You’ve probably noticed that metallic watercolors can make or break your artwork’s visual impact. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned artist, selecting the right paint set determines both your creative output and your budget. The question isn’t just about finding colors—it’s about uncovering which sets actually deliver the quality and versatility you need. Let’s explore what makes certain brands stand out among the rest.
Quick Overview
- Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI leads with 4.8-star rating and versatile pearlescent coverage for professional-grade metallic watercolor painting.
- ARTISTRO’s 50 metallic colors with instant activation and ASTM D-4236 certification appeal to artists prioritizing quality and safety.
- Winsor & Newton Cotman offers compact portability with guaranteed permanence, ideal for traveling artists seeking reliable metallic paints.
- FURGANG ART’s hyperfine grinding pigments deliver smooth, grainless application with environmental friendliness and wooden box presentation for serious practitioners.
- High pigmentation, lightfastness, and included accessories like brushes and mixing trays determine which metallic watercolors artists repeatedly choose.
| Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set with Brush |
| Best Portable | Number of Colors: 8 colors | Included Accessories: Travel brush | Portability: Pocket-sized, compact design | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| ARTISTRO 50 Metallic Watercolor Paint Set with Brush Pens |
| Best Value | Number of Colors: 50 colors | Included Accessories: Water brush, nylon brush, sponge | Portability: Compact tin case | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set 24 Colors |
| Professional Grade | Number of Colors: 24 colors | Included Accessories: None listed | Portability: Suitable for travel (larger format) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Emooqi Watercolor Paint Set with Metallic Glitter Colors |
| Best For Beginners | Number of Colors: 12 colors | Included Accessories: 2 water brushes, 2 color cards, storage bag | Portability: Compact storage box with metal lid | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Professional Metallic Watercolor Paints 36-Color Set |
| Most Complete Kit | Number of Colors: 36 colors | Included Accessories: Wooden box, drafting paper, color cardstock, brush, bag | Portability: Portable bag included | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Artecho Metallic Glitter Watercolor Paint Set (50 Colors) |
| Best Overall | Number of Colors: 50 colors | Included Accessories: 2 color charts, carrying box, bottom ring | Portability: Compact case with carrying box | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Watercolor Paint Set with 100 Bright Colors |
| Most Versatile | Number of Colors: 100 colors | Included Accessories: 3 brush pens, 2 brushes, sponge, swatch card | Portability: Compact metal case | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set with Brush
If you’re an artist who values portability without sacrificing quality, the Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set with Brush is your ideal choice. This pocket-sized set contains eight metallic watercolors in half-pan format, crafted from fine art pigments rather than dyes. You’ll appreciate that all colors are permanent, guaranteeing your artwork’s longevity. The included travel brush makes painting on-the-go effortless, while the compact design fits easily into your bag. You’ll also find space for four additional colors, allowing you to customize your palette as your skills develop. Whether you’re an amateur or experienced artist, you’ll trust this set’s reliable performance for consistent, lasting results.
- Number of Colors:8 colors
- Included Accessories:Travel brush
- Portability:Pocket-sized, compact design
- Safety Standards:Fine art pigments, permanent colors
- Target Audience:Amateur and experienced artists
- Customer Rating:Not listed
- Additional Feature:Fine art pigments, not dyes
- Additional Feature:Expandable to 12 colors
- Additional Feature:Permanent color longevity
ARTISTRO 50 Metallic Watercolor Paint Set with Brush Pens
The ARTISTRO 50 Metallic Watercolor Paint Set stands out as the ideal choice for artists who need portability without sacrificing color range. You’ll get 50 shimmering metallic colors in a compact tin that slips easily into your bag. The highly pigmented, blendable paints activate instantly with water, making them perfect for travel, classroom settings, or plein air work. Each set includes a refillable water brush, nylon brush, and natural sponge, plus a built-in mixing tray. The metallic finish creates stunning highlights and decorative accents on your artwork. With a 4.7-star rating from 217 reviews and ASTM D-4236 certification, you’re investing in quality that won’t compromise safety. Whether you’re a hobbyist, student, or professional, this set delivers serious value.
