You’ve likely heard fellow artists rave about their go-to paint sets, haven’t you? Finding the right oil paints can transform your work’s quality and consistency. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been painting for years, you’ll uncover that not all sets are created equal. The differences in pigment quality, color range, and price points matter considerably. Let’s explore which sets professionals actually trust.
Quick Overview
- Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Studio Set combines professional-grade materials with affordability for serious artists.
- PHOENIX Oil Paint Set guarantees excellent lightfastness and creamy consistency, ensuring long-lasting, vibrant paintings.
- RoseArt Premium Oil Paint Set delivers maximum strength pigments with rich, buttery texture for versatile surfaces.
- Ohuhu Oil Paint Set’s 36 vibrant, non-toxic colors with quick-drying formula suit beginners and professionals alike.
- MEEDEN Oil Paint Set features solvent and acid-free, environmentally-friendly formulations with fine pigment particles for smooth application.
| RoseArt Premium Oil Paint Set 24 Colors |
| Artist-Grade Quality | Number of Colors: 24 colors | Tube Size: 0.4oz tubes | Safety Certifications: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Ohuhu Oil Paint Set 36 Non-Toxic Colors (12ml) |
| Best Value | Number of Colors: 36 colors | Tube Size: 12ml/0.42oz tubes | Safety Certifications: ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3 (CE) certified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| PHOENIX Oil Paint Set 24 Tubes Non-toxic |
| British Tradition | Number of Colors: 24 colors | Tube Size: 12ml/0.4oz tubes | Safety Certifications: EN 71 and ASTM-4236 certified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 196Pcs Deluxe Artist Painting Set with French Easel |
| Most Comprehensive | Number of Colors: 24 colors oil paints (plus 48 acrylic, 24 watercolor) | Tube Size: Varies by paint type | Safety Certifications: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Studio Set |
| Professional Favorite | Number of Colors: 10 colors | Tube Size: 8 x 21ml tubes, 1 x 37ml tube, 1 x 75ml bottle | Safety Certifications: ASTM D4236 compliant | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| MEEDEN Oil Paint Set 24 Colors Non-Toxic |
| Best For Beginners | Number of Colors: 24 colors | Tube Size: 22ml/0.74oz tubes | Safety Certifications: AP, CE, ASTM D-4236 certified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 149Pcs Deluxe Artist Painting Set with Easel |
| Complete Studio Setup | Number of Colors: 24 colors oil paints (plus 48 acrylic, 24 watercolor) | Tube Size: Varies by paint type | Safety Certifications: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
RoseArt Premium Oil Paint Set 24 Colors
If you’re looking for artist-grade quality without the premium price tag, the RoseArt Premium Oil Paint Set delivers impressive performance for both casual and professional painters. You’ll receive 24 vibrant colors in .4oz tubes, including essential hues like Titanium White, Ultramarine Blue, Cadmium Red, and Burnt Sienna. The maximum strength pigments create a rich, buttery texture that glides smoothly across canvas, wood, and paper. You can effortlessly blend, layer, and build texture with exceptional coverage. Backed by RoseArt’s 100-year legacy in fine art quality, this set offers the consistency and performance you need to bring your artistic vision to life.
- Number of Colors:24 colors
- Tube Size:0.4oz tubes
- Safety Certifications:Not specified
- Suitable Surfaces:Canvas, wood, paper
- Artist Skill Level:Casual to professional artists
- Paint Quality/Pigmentation:Artist-grade, maximum strength pigmented
- Additional Feature:Rich, smooth, buttery texture
- Additional Feature:100 Years Fine Art legacy
- Additional Feature:Suitable for canvas, wood, paper
Ohuhu Oil Paint Set 36 Non-Toxic Colors (12ml)
The Ohuhu Oil Paint Set stands out as an excellent choice for beginners and students who want to explore oil painting without breaking the bank. You’ll get 36 vibrant, non-toxic colors in 12ml tubes, offering impressive versatility for landscapes, portraits, and abstract work. The set conforms to ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 safety standards, so you can paint worry-free. Each tube contains richly pigmented paint that dries quickly for a durable gloss finish. With its portable design and solid 4.5-star rating, you’re investing in a reliable starter set that serves classrooms and aspiring artists equally well.
