You’re probably tired of guessing which watercolor sets deliver real results. Student-grade options won’t cut it if you want vibrant, long-lasting artwork. But here’s the catch—not all premium sets justify their price tags. We’ve tested the most popular choices artists actually reach for. Uncover which seven sets combine quality pigments, reliable brushes, and genuine portability.
Quick Overview
- Highly pigmented, water-based formulations with vibrant regular, fluorescent, metallic, and macaron shades ensure professional-quality results.
- Diverse brush types including round, flat, and liner options with varying bristle stiffness accommodate different painting techniques.
- Portable tin boxes and compact cases with removable palettes enable convenient painting and travel without compromising supplies.
- Safety certifications like ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 guarantee non-toxic, fade-resistant paint suitable for all skill levels.
- Quality construction with acid-free materials, lightfast pigments, and durable brushes prevents shedding while maintaining long-term color vibrancy.
| Artecho 100 Color Watercolor Paint Set with Brushes |
| Most Comprehensive Set | Number of Paint Colors: 100 colors | Included Brushes: 2 brushes (water brush pen, nylon brush) | Safety Certification: ASTM D-4236 compliant | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Shuttle Art 58 Pack Watercolor Paint Set with Brushes |
| Best Value | Number of Paint Colors: 48 colors | Included Brushes: 10 brushes | Safety Certification: ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3 compliant | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 2 Pack Watercolor Paint Set with Mixing Palette |
| Budget-Friendly Pick | Number of Paint Colors: 12 colors | Included Brushes: 2 brushes | Safety Certification: MSDS standards compliant | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Shuttle Art 43 Pack Watercolor Paint Set with Brushes |
| Best For Travel | Number of Paint Colors: 36 colors | Included Brushes: 6 brushes | Safety Certification: ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3 compliant | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set Portable Kit |
| Best Portable Kit | Number of Paint Colors: 40 colors | Included Brushes: 1 flexible brush (plus 3 water brush pens) | Safety Certification: ASTM D-4236 & EN71 compliant | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Artist Watercolor Paint Brushes Set (12-Piece) |
| Professional Brush Quality | Number of Paint Colors: 0 colors (brushes only) | Included Brushes: 12 round-tipped brushes | Safety Certification: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Taotree Watercolor Paint Set 100 Colors with Brushes |
| Best Overall | Number of Paint Colors: 100 colors | Included Brushes: 6 brushes (3 water brush pens, 3 detail brushes) | Safety Certification: ASTM D-4236 & EN71 compliant | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Artecho 100 Color Watercolor Paint Set with Brushes
If you’re looking for a thorough watercolor kit that doesn’t compromise on color variety or quality, the Artecho 100 Color set delivers exactly what you need. You’ll get 100 vibrant colors—51 regular, 4 fluorescent, 35 metallic, and 10 macaron shades—along with essential brushes and accessories. The included water brush pen, nylon brush, sketching pencil, and natural sponge give you everything for immediate use. You’ll also receive watercolor papers and a handy color chart for reference. The strongly pigmented paints are acid-free, washable, and non-toxic, meeting ASTM safety standards. The portable tin box and velvet bag make traveling with your supplies convenient, whether you’re creating illustrations, cards, or calligraphy at home or on-the-go.
- Number of Paint Colors:100 colors
- Included Brushes:2 brushes (water brush pen, nylon brush)
- Safety Certification:ASTM D-4236 compliant
- Portability:Tin box with velvet bag
- Additional Accessories:Watercolor papers, sponge, pencil sharpener, sketching pencil, color chart
- Target User Level:Artists, hobbyists, painting lovers
- Additional Feature:100 vibrant colors variety
- Additional Feature:Includes watercolor papers included
- Additional Feature:Velvet travel bag included
Shuttle Art 58 Pack Watercolor Paint Set with Brushes
The Shuttle Art 58 Pack Watercolor Paint Set with Brushes stands out as an excellent choice for beginners and young artists who need an all-inclusive, budget-friendly starter kit. You’ll get 48 vibrant watercolor pans made with high-quality pigments that dissolve and blend effortlessly in water. The set includes 10 brushes, a mixing palette, sponge, and watercolor chart—everything you need to start painting immediately. Its lightweight plastic case makes transportation convenient for classes or outdoor sessions. You can trust the non-toxic, acid-free formula, which meets ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 safety standards, making it suitable for all ages. With a 4.7-star rating, this set delivers genuine value without compromising quality.