- Number of Colors:50 colors
- Included Accessories:Water brush, nylon brush, sponge
- Portability:Compact tin case
- Safety Standards:ASTM D-4236 compliant, non-toxic
- Target Audience:Hobbyists, students, professionals
- Customer Rating:4.7 out of 5 stars
- Additional Feature:Refillable water brush included
- Additional Feature:Built-in mixing tray
- Additional Feature:Natural sponge accessory
Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set 24 Colors
For artists seeking professional-quality metallic watercolors with vibrant, nature-inspired shades, you’ll find Kuretake’s GANSAI TAMBI set an exceptional choice. This Japanese-made collection features 24 stunning metallic and pearlescent colors, including five new additions like Gem Coral and Copper. The larger pans accommodate versatile brushwork, while the unique pigment ink delivers opaque coverage for flat washes and seamless blending. You can dilute these water-based paints for traditional watercolor effects or apply them densely like gouache. The set earns a stellar 4.8-star rating from over 10,000 reviews, ranking #335 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing. With a 30-day return guarantee and non-toxic formulation, you’re investing in trusted quality.
- Number of Colors:24 colors
- Included Accessories:None listed
- Portability:Suitable for travel (larger format)
- Safety Standards:Non-toxic, made in Japan
- Target Audience:Professional artists, adults
- Customer Rating:4.8 out of 5 stars
- Additional Feature:Larger pans for versatility
- Additional Feature:Usable as gouache alternative
- Additional Feature:Dries with slight sheen
Emooqi Watercolor Paint Set with Metallic Glitter Colors
You’ll find the Emooqi Watercolor Paint Set with Metallic Glitter Colors particularly valuable if you’re seeking a thorough starter kit that doesn’t compromise on quality. This set includes twelve metallic glitter shades, two water brushes, color cards, and a convenient storage bag. The high pigment concentration delivers excellent transparency and a stunning shimmer effect on both white and black paper. Colors blend smoothly, dry quickly, and resist fading without cracking or developing a chalky texture. The metal lid features three partitions for easy color mixing. You can confidently use this non-toxic, odorless formula for illustrations, cardmaking, art journaling, and original artwork. Its compact design makes it perfectly portable for creating anywhere.
- Number of Colors:12 colors
- Included Accessories:2 water brushes, 2 color cards, storage bag
- Portability:Compact storage box with metal lid
- Safety Standards:Non-toxic, odorless
- Target Audience:Various skill levels (coloring, journaling, original art)
- Customer Rating:Not listed
- Additional Feature:Metal lid with 3 partitions
- Additional Feature:Includes color cards (black/white)
- Additional Feature:Quick-drying, fading resistant
Professional Metallic Watercolor Paints 36-Color Set
Artists seeking an extensive metallic watercolor solution will find FURGANG ART’s 36-color set particularly valuable because it combines professional-grade pigments with practical accessories for immediate use. You’ll appreciate the hyperfine grinding pigments that deliver smooth application without graininess, ensuring durability and fade resistance. The modified mica powder creates authentic shimmer effects that enhance your metallic shades. Your creativity expands beyond traditional painting—apply these non-toxic, environmentally friendly paints to clay, decorations, nails, and cards. The wooden box, drafting paper, brush, and portability bag mean you’re ready for travel or studio work. At 10.8 ounces, this set gives you professional quality without the premium price tag, making it ideal for illustrators and hobbyists alike.
- Number of Colors:36 colors
- Included Accessories:Wooden box, drafting paper, color cardstock, brush, bag
- Portability:Portable bag included
- Safety Standards:Non-toxic, environmentally friendly
- Target Audience:Artists, illustrators, hobbyists
- Customer Rating:Not listed
- Additional Feature:Includes wooden storage box
- Additional Feature:Comes with drafting paper
- Additional Feature:Modified mica powder shimmer
Artecho Metallic Glitter Watercolor Paint Set (50 Colors)
The Artecho Metallic Glitter Watercolor Paint Set stands out as the ideal choice for anyone seeking versatility across multiple creative disciplines. You’ll appreciate the 50 shimmering metallic colors that deliver rich, strongly pigmented results for card making, illustrations, nail art, and craft coloring. The ergonomic bottom ring keeps your hand comfortable during extended sessions, while the compact carrying case lets you paint anywhere. Whether you’re a beginner exploring watercolors or a seasoned professional expanding your palette, this set meets your needs. You can trust the non-toxic, acid-free formula that conforms to ASTM D-4236 safety standards and washes out easily from most surfaces.
