Surveys show that 78% of artists prioritize paint quality over price when investing in their craft. You’ve likely experienced frustration with inferior acrylics that don’t blend smoothly or deliver vibrant color. Craft Smart paints address these pain points with professional-grade formulations. But which specific products truly meet demanding standards? The answer lies in understanding what separates exceptional options from the rest.
Quick Overview
- High-quality pigments deliver vibrant, opaque colors requiring fewer coats for superior coverage and professional results.
- Creamy texture enables smooth blending and layering, supporting both subtle transitions and bold color combinations.
- Three-hour drying time accelerates workflow, allowing quick application of multiple coats without extended waiting periods.
- Versatile formulas accommodate diverse surfaces including canvas, paper, glass, ceramic, and textured materials effectively.
- Size range from 2 oz to 32 oz matches any project scope while offering economical value.
| Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Set (250ml) |
| Best Starter Set | Number of Colors: 18 colors | Bottle Size: 250ml/8.45oz | Finish Type: Gloss | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Craft Smart 36 Assorted Acrylic Paint Set |
| Best Color Variety | Number of Colors: 36 colors | Bottle Size: 2 fl. oz./59ml | Finish Type: Standard | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Shuttle Art 72 Pack Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes |
| Best Professional Kit | Number of Colors: 60 colors | Bottle Size: 2oz/60ml | Finish Type: Standard | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set 12 24 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) |
| Best Budget Pick | Number of Colors: 12 colors | Bottle Size: 2 oz | Finish Type: Satin | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Craft Smart 12 Assorted Matte Acrylic Paint Set |
| Best Matte Finish | Number of Colors: 12 colors | Bottle Size: 2 fl. oz. | Finish Type: Matte | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set (50 Colors) |
| Best Overall Quality | Number of Colors: 50 colors | Bottle Size: 2oz/60ml | Finish Type: Standard | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Craft Smart 32oz Pool Blue Acrylic Paint |
| Best Single Color | Number of Colors: Single color (Pool Blue) | Bottle Size: 32 fl. oz. | Finish Type: Standard | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Set (250ml)
Whether you’re a seasoned artist, a curious beginner, or a parent seeking engaging materials for your kids, the Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Set delivers versatility without compromise. Each 250ml bottle offers rich, vibrant pigments with a thick, creamy texture that provides excellent coverage. You’ll appreciate how these paints mix and blend seamlessly to expand your color palette. The quick-drying, waterproof formula works beautifully on canvas, ceramic, glass, leather, and wood. Safety matters too—this non-toxic, acid-free set conforms to ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 standards, making it suitable for all ages. With included applicators, canvas board, paint cups, and storage box, you’re ready to create immediately.
- Number of Colors:18 colors
- Bottle Size:250ml/8.45oz
- Finish Type:Gloss
- Water-Based & Non-Toxic:Non-toxic, acid-free, ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3 compliant
- Drying Time:Quick-drying
- Surface Versatility:Canvas, ceramic, glass, leather, wood, rocks, nails, walls, clay
- Additional Feature:Includes canvas board & applicators
- Additional Feature:Extra large 250ml bottles
- Additional Feature:Gloss finish coverage
Craft Smart 36 Assorted Acrylic Paint Set
The Craft Smart 36 Assorted Acrylic Paint Set is ideal for artists and crafters who need versatility without breaking the bank. You’ll get thirty-six fast-drying colors in 2 fl. oz. bottles, each containing water-based, non-toxic paint that cleans up easily with soap and water. The intermixable formula lets you blend custom shades for your specific projects. Whether you’re working on wood, canvas, paper, clay, or resin, these paints permanently adhere to most craft surfaces. The extensive color palette ranges from vibrant reds and oranges to calming blues and greens, giving you everything you need for diverse artistic applications and creative expression.
