Best Watercolor Paints for Beginners | 8 Top Sets Tested

Starting your watercolor journey feels overwhelming when you’re staring at hundreds of paint sets online. With prices ranging from budget to professional and features varying wildly, how do you choose the best watercolor paint for beginners? After extensive testing and analyzing thousands of reviews, we’ve identified the 8 best watercolor sets that make learning watercolor painting step by step both enjoyable and successful.

Whether you’re looking to teach yourself watercolour painting or following online tutorials, these sets provide everything needed for a strong foundation. Each recommendation balances quality, value, and beginner-friendly features to help you create beautiful art from day one.

Quick Answer: Best Watercolor Paint Sets for Beginners

What Makes a Great Watercolor Set for Beginners?

Student vs Artist Grade – Which Should You Choose?

Student-grade watercolors offer the perfect balance for beginners. They contain sufficient pigment for vibrant results while remaining affordable for practice. Artist-grade paints contain more pigment and last longer, but the higher cost can create anxiety about “wasting” expensive materials during learning.

Most successful beginners start with student grade and upgrade after mastering basic techniques. This approach lets you experiment freely without financial stress while still achieving beautiful results.

Pan vs Tube Format – Understanding the Difference

Pan watercolors come as dried cakes activated with water, perfect for portability and ease of use. Tubes contain semi-liquid paint requiring more setup but offering better control over paint consistency. For watercolor for complete beginners, pans eliminate guesswork and reduce waste.

Essential Features Every Beginner Set Should Have

The best beginner sets include:

• Variety of colors (minimum 12-24)
• Mixing palette built into the case
• At least one brush to start immediately
• Portable case for painting anywhere
• Color mixing guide or swatch card

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Many beginners use too much water initially, creating pale washes instead of vibrant colors. Start with less water and gradually add more for lighter tones. Another mistake is buying the cheapest set available – poor quality paints create frustration and may discourage you from continuing.

The 8 Best Watercolor Paint Sets for Complete Beginners

1. ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set – Best Overall for Variety

The ARTISTRO set stands out for offering 48 vibrant colors in a compact, travel-ready tin. This variety helps beginners explore color mixing without the pressure of creating every shade from primaries. The inclusion of metallic and fluorescent colors adds creative possibilities often missing from basic sets.

What Makes ARTISTRO Perfect for Beginners

The thoughtfully curated color selection eliminates guesswork when getting started with watercolor painting. Regular colors cover essential needs while specialty paints let you experiment with effects typically requiring separate purchases. The built-in mixing palette provides ample space for blending, crucial when learning color theory.

The complete accessory package means you can start painting immediately. The water brush pen simplifies the painting process by eliminating constant brush dipping, while the included sponge helps create texture effects that make beginner work look more sophisticated.

Real-World Performance and User Experience

Users consistently praise the paint’s activation speed – it responds quickly to water without requiring excessive scrubbing. This responsiveness helps beginners maintain painting momentum instead of struggling with stubborn pans. The colors maintain vibrancy even when diluted, teaching proper water control naturally.

The portable design encourages practice anywhere. Whether following creative tutorials at home or painting outdoors, the secure tin keeps supplies organized. The metal construction survives beginner mishaps like drops or spills better than plastic alternatives.

2. Grabie 50 Colors Set – Best for Color Exploration

Grabie’s 50-color set excels at teaching color relationships through hands-on exploration. The semi-transparent formula helps beginners understand layering techniques naturally while the extensive color range reduces mixing frustration during early learning stages.

Superior Brush Selection Sets Grabie Apart

Unlike most beginner sets with token brushes, Grabie includes 6 genuine detail brushes. These fine-pointed tools (sizes 3/0 to 3) enable precise work from day one. Beginners learn proper brush control without fighting inferior tools, accelerating skill development significantly.

The brush variety teaches different techniques organically. Smaller brushes encourage detail work while larger ones demonstrate wash techniques. This range prevents the common beginner mistake of using one brush for everything, establishing good habits early.

Designed for Beginner Success

The 50-color palette strategically includes colors beginners actually use. Instead of obscure shades, you’ll find practical selections for landscapes, portraits, and florals. This curation comes from understanding what beginners paint most often when learning watercolor painting step by step.

The compact “toolbox” design appeals to beginners who want organization without complexity. Everything has its place, reducing setup anxiety that often prevents practice. Users report painting more frequently because the set makes starting a session effortless.