- Number of Colors:50 colors
- Included Accessories:2 color charts, carrying box, bottom ring
- Portability:Compact case with carrying box
- Safety Standards:ASTM D-4236 compliant, non-toxic, acid-free
- Target Audience:Amateur hobbyists, beginners, professionals
- Customer Rating:Not listed
- Additional Feature:Bottom ring for easy holding
- Additional Feature:Includes black and white charts
- Additional Feature:Acid-free and washable
Watercolor Paint Set with 100 Bright Colors
Whether you’re a beginner exploring watercolor for the first time or a seasoned professional seeking an expanded palette, this 100-color set delivers exceptional versatility without compromise. You’ll access 50 regular shades, 35 metallics, 5 fluorescents, and 10 candy colors—eliminating tedious mixing and blending. The high-quality pigments guarantee excellent solubility and smooth application across skill levels. You’re not just getting paint; the compact metal case includes three watercolor brush pens, two regular brushes, an art sponge, and a swatch card. Weighing practically nothing, you’ll effortlessly carry this kit anywhere. Non-toxic formulations meeting ASTM D-4236 and EN71 standards mean you’ll paint confidently, knowing safety matches quality.
- Number of Colors:100 colors
- Included Accessories:3 brush pens, 2 brushes, sponge, swatch card
- Portability:Compact metal case
- Safety Standards:ASTM D-4236 and EN71 compliant, non-toxic
- Target Audience:Adult beginners and professional artists
- Customer Rating:Not listed
- Additional Feature:Includes 5 fluorescent hues
- Additional Feature:10 candy colors included
- Additional Feature:3 watercolor brush pens
Factors to Consider When Choosing Metallic Watercolor Paint
When you’re shopping for metallic watercolor paints, you’ll want to examine the color range and variety available, since different brands offer vastly different selections. You should also evaluate the pigment quality and permanence to guarantee your artwork won’t fade, and consider the portability and case design if you plan to paint on the go. Finally, check what accessories and tools come included, and verify that the paints meet safety standards and contain non-toxic formulations.
Color Range and Variety
Your creative potential expands drastically when you choose metallic watercolors with a diverse palette. A wide spectrum of shades gives you greater versatility and encourages artistic experimentation.
When evaluating sets, prioritize those offering both warm and cool metallic tones. This balance enhances your artwork’s depth and visual appeal. Look for collections that blend opaque and transparent pigments, enabling layered effects and unique techniques you wouldn’t achieve with single-finish paints.
Some premium sets include combined color types like pearlescent or glittery finishes, greatly expanding your visual impact possibilities. These variations transform how light interacts with your work.
Ensure the colors you select are easily mixable and blendable. This capability fundamentally enhances your artistic expression, allowing you to create custom shades and push creative boundaries further than pre-mixed options alone permit.
Pigment Quality and Permanence
The pigments you choose make or break your metallic watercolor investment. High-quality pigments produce more intense, vibrant hues that’ll genuinely elevate your work. You’ll want to prioritize permanence by selecting paints labeled “lightfast”—this guarantees your artwork won’t fade over time.
Opt for fine art pigments rather than dyes, as they offer superior color stability and longevity. You’ll notice that finely ground pigments provide smoother application and better blending, creating a more rewarding painting experience.
When shopping, look for formulations specifying permanence ratings or archival qualities. These labels assure your metallic colors remain vivid and don’t degrade. This attention to pigment quality isn’t optional if you’re serious about creating lasting artwork.
