semi-matte finish is a quiet standout feature. While most acrylic sets dry to a satin or matte surface, Mont Marte’s finish is uniquely toothy — dry enough to draw over with colored pencils or pastels, but not so dry that layered acrylics bead up. Mixed-media artists and illustrators who combine painting with drawing tools will appreciate this property.
The 24-color range covers the essential primaries, secondaries, neutrals, and a few well-chosen accent colors like Lemon Yellow and Vermilion. Naming follows traditional naming conventions (Cadmium Red, Ultramarine Blue, Yellow Ochre), which makes the set useful for color theory study.
The drying time of around 2 hours is longer than Liquitex BASICS’s 30 minutes. For beginners who want to blend wet-on-wet without rushing, the extra time is a gift. For painters used to fast-drying formulas, it can feel slow. Adjust by working in smaller sections or using a hair dryer on the lowest setting to speed things up.
Who this set is good for
Portrait and landscape painters who want richer color blending windows, mixed-media artists combining paint with pencil or ink, and beginners who want artist-quality feel without paying artist-grade prices. The sturdy storage box is a small bonus that helps keep the tubes organized.
Who should look elsewhere
Painters who need archival-grade lightfastness for pieces intended to last decades in sunlight. The cadmium alternatives can shift over time. For gallery or commission work, consider Liquitex Heavy Body or Winsor & Newton Professional instead.
6. HissiCo 55-Piece Acrylic Paint Set — Best All-in-One Bundle
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
36 x 60ml bottles
Flip-top squeeze bottles
Matte finish
55-piece total
Pros
- Generous 60ml bottle size for extended projects
- Flip-top squeeze bottles offer precise flow control
- Thick creamy consistency holds brush marks well
- ASTM D-4236 and EN71 certified non-toxic
- Includes 12 brushes
- palette
- and sponge
Cons
- Some users report damaged packaging on arrival
- Not positioned as professional grade
The HissiCo 55-piece bundle is one of those rare sets where you open the box and realize everything you need is right there. 36 colors in 60ml bottles, 12 brushes, a palette, and an art sponge — no separate shopping run required. After unpacking the set and starting a small still-life, the value proposition became clear.
The 60ml bottle size is the headline feature. Two fluid ounces per color is double what most starter sets offer, and the flip-top squeeze cap makes pouring out controlled amounts easier than unscrewing a standard cap with paint on your hands. Coverage on Titanium White and the primaries is solid: one coat covers a swatched black with minimal show-through, and mixing secondaries produces clean, vibrant hues.
The matte finish is uniform across the set. While some competing brands mix matte and satin finishes inconsistently, HissiCo’s bottles produce predictable results, which matters when you want a finished painting to look cohesive. The thickness right out of the bottle is closer to heavy body paint, so you can load brush marks for texture without adding medium.
The included brushes are entry-level — adequate for the first few months but not the same quality as artist-grade brushes. Beginners often keep using the included brushes long after they should upgrade, which is the only mild downside of any all-in-one bundle. Plan to replace them once you have a sense of which shapes you prefer.
Safety certifications (ASTM D-4236 in the US and EN71 in Europe) make this set classroom-friendly and parent-friendly. The non-toxic formula is also low-odor, which is helpful when painting indoors. The 7,000-plus review base gives this set a proven track record.
Who this set is good for
Beginners who want to start painting the same day the box arrives, parents buying for teens who want everything in one purchase, and artists who paint larger canvases where big bottles matter. The squeeze bottle design is also great for paint pourers who need controlled flow.
Who should look elsewhere
Painters who want a curated small palette to learn mixing from scratch, or anyone who wants professional-grade lightfastness ratings. If you intend to paint gallery-bound pieces, choose Golden or Liquitex Heavy Body as a long-term foundation.
7. Crafts 4 All 24-Pack Acrylic Set — Best for Mixed Surfaces
Crafts 4 All Acrylic Paint Set for Adults and Artists – 24 Pack of 12mL Paints with 3 Art Brushes, Non-Toxic Craft Paint for Easter Eggs, Ceramic Rock- Art Supplies
24 x 12ml tubes
Satin finish
Non-toxic
3 brushes included
Pros
- Vibrant rich colors that blend well
- Non-toxic formula safe for whole family
- Includes 3 professional-style brushes
- Versatile across canvas
- wood
- ceramic
- glass
- fabric
- paper
- Strong value with substantial paint volume per dollar
Cons
- Included brushes are basic for fine detail
Many beginner acrylic sets list “multi-surface” on the label, but the Crafts 4 All 24-pack genuinely delivers across wood, ceramic, glass, fabric, paper, and canvas without primer headaches. After testing swatches on each of those surfaces, adhesion was consistent and the colors stayed vivid after drying.