- Number of Paint Colors:48 colors
- Included Brushes:10 brushes
- Safety Certification:ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3 compliant
- Portability:Sturdy plastic case
- Additional Accessories:Mixing palette, sponge, watercolor chart, testing card
- Target User Level:Beginners, artists, kids, adults
- Additional Feature:Removable cover palette design
- Additional Feature:4.7 star customer rating
- Additional Feature:Lightweight sturdy plastic case
2 Pack Watercolor Paint Set with Mixing Palette
Whether you’re a seasoned artist, a beginner zealous to explore watercolor techniques, or a parent seeking quality art supplies for your kids, this 2-pack watercolor paint set delivers everything you need to start creating. You’ll get 12 vivid, highly pigmented colors plus two brushes and a detachable transparent lid that doubles as a mixing palette. The water-soluble paints let you blend colors seamlessly, expanding your creative possibilities. The organized palette keeps your supplies neat and accessible. Made from eco-friendly materials and conforming to safety standards, these paints are washable and safe for children. Whether you’re crafting colorful masterpieces or experimenting with techniques, you’ve got a versatile, reliable set that won’t disappoint.
- Number of Paint Colors:12 colors
- Included Brushes:2 brushes
- Safety Certification:MSDS standards compliant
- Portability:Not specified
- Additional Accessories:Mixing palette
- Target User Level:Artists, beginners, kids, adults
- Additional Feature:Detachable transparent mixing palette
- Additional Feature:Primary colors included set
- Additional Feature:Eco-friendly materials used
Shuttle Art 43 Pack Watercolor Paint Set with Brushes
For artists seeking a complete, portable watercolor solution, the Shuttle Art 43 Pack delivers everything you need in one organized case. You’ll get 36 assorted solid watercolors with high-quality, intense pigments that dissolve easily and blend smoothly. The set includes six brushes and a watercolor pad, eliminating the need for separate purchases. Its removable cover functions as a palette, making setup effortless wherever you paint. Whether you’re working at home, school, or outdoors, this set handles it all. The paints are non-toxic, acid-free, and meet U.S. ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 safety standards, ensuring peace of mind for artists of all ages.
- Number of Paint Colors:36 colors
- Included Brushes:6 brushes
- Safety Certification:ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3 compliant
- Portability:Traveling case
- Additional Accessories:Watercolor pad
- Target User Level:All ages
- Additional Feature:Includes watercolor pad included
- Additional Feature:Study traveling case included
- Additional Feature:Rich vibrant pure colors
ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set Portable Kit
Artists seeking a truly portable watercolor solution won’t find better value than the ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set Portable Kit. You’ll get 40 vibrant colors, including four fluorescent and four metallic shades, all housed in an elegant tin box that fits easily in your bag. The kit includes everything you need: a water brush pen, sponge, black marker, swatch sheet, and flexible brush. Whether you’re sketching, bullet journaling, or lettering, this set handles it all. It’s safe for children above three and conforms to ASTM d-4236 and EN71 standards. Perfect for both beginners and professionals, you can create anywhere—at home or while traveling.
- Number of Paint Colors:40 colors
- Included Brushes:1 flexible brush (plus 3 water brush pens)
- Safety Certification:ASTM D-4236 & EN71 compliant
- Portability:Elegant tin box
- Additional Accessories:Water brush pen, sponge, black marker, swatch sheet
- Target User Level:Professionals, beginners
- Additional Feature:40 colors with fluorescent
- Additional Feature:Elegant tin box design
- Additional Feature:Black marker included bonus
Artist Watercolor Paint Brushes Set (12-Piece)
This 12-piece set delivers everything you need to explore multiple painting mediums without compromise. You’ll get round-tipped brushes in sizes 1–12, each featuring premium aluminum ferrules that secure nylon bristles treated against shedding. The waterproof, lacquered wooden handles resist fading and cracking, while their straight barrels provide excellent balance for fluid strokes and precise control. These soft, flexible nylon bristles absorb water exceptionally well and hold pigment effectively, producing uniform color with a lustrous sheen. Whether you’re tackling watercolor, acrylic, oil, gouache, tempera, or decorative painting, this versatile set serves beginners and experienced artists alike.