- Number of Colors:36 colors
- Tube Size:12ml/0.42oz tubes
- Safety Certifications:ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3 (CE) certified
- Suitable Surfaces:Canvas
- Artist Skill Level:Beginners, artists, kids, adults, students
- Paint Quality/Pigmentation:Vibrant, richly pigmented
- Additional Feature:Portable and travel-friendly design
- Additional Feature:Dries quickly for durability
- Additional Feature:#135 in Art Paints ranking
PHOENIX Oil Paint Set 24 Tubes Non-toxic
For artists just starting their oil painting journey, PHOENIX’s 24-tube set offers everything you’ll need to master color mixing without breaking your budget. You’ll appreciate the high color saturation and strong tinting strength that deliver brilliant results. The finely ground pigments guarantee smooth application across canvas, wood panels, and oil pads. What sets this set apart is its excellent lightfastness—your paintings won’t fade under UV exposure. The thick, creamy consistency lets you create texture or blend with mediums as you develop your technique. With EN 71 and ASTM-4236 certification, you’re getting safe, professional-quality materials crafted using British traditions.
- Number of Colors:24 colors
- Tube Size:12ml/0.4oz tubes
- Safety Certifications:EN 71 and ASTM-4236 certified
- Suitable Surfaces:Canvas, oil color pad, wood panels, other surfaces
- Artist Skill Level:Beginners and amateurs
- Paint Quality/Pigmentation:High color saturation, finely ground pigments
- Additional Feature:British tradition and techniques
- Additional Feature:Excellent lightfastness/UV stability
- Additional Feature:Thick and creamy consistency
196Pcs Deluxe Artist Painting Set with French Easel
Artists seeking a thorough, all-in-one solution won’t find a more inclusive starter kit than this 196-piece set. You’ll receive 48 acrylic, 24 watercolor, and 24 oil paints alongside three brush sets, multiple canvas options, and a multifunctional French easel. The kit includes palette knives, palettes, a brush basin, and a color wheel—everything you need to explore different mediums without purchasing separately. Its professional-grade materials suit beginners through advanced artists alike. You’ll appreciate the cost-effectiveness and versatility this expansive collection offers, making it an excellent investment for serious painters ready to expand their artistic range.
- Number of Colors:24 colors oil paints (plus 48 acrylic, 24 watercolor)
- Tube Size:Varies by paint type
- Safety Certifications:Not specified
- Suitable Surfaces:Canvas and panels included
- Artist Skill Level:Beginning, advanced, professional artists
- Paint Quality/Pigmentation:Premium quality materials
- Additional Feature:Includes multifunctional French easel
- Additional Feature:48 acrylic + 24 watercolor paints
- Additional Feature:100% Lifetime Satisfaction Guarantee
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Studio Set
Winsor & Newton’s Winton Oil Color Paint Studio Set offers exceptional value because it combines affordability with professional-quality materials, making it ideal if you’re moving from student work to more serious painting. You’ll receive eight 21mL tubes, one 37mL Titanium White, and a 75mL bottle of Liquin Original medium. The set includes two brushes (#2 and #4) to get you started immediately. These moderately priced pigments conform to ASTM D4236 standards, ensuring quality and safety. With a stellar 4.8-star rating from thousands of customers, you’re investing in a trusted product. The compact dimensions make storage convenient, and the versatile colors work on multiple surfaces indoors and outdoors.
- Number of Colors:10 colors
- Tube Size:8 x 21ml tubes, 1 x 37ml tube, 1 x 75ml bottle
- Safety Certifications:ASTM D4236 compliant
- Suitable Surfaces:Glass (recommended)
- Artist Skill Level:Student, amateur, accomplished artists
- Paint Quality/Pigmentation:Moderately priced pigments
- Additional Feature:Includes Liquin Original medium
- Additional Feature:Includes 2 Winton paint brushes
- Additional Feature:4.8 out of 5 stars
MEEDEN Oil Paint Set 24 Colors Non-Toxic
The MEEDEN Oil Paint Set‘s extensive safety certifications—AP, CE, and ASTM D-4236 standards—make it an ideal choice if you’re seeking paints that won’t compromise your health or the environment. You’ll appreciate that these solvent and acid-free formulations contain harmless elements aligned with 100% environmental principles.