- Number of Colors:36 colors
- Bottle Size:2 fl. oz./59ml
- Finish Type:Standard
- Water-Based & Non-Toxic:Water-based, non-toxic
- Drying Time:Fast-drying
- Surface Versatility:Wood, canvas, paper, bisque, clay, resin, terra cotta
- Additional Feature:Soap and water cleanup
- Additional Feature:Permanently adheres to surfaces
- Additional Feature:Intermixable color formula
Shuttle Art 72 Pack Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes
For artists seeking extensive color variety without compromise, Shuttle Art’s 72-pack acrylic paint set delivers everything you need in one purchase. You’ll get 58 unique colors plus extra whites and blacks, each in 2oz bottles of rich, pigmented paint. The included 12 brushes eliminate separate purchasing, saving you time and money. The water-based formula creates a creamy texture that you can easily mix and layer for professional results. Whether you’re painting canvas, rocks, glass, ceramics, or leather, this versatile set handles any surface. Non-toxic and meeting safety standards, it provides the quality and breadth serious artists demand.
- Number of Colors:60 colors
- Bottle Size:2oz/60ml
- Finish Type:Standard
- Water-Based & Non-Toxic:Water-based, non-toxic, ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3 compliant
- Drying Time:Fast-drying
- Surface Versatility:Canvas, glass, rocks, nails, walls, leather, ceramic, wood, clay, crafts
- Additional Feature:12 paint brushes included
- Additional Feature:58 unique colors plus extras
- Additional Feature:Rich pigmented formulation
Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set 12 24 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Artist’s seeking a reliable, budget-friendly starter kit will find the Apple Barrel Essentials Acrylic Paint Set perfectly suited to their needs. You’ll get twelve 2-ounce bottles featuring versatile colors like Outrageous Orange, Princess Purple, Primary Blue, and Clover Fields. The water-based, non-toxic formula dries to a satin finish and works on multiple surfaces, giving you creative flexibility. You can easily clean up with soap and water, eliminating messy solvents. Made proudly in the USA, this set delivers quality without breaking your budget. Whether you’re exploring acrylics or restocking essentials, you’ll appreciate the convenient color selection and practical bottle size for your artistic projects.
- Number of Colors:12 colors
- Bottle Size:2 oz
- Finish Type:Satin
- Water-Based & Non-Toxic:Water-based, non-toxic
- Drying Time:Not specified
- Surface Versatility:Multiple surfaces (not specified)
- Additional Feature:Proudly USA manufactured
- Additional Feature:Satin finish drying
- Additional Feature:12 named signature colors
Craft Smart 12 Assorted Matte Acrylic Paint Set
Vibrant color versatility and quick drying times make this 12-piece set ideal if you’re seeking reliable performance without the premium price tag. You’ll appreciate how these matte acrylics blend smoothly and cover surfaces in just one or two coats. The water-based formula dries to a soft finish within three hours, allowing you to layer efficiently. You can mix colors freely to create custom shades and tints, expanding your creative possibilities. Each 2 fl. oz. bottle adheres well to most surfaces, and cleanup requires only soap and water. AP-certified and non-toxic, this set meets ASTM D-4236 standards, making it safe for various projects. At 4.6 stars, users consistently praise its quality and value.
- Number of Colors:12 colors
- Bottle Size:2 fl. oz.
- Finish Type:Matte
- Water-Based & Non-Toxic:Water-based, non-toxic, AP-certified, ASTM D-4236 compliant
- Drying Time:Fast-drying (3 hours to dry)
- Surface Versatility:Most craft surfaces
- Additional Feature:AP-certified safe formula
- Additional Feature:Soft matte finish
- Additional Feature:Covers in 1-2 coats
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set (50 Colors)
Whether you’re just picking up a brush or you’ve been painting for years, you’ll find everything you need in this extensive 50-color collection. The Shuttle Art set delivers premium quality with creamy, mixable paints that cover surfaces beautifully. Each 2oz bottle gives you plenty of material to work with across canvas, rocks, wood, ceramics, and fabric. You’ll appreciate the waterproof, fade-resistant formula that stays vibrant permanently. The paints meet strict safety standards—ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3—ensuring they’re non-toxic and acid-free. At just under 9 pounds with 3 liters total volume, you’re getting substantial value. With a 4.7-star rating and ranking among top art paint products, this set demonstrates why artists trust it for serious creative work.
