Studies show that 68% of beginners abandon painting within their first year due to poor supplies. You’ll uncover that selecting the right acrylic paint set transforms your creative journey. Whether you’re starting out or refining your technique, you’re faced with overwhelming choices. What separates a mediocre set from one that truly elevates your work? The answer lies in understanding specific features that matter most.
Quick Overview
- Quality acrylic paint sets should offer multiple colors with included brushes, palettes, and mixing tools for creative versatility.
- High pigment load with thick, creamy consistency ensures superior coverage, rich color payoff, and texture creation capabilities.
- Water-based formulas dry in 10-30 minutes, become waterproof when dry, and clean up easily with soap and water.
- Non-toxic, ASTM D4236 compliant paints with low VOC levels ensure safety for beginners, experienced artists, and educational use.
- Acrylic paint works on diverse surfaces including canvas, wood, ceramic, fabric, and glass with proper surface-paint matching.
| Apple Barrel Acrylic Craft Paint 16-Color Set |
| Best For Kids | Number of Colors: 16 colors | Paint Volume Per Container: 2 fl oz per bottle | Included Brushes: No brushes included | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set 30 Tubes Artist Quality |
| Best Value | Number of Colors: 30 colors | Paint Volume Per Container: 0.4 oz per tube | Included Brushes: 3 bonus brushes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes & Palette |
| Best Complete Set | Number of Colors: 36 colors | Paint Volume Per Container: 2 oz per bottle | Included Brushes: 12 brushes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint 250ml (8.5-oz) Tube Titanium White |
| Professional Grade | Number of Colors: 1 color (single tube) | Paint Volume Per Container: 8.5 oz per tube | Included Brushes: No brushes included | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Shuttle Art 72 Pack Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes |
| Most Popular | Number of Colors: 72 colors | Paint Volume Per Container: 2 oz per bottle | Included Brushes: 12 brushes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Acrylic Paint Set for Adults and Kids (24 Pack) |
| Budget-Friendly Pick | Number of Colors: 24 colors | Paint Volume Per Container: 12 ml per tube | Included Brushes: 3 brushes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Daler Rowney Simply Acrylic Paint 25pc Set |
| Best For Beginners | Number of Colors: 12 colors | Paint Volume Per Container: 12 ml per tube | Included Brushes: 3 brushes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Apple Barrel Acrylic Craft Paint 16-Color Set
If you’re seeking versatility without breaking your budget, the Apple Barrel Vibrant Spectrum Collection delivers. You’ll get sixteen 2 fl oz bottles of matte acrylic paint in assorted colors, including essentials like white, black, and vibrant hues such as flag red, bright blue, and fuchsia. The paint works on wood, Styrofoam, plaster, and terra cotta, allowing you to tackle various projects. You can brush, stamp, stencil, or sponge it on for different effects. Cleanup is straightforward—just use soap and water while the paint’s still wet. Made in the USA, this set suits both adults and kids, making it an accessible choice for beginners and experienced artists alike.
- Number of Colors:16 colors
- Paint Volume Per Container:2 fl oz per bottle
- Included Brushes:No brushes included
- Suitable Surfaces:Wood, Styrofoam, plaster, terra cotta
- Safety & Non-Toxicity:Suitable for kids and adults
- Customer Rating:Not provided
- Additional Feature:Matte finish only
- Additional Feature:Made in USA
- Additional Feature:Soap and water cleanup
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set 30 Tubes Artist Quality
The Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set stands out as an exceptional choice for artists of all skill levels—whether you’re a beginner exploring your creative potential, a seasoned professional refining your craft, or an educator guiding students through art fundamentals. You’ll appreciate the 30 vibrant, non-toxic colors in convenient 12 ml tubes, complemented by three bonus brushes. The thick pigments deliver superior coverage and maintain smoothness throughout your application. You can confidently work on canvas, ceramic, wood, fabric, clay, and walls, knowing these quick-drying paints won’t fade or crack. With a 4.7-star rating from thousands of satisfied customers and a 30-day return guarantee, you’re investing in quality that won’t disappoint.