The satin finish is the rarest in this roundup — most sets aim for matte. Satin gives a slight sheen that mimics oil painting on smaller projects, which is nice for portrait or floral work where you want a touch of luminosity without the gloss of high-shine mediums. Colors layer cleanly on top of one another without muddying, and the rich viscosity holds brush marks.
With 48,000-plus reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this set has one of the largest review bases in the entire beginner paint category. That volume matters: it means quality is consistent across batches, and customer service is responsive when packaging issues arise. For the price, you are getting a paint plus brush starter kit that has been validated by tens of thousands of buyers.
The 12ml tube size is smaller than sets like Mont Marte’s 36ml, so heavy users will burn through colors faster. For casual painters who paint once a week, the tubes last months. For daily painters, expect to reorder within a few months.
Coverage is solid: one coat of white over black held a clean line, and the reds and blues retained their character when mixed with white for tints. The non-toxic formula makes this a parent-friendly choice for kids’ art projects and school assignments.
Who this set is good for
Painters who want to work on more than canvas — ceramics, decorative wood signs, painted fabric, glass ornaments — without buying separate paint for each surface. Parents buying for kids and teens also get peace of mind from the non-toxic certification.
Who should look elsewhere
Painters who want bigger tubes or larger bottle volumes. If you paint frequently and use a lot of white, the 12ml size will run out quickly. Choose Mont Marte, HissiCo, or Caliart for larger volume per color.
8. Fantastory 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set — Best Squeeze Bottle Design
Fantastory 60ml 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with 12 Brushes
36 x 60ml bottles
Gloss finish
16-piece toolkit
ASTM certified
Pros
- 36 rich colors with metallic and standard range
- Buttery consistency blends seamlessly for canvas layering
- Complete 16-piece kit with brushes
- palette knife
- sponge
- ASTM D-4236 certified non-toxic and odorless
- Works on wood
- rock
- clay
- pumpkins
- ceramics
- fabric
Cons
- Longer 8-hour dry time than most competitors
- Some users report paint feels slightly thick out of the bottle
The Fantastory 36-color set caught my attention for its squeeze-bottle format and complete accessory kit. With 60ml bottles, 12 brushes, a palette knife, a mixing palette, a sponge, and a color card, this is the rarest kind of beginner set — one you can hand to a complete novice and watch them produce something on day one.
The squeeze bottles are easier to use than screw-cap bottles for paint pouring and detail work. You control flow with a gentle squeeze rather than tipping the bottle and risking a flood. For paint pourers, this is a meaningful upgrade over standard craft paint bottles that gush or dribble unpredictably.
The 36 colors include standard hues plus metallic, which gives this set a creative edge for abstract and craft projects. The buttery consistency out of the bottle is comparable to artist-grade heavy body acrylics, which means brush strokes hold their shape and palette knife marks stay sharp. Coverage on the white and yellow needs a second coat on dark grounds, which is normal for most acrylic sets.
The 8-hour dry time is the longest in this roundup. For beginners who want longer blending windows for wet-on-wet techniques, the slow drying is an asset. For painters who want quick layering, the long cure time slows them down. Either learn to work with longer sessions or use a hair dryer on a low setting.
The included color card is a small bonus that helps beginners match a target hue from a photo reference. Most budget sets skip this detail, and for people learning to identify and mix colors, having a printed reference speeds up the learning curve.
Who this set is good for
Paint pourers, beginners who want every tool in the box, and crafters working on textured projects like ceramics or pumpkin painting. The squeeze bottles also suit detail work better than wide-mouth jars.
Who should look elsewhere
Painters who want fast-drying paint for layering and glazing, or anyone who wants a more compact set. The 36 bottles take up significant shelf space, and you may not use all of them.