3. Artecho 100 Colors Set – Most Comprehensive Kit

Artecho’s 100-color set represents the ultimate starter package for ambitious beginners. By including literally everything needed plus unique color categories, it eliminates the paralysis of choosing additional supplies while providing room to grow.

Complete Kit Philosophy Benefits Beginners

The comprehensive approach solves a major beginner pain point: not knowing what else to buy. Including watercolor paper proves especially valuable since paper quality dramatically affects results. Beginners can experience proper paint behavior immediately rather than blaming their skills for poor paper performance.

The color chart serves as both reference and practice tool. New artists can create their own swatch library while learning each color’s properties. This process builds familiarity faster than randomly selecting paints during projects.

Unique Color Categories Inspire Creativity

Beyond standard colors, Artecho includes 35 metallic shades, 10 “macaron” pastels, and 4 fluorescents. These special effects paints typically cost extra but come included here. Beginners discover techniques like highlighting with metallics or creating soft illustrations with pastels without additional investment.

The variety prevents creative ruts common in beginner watercolor painting. When stuck, experimenting with an unusual color often sparks new directions. Users report creating more diverse artwork compared to limited palettes.

4. Norberg & Linden Set – Best Complete Starter Kit

Norberg & Linden created the ideal first watercolor experience by including proper paper. This often-overlooked detail makes the difference between frustration and success for beginners learning basic techniques.

Why Including Paper Matters?

Most beginners don’t realize regular paper can’t handle watercolor’s moisture. By including appropriate paper, Norberg & Linden ensures first attempts succeed. The 5.5 x 8.5 inch size prevents overwhelming beginners while providing enough space for expression.

The paper’s texture teaches proper watercolor behavior. Beginners learn how paint flows, blends, and dries on quality surfaces. This education proves invaluable when selecting future supplies.

Family-Friendly Design Encourages Learning

The approachable packaging and clear organization make this set perfect for multigenerational use. Grandparents teaching grandchildren find the simplicity refreshing. The opaque paint formula forgives mistakes better than transparent paints, building confidence.

Users frequently mention buying multiple sets for group activities. Art instructors praise how the complete kit eliminates supply confusion in classroom settings. The all-ages appeal makes it ideal for families exploring watercolor together.

5. Winsor & Newton Cotman – Best Student Grade Brand

Winsor & Newton’s Cotman line represents the gold standard in student-grade watercolors. For beginners seeking best watercolor tutorials for beginners, instructors consistently recommend this set for its predictable behavior and mixing properties.

Professional Heritage Benefits Beginners

Winsor & Newton’s expertise shows in Cotman’s formulation. These paints behave like their professional counterparts, just with adjusted pigment loads. This consistency means techniques learned with Cotman transfer directly to artist-grade paints later.

The 12-color limitation actually benefits beginners by forcing color mixing practice. Instead of reaching for pre-mixed colors, users learn to create any shade from primaries and secondaries. This foundation proves invaluable for artistic growth.

Built for Serious Learning

The sturdy case withstands years of use, making this an investment in long-term learning. The integral palette provides proper mixing space with easy cleanup. Users report their Cotman sets lasting through entire artistic educations.

Many art schools specify Cotman for beginner courses. This standardization means abundant online resources from institutions support your learning journey. Following along with tutorials becomes easier when using the same materials as instructors.

6. TBC The Best Crafts 84 Colors – Best Value Mega Set

TBC’s 84-color set proves that beginner-friendly doesn’t mean basic. This comprehensive set provides exceptional value for those wanting maximum variety without premium prices. It’s particularly suited for exploratory learning where quantity enables experimentation.

Maximizing Creative Exploration

With 84 colors, beginners can focus on painting rather than mixing. This approach suits those who learn better through doing than theory. The vast selection means finding the perfect shade for any vision, building confidence through successful color choices.

The included coloring sheets provide structure for practice. Beginners intimidated by blank paper can start with outlines, learning brush control and water management in a guided format. This stepping stone approach eases the transition to freeform painting.

Family Art Station in a Box

The extensive accessory collection transforms any table into an art station. Multiple brushes mean several people can paint simultaneously, perfect for family craft time. The variety keeps children engaged longer than limited sets.