- Number of Colors:30 colors
- Paint Volume Per Container:0.4 oz per tube
- Included Brushes:3 bonus brushes
- Suitable Surfaces:Canvas, ceramic, wood, fabric, clay, walls, crafts
- Safety & Non-Toxicity:Non-toxic, acid-free
- Customer Rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (4,114 ratings)
- Additional Feature:Bonus 3 paint brushes
- Additional Feature:Quick-drying and waterproof
- Additional Feature:4.7 star rating (4,114 reviews)
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes & Palette
For artists seeking an all-in-one starter solution, Shuttle Art’s 36-color acrylic paint set won’t disappoint. You’ll receive vibrant colors in 2oz bottles, twelve brushes, and a palette—everything you need to begin painting immediately. The artist-quality formula blends and layers smoothly, offering excellent coverage on wood, canvas, rock, ceramic, fabric, and more. Fast-drying and waterproof, these paints resist fading through time. You can easily clean brushes with soap and water before the paint sets. The non-toxic, acid-free composition meets safety standards, making it suitable for all ages. Whether you’re a beginner, student, or professional, this inclusive set delivers quality and convenience in strengthened cardboard packaging.
- Number of Colors:36 colors
- Paint Volume Per Container:2 oz per bottle
- Included Brushes:12 brushes
- Suitable Surfaces:Wood, rock, canvas, ceramic, fabric, glass, clay, leather, plastic
- Safety & Non-Toxicity:Non-toxic, acid-free, ASTM-D4236 compliant
- Customer Rating:Not provided
- Additional Feature:Includes metallic gold/silver
- Additional Feature:12 brushes and palette
- Additional Feature:Strengthened cardboard organizer
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint 250ml (8.5-oz) Tube Titanium White
Beginners and developing artists will find Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint an excellent foundation for building their skills. This 250ml tube of Titanium White delivers thick, creamy coverage with a satin finish that retains your brush strokes and peaks beautifully. You’ll appreciate the solid pigment load, which gives you rich color payoff without breaking the bank. Since it’s intermixable with Liquitex Professional products, you can expand your palette as you progress. The paint conforms to ASTM D4236 safety standards, making it ideal for educational settings. Whether you’re exploring color theory or experimenting with various techniques, this versatile paint adapts to your artistic journey.
- Number of Colors:1 color (single tube)
- Paint Volume Per Container:8.5 oz per tube
- Included Brushes:No brushes included
- Suitable Surfaces:General artist use (not specified)
- Safety & Non-Toxicity:ASTM D4236 compliant, safe for educational use
- Customer Rating:Not provided
- Additional Feature:Satin finish, creamy texture
- Additional Feature:Retains brush strokes/peaks
- Additional Feature:Intermixable with professional line
Shuttle Art 72 Pack Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes
If you’re seeking a thorough paint set that covers both professional and casual projects, Shuttle Art’s 72 Pack delivers exceptional versatility. You’ll get 58 unique colors plus white and black, with each bottle containing 60 ml of creamy, water-based paint. The included 12 brushes let you start immediately without additional purchases. These paints work on canvas, wood, glass, rocks, ceramic, and more, making them ideal whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist. They dry quickly, remain waterproof when set, and resist fading. With non-toxic, acid-free formulations meeting ASTM and EN71-3 standards, you can paint confidently. The 4.7-star rating from nearly 10,000 reviews confirms this set’s reliable performance and value.