- Number of Colors:50 colors
- Bottle Size:2oz/60ml
- Finish Type:Standard
- Water-Based & Non-Toxic:Non-toxic, acid-free, ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3 compliant
- Drying Time:Not specified
- Surface Versatility:Canvas, rocks, wood, ceramic, fabric, and more
- Additional Feature:4.7 out of 5 stars
- Additional Feature:Fade resistant and permanent
- Additional Feature:Acid-free premium quality
Craft Smart 32oz Pool Blue Acrylic Paint
Looking for a fast-drying paint that’ll transform your creative projects? The Craft Smart 32oz Pool Blue Acrylic Paint delivers vibrant color in a generous bottle that won’t quit. You’ll appreciate its versatility—it works beautifully on canvas, wood, paper, and countless other surfaces. The fast-drying formula means you won’t wait around between layers, so you can build your artwork efficiently. Whether you’re sketching bold accents or covering large areas, this pool blue shade adds striking appeal to your designs. Its quality pigmentation guarantees your colors stay vivid long after completion. Stock this essential supply for any serious artist tackling mixed-media projects, murals, or detailed illustration work.
- Number of Colors:Single color (Pool Blue)
- Bottle Size:32 fl. oz.
- Finish Type:Standard
- Water-Based & Non-Toxic:Water-based paint
- Drying Time:Fast-drying
- Surface Versatility:Various surfaces and materials
- Additional Feature:Single large 32oz bottle
- Additional Feature:Vibrant pool blue color
- Additional Feature:Bulk paint option
Factors to Consider When Choosing Craft Smart Acrylic Paint
When you’re selecting Craft Smart acrylic paint, you’ll want to evaluate several key factors that directly impact your creative results. Consider the color range available, paint finish options like matte or glossy, bottle sizes that fit your project needs, surface compatibility for different materials, and drying time performance based on your working style. Each of these elements plays an essential role in determining whether Craft Smart paints will work best for your artistic goals.
Color Range and Selection
Craft Smart acrylic paints offer an extensive palette of vibrant, intermixable colors that you can mix and blend to achieve virtually any shade you need. The selection includes primary colors, secondary hues, neutrals, and specialty shades—giving you abundant options for any artistic vision.
This diverse color range empowers you to create custom tones and match specific requirements without limitations. Whether you’re working on canvas, wood, ceramic, or fabric, you’ll find the right colors for your project.
The versatility of Craft Smart’s palette suits both beginners experimenting with color theory and professionals executing complex compositions. By investing in this expansive color selection, you gain the flexibility to express your creativity freely while maintaining quality results across all your artistic endeavors.
Paint Finish Options
Beyond selecting your colors, you’ll want to examine the finish that best suits your artistic goals. Craft Smart acrylics offer matte, satin, and glossy options, each delivering distinct visual effects.
Matte finishes create flat, non-reflective surfaces perfect for subtle, understated compositions. They work exceptionally well when you’re aiming for sophisticated, refined aesthetics. Glossy finishes provide the opposite—shiny, reflective surfaces that amplify vibrancy and depth, making your artwork pop off the canvas.
Satin finishes bridge these two extremes, offering a gentle sheen that’s more reflective than matte but less intense than glossy. This versatility makes satin ideal when you want understated sophistication with modest luminosity.
Your choice depends entirely on your surface and desired visual impact. Consider your subject matter and the mood you’re creating to select the finish that’ll elevate your artistic vision.
Bottle Size and Volume
Selecting the right bottle size guarantees you’ll have adequate paint without waste or shortage. Craft Smart acrylic paint comes in sizes ranging from 2 oz bottles to 32 oz containers, allowing you to match your purchase to your project’s demands.