This 24-color set delivers premium quality with vibrant hues and buttery consistency. The paints’ single particles measure less than 35μm, achieved through time-by-time grinding, ensuring smooth application and exceptional clarity. Whether you’re just exploring oil painting or you’re a seasoned artist, you’ll find this versatile set meets your creative needs across all skill levels.
- Number of Colors:24 colors
- Tube Size:22ml/0.74oz tubes
- Safety Certifications:AP, CE, ASTM D-4236 certified
- Suitable Surfaces:Canvas painting
- Artist Skill Level:All-level artists (toddlers to elderly)
- Paint Quality/Pigmentation:Premium quality, vibrant, time-by-time grinding
- Additional Feature:Single particle dia <35μm
- Additional Feature:Solvent & acid-free formulation
- Additional Feature:Environmental principles certified
149Pcs Deluxe Artist Painting Set with Easel
If you’re searching for a thorough painting solution that doesn’t require multiple purchases, this 149-piece set delivers everything you need in one package. You’ll get two easels—an aluminum tripod and wood desk table—plus 48 acrylic colors, 24 watercolor shades, and 24 oil paints. The collection includes three brush sets, drawing pads, two stretched canvases, six canvas panels, palette knives, palettes, and a brush basin. These premium materials suit acrylic, watercolor, and oil painting equally well. Whether you’re a beginner or professional, you’ll appreciate the cost-effective collocation compared to buying separately. The lifetime satisfaction guarantee safeguards your investment.
- Number of Colors:24 colors oil paints (plus 48 acrylic, 24 watercolor)
- Tube Size:Varies by paint type
- Safety Certifications:Not specified
- Suitable Surfaces:Canvas and panels included
- Artist Skill Level:Beginning, advanced, professional artists
- Paint Quality/Pigmentation:Premium quality, sturdy and durable
- Additional Feature:Includes 2 easels (aluminum/wood)
- Additional Feature:48 acrylic + 24 watercolor paints
- Additional Feature:100% Lifetime Satisfaction Guarantee
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Oil Paint Set
When you’re selecting an oil paint set, you’ll want to evaluate the pigment quality and saturation to guarantee you’re getting vibrant, long-lasting colors that won’t fade over time. Consider the tube size and volume alongside the color range selection, as these factors directly impact both your budget and creative flexibility. You should also examine surface compatibility and drying time considerations, since different formulations work better with specific canvases and may require longer cure periods depending on your painting style.
Pigment Quality and Saturation
One of the most critical factors distinguishing excellent oil paint sets from mediocre ones is pigment quality and saturation. When you’re selecting paints, you’ll want to prioritize high-quality pigments that deliver rich, vibrant colors with excellent light fastness—ensuring your artwork won’t fade over time.
Finely ground pigments are essential because they allow you to apply paint smoothly and blend effortlessly. Pigment saturation directly impacts your results: higher saturation gives you greater opacity and color intensity, letting you achieve professional-level work.
The pigment-to-binder ratio also matters considerably. You’ll notice this balance affects your paint’s consistency and handling properties, influencing how easily you can work with the medium. Superior pigment quality ultimately determines whether you’ll achieve the vibrant, lasting results that professional artists demand from their materials.
Tube Size and Volume
Selecting the right tube size greatly influences your painting practice, budget, and artistic workflow. Oil paint tubes typically range from 0.4 oz to 2 oz, each serving different purposes. Smaller tubes offer portability and affordability, making them ideal for travel or experimentation with new colors. However, they’ll deplete quickly on large-scale projects. Larger tubes provide more paint and reduce refill frequency, suiting artists tackling ambitious works.
Your choice depends on your specific needs. Compare the volume-to-price ratio to determine the best value for your requirements. Consistency across your set matters too—uniform tube sizes guarantee cohesive paint application and visual aesthetics. Consider starting with smaller tubes to test various colors before committing to larger quantities of your favorites.