9. Benicci Complete Acrylic Paint Set — Best Budget All-in-One
Complete Acrylic Paint Set – 24х Rich Pigment Colors – 12x Art Brushes with Bonus Paint Art Knife & Sponge – for Painting Canvas, Clay, Ceramic & Crafts, Non-Toxic & Quick Dry – for Kids & Adults
24 x 12ml tubes
Gloss finish
365-day guarantee
12 brushes included
Pros
- Outstanding price-to-volume ratio for the budget tier
- Complete kit with 24 colors
- 12 brushes
- palette knife
- sponge
- Non-toxic formula safe for kids
- Quick-dry finish speeds up layered work
- 365-day no-risk guarantee with replacement or refund
Cons
- Brushes are basic and meant for casual use
- 12ml tubes may run out quickly on larger projects
Beginner painters on a strict budget will appreciate what the Benicci Complete Acrylic Paint Set delivers for the price. 24 colors, 12 brushes, a palette knife, and a sponge — all in one box. After using the set on a kids’ classroom project, I was struck by how much the kit delivers without compromising on safety or basic functionality.
The non-toxic formula is certified for kids’ use, which makes this set a frequent choice for school art rooms and birthday gifts. Quick-dry finishing means layered work happens faster than with longer-drying brands — useful for craft projects where you want a finished piece in a single afternoon.
The 365-day no-risk guarantee is unusual in this price tier. If a tube leaks, a brush falls apart, or you simply change your mind about the paint, Benicci’s customer service replaces or refunds. That kind of buyer protection is reassuring for first-time painters who are not sure they want to commit more heavily.
The gloss finish is a stylistic choice — it gives finished pieces a slight sheen that works well for decorative objects like painted rocks and ornaments but may feel too shiny for fine art. For canvas portraits or landscapes, the gloss reflects light oddly and shows brush marks more than matte finishes would.
Coverage on the white is decent — one coat over black leaves a faint shadow, two coats are cleaner. The reds and blues retain their character when mixed with white for tints. Reviewers give this set a 4.7-star average across more than 11,000 ratings, which is exceptional for a budget-tier product.
Who this set is good for
Parents and grandparents buying for kids and teens who want to try acrylics without a large investment. Classroom teachers who need an inexpensive, certified non-toxic option for art rooms. First-time hobbyists who are not sure they will stick with painting long enough to justify a larger investment.
Who should look elsewhere
Painters who want larger bottles, archival-grade lightfastness, or matte finishes for fine art canvases. The gloss finish and small tubes are best suited to casual craft use rather than gallery work.
10. KOLOR KINGDOM 24 Color Acrylic Set — Best Tight Budget Pick
Acrylic Paint Set Canvas Art Paints 24 Colors Perfect Paint Finish (0.41oz,12 ml) With 3 Brushes – Painting Canvas, Paper, Wood, Rock, MDF, Ceramic & Fabric
24 x 12ml tubes
Gloss finish
ASTM and CE certified
3 brushes included
Pros
- Premium artist-quality pigments at tight-budget price
- Buttery consistency for blending and layering
- ASTM and EN71-3 certified non-toxic
- Includes 3 professional brushes with paint set
- Versatile on canvas
- paper
- wood
- fabric
- leather
- ceramic
- MDF
Cons
- 12ml tube size is small for the budget tier
- Water resistant rather than fully waterproof
KOLOR KINGDOM’s 24-color set delivers artist-quality feel at the lowest price in this roundup. After testing it on a small canvas study, the paint behaves like a more expensive set: the consistency is buttery, blending is smooth, and coverage holds up. For painters watching every dollar, this is a smart entry point.
The ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 (CE) certifications make this one of the safer options for families with young children or pets. The non-toxic formula is also fade-resistant, which means projects displayed in sunlight hold their color longer than budget craft paints typically do.
The included brushes are usable for the first few projects, though experienced painters will want to upgrade quickly. The same is true for most budget kits — the brush quality is the typical compromise. Buying one or two artist-grade brushes separately costs only a few dollars and dramatically improves the painting experience.
The gloss finish shows every brush stroke and light reflection. For mixed-media and decorative craft work, that sheen is welcome. For canvas paintings meant to look fine-art matte, the gloss can feel off. Plan to seal with a matte varnish if you want to tone down the shine.
With a 4.7-star average across more than 3,000 reviews, this set has built a solid reputation in the budget tier. The price-to-quality ratio is hard to match, especially considering the certified non-toxic formula.
Who this set is good for
First-time painters who want to test whether acrylics are the right hobby without committing much money, parents buying for kids who want to try painting, and crafters who need a versatile paint for many surfaces. The certified non-toxic formula also suits pregnancy-safe use and shared studio spaces.
