Your acrylic paint collection is the foundation upon which all your creative work rests. You’ve likely noticed that professionals don’t stockpile dozens of colors—they master a carefully curated selection. These seven essential paints aren’t just staples; they’re the building blocks that’ll transform how you approach every project. But which specific brands and formulations actually deliver the results you’re after?
Quick Overview
- High-quality pigments deliver superior color saturation, vibrancy, and opacity with consistent application across professional projects.
- Acrylic paint adheres effectively to canvas, wood, metal, glass, and fabrics while remaining water-resistant and UV-stable.
- Quick-drying formulation (15-30 minutes) enables rapid layering and experimentation without compromising surface integrity or flexibility.
- Professional-grade paints exceed $20 per tube but provide better coverage with fewer coats, maximizing cost efficiency.
- ASTM D4236 non-toxic formulations and AP labels ensure safety compliance for everyday professional and educational use.
| Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint 250ml (8.5-oz) Tube Titanium White |
| Best Overall | Format: Single tube (250ml) | Color Range: Single color (Titanium White) | Finish: Satin finish | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set 6 Tubes Primary |
| Best Color Selection | Format: 6-tube set (22ml each) | Color Range: 6 primary colors | Finish: Varies by opacity | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| GOTIDEAL Craft Acrylic Paint Set (8 Primary Colors) |
| Best For Versatility | Format: 8-tube set (120ml each) | Color Range: 8 primary colors | Finish: Rich pigment finish | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint 250ml (8.5-oz) Tube Mars Black |
| Best Single Tube | Format: Single tube (250ml) | Color Range: Single color (Mars Black) | Finish: Satin finish | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Amazon Basics Acrylic Paint Tubes 24 count (Pack of 1) Multicolor |
| Best Value Pack | Format: 24-tube set (0.74oz each) | Color Range: 24 classic colors | Finish: Smooth, creamy finish | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| BLUEBIRD Studio Acrylic Paints Primary Colors 6-Pack |
| Best For Beginners | Format: 6-tube set (3.4oz each) | Color Range: 6 primary colors | Finish: Creamy texture | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Apple Barrel Acrylic Craft Paint 16-Color Assortment |
| Budget-Friendly Pick | Format: 16-tube set (2oz each) | Color Range: 16 assorted colors | Finish: Matte finish | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint 250ml (8.5-oz) Tube Titanium White
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint in Titanium White is your ideal choice if you’re learning color theory or just starting your painting journey. This 250ml tube delivers thick, creamy paint with a satin finish that retains brush strokes beautifully. You’ll appreciate its good pigment load and smooth application—it glides easily across surfaces without drying too quickly. The paint offers excellent coverage and opacity, making it perfect for mixing and extending other colors. It’s intermixable with Liquitex Professional lines, so you can upgrade your work as you progress. Professionals trust this dependable option for its superior quality at an economical price point, with no surprises.
- Format:Single tube (250ml)
- Color Range:Single color (Titanium White)
- Finish:Satin finish
- Drying Time:Quick-drying
- Safety Certification:ASTM D4236 certified
- Suitable Surfaces:Canvas, paper, board, wood, masonry, metal, etc.
- Additional Feature:Intermixable with professional colors
- Additional Feature:Retains peaks and brush strokes
- Additional Feature:Good base for color mixing
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set 6 Tubes Primary
If you’re a beginner or budget-conscious artist looking to build a solid foundation in color mixing, the BASICS 6-tube Primary set is your ideal starting point. You’ll receive Primary Yellow, Primary Red, Primary Blue, Phthalocyanine Green, Titanium White, and Mars Black—six 22ml tubes containing the same high-quality pigments Liquitex uses professionally. These pigments are ground with reinforced ceramic beads for fine dispersion and vibrant color. You can mix any hue you need while keeping costs low. The quick-drying formula cleans up with water and adheres to canvas, paper, wood, metal, and more. You’ll adjust opacity easily using Liquitex mediums to create undertones, tints, and shades. This set delivers professional-grade quality at an economical price.
- Format:6-tube set (22ml each)
- Color Range:6 primary colors
- Finish:Varies by opacity
- Drying Time:Quick-drying
- Safety Certification:Not specified
- Suitable Surfaces:Canvas, paper, board, wood, masonry, metal, etc.