Color Range Selection
A limited palette doesn’t necessarily restrict your artistic potential—it actually can sharpen your color-mixing skills and streamline your decision-making process. When selecting your oil paint set, you’ll want to ponder whether you prefer working with primary colors plus earth tones or investing in a more expansive range.
Think about your painting style and subject matter. Portrait artists typically need skin tone variations, while landscape painters benefit from greens and blues. Evaluate starter sets carefully; they often include colors you’ll rarely use while omitting essential hues you’ll need constantly.
You’ll find that mid-range sets offer the best balance between versatility and value. They provide enough colors for experimentation without overwhelming you. Deliberate purchasing individual tubes later as your preferences become clearer and your technique develops.
Surface Compatibility
Beyond color selection, you’ll need to match your oil paint set to the surface you’re planning to work on. Different surfaces demand different paint formulations. Canvas typically works well with standard oil paints, while wood panels and paper require compatible options that guarantee proper adhesion.
Consider paint consistency when selecting your set. Fluid, thin paints glide smoothly across finished surfaces, whereas thick, impasto formulations grip textured canvases effectively. You should also evaluate the desired finish—satin or glossy sheens create distinct visual effects depending on your artistic goals.
Some surfaces benefit from primers or specialized mediums that enhance longevity and application quality. Before investing in a paint set, research whether your chosen surface requires additional preparation or specific paint types to achieve ideal results and prevent deterioration over time.
Drying Time Considerations
Since oil paints dry at vastly different rates depending on pigment composition and environmental conditions, you’ll want to understand these variations before committing to a set. Some paints dry within 24 hours, while others require several days—a significant difference when you’re layering techniques.
If you prefer faster results, consider sets containing alkyd mediums, which accelerate drying and enable quicker layering. Conversely, slower-drying paints excel for blending and wet-on-wet work, though they demand patience between applications.
Your studio environment matters too. Lower temperatures and higher humidity extend drying times considerably. By selecting a set aligned with your preferred techniques and climate conditions, you’ll optimize your workflow and achieve the effects you’re pursuing without unnecessary delays or frustration.
Safety Certifications and Toxicity
Three primary safety concerns should guide your oil paint selection: pigment composition, solvent toxicity, and environmental impact. You’ll want to verify that your chosen set conforms to safety standards like ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3, which guarantee formulations meet established safety benchmarks.
Look for water-miscible oil paints that you can clean with soap and water, eliminating your need for harsh solvents. This option drastically reduces your exposure to potentially harmful fumes and particles compared to traditional oil paints.
Reputable brands prioritize safety and environmental responsibility, making them your best choice for personal or educational use. Always check product labels for toxicity certifications, and maintain proper ventilation and personal protective equipment when working. These practices minimize health risks while you create.
Budget and Value Proposition
When you’re selecting an oil paint set, price alone won’t tell you what you’re really getting. You’ll find options ranging from budget-friendly student grades to premium professional sets, but higher costs don’t guarantee better results for your needs.
Evaluate the cost per tube or volume to compare true value across different price points. Consider what you’re actually receiving: paint quantity, color range, and included accessories like brushes or mediums. A mid-range set offering quality pigments, diverse colors, and adequate volume often provides better value than expensive options with limited selections.
Establish a realistic budget that balances quality with affordability. Look for sets delivering a solid mix of quality, variety, and quantity within your financial constraints. This approach maximizes your investment and supports your artistic development effectively.
Artist Skill Level Requirements
Your skill level fundamentally shapes which oil paint set will serve you best. If you’re a beginner, you’ll benefit from sets offering wide color ranges with detailed instructions to grasp foundational techniques. As an intermediate painter, you’ll want higher pigment quality and greater versatility to experiment with advanced methods. Professional artists demand maximum color vibrancy, consistency, and lightfastness—qualities essential for gallery-worthy results.
Consider your specific genre too. If you work in portraiture, landscape, or abstract art, specialized sets tailored to those styles optimize your workflow and color palette. Some versatile sets bridge multiple skill levels, making them excellent starting points that grow with your abilities.
Ultimately, matching your set to your current skill level prevents wasted investment while ensuring you access the tools necessary