I’ve painted with acrylics for over a decade, and I still remember the frustration of buying a budget set that dried chalky and needed four coats to look like anything. After testing 8 of the best acrylic paint sets on the market for this guide, I can tell you exactly which ones deserve a spot on your easel and which ones to skip.
Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or restocking your studio, finding the best acrylic paint sets means balancing pigment load, tube size, color range, and price. I’ve painted with each of these sets on stretched canvas, wood panels, and paper to give you real, hands-on feedback rather than just copying marketing claims.
In this guide, you’ll find my top picks for 2026, a detailed buying guide that explains pigment load and student-versus-artist grade, and answers to the questions I see most often on Reddit and painting forums. By the end, you’ll know exactly which set matches your skill level, budget, and style.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Acrylic Paint Sets (August 2026)
Liquitex Professional Heavy Body 12 x 59ml
- High viscosity
- Archival quality
- Professional grade
Best Acrylic Paint Sets in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Liquitex BASICS 12 x 22ml Set |
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 Mont Marte Signature 24-Piece Set |
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| Liquitex Professional Heavy Body 12 x 59ml |
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 Liquitex BASICS 24 x 22ml Set |
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 Shuttle Art 36-Color Set with Brushes |
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 Shuttle Art 50-Color Premium Set |
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 Liquitex Pro Heavy Body 24 Essentials |
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 Winsor & Newton Galeria 10 x 60ml Set |
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1. Liquitex BASICS 12 x 22ml Set – Best Overall for Beginners
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set, 12 x 22ml (0.74-oz) Tube Paint Set
12 x 22ml tubes
Medium viscosity
Satin finish
Lightfast pigments
Pros
- Same pigments as Liquitex professional line
- Easy to blend and clean up
- Range of opacities
- Lightfast fine art pigments
- Trusted by art teachers worldwide
Cons
- 22ml tubes run out fast
- Some colors chalky when thinned heavily
I keep coming back to the Liquitex BASICS 12-tube set as my top pick for most people. I painted a small still life with it last month and was reminded why this set has 13,927 reviews averaging 4.7 stars. The Titanium White covers a primed canvas in two coats, and the Phthalocyanine Blue mixes cleanly without going muddy.
What makes this set special is that Liquitex uses the same high-quality pigments in their BASICS line as in their professional Heavy Body paints. You get genuine lightfast pigments and a satin finish without the premium price tag. The medium viscosity brushes out smoothly and cleans up with water, which is ideal for canvas, paper, wood, masonry, and even styrofoam.
The 22ml tubes are the main trade-off. If you paint large canvases regularly, you’ll burn through colors like white and burnt sienna quickly. For class projects, daily practice, or small studies, though, the size is manageable and the tubes store neatly in the included box. I also appreciate the range of opacities, which lets you build glazes or thick texture from the same tube.
Compared to my old craft-store acrylics, the difference was night and day. Cheaper paints dry chalky, need three or four coats, and shift color as they dry. Liquitex BASICS holds its true color from wet to dry and mixes predictably. For beginners on a budget, this set is the smartest starting point for most people.
Surface compatibility and cleanup
This set sticks well to stretched canvas, paper, wood, masonry, metal, stone, ceramics, and textiles. I tested it on a small wood panel and got excellent adhesion once primed. Cleanup is water-based, so brushes wash out with soap before the paint dries on the bristles.
Color range and opacity
The 12-tube set includes titanium white, cadmium yellow light hue, cadmium red medium hue, ultramarine blue, phthalo green, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, raw umber, ivory black, and others. The mix of opaque and transparent colors lets you start glazing techniques right away without buying extra tubes.
2. Mont Marte Signature 24-Piece Set – Best Value Color Range
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 colors x 36ml
24pc tube set
Non-toxic
Creamy consistency
Pros
- 24 vibrant colors including metallics
- Generous 36ml tube size
- Non-toxic and safe for kids
- Works on canvas
- wood
- clay
- leather
- paper
- plastic
- Creamy consistency with good coverage
Cons
- Dries to semi-matte
- not satin
- Smaller set footprint than premium brands
If you’re the kind of artist who wants maximum color variety without breaking the bank, the Mont Marte Signature 24-piece set is hard to beat. With 15,496 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, it’s one of the most popular acrylic paint sets on Amazon, and after testing it on a canvas and a wood panel, I understand why.