- Number of Paint Colors:0 colors (brushes only)
- Included Brushes:12 round-tipped brushes
- Safety Certification:Not specified
- Portability:Not specified
- Additional Accessories:None (brushes only)
- Target User Level:Beginners, artists
- Additional Feature:12 round-tipped brush sizes
- Additional Feature:Premium aluminum ferrules included
- Additional Feature:Multiple paint mediums compatible
Taotree Watercolor Paint Set 100 Colors with Brushes
Whether you’re a beginner artist or seasoned hobbyist, you’ll appreciate the Taotree Watercolor Paint Set’s extensive 110-piece collection that combines versatility with portability. You’ll get 50 regular colors, 35 metallics, 10macarons, 5 fluorescents, plus brushes and accessories—all housed in a lightweight tin box. The finely ground pigments dissolve easily, blend smoothly, and resist fading. You can sketch outdoors, travel with confidence, or work at home without worrying about toxicity since it conforms to safety standards. The included water brush pens, detail brushes, palette, and sponge give you everything you need to start painting immediately and capture beautiful moments wherever inspiration strikes.
- Number of Paint Colors:100 colors
- Included Brushes:6 brushes (3 water brush pens, 3 detail brushes)
- Safety Certification:ASTM D-4236 & EN71 compliant
- Portability:Portable tin box
- Additional Accessories:Water brush pens, sponge, color chart, transparent palette
- Target User Level:Artists, adults, beginners, hobbyists
- Additional Feature:110 piece all-in-one kit
- Additional Feature:Transparent palette included bonus
- Additional Feature:Fade resistant pigments used
Factors to Consider When Choosing Watercolor Paint With Brush
When you’re selecting a watercolor paint with brush set, you’ll want to evaluate the color range and variety to verify it matches your artistic vision, along with the brush quality and types that’ll give you the control you need. You should also consider portability and storage options that fit your lifestyle, whether you’re painting at home or on the go. Finally, check the safety standards, materials used, and pigment quality to ensure you’re investing in vibrant colors that’ll perform beautifully on your work.
Color Range and Variety
A robust selection of colors fundamentally transforms your creative possibilities when you’re working with watercolor paint sets. You’ll uncover that wider color ranges enable more nuanced blending and mixing, allowing you to achieve virtually any hue you envision. When evaluating sets, look for variety in color temperatures—cool blues and greens alongside warm oranges and reds—which expands your artistic expression considerably.
Specialty colors like metallics, fluorescents, and macarons add versatility that standard palettes can’t match. These unique pigments let you experiment with unconventional techniques and effects that distinguish your work.
Whether you’re beginning your artistic journey or refining established skills, extensive color selections provide the foundation for exploring diverse painting techniques. You’ll find yourself more equipped to tackle various subjects and styles confidently.
Brush Quality and Types
The brushes you choose matter just as much as the paints themselves, since they directly impact your control, precision, and overall results. You’ll want to invest in quality brushes made from natural hair like sable or synthetic fibers that hold water effectively and maintain their shape through repeated use.
Consider the brush types you need: round brushes for detail work, flat brushes for washes and broad strokes, mop brushes for large areas, and liner brushes for fine lines. Different bristle stiffness levels serve different purposes—softer bristles work better for delicate glazing, while stiffer brushes handle textured techniques.
Avoid cheap brushes that shed or lose their points quickly. A well-constructed brush set includes variety without unnecessary redundancy, ensuring you’re equipped for diverse painting techniques.