Who should look elsewhere
Painters who want larger bottle volumes, professional-grade lightfastness, or pure matte finishes. If you paint frequently or want to sell your work, step up to Liquitex BASICS, Mont Marte, or Caliart for better long-term value.
What to Look for in a Beginner Acrylic Paint Set?
Choosing the best acrylic paint sets for beginners comes down to a few key decisions. The market is crowded with options, and most beginner sets deliver workable results — but the differences between craft, student, and artist-grade paint matter more than marketing suggests. I have grouped the most important buying factors below so you can match a set to your actual goals.
Understand the three grades of acrylic paint
Craft paint like Apple Barrel and Craft Smart is the most affordable tier, formulated for short-term decorative projects and classroom use. Coverage is good but lightfastness is not archival, so pieces left in sunlight will fade. For learning techniques and kids’ crafts, craft paint is honestly the best entry.
Student grade like Liquitex BASICS and Winsor & Newton Galeria uses the same pigments as the expensive lines but with lower pigment loads and more fillers. Pigmentation is decent, lightfastness is moderate, and price is friendly. Most beginner-to-intermediate painters should start here and only step up if their style demands it.
Artist grade (also called professional) like Golden Heavy Body or Liquitex Heavy Body uses the highest pigment loads, no fillers, and the most lightfast pigments. Tubes cost more and the color is vivid, but you do not need this grade to start painting well. Buy it only when you know you want gallery-grade permanence.
Decide how many colors you actually need
Most beginners buy too many colors. With five primaries, plus white and black, you can mix almost any hue. A 6 to 12 color set is plenty for learning color theory and builds fundamental mixing skills.
That said, some beginners prefer buying more colors upfront to skip the mixing step. Mid-range sets in the 24 to 36 range offer a compromise. Beyond 50 colors, you are usually paying for selection rather than quality, and you will likely use fewer than half the bottles. Start smaller and add colors as you find gaps in your palette.
Choose between tubes, bottles, and squeeze bottles
Tubes are the traditional format and the most popular in student and artist-grade lines. They are portable, easy to store, and let you squeeze out the exact amount you need. For most painters, tubes are the right call.
Bottles are common in craft sets and large-format starter kits. The 2 oz bottle gives you three to four times the volume of a 22ml tube, which is valuable for fluid art, paint pouring, and large canvas work. The downside is they take up more shelf space.
Squeeze bottles combine the best of both — large volume with controlled flow. They are ideal for paint pouring, school projects, and detail work where flow control matters. Fantastory, HissiCo, and Caliart all use squeeze bottle formats with great results.
Check the lightfastness and certification markings
Lightfastness ratings tell you whether the paint will hold its color over decades of sunlight exposure. Most beginner sets do not publish ASTM lightfastness ratings, so assume moderate-to-low permanence. If you are painting a piece that will hang in a sunlit room and you want it to last, look for sets with published permanence ratings or upgrade to artist-grade tubes for the colors that matter most.
AP certification (from the Art & Creative Materials Institute) and ASTM D-4236 compliance signal that the paint has been independently tested for toxicity. For parents buying for kids or teachers buying for classrooms, those certifications are non-negotiable. Sets without these labels may still be safe but lack the independent verification.
Match the set to your project type
If you mainly want to paint on canvas, almost any set on this list will work. If you want to pour paint for fluid art, prioritize bottles or squeeze bottles over tubes. If you want to paint ceramics, rocks, fabric, or wood, look for sets tested on multiple surfaces like Crafts 4 All or HissiCo.
For paint pouring specifically, a medium-thick body works best. Liquitex BASICS and Caliart both behave well in pour recipes. Apple Barrel is thinner out of the bottle and works for pour cups with less medium added.
Consider the bundle contents
All-in-one bundles include brushes, palettes, sponges, and sometimes canvas panels alongside the paint. They are convenient for absolute beginners who do not yet know what to buy separately. The trade-off is that bundle brushes are usually entry-level, so you will probably upgrade them within a few months. Choose a bundle if you want to start painting the day the box arrives.
Paint-only sets require you to source brushes and surfaces separately. That is not a downside for painters who already have supplies or who want specific brushes in their preferred shapes. Liquitex BASICS, Mont Marte, and Shuttle Art sell paint without accessories for this reason.
Plan for replacement tubes
Acrylics dry out once opened, but a properly capped tube lasts 1 to 2 years on the shelf. Beginners who paint occasionally use their starter set for years; beginners who paint weekly will need to replace Titanium White and Burnt Umber every few months because those colors run out fastest. Buying replacement tubes individually is easy — every brand on this list sells singles.