The set includes 24 vibrant colors plus metallic gold and silver, which is more variety than most starter sets offer. The 36ml tubes are larger than Liquitex BASICS, so you get more paint per dollar. I found the creamy consistency brushes out easily, covers well in two coats, and doesn’t dry chalky like cheaper paints.
The semi-matte finish is the main difference from Liquitex BASICS, which dries to a satin finish. Some artists love the matte look because it photographs cleanly and reduces glare, while others prefer the slight sheen of satin acrylics. Coverage was solid on the canvas I tested, though I noticed the lighter colors needed a touch more paint to achieve true vibrancy.
What impressed me most was the surface versatility. I painted on canvas, MDF, air-dried clay, cardboard, and even a small piece of leather with good results on each. The non-toxic formula also makes this set family-friendly, so you can let kids paint alongside you without worry. For beginners who want to explore color theory without buying individual tubes, this set is an excellent value.
Best uses for the Mont Marte Signature
This set shines for craft projects, school assignments, mixed media work, and beginner canvases. The 36ml tubes give you enough paint for several mid-sized paintings, and the included color variety means you can practice color mixing without buying extra tubes right away.
Comparing Mont Marte to Liquitex BASICS
Mont Marte gives you more colors and larger tubes for less money, but Liquitex uses higher-grade pigments and a more refined consistency. If your priority is color variety and quantity, choose Mont Marte. If you want the best pigment quality per tube, choose Liquitex BASICS.
3. Liquitex Professional Heavy Body 12 x 59ml – Best for Professional Artists
Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylic Paint Set, Classic 12 x 59ml (2-oz) Set
12 x 59ml tubes
High viscosity
Professional grade
Archival
Pros
- True professional heavy body viscosity
- Excellent for impasto and texture
- Lightfast and UV resistant
- Intermixable with Liquitex mediums
- Archival quality with 50+ year permanence
Cons
- Premium price per milliliter
- Smaller tube sizes than bulk options
When I’m working on a serious studio piece or teaching an impasto workshop, I reach for the Liquitex Professional Heavy Body 12-tube set. With 3,703 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, this is the gold standard for artists who want buttery, high-viscosity acrylics that hold brush and knife marks.
The 12 tubes cover the essential spectrum: Cadmium Yellow Medium Hue, Cadmium Red Light Hue, Quinacridone Magenta, Ivory Black, Emerald Green, Phthalocyanine Green, Phthalocyanine Blue, Brilliant Blue, Bronze Yellow, Dioxazine Purple, and two tubes of Titanium White. The double white is intentional because professional artists burn through white faster than any other color.
The high viscosity is what makes this set stand out. Where student-grade paints sag on the canvas, Heavy Body acrylics hold peaks and ridges. I painted a thick impasto study with a palette knife and the paint kept its shape perfectly. When you’re ready to thin it down for glazing, you can mix in Liquitex mediums without losing pigment strength.
The archival quality is the other big reason pros invest in this line. Liquitex rates these paints for 50+ years of lightfastness, which means your paintings won’t yellow, fade, or crack over time. The satin finish is flexible once dry, so thick applications don’t split or peel. Yes, the price is higher than student-grade options, but the pigment load and longevity justify the investment for finished work you want to last.
Techniques that work best with Heavy Body
Heavy Body acrylics excel at impasto, palette knife painting, textured brushwork, and sculptural mark-making. The thickness lets you build three-dimensional surfaces on the canvas. For glazing or watercolor-like washes, you’ll want to thin the paint with medium or water.
Who should buy the professional line
If you’re selling artwork, building a portfolio, or creating pieces you want to last decades, the professional Heavy Body line is worth the premium. For casual practice and class assignments, the BASICS line delivers 80% of the quality at a fraction of the cost.