Parents appreciate the safety certifications and thoughtful extras like the storage bag. Everything packs away neatly, preventing the mess that often discourages regular art time. The elegant tin makes gift-giving special while remaining practical.

7. Art Vista 100 Colors – Best for Bold Artists

Art Vista’s 100-color set caters to beginners who want to make bold statements from the start. The high pigmentation and unique color categories enable dramatic effects typically requiring advanced skills.

High Pigmentation Accelerates Learning

The intense pigmentation teaches water control quickly – a little paint goes far. This characteristic helps beginners understand the medium’s power while developing restraint. Users report achieving professional-looking results faster than with weaker paints.

The 35 metallic and 5 fluorescent colors open creative doors immediately. Beginners can add stunning accents to simple paintings, making early work more satisfying. This immediate gratification encourages continued practice.

Designed for Modern Artists

The candy colors and unique shades reflect contemporary art trends. Beginners interested in modern illustration styles find perfect colors without mixing. This alignment with current aesthetics helps new artists create relevant, shareable work.

The three water brush pen styles teach different techniques naturally. Each brush creates distinct effects, helping beginners discover their preferred painting style. The variety prevents technique stagnation common with single-brush sets.

8. Chalkola Tube Set – Best Tube Format for Beginners

Chalkola’s tube set introduces beginners to professional painting methods while maintaining approachability. For those interested in traditional painting techniques, tubes offer superior control and longevity.

Why Tubes Benefit Serious Beginners?

Tubes let you control paint consistency precisely, crucial for various watercolor techniques. Beginners learn to adjust paint-to-water ratios for different effects. This understanding transfers to all future watercolor work regardless of format.

The fresh paint possibility means maximum vibrancy for special projects. While daily practice might use dried paint from palettes, important pieces benefit from fresh-squeezed intensity. This flexibility grows with your skills.

Professional Habits from the Start

Using tubes establishes professional working methods early. Beginners learn proper paint conservation, palette organization, and color mixing systematically. These habits prevent wasteful practices that become hard to break later.

The 10-brush set provides tools for every technique imaginable. From tiny detail brushes to broad wash brushes, beginners can experiment freely. This variety helps identify personal preferences before investing in expensive professional brushes.

Essential Watercolor Supplies Beyond Paint

Brushes – Your Most Important Tool

Quality brushes transform the watercolor experience more than any other supply. Even excellent paint performs poorly with bad brushes. For beginners, start with:

• Round brushes (sizes 6 and 10) for general painting
• Detail brush (size 2) for fine work
• Flat brush (1/2 inch) for washes

Proper brush care extends their life significantly. Rinse thoroughly after each session and reshape tips while damp. Store brushes horizontally or bristles-up to prevent damage.

Paper Makes the Difference

Watercolor paper’s quality affects your results as much as paint choice. Student-grade paper handles learning mistakes while teaching proper technique:

Recommended beginner papers:

• Strathmore 300 Series (140lb) – affordable practice paper
• Canson XL Watercolor – good for exercises
• Arches Cold Press (140lb) – when you’re ready to level up

Other Must-Have Supplies

Complete your beginner setup with these essentials:

• Two water jars – one for cleaning, one for clean water
• Paper towels or natural sponges for blotting
• Artist tape to secure paper edges
• 2H pencil for light sketching
• Spray bottle for rewetting paints
• Plastic palette for color mixing (if not included)

Getting Started with Watercolor Painting: Step-by-Step

Setting Up Your First Workspace

Create a comfortable painting environment that encourages regular practice. Choose a spot near natural light if possible. Protect surfaces with plastic sheeting or newspapers. Keep supplies organized in a portable container for easy setup.

Arrange your workspace efficiently. Place water jars to your dominant side, paper towels within reach, and paints where you won’t accidentally rest your hand. This organization prevents common accidents and speeds workflow.

Basic Watercolor Techniques for Beginners

Master these fundamental techniques before moving to complex projects:

Wet-on-Wet: Apply wet paint to wet paper for soft, flowing effects. Perfect for skies and backgrounds. This technique teaches water control and timing.

Wet-on-Dry: Apply wet paint to dry paper for precise edges and detail work. Essential for defined shapes and text. Builds brush control skills.

Color Mixing: Start with primary colors to create secondary shades. Document successful mixtures in a reference journal. This foundation enables unlimited color possibilities.