- Additional Feature:Ceramic bead pigment grinding
- Additional Feature:Invented acrylic paint technology
- Additional Feature:Adjustable opacity for undertones
GOTIDEAL Craft Acrylic Paint Set (8 Primary Colors)
You’ll find the GOTIDEAL Craft Acrylic Paint Set ideal whether you’re a beginner exploring acrylics or an experienced artist seeking reliable, versatile colors. This set includes eight primary colors in generous 120ml bottles, giving you ample paint for multiple projects. The rich pigments won’t fade over time, ensuring your artwork maintains its vibrancy. You can apply these artist-grade paints to canvas, wood, rocks, glass, fabrics, ceramics, and numerous other surfaces. They’re quick-drying and non-toxic, making them safe for creative adults, teens, and kids alike. With AP and ASTM D-4236 certifications backing their quality, you’re investing in materials that deliver consistent results and professional-grade performance.
- Format:8-tube set (120ml each)
- Color Range:8 primary colors
- Finish:Rich pigment finish
- Drying Time:Quick-drying
- Safety Certification:AP, ASTM D4236, EN71-3 certified
- Suitable Surfaces:Canvas, wood, rocks, glass, fabrics, stone, metal, plastic, ceramics, etc.
- Additional Feature:120ml tubes per color
- Additional Feature:Artist grade quality materials
- Additional Feature:100% satisfaction guarantee
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint 250ml (8.5-oz) Tube Mars Black
Mars Black from Liquitex BASICS offers thick, creamy coverage that’s ideal for artists learning color theory and color mixing. You’ll appreciate the satin finish and how the paint retains peaks and brush strokes, giving you visible texture in your work. The generous 250ml tube provides ample pigment for experimentation without quickly depleting your supply. Since it’s intermixable with Liquitex Professional colors and mediums, you can seamlessly expand your palette as your skills develop. The paint conforms to ASTM D4236 standards, ensuring safety for educational settings. This dependable formulation lets you focus on technique rather than worrying about paint quality.
- Format:Single tube (250ml)
- Color Range:Single color (Mars Black)
- Finish:Satin finish
- Drying Time:Quick-drying
- Safety Certification:ASTM D4236 certified
- Suitable Surfaces:Canvas, paper, board, wood, masonry, metal, etc.
- Additional Feature:Large 250ml tube size
- Additional Feature:Professional intermixable formula
- Additional Feature:Educational color mixing ideal
Amazon Basics Acrylic Paint Tubes 24 count (Pack of 1) Multicolor
The Amazon Basics Acrylic Paint Tubes offer an excellent entry point for beginners and a reliable practice option for seasoned artists alike. You’ll appreciate the 24-color set featuring rich, vivid hues with a smooth, creamy texture that applies effortlessly to most surfaces. Each 0.74-ounce tube squeezes easily, and the paint dries quickly while remaining water-resistant once set. Users consistently praise the bold colors and exceptional value for money. You’ll find cleanup straightforward, making these tubes ideal for rock painting, art projects, and general practice. While some reports mention packaging durability concerns and potential staining, Amazon’s customer protection offers reassurance. This set delivers professional-quality results without the premium price tag.
- Format:24-tube set (0.74oz each)
- Color Range:24 classic colors
- Finish:Smooth, creamy finish
- Drying Time:Fast-drying
- Safety Certification:ASTM D4236 certified
- Suitable Surfaces:Most surfaces
- Additional Feature:24 classic colors included
- Additional Feature:Easy-to-squeeze tube design
- Additional Feature:Water resistant when dried
BLUEBIRD Studio Acrylic Paints Primary Colors 6-Pack
Beginner artists and DIY enthusiasts will find that BLUEBIRD Studio Acrylic Paints‘ primary color set offers an ideal starting point for creative projects. You’ll appreciate the six vibrant colors packed with rich pigments that deliver vivid results on canvas, cards, scrapbooks, and nail art. The creamy texture guarantees smooth application, while squeeze bottles give you precise control over paint flow. Each 3.4 fl oz bottle contains premium-quality, non-toxic paint suitable for various surfaces. The sturdy flip-lid cardboard box keeps everything organized and protected. Whether you’re exploring acrylics or expanding your supply collection, this affordable six-pack provides the fundamental colors you need to develop your artistic skills without compromising quality or safety.
- Format:6-tube set (3.4oz each)
- Color Range:6 primary colors
- Finish:Creamy texture
- Drying Time:Not specified
- Safety Certification:Non-toxic
- Suitable Surfaces:Canvas, scrapbook, cards, nail art
- Additional Feature:Squeeze bottles for control
- Additional Feature:3.4 fl oz each bottle
- Additional Feature:Suitable for nail art
Apple Barrel Acrylic Craft Paint 16-Color Assortment
If you’re seeking an affordable, versatile paint set for multiple craft projects, Apple Barrel’s 16-color assortment won’t disappoint. You’ll get 2 fl oz bottles of vibrant, matte acrylic paint that dry to a brilliant finish. The smooth application makes it easy to brush, stamp, stencil, or sponge onto wood, Styrofoam, plaster, and terra cotta surfaces. Cleanup’s simple—just use soap and water. Made in the USA and non-toxic, this set gives you professional-quality results without breaking your budget. With 32 fl oz total volume, you’ve got plenty of paint for various creative endeavors.