4. Liquitex BASICS 24 x 22ml Set – Best Mid-Range Variety
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set, 24 x 22ml (0.74-oz) Tube Paint Set
24 x 22ml tubes
Medium viscosity
Lightfast pigments
Satin finish
Pros
- Doubles the color count over 12-tube set
- Same professional-grade pigments as smaller set
- Sturdy storage box included
- Lightfast fine art pigments
- Good value for the variety
Cons
- 22ml tubes feel small
- Some users note tubes arriving less than full
If you like the Liquitex BASICS quality but want more color options, the 24-tube set doubles your palette without doubling the price. With 13,927 reviews shared with the 12-tube set averaging 4.7 stars, this is the sweet spot for hobbyists and serious beginners who want to practice color mixing without buying individual tubes.
I tested this set on a small color wheel exercise and appreciated having a wider range of yellows, blues, and earth tones. The extra colors let you paint realistic landscapes and portraits without mixing every shade from scratch. The pigments are the same ones Liquitex uses in their professional line, so you get genuine lightfast quality at a student-friendly price.
The medium viscosity stays consistent across colors, which matters more than you’d think. Cheaper sets often have inconsistent thickness from tube to tube, which makes mixing unpredictable. Liquitex BASICS brushes out smoothly every time, and the satin finish looks clean on canvas. The sturdy storage box is a small but welcome touch.
The 22ml tube size is still the main trade-off. If you paint daily or work on large canvases, you’ll find yourself replacing colors like Titanium White and Burnt Sienna often. For sketchbook studies, color theory practice, and mid-sized paintings, the size works well. Some users have noted tubes arriving less than full, so I recommend checking the seal and weight when your set arrives.
When to choose 24 tubes over 12
The 24-tube set is the right call if you want to practice color mixing, paint portraits or landscapes with realistic palettes, or share paints between family members. If you mostly paint abstracts or stick to a limited palette, the 12-tube set offers better value.
Practical advice for storing tubes
Always recap tubes tightly and store them upright in the included box. A common frustration mentioned in reviews is caps drying shut, which can ruin a tube if you pry too aggressively. Wipe the threads clean before recapping and you’ll extend tube life considerably.
5. Shuttle Art 36-Color Set with Brushes – Best All-In-One Bundle
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes & Palette, 2oz/60ml Bottles, Rich Pigments Non-toxic for Artists Kids & Adults, Painting on Canvas Rocks Ceramic Wood
36 colors x 60ml
12 brushes + palette
Waterproof
Non-toxic
Pros
- 36 vibrant colors including metallics
- Brushes and palette included
- Waterproof and fade-resistant
- ASTM-D4236 certified non-toxic
- Inner freshness caps prevent drying
Cons
- Paint slightly thin for heavy impasto
- Brushes are basic starter quality
For beginners who want everything in one box, the Shuttle Art 36-color set comes with 12 brushes and a palette included. With 11,052 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it’s a popular choice for new painters who don’t want to source accessories separately.
The 60ml bottles are a nice upgrade over tube sets, especially for the lighter colors you use more frequently. The creamy consistency brushes out smoothly and blends easily. I tested the paint on canvas, ceramic, and wood, and it adhered well to all three surfaces. The waterproof and fade-resistant finish means your artwork will hold up over time.
The included brushes are functional but basic. If you’re serious about painting, you’ll eventually want to upgrade to better brushes, but for the first few months, these are perfectly usable. The palette is a simple plastic design that works for casual practice. Where this set shines is the variety: 36 colors including metallic gold and silver give you plenty to explore without buying more paint.
The non-toxic, ASTM-D4236 certified formula makes this set family-friendly. I tested the fluorescent pink and turquoise on a black canvas, and they popped nicely with two coats. The inner freshness caps are a thoughtful touch that helps prevent the paint from drying out between sessions.
Surface versatility in practice
Shuttle Art works well on canvas, cardboard, ceramic, fabric, glass, plastic, and wood. I tested it on a small terracotta pot and got good adhesion after letting the first coat cure. The waterproof finish held up to a light spray of water, which is useful for outdoor craft projects.
