Most artists that are beginners tend to purchase a full acrylic paint set that has a wide selection of colors. Acrylic paint is one of the most versatile and widely used mediums in the art world today. With its quick drying time, water-soluble nature, and vibrant colors, it has become a popular choice for artists of all levels.
I want to emphasize in this post,
All of the acrylic paints in this post are reasonably priced. They are not outlandishly expensive, but they are also not acrylic paints that you would find at the dollar store. Please keep this in mind when looking over the options!
Heres what you need to know about acrylic paint:
When you are learning how to use acrylic paint, there are some important things to note. It is important to know that acrylic paint is quite diverse, and acrylic painting on canvas is much different than on fabric for example.
Quick drying time:
Acrylic paint dries much faster than other paint mediums such as oil or watercolor. This means that artists work quickly and efficiently, but it also means that the paint can dry on the brush or palette. So, it’s important to keep them moist or use a spray bottle to keep them wet.
Water-soluble:
Acrylic paint is thinned with water, making it easy to clean up and allowing for a variety of painting techniques, including glazes and washes. However, once the paint is dry, it is water-resistant and cannot be reactivated with water.
Versatile:
Acrylic paint is used on a variety of surfaces, including canvas, paper, wood, and even fabric. It is also used in a range of painting styles, from detailed realism to abstract expressionism.
Permanent:
Acrylic paint is a relatively permanent medium, meaning it is not prone to cracking or fading over time.
In this post, we will compare some of the most popular acrylic paint brands and sets available. We will look at the quality of the paint, the range of colors available, the consistency and texture, and the price point. By examining these factors, we hope to provide insight and guidance for artists who are looking to purchase the best acrylic paint set for their needs.
What should I be looking for in my acrylic paint set?
There are several factors to consider to ensure you select the best option for your needs. By considering these factors, you can choose an acrylic paint that will best suit your needs and help you create beautiful, lasting artwork. Here are some things to look for in your acrylic paint:
Pigment Quality: High-quality acrylic paints have a high pigment concentration, which means the colors will be more vibrant and intense. Look for paints with a high pigment-to-binder ratio.
Consistency: Acrylic paints come in different consistencies, including heavy body, medium body, and fluid. Consider which consistency is best for your painting style and project.
Lightfastness: Acrylic paint should be lightfast, meaning it will not fade over time with exposure to light. Look for paints that are labeled as lightfast.
Opacity: The opacity of the paint determines how much it covers the surface it’s applied to. If you want to cover an area quickly, look for an opaque paint. If you want to create more transparency and layers, choose a more translucent paint.
Drying Time: Acrylic paint dries quickly, but drying time can vary depending on the brand and consistency. Consider how fast you want the paint to dry based on your painting style and needs.
Brand Quality: Choose a reputable brand that has a good reputation for producing high-quality acrylic paints. This does not necessarily mean that they have to be expensive.
Popular Acrylic Paint Sets For All Ages:
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Tube Set
The set is a great option for artists who want a wide variety of colors to choose from. Their 12 tube set is (22ml each) priced at $30. If you choose the full 48 tube set (also 22ml), you are paying about $56 out of pocket.
Liquitex is a popular brand that is used in classroom settings, and is great for all ages. The paints also have a smooth consistency, making them easy to blend and work with. The paint dries quickly and is water-resistant when dry, which is a desirable quality for many artists.
From a personal perspective, these paints are not pigmented at all. I am no stranger to thick paint, considering I prefer to work with gouache and oil which have really high pigment concentration. I think because of their low pigment they are popular for classrooms.
From primary colors to earth tones to metallics, this set offers a great variety of colors for any project. Additionally, the tubes are generously sized, with each containing 22ml of paint, providing a lot of paint for the price.
If you desire a thinner paint, I think this is a great option. It all depends on your preferences as an artist. It’s also a great option for artists that need an acrylic paint that wont break the bank.
Arteza Acrylic Paint Set
The Arteza Acrylic Paint Set is a great option for artists looking for high-quality, affordable acrylic paints. The set includes 24 tubes of paint, each containing 22ml of paint, providing a generous amount of paint in a wide range of colors. This set is priced at $28.99.
One of the standout features of the Arteza acrylic paints is their smooth consistency, making them easy to work with and blend. For the price that you are paying, which is fairly cheap, these are a standout from a brand such as Liquitex.
Personally, I really like these paints because they also have a bit of a thicker, gloopier consistency, which can be thinned down with water.
The range of colors included in the set is impressive, covering all the basics as well as some unique shades. From primary colors to metallics, this set offers a great variety of colors for any project. Additionally, the paints are non-toxic and meet safety standards, making them a great option for artists of all ages.
Popular Acrylic Paint Sets For Adult Artists:
Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Paint Set
The set includes 10 tubes of paint, with each tube containing 20ml of paint, making it a great option for artists who are looking for a large amount of paint in a few colors. You can get this set for about $25.
One of the standout features of Winsor & Newton Galeria acrylic paints is their smooth and creamy consistency. The paint is easy to apply, blend, and layer, making it ideal for artists who like to work with multiple layers of paint. Additionally, the paint dries quickly and is water-resistant when dry, which makes it easy to work with and protects the painting from damage.
The range of colors included in the set is well-rounded, with a good mix of primary and secondary colors as well as earth tones. The paint has a high pigment concentration, which ensures bright and vivid colors that are fade-resistant and long-lasting.
Therefore, for my personal perspective, I love Winsor & Newton! I love really thick paints and being able to water them down to get a thinner consistency.
I know one of the chief problems that other people have with them is that if you are painting on canvas, since it is so thick, it can leave white spots on the canvas. You have to really get the brush in there for it to get every nook and cranny of the canvas. In my opinion, that is desirable.
I like for my paints to start thick, and I can slowly thin them out. It is much easier to thin acrylics with water (they are water soluble) than to try and thicken them up with extra thickeners.
Daler Rowney System 3 Acrylic Paint Set
The Daler Rowney System 3 Acrylic Paint Set is a high-quality acrylic paint set that offers great value for its price. The set includes 10 tubes of paint, each containing 22ml of paint. This is priced at $24.39.
One of the standout features of the System 3 acrylic paints is their versatility. The paint has a medium body consistency that is easy to work with and can be used for a variety of techniques, from impasto to glazing. The paint also has a longer drying time than most other acrylic paints, which allows artists to blend and layer colors more easily.
If you are looking for an acrylic paint that closely, resembles oil in many ways, this is your guy. I personally love this paint for its consistency and how long it takes to dry. It’s a great water soluble option for acrylic paint.
The range of colors included in the set is well-rounded, with a good mix of primary and secondary colors as well as earth tones. The paint has a high pigment concentration, which ensures bright and vivid colors that are fade-resistant and long-lasting. They provide multiple yellows and reds for you to get an idea of what colors you can create and acclimate to.
In conclusion, my favorite kinds of acrylic paint sets personally are obviously the ones that are made to be used by adults because of what I like to use them for. However, there are certain things that I will always turn to the child friendly acrylic paints for. It is good to have a diverse understanding of what a acrylic paint set can do for you!