- Format:16-tube set (2oz each)
- Color Range:16 assorted colors
- Finish:Matte finish
- Drying Time:Not specified
- Safety Certification:Non-toxic
- Suitable Surfaces:Wood, Styrofoam, plaster, terra cotta
- Additional Feature:Made in USA
- Additional Feature:16 assorted color set
- Additional Feature:Matte finish bottles
Factors to Consider When Choosing Basic Acrylic Paint
When you’re selecting basic acrylic paint, you’ll want to evaluate pigment quality and opacity to guarantee your colors deliver true, vibrant coverage. Consider how well the paint adheres to various surfaces and how quickly it dries, since these factors directly affect your workflow and project outcomes. You should also weigh the price against value, checking for safety certifications that confirm the paint meets industry standards for your peace of mind.
Pigment Quality and Opacity
Since you’re building your acrylic paint collection, understanding pigment quality directly impacts your results. High-quality pigments deliver superior color saturation, vibrancy, and opacity compared to lower-grade alternatives. You’ll achieve better coverage with fewer coats when you choose properly pigmented paints, ultimately saving you money despite their higher upfront cost.
The opacity of your paint determines how effectively it covers underlying surfaces. When pigments are evenly dispersed throughout the paint medium, you’ll experience smooth, consistent application without grittiness that compromises your work. Understanding each pigment’s opacity and undertone helps you achieve specific color effects and color mixing success.
Investing in quality pigments means you’re prioritizing professional-level results in your everyday work.
Surface Versatility and Adhesion
One of acrylic paint’s greatest strengths is its ability to adhere to virtually any surface you’ll encounter in your studio. You can apply it confidently to canvas, wood, metal, glass, and fabrics without worrying about poor adhesion. The water-based formulation bonds effectively to both absorbent and non-absorbent materials, giving you consistent coverage and lasting durability.
What makes acrylics particularly reliable is their flexibility. As your painted surface expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes, the paint moves with it, preventing the cracking and peeling you’d experience with less adaptable mediums. The quick-drying nature lets you build layers rapidly while maintaining surface integrity.
Whether you’re working indoors or outdoors, you’ll appreciate acrylic’s water-resistant and UV-stable properties once fully cured, making it ideal for professional applications.
Drying Time and Workability
Acrylic paints dry markedly faster than oil paints—typically within 15-30 minutes depending on how thickly you apply them. This quick drying time lets you build up layers rapidly, create varied textures, and experiment without lengthy waiting periods between applications.
However, if you need more working time, you can extend drying with retarder mediums, which slow the process and improve blending capabilities. This flexibility makes acrylics adaptable to your preferred pace and technique.
The fast-drying nature suits glazing, wet-on-wet painting, and layering beautifully. You’ll appreciate how quickly you can move between stages, refine details, or make corrections. By adjusting drying time through mediums, you control your workflow rather than being controlled by it, making acrylics genuinely versatile for professionals tackling diverse projects.
Price and Value Proposition
How do you know if you’re getting good value from your acrylic paint purchase? Start by evaluating the cost per volume or ounce across different sets and individual tubes. You’ll find budget-friendly options under $10 and professional-grade paints exceeding $20 per tube, so balancing quality, quantity, and your intended use matters greatly.
Student-grade paints cost less than artist-quality alternatives, making them ideal if you’re learning or crafting casually. However, investing in higher-quality paints makes sense for professional artwork where pigment quality directly impacts results.
Paint sets offering multiple colors provide better value than purchasing individual tubes separately. They give you versatility while maximizing your budget. Consider your specific application—whether casual projects or serious work—to justify your spending and confirm you’re truly getting what you need.
Safety Certifications and Standards
When you’re selecting acrylic paints, checking for proper safety certifications should be a priority. Look for paints that conform to ASTM D4236 standards, which guarantee non-toxic formulations suitable for educational settings. You’ll want products bearing the AP (Approved Product) label—this certification guarantees the paint is safe for children’s school projects. If you’re sourcing paints internationally, verify EN71-3 (CE) certification to confirm European Union safety compliance.
Non-toxic labeling indicates the paint contains no harmful ingredients that could endanger your health. While these certifications provide assurance, you shouldn’t neglect basic safety practices. Always work in properly ventilated spaces and wash your hands thoroughly after painting. These precautions, combined with certified products, create a secure creative environment for your everyday work.