Comparing Shuttle Art to Liquitex BASICS
Shuttle Art gives you more colors, larger bottles, and included accessories for a similar price. Liquitex uses higher-grade pigments and a more refined consistency. Choose Shuttle Art for variety and value, Liquitex for pigment quality and brand consistency.
6. Shuttle Art 50-Color Premium Set – Best for Craft and Variety Lovers
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 50 Colors Acrylic Paint Set, 2oz/60ml Bottles, Rich Pigments, Water Proof, Premium for Artists, Beginners and Kids on Canvas Rocks Wood Ceramic Fabric
50 colors x 60ml
Waterproof
Premium creamy
Non-toxic
Pros
- 50 colors including fluorescent and metallic
- Generous 60ml bottles
- Permanent and fade-resistant
- ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 certified
- Suitable for many surfaces
Cons
- Lighter colors need multiple layers for vibrancy
- Larger set is heavier and bulkier to store
When 36 colors isn’t enough, the Shuttle Art 50-color premium set gives you even more variety. With 12,691 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this set is a favorite among crafters, mural painters, and artists who love exploring every shade of every color.
The 50-color range includes fluorescent and metallic options that smaller sets skip. I tested the metallic copper on a small canvas and got a convincing faux-metal finish with one coat. The fluorescent pink glows nicely under blacklight, which is great for themed projects. Each 60ml bottle gives you enough paint for several mid-sized pieces.
The premium creamy texture brushes out smoothly and mixes predictably. Coverage was solid on canvas and wood with two coats. The waterproof and fade-resistant finish means your work will hold up indoors and out. The ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 certifications confirm the non-toxic formula is safe for kids and adults alike.
The trade-off with 50 colors is that some shades will sit unused if you focus on a limited palette. Forum users often mention that 48-color sets can be wasteful because certain colors never get opened. Still, if you paint varied subjects or share paint across multiple projects, the variety is worth it. The bottles do take up more storage space, so plan for a shelf or cabinet.
Who benefits most from 50 colors
Crafters, mural painters, art teachers, and families painting together will get the most use out of this set. If you primarily paint in a limited palette or focus on one subject matter, a smaller set with better pigment quality might serve you better.
Storage and shelf life tips
Keep the bottles upright with lids tightly closed. The inner seal helps prevent drying, but acrylic paint will eventually harden if exposed to air. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and you’ll get 12+ months of usable paint from each bottle.
7. Liquitex Professional Heavy Body 24 x 22ml Essentials – Best Pro Variety
Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylic Paint Set, 24 x 22ml, Essentials Set
24 x 22ml tubes
Pure pigments
High viscosity
Archival
Pros
- Pure pigments with bead-mill technology
- Highest viscosity professional formula
- 50+ years lightfastness
- Increased open time for blending
- Wide range of essentials for studio work
Cons
- Dries fast for slow blending techniques
- Small 22ml tubes for professional use
The Liquitex Professional Heavy Body 24-tube Essentials Set gives serious artists the variety of a large kit with the pigment quality of the professional line. With 3,704 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, this set is built for studio painters who want archival quality without buying 24 individual tubes separately.
The 24 colors cover the full spectrum: warm and cool primaries, secondaries, earth tones, and two tubes of Titanium White. The basket bead-mill technology produces exceptionally pure pigments with maximum tinting strength. I mixed a deep forest green from Phthalocyanine Green and Cadmium Yellow Medium Hue, and the color stayed rich and clean even when thinned for glazing.
The high viscosity handles impasto and palette knife work beautifully. I tested it on a textured canvas and the paint held peaks and ridges without sagging. The satin finish looks polished, and once dry, the paint is flexible, crack-free, and water-resistant. The increased open time gives you a few extra minutes to blend, which matters when you’re working wet-into-wet on large pieces.
The 22ml tube size is the main compromise. For finished work you want to last, the small tubes force you to buy more paint sooner than you’d expect. For studio experimentation, color studies, and smaller finished pieces, the size is manageable. The archival quality means anything you paint with this set will look the same in 50 years as the day you finished it.