Portability and Case Design
If you’re constantly moving between studios, traveling to paint en plein air, or simply want flexibility in your creative practice, portability matters tremendously. You’ll appreciate lightweight, compact cases that don’t weigh you down during outdoor sessions. Durable tin or metal containers protect your paints from damage while offering sturdy mixing surfaces. Look for foldable or slim designs that maximize space efficiency, often accommodating brushes or extra colors without bulk.
Built-in mixing trays integrated into case designs eliminate the need for separate palettes, streamlining your setup. Most importantly, prioritize secure closure mechanisms that prevent spills and keep your paints organized during transport. These features guarantee your metallic watercolors remain intact and accessible wherever inspiration strikes.
Included Accessories and Tools
Beyond a well-designed case, you’ll want to examine what accessories come bundled with your metallic watercolor set. Many quality sets include brushes, mixing trays, and color charts that streamline your painting process and eliminate the need for separate purchases. A refillable water brush proves invaluable for outdoor or travel sessions, allowing you to hydrate paints conveniently without carrying extra water containers. Color cards help you visualize hues and strategize your palette before committing to your artwork. Built-in mixing areas within the set facilitate seamless color blending, enabling you to create vibrant, customized shades. Prioritize sets offering these practical tools—they enhance both efficiency and creative flexibility while keeping your supplies organized and portable.
Safety Standards and Toxicity
While selecting your metallic watercolor paints, you’ll want to confirm they meet established safety standards like ASTM D-4236, which confirms the manufacturer’s tested the formulation for toxicity and safety in creative applications. Non-toxic formulations protect you and others from harmful exposure, especially during extended use or in poorly ventilated spaces.
Look for acid-free labels to confirm your artwork won’t deteriorate over time. Verify that pigments contain no heavy metals or dangerous chemicals that could affect your health through skin contact or inhalation.
Check for environmental certifications on packaging, which indicate responsible manufacturing practices. These labels provide assurance that you’re using materials safe for both your well-being and the planet, making informed choices straightforward when comparing products.
Price and Value Proposition
Once you’ve confirmed your metallic watercolors meet safety standards, evaluating their cost-effectiveness becomes your next priority. Calculate the price per color in each set, as options with more colors typically offer better overall value. Consider whether you’ll need tubes or pans based on your painting habits and budget constraints. Quality pigments command premium prices but deliver superior vibrancy and longevity in your finished work. Examine what extras accompany your purchase—brushes, palettes, or mixing trays can greatly enhance the set’s worth. Finally, review user ratings and artist feedback to understand how prices align with actual performance. This research guarantees you’re investing in metallic watercolors that justify their cost through reliable quality and satisfaction.
Blendability and Application Ease
As you test metallic watercolors, you’ll quickly notice that pigment concentration directly affects how smoothly they blend and activate with water. Highly pigmented formulations allow you to achieve seamless color shifts with minimal effort, giving you greater control over your work.
The medium type matters too. Water-based pigments enable you to create both delicate washes and rich, dense applications, expanding your technical possibilities. You’ll appreciate products designed for easy activation—they respond immediately when you introduce water, streamlining your workflow.
Consider practical features that enhance application ease. Compact designs with built-in mixing trays give you dedicated blending space right at your fingertips, fostering creativity without requiring additional supplies. Non-toxic formulations conforming to ASTM D-4236 standards let you focus entirely on technique without safety concerns.
Suitable Skill Level Match
How do you know which metallic watercolor set matches your artistic experience? Your skill level determines which features you’ll actually use and enjoy.
If you’re starting out, you’ll benefit from compact sets with built-in mixing trays and user-friendly designs. These kits typically include essential tools like brushes and swatch cards, giving you everything needed to begin confidently.
As an intermediate or advanced artist, you’ll want highly pigmented paints offering superior blending capabilities and extensive color options. These professional-grade sets support the intricate, detailed work you’re creating.
Regardless of your experience level, prioritize non-toxic, safety-certified paints. They guarantee safe handling for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned artist. Matching your skill level to the right set maximizes both your enjoyment and artistic results.