Your First Watercolor Project

Begin with simple geometric shapes to understand paint behavior. Paint squares using different water amounts to see transparency changes. This exercise reveals your specific paint set’s characteristics.

Progress to basic landscapes using two colors plus mixing. A simple sky-and-ground composition teaches blending and edge control. Success with basics builds confidence for complex subjects.

Pro Tips from Experienced Artists

Master these insider techniques to accelerate your watercolor journey:

1. Test colors on scrap paper first – Every paint brand behaves differently
2. Work light to dark – Watercolor doesn’t cover mistakes like other mediums
3. Embrace “happy accidents” – Unexpected flows often create beautiful effects
4. Let layers dry completely – Patience prevents muddy colors
5. Keep a painting journal – Document what works for faster improvement
6. Practice daily – Even 10 minutes maintains momentum
7. Study water behavior – Understanding flow improves control
8. Invest in good paper early – It makes learning easier
9. Join online communities – Feedback accelerates growth
10. Copy masters’ work – Traditional learning method that works

Understanding Watercolor Paint Properties

Pigment Codes and What They Mean

Every watercolor pigment has a standardized code revealing its chemical composition. Understanding these helps when switching brands or replacing colors. For example, PB29 indicates Pigment Blue 29 (Ultramarine) regardless of manufacturer.

This knowledge prevents buying duplicate colors with different names. “Sky Blue” from one brand might be identical to “Heaven’s Light” from another if both use PB15. Check codes when building your palette.

Lightfastness Ratings Explained

Lightfastness indicates how well colors resist fading when exposed to light. Ratings typically use Roman numerals:

Rating	Meaning	Expected Lifespan
I	Excellent	100+ years
II	Very Good	50-100 years
III	Fair	15-50 years
IV	Poor	2-15 years

For practice work, lower ratings suffice. For pieces you’ll display or sell, choose I or II rated pigments exclusively.

Transparency vs Opacity

Watercolor paints range from completely transparent to fairly opaque. This property affects layering and mixing strategies:

Transparent colors allow underlying layers to show through. Perfect for glazing techniques and luminous effects. Most watercolors fall into this category.

Opaque colors provide coverage and can hide mistakes. Useful for highlights and corrections. Use sparingly to maintain watercolor’s characteristic transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Best Watercolor Paint Set for Absolute Beginners?

The ARTISTRO 48-color set offers the best balance for most beginners. It provides enough colors to avoid constant mixing while teaching color relationships. The included accessories mean you can start immediately without additional purchases.

How Many Colors Do I Really Need to Start?

While you can theoretically paint anything with just primary colors, 12-24 colors make learning more enjoyable. This range allows focus on technique rather than constant mixing while still teaching color theory basics.

Should Beginners Buy Student or Artist Grade Paint?

Student grade serves beginners best. The lower cost encourages experimentation without fear of waste. The paint quality remains high enough to produce beautiful results while learning fundamental techniques.

What’s the Difference Between Watercolor Pans and Tubes?

Pans contain dried paint activated by water – convenient and portable. Tubes hold moist paint requiring palette setup but offering better consistency control. Beginners typically prefer pans for simplicity.

How Long Does a Watercolor Paint Set Last?

With regular use, a quality beginner set lasts 6-12 months. Watercolor’s efficiency means small amounts create numerous paintings. Professional artists report pan sets lasting years even with daily use.

Can I Use Watercolor Paint on Regular Paper?

While possible, regular paper buckles and pills with water. Watercolor paper’s special sizing and weight handles moisture properly. Using appropriate paper prevents frustration and improves results dramatically.

What Other Supplies Do I Need Besides Paint?

Essential additions include quality brushes, watercolor paper, and basic accessories like water containers and paper towels. Many beginner sets include some supplies, but upgrading brushes and paper improves results significantly.

Conclusion: Start Creating Today

Choosing from these 8 excellent watercolor sets removes the biggest barrier to beginning your artistic journey. Whether you prefer the variety of ARTISTRO’s 48 colors or the professional foundation of Winsor & Newton Cotman, each set provides everything needed for successful learning.

Remember that the best watercolor paint set is the one you’ll actually use. Consider your goals, budget, and learning style when choosing. Most importantly, start painting – your skills grow with every brushstroke.

Take action today. Order your chosen set, gather your supplies, and begin exploring watercolor’s wonderful possibilities. Your artistic journey starts with that first stroke of paint on paper.