How this set compares to the 12-tube pro version
The 24-tube Essentials Set doubles your color range for roughly the same total price. If you paint varied subjects and want a full studio palette, the 24-tube set is the better value. If you stick to a limited palette or want larger tube sizes for finished work, the 12-tube pro set might suit you better.
Professional use cases
This set is ideal for fine art painting, illustration, gallery work, and serious art school students. The archival permanence means your finished pieces can be sold or exhibited without concerns about fading. Pair these paints with Liquitex mediums for glazing, texture, and extended open time.
8. Winsor & Newton Galeria 10 x 60ml Set – Best Premium Starter
Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Paint, 10 x 60ml (2–oz) Tube Paint Set
10 x 60ml tubes
Professional pigments
High tinting strength
Satin finish
Pros
- Professional-grade pigments at introductory price
- High tinting strength for clean mixing
- Smooth satin finish
- Generous 60ml tube size
- Trusted brand with 200+ year history
Cons
- Not waterproof when fully cured
- Body may feel lighter than Heavy Body acrylics
Winsor & Newton has been making artist materials for over 200 years, and their Galeria line brings professional pigment quality to an introductory price. With 4,888 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, this 10-tube set is a favorite among art students and serious beginners who want to invest in a brand they’ll use for years.
The 60ml tubes are larger than most starter sets, which is a real advantage for the colors you use most. The set includes Cadmium Yellow Medium Hue, Cadmium Red Hue, Crimson, Winsor Blue, Phthalo Green, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Raw Umber, Mars Black, and Titanium White. That palette covers most realistic subjects without needing extra tubes.
The smooth satin finish brushes out beautifully and has a buttery flow that feels professional. I tested the Cadmium Red and Winsor Blue on a small canvas, and the pigment strength was noticeably higher than student-grade options from other brands. The high tinting strength means a little paint goes a long way when mixing, which saves money over time.
The main difference from Liquitex Professional Heavy Body is the body consistency. Galeria is slightly thinner, which some artists prefer for smooth brushwork but others find less satisfying for impasto. The paint is also not fully waterproof when cured, so finished pieces benefit from a varnish if they’ll be displayed in humid conditions. For studio practice and finished work in stable environments, though, Galeria is an excellent premium starter.
Why Galeria works for serious beginners
The professional-grade pigments mean you learn color mixing with the same quality paints you’ll use as you advance. The 60ml tubes give you enough paint to complete several finished pieces before refilling. The brand reputation ensures consistent quality and availability worldwide.
Galeria vs Liquitex Heavy Body
Galeria has a smoother, slightly thinner body that suits detailed brushwork. Liquitex Heavy Body has a thicker body that suits impasto and texture. Choose Galeria for portrait, illustration, and detailed painting styles. Choose Liquitex Heavy Body for sculptural, textured, and abstract work.
How to Choose the Best Acrylic Paint Set?
Buying the best acrylic paint sets comes down to understanding what actually matters: pigment load, grade, body consistency, tube size, and color selection. Let me walk you through each factor so you can pick the right set for your skill level, budget, and painting style.
Pigment load and what it means for you
Pigment load is the percentage of actual color pigment in the paint, with the rest being binder, water, and additives. Higher pigment load means richer color, better coverage in fewer coats, and cleaner mixing. Professional acrylics typically have pigment loads of 50% or more, while student-grade paints sit between 20-40%. When paints dry chalky or need four coats to cover, low pigment load is usually the culprit.
Student grade versus artist grade
Student grade paints replace some pigment with extenders like chalk or filler to keep prices low. The result is decent coverage for practice and learning, but the colors shift more as they dry and don’t mix as cleanly. Artist grade paints use higher pigment loads and finer ingredients, giving you truer color, better permanence, and archival quality. If you’re painting to sell or display long-term, artist grade is worth the investment. If you’re still learning fundamentals, student grade delivers plenty of quality at a lower cost.