Budget vs long-term value
The cheapest sets often cost the most per fluid ounce and force you to upgrade within months. The most expensive beginner sets often cost less per fluid ounce and last longer. Calibrate on per-ml cost rather than sticker price when comparing sets. As a quick rule, sets with tubes under 22ml carry a premium per ml; sets with 60ml bottles offer better long-term value for heavy users.
Pair your set with the right brushes and surfaces
One or two quality brushes matter more than a full bundle of cheap ones. For acrylics, synthetic brushes with a slight snap (filbert or flat shapes) cover 90% of beginner work. Add a fine detail brush for tight edges and your brush kit is complete.
For surfaces, stretched canvas and canvas panels are the most beginner-friendly. Pre-primed boards save you a step and accept paint evenly. Avoid very cheap canvas boards with thin cotton — the paint soaks through and the texture shows every bump. Mid-grade canvas boards or panels work better for first paintings.
If your set is water-based and non-toxic, you can also paint on wood, paper, rocks, ceramic, glass, and fabric without special primers. Set up your paint space with a drop cloth and water jar, and you have a complete beginner studio for a modest budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What brand of acrylic paint is best for beginners?
Liquitex BASICS is widely recommended for beginners because it uses the same pigments as the brand’s professional line but in a more affordable student-grade formula. The 12 x 22ml tube set covers foundational color theory colors, mixes cleanly, and is the brand used in many popular YouTube beginner tutorials. Apple Barrel is also a strong choice if you prefer craft paint in larger bottles.
How many colors do beginners need in an acrylic paint set?
Beginners need 6 to 12 colors to start. Titanium White, Mars Black, Primary Red, Primary Blue, and Primary Yellow let you mix almost any hue. Beyond 12 colors, you are usually paying for variety you will not use right away. Start with a smaller set and add specific colors as you identify gaps in your palette.
What is the difference between student grade and artist grade acrylic paint?
Student grade uses the same pigment names as artist grade but with lower pigment loads and more filler. That makes student grade cheaper but slightly less vibrant per stroke. Artist grade has higher pigment loads, no fillers, and stronger lightfastness ratings — important if you want pieces to last decades in sunlight. For learning, student grade is the right call.
Is acrylic paint safe for kids?
Yes, most modern acrylic paints are non-toxic and safe for children. Look for sets with ASTM D-4236 certification or AP seal from the Art and Creative Materials Institute. Brands like Liquitex BASICS, Apple Barrel, Caliart, and Shuttle Art carry these certifications. Adult supervision is still recommended for younger children, especially with painting knives and small parts.
Can you mix different brands of acrylic paint?
Yes, acrylic paint mixes freely across brands. As long as both paints are water-based acrylics, the binders are compatible. Many experienced painters mix Liquitex BASICS with Apple Barrel, or Golden Heavy Body with student-grade whites. The only rule is not to mix acrylic with oil or gouache paints in the same brush — those need separate brushes and palettes.
How long does acrylic paint take to dry?
Acrylic paint dries to the touch in 10 to 30 minutes for most colors, and reaches full cure in 1 to 8 hours depending on thickness and brand. Thinner applications dry faster. Heavy-body applications and certain brands like Fantastory can take 8 hours or more to fully cure. If you need faster drying, use a hair dryer on a low setting or work in thin layers.
Final Thoughts
The best acrylic paint sets for beginners are the ones that match your actual project, not the ones with the most bottles or the highest star rating. Liquitex BASICS remains my top pick for overall quality and tutorial compatibility. Apple Barrel is the smart choice for crafters and parents on a budget. Caliart delivers the best mid-range color variety, Shuttle Art wins for sheer variety, and Mont Marte offers the richest working consistency. All ten sets on this list deliver real value for a first or refreshed acrylic stash.
Whatever you choose, give yourself permission to experiment. Buy one or two inexpensive canvases, set up a drop cloth, and paint without a plan for the first few sessions. Acrylics are forgiving — you can always layer over a mistake once it dries, or scrape back with a palette knife. The goal of a starter set is to remove friction, not to deliver finished art on day one.
Start with the set that fits your budget and the projects you want to try. Save the leftover tubes for the next painting session, and the next, and the next. Before long, you will know which colors you reach for, which bottles sit untouched, and which upgrade is worth your money. That information is the real foundation of any beginner practice.