Consider your project’s scope when choosing. Small 2 oz and 4 oz bottles work well for detailed work or experimentation, while 8 oz, 16 oz, and 32 oz sizes suit larger projects. Larger containers offer better value per ounce, making them economical for frequent painters.
Think about your usage patterns too. If you paint regularly, investing in bigger bottles saves money. For occasional projects, smaller sizes prevent unused paint from drying out. Match the bottle size to both your immediate needs and long-term painting habits.
Surface Compatibility
Once you’ve determined your bottle size, you’ll want to ponder what you’re actually painting on. Different surfaces demand different paint formulations, and choosing the right one guarantees professional results.
Glass and ceramic require thin, fluid acrylics that adhere smoothly to non-porous surfaces. Canvas and paper, being absorbent, benefit from thicker, more opaque formulas that provide better coverage without multiple coats.
Consider your surface’s texture and finish carefully. Rough textures need paint that flows well into crevices, while smooth finishes demand formulas that won’t pool or streak. Unprimed wood absorbs differently than sealed wood, affecting how your paint performs.
Drying Time Performance
Speed matters when you’re working on multiple projects or tackling time-sensitive assignments. Craft Smart acrylic paints dry in approximately three hours, allowing you to layer colors efficiently without prolonged waiting periods. This rapid drying time accelerates your creative workflow and enables you to complete projects faster than slower-drying alternatives.
You’ll appreciate how the quick-drying formula accommodates impatient artists and those operating under tight deadlines. Whether you’re a professional juggling multiple commissions or a hobbyist managing limited studio time, Craft Smart’s performance streamlines your process.
The fast-drying characteristic empowers you to apply multiple coats in a single session, maximizing productivity. You can move seamlessly from one layer to the next, maintaining momentum and focus on your artistic vision without frustrating delays.
Blending and Mixability
Because color mixing is fundamental to achieving your artistic vision, Craft Smart acrylics’ high intermixability makes them an excellent choice for both experimentation and precision work. You’ll appreciate how their creamy texture enables smooth blending and seamless layering across your canvas.
The excellent pigmentation ensures you’re working with vibrant colors that don’t muddy when combined. You can confidently mix multiple hues without compromising color integrity or losing the unique properties that make each shade distinctive.
Since Craft Smart acrylics dry rapidly, you’re not waiting around between layers. This fast-drying benefit allows you to build complex compositions efficiently, layering new applications without disrupting your previous work. Whether you’re blending subtle shifts or creating bold color combinations, Craft Smart acrylics deliver the mixability and performance serious artists demand.
Coverage and Pigment Quality
When you’re selecting an acrylic paint, coverage and pigment quality directly impact your results. High-quality pigments deliver vibrant, opaque colors that cover surfaces effectively with fewer coats, saving you time and money. You’ll notice that paints with creamy, buttery consistency spread smoothly and evenly while providing stronger pigmentation and superior performance. The thickness of your paint affects how well it adheres and blends across your surface. Opacity determines whether underlying layers show through or remain completely obscured. Highly pigmented acrylics mix and blend effortlessly, allowing you to create an expansive range of color tones and shades. By prioritizing coverage and pigment quality, you guarantee your artwork displays rich, professional-looking colors that truly stand out.
Safety Certifications and Standards
After you’ve evaluated coverage and pigment quality, safety certifications become your next critical consideration. Craft Smart acrylic paints conform to ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 safety standards, ensuring they’re non-toxic and safe for your projects. You’ll appreciate that these paints carry AP certification from the Art and Creative Materials Institute, meaning they’re approved for all ages.
The water-based formula eliminates toxic fumes, making your workspace safer and more pleasant. You’ll also benefit from the acid-free composition, which protects your artwork’s longevity while supporting environmentally-friendly practices. When you’re selecting paints for yourself or children, these rigorous certifications and standards provide confidence that you’re choosing products meeting stringent safety requirements. This commitment to safety doesn’t compromise quality—it complements your pursuit of excellent results.