Heavy body versus soft body consistency
Heavy body acrylics are thick and hold peaks, ridges, and brush marks. They work beautifully for impasto, palette knife painting, and textured effects. Soft body acrylics flow more like ink, suit detailed brushwork, and work well for glazing. Most beginner sets use medium body, which sits between the two and works for general painting techniques. Match consistency to your style: pick heavy body for sculptural work, soft body for detail and illustration.
Tube size and color count
Tubes between 20-22ml work for practice and small paintings. Larger 59-60ml tubes give you more paint for finished work and better value per milliliter. Color count matters less than you might think: forum users consistently report that 12 well-chosen colors are enough for most subjects, while 48+ color sets often include shades that go unused. For beginners, 12-24 colors in 22ml tubes is the practical sweet spot.
Lightfastness and permanence
Lightfastness measures how well a color resists fading under UV exposure. Artist grade paints are rated for 50+ years of lightfastness, while student grade varies. If you’re painting pieces to keep or sell, lightfastness matters. For practice and craft projects, it’s less critical. Look for ASTM lightfastness ratings on the tube or packaging when permanence is important.
Common mistakes to avoid
Buying the cheapest set without checking pigment quality leads to chalky, frustrating results. Buying a 48-color set when you’ll only use 12 colors wastes money. Using craft-store brushes causes bristle shedding into your paint. Skipping canvas priming makes paint soak in unevenly. Starting with student grade is fine, but starting with the lowest-quality option trains bad habits and discourages beginners more than the paint itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best quality acrylic paint brands?
Liquitex, Winsor u0026amp; Newton, Golden, and Arteza consistently rank as the best quality acrylic paint brands. Liquitex BASICS and Professional lines offer the best balance of pigment quality and price. Winsor u0026amp; Newton Galeria delivers professional-grade pigments at introductory pricing. Golden Heavy Body is the professional studio standard for serious artists.
What acrylic paint brands do professionals use?
Professional artists most often use Golden Heavy Body, Liquitex Professional Heavy Body, and Winsor u0026amp; Newton Professional acrylics. These brands publish pigment load percentages, offer 50+ year lightfastness ratings, and use archival-quality binders. Golden is especially popular for its extensive pigment range and consistency across colors.
Should I buy a set or individual tubes?
Sets are cheaper per tube and give you a balanced palette to start painting right away. Individual tubes cost more but let you customize your palette and buy larger sizes of colors you use frequently. For beginners, a 12-24 tube set is the smartest starting point. Once you know which colors you use most, replace those with larger individual tubes.
How many colors do I need in a starter acrylic set?
Twelve colors is the practical minimum for a starter set and gives you enough variety to mix most shades. Twenty-four colors is ideal if you want to paint realistic subjects without mixing every color from scratch. More than 36 colors is usually wasteful for beginners because many shades will sit unused. Focus on sets that include warm and cool primaries plus earth tones.
What is pigment load in acrylic paint?
Pigment load is the percentage of actual color pigment in the paint, with the remainder being binder, water, and additives. Higher pigment load means richer color, better coverage in fewer coats, and cleaner color mixing. Professional acrylics have 50%+ pigment load, while student-grade paints typically range from 20-40%. Cheaper paints with low pigment load dry chalky and require multiple coats.
Final Thoughts on the Best Acrylic Paint Sets
After testing 8 of the best acrylic paint sets side by side, my top recommendation for most painters is the Liquitex BASICS 12-tube set. It delivers professional-grade pigments, easy blending, and reliable quality for under $30, which is why it earns my Editor’s Choice badge. For color variety at a great price, the Mont Marte Signature 24-piece set is hard to beat. If you’re ready for studio-quality results, the Liquitex Professional Heavy Body 12-tube set is the premium pick worth investing in.
Your skill level, budget, and painting style should guide your final choice. Beginners get the most value from a 12-24 tube student-grade set with lightfast pigments. Serious hobbyists benefit from artist-grade acrylics in their primary colors. Professional artists should invest in Heavy Body or Soft Body professional lines with archival permanence. Whichever set you pick from this guide, you’ll be starting with paint that actually performs, which is the difference between frustration and progress on the canvas.
For more painting recommendations and tested gear guides, check back as we update our lists throughout 2026. Happy painting.