- Number of Colors:72 colors
- Paint Volume Per Container:2 oz per bottle
- Included Brushes:12 brushes
- Suitable Surfaces:Glass, rocks, nails, walls, canvas, leather, ceramic, wood, clay, crafts
- Safety & Non-Toxicity:Non-toxic, acid-free, ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 compliant
- Customer Rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (9,632 reviews)
- Additional Feature:Creamy texture for mixing
- Additional Feature:4.7 stars (9,632 reviews)
- Additional Feature:Amazon ranked #4 paints
Acrylic Paint Set for Adults and Kids (24 Pack)
Artists of all skill levels—from curious children to experienced painters—will find everything they need in this extensive 24-pack acrylic set. You’ll appreciate the vivid, brilliant colors that mix easily for blending and layering techniques. The rich viscosity supports texture creation on canvas and various surfaces, while three professional brushes enable diverse painting applications. The non-toxic formula makes it safe for family art sessions across all ages. This versatile set works beautifully on ceramics, wood, and models, making it ideal whether you’re decorating Easter eggs or tackling serious artistic projects. You’ll value its affordability and complete package, perfect for beginners or experienced artists seeking reliable, quality materials.
- Number of Colors:24 colors
- Paint Volume Per Container:12 ml per tube
- Included Brushes:3 brushes
- Suitable Surfaces:Canvas, ceramic, wood, Easter eggs, pumpkins, decorations
- Safety & Non-Toxicity:Non-toxic composition
- Customer Rating:Not provided
- Additional Feature:Vivid colors, maximum brilliance
- Additional Feature:Perfect holiday stocking stuffer
- Additional Feature:Rich viscosity for blending
Daler Rowney Simply Acrylic Paint 25pc Set
The Daler Rowney Simply Acrylic Paint 25pc Set gives you everything you’ll need to start painting with acrylics. You’ll receive twelve highly pigmented colors in 12ml tubes, three brushes, eight sheets of acrylic paper, a sketching pencil, and a mixing palette. The paints apply smoothly to surfaces and you can use them straight from the tube or thin them with water for different effects. This all-inclusive kit suits beginners and hobbyists who want to explore acrylic painting without investing in separate supplies. Whether you’re testing your artistic abilities or diving into a new creative hobby, this set provides quality materials to support your learning journey.
- Number of Colors:12 colors
- Paint Volume Per Container:12 ml per tube
- Included Brushes:3 brushes
- Suitable Surfaces:Paper (acrylic paper sheets included)
- Safety & Non-Toxicity:Safe for beginners (not explicitly stated)
- Customer Rating:Not provided
- Additional Feature:Includes 8 acrylic papers
- Additional Feature:Sketching pencil and palette
- Additional Feature:Entry-level beginner technique set
Factors to Consider When Choosing Simply Acrylic Paint
When you’re selecting Simply Acrylic Paint, you’ll want to evaluate how the color range and vibrancy meet your artistic vision, alongside the paint finish and coverage it provides on various surfaces. Consider whether the drying time works for your painting style, since durability directly impacts how your finished pieces hold up over time. You should also verify that the paint’s safety and non-toxicity align with your studio practices, especially if you’re working in shared or sensitive environments.
Color Range and Vibrancy
Three key elements distinguish quality acrylic paint: color diversity, pigment vibrancy, and batch consistency. You’ll find that a diverse color range releases greater creativity, allowing you to blend and layer colors effectively without limitations. Vibrant pigments guarantee each hue delivers striking visual impact, enriching your artwork’s depth and complexity.
When you’re selecting paint, prioritize consistency across batches. This consistency assures uniform results whether you’re working on your first project or your hundredth. With primary colors plus a varied mix of hues, you’ll create an extensive spectrum through mixing, maximizing your creative potential.
You’ll also appreciate how quality paint supports various techniques—blending, glazing, and layering—each greatly affecting your final piece’s outcome. Investing in superior color range and vibrancy directly elevates your artistic work.
Paint Finish and Coverage
Beyond color selection, paint finish and coverage greatly shape your artwork’s final appearance and application efficiency. You’ll find finishes ranging from matte to satin, each affecting how light interacts with your piece and the texture you create.
Coverage matters considerably—thicker paints hide underlying surfaces better, reducing the coats you’ll need. This efficiency saves you time and resources while maintaining consistency throughout your work.