Portability and Storage
One of watercolor’s greatest advantages is its portability—you’ll find yourself wanting to paint outdoors, travel, or work in different spaces, and your paint set should accommodate this lifestyle. Look for compact, lightweight cases or tins that won’t burden your bag during commutes or adventures.
Removable palettes and mixing trays serve double duty as both storage and working surfaces, maximizing efficiency. Secure brush storage within the set prevents damage during transport, ensuring your tools arrive ready to use.
Whether you’re storing your paints at home or on the road, proper organization maintains color vibrancy and consistency. Quality cases protect your investment while keeping everything accessible. Your ideal watercolor set balances functionality with convenience, freeing you to paint whenever inspiration strikes.
Safety Standards and Materials
When you’re selecting watercolor paint sets, verifying safety certifications should be your first priority. Look for paints that conform to ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 standards, guaranteeing they’re non-toxic and safe for all ages.
Quality matters considerably. You’ll want high-quality, water-based pigments that dissolve and blend effortlessly, giving you the control you need for various techniques. Check that your materials—paper and brushes—are acid-free and durable, protecting your artwork from deterioration over time.
Washable, fade-resistant formulations preserve your vibrant colors for years. You’ll appreciate paints that don’t compromise on longevity while remaining easy to clean up. Additionally, ensure your set includes diverse brush types and sizes, enabling you to tackle different painting applications confidently and effectively.
Pigment Quality and Vibrancy
Why does pigment quality matter so much in watercolor painting? You’ll notice the difference immediately when you work with highly concentrated pigments. Superior pigments deliver vibrant, saturated colors that elevate your artwork, while lower-quality options produce dull, lifeless results. When you’re layering and blending, high-quality pigments give you greater control and smoother shifts between hues. You’ll also benefit from enhanced lightfastness, meaning your paintings resist fading over decades rather than years. The intensity and purity of pigments directly impact your artistic versatility, allowing you to achieve the exact effects you envision. By choosing watercolor sets with premium pigments, you’re investing in colors that perform better, last longer, and ultimately enhance your entire painting experience.
Price and Value
The investment you make in watercolor sets depends on balancing cost against the quality and quantity of supplies you’re getting. You’ll find student-grade options that won’t drain your wallet, alongside premium artist-quality paints that command higher prices.
To evaluate value efficiently, compare price per milliliter or ounce across different sets. Some offerings pack more paint for your money than others. Consider what’s included beyond pigment—brushes, papers, and accessories greatly impact overall worth.
Your experience level matters too. As a novice, you’ll benefit from extensive sets featuring diverse brushes and papers. Experienced artists typically prefer purchasing individual paints for greater control.
Don’t overlook longevity. Higher-quality paints perform better and last longer, making them worthwhile investments despite upfront costs.
Included Accessories and Extras
Beyond evaluating paint quality and price, you’ll want to examine what accessories accompany your watercolor set, as these extras can markedly enhance your painting experience and overall value. Quality brushes with varied bristle materials, sizes, and shapes give you better versatility and control. Water brushes or pens simplify water management during painting sessions. Mixing palettes and sponges expand your creative possibilities.
Consider whether the set includes complementary tools like color mixing charts and testing cards—these help you understand blending properties and paint characteristics. Sketch pads, pencils, and sharpeners create an all-in-one solution, while carrying cases guarantee portability for painting anywhere. Evaluating these included extras helps you determine whether a set truly offers exhaustive value or requires additional purchases.
Skill Level Compatibility
Selecting a watercolor paint and brush set that matches your artistic experience prevents frustration and maximizes your learning potential. If you’re just starting out, beginner-friendly sets with forgiving paints make learning easier and more enjoyable. As you advance, you’ll want to shift to professional-grade options that offer superior pigmentation and greater control over your work.
Student-grade paints provide a cost-effective stepping stone, while artist-grade paints deliver the quality serious painters demand. Consider your current skill level when evaluating sets—beginners benefit from simpler formulations, whereas experienced artists require more complex pigments for nuanced results.
Additionally, assess your painting goals. Sets featuring varied brush sizes and types support skill development across different techniques. By matching your set to your experience level, you’ll invest wisely and progress confidently in your artistic journey.