When you select high-quality acrylics, you’ll notice they retain brush strokes and peaks naturally. This texture retention lets you build dimension and visual interest without extra effort.
Consider your specific goals: do you want smooth, uniform coverage or visible brushwork? Your finish and coverage choices directly influence whether you achieve the effect you’re envisioning, so choose intentionally based on your artistic vision.
Surface Compatibility
While finish and coverage determine your artwork’s visual character, the surface you’re painting on equally shapes your final results. You’ll want to select acrylic paint that specifies compatibility with your chosen surface—whether that’s canvas, wood, glass, metal, fabric, or ceramic. Smooth, non-porous surfaces require paint formulated for maximum adhesion, while porous materials like plaster or terra cotta benefit from specially designed acrylics that absorb effectively. Consider how your surface affects drying time; porous materials absorb more moisture and dry faster than non-porous ones. Finally, think about your project’s demands. If you’re painting outdoor furniture or fabric items, you’ll need water-resistant or flexible paint formulations. Matching your paint to your surface guarantees durability and professional results.
Drying Time and Durability
One of acrylic paint’s greatest advantages is its rapid drying time—typically between 10 to 30 minutes depending on application thickness and environmental conditions. This speed lets you layer colors without lengthy waiting periods, making acrylics ideal for techniques demanding quick color application.
Once dry, acrylic paint becomes permanent, waterproof, and fade-resistant, markedly enhancing durability across various projects and surfaces. However, durability varies based on pigment quality and formulation. Higher-quality paints deliver superior performance and longevity when exposed to elements.
You’ll maximize your paint’s durability by storing dried acrylics in dry environments. Prolonged moisture exposure can compromise integrity and fade-resistance. When you invest in quality acrylics and store them properly, you’re ensuring your artwork withstands time and environmental challenges effectively.
Safety and Non-Toxicity
When you’re selecting acrylic paint, safety should be your primary concern. You’ll want to verify that your paint conforms to ASTM D4236 safety standards, confirming it’s non-toxic for both children and adults.
Look for water-based formulas, which allow you to clean up easily with soap and water while minimizing chemical exposure. Check labels for acid-free designations—this guarantees your paint won’t degrade paper or materials over time, making it ideal for long-term projects.
You should also prioritize paints with low volatile organic compound (VOC) levels, as these reduce harmful air emissions during use. For family art sessions, choose paints specifically labeled suitable for all ages. These considerations protect your health and assure a safer creative experience for everyone involved in your artistic projects.
Ease of Cleanup
Acrylic paint’s water-based composition makes cleanup remarkably straightforward—you can rinse brushes and wipe spills with soap and water while the paint’s still wet. This advantage over oil-based alternatives saves you time and money on solvents.
However, once dry, acrylic paint hardens and becomes stubborn to remove, requiring scrubbing or specialized removers. To maximize convenience, keep wet cloths and paper towels within arm’s reach during your painting sessions. You’ll catch drips immediately, preventing dried buildup on surfaces.
Choose non-porous palettes to simplify your cleanup routine. Before paint sets, you can easily scrape dried acrylic from these surfaces. By planning ahead and acting quickly, you’ll maintain a clean workspace and extend your supplies’ lifespan.
Value and Included Accessories
Beyond maintaining a tidy workspace, you’ll want to evaluate what you’re actually getting for your investment. A quality acrylic paint set should offer multiple colors—more tubes mean greater creative versatility for diverse projects.
Look for sets bundling accessories like brushes, palettes, and mixing tools. These extras eliminate separate purchases and let you start painting immediately. Consider whether sets include varied formulations, such as standard and metallic shades, expanding your artistic range.
Pay attention to paint presentation too. Tubes offer better control than bottles for many beginners, affecting your overall experience. Finally, check customer satisfaction ratings. High reviews indicate reliable quality and genuine value across materials and accessories, helping you make an informed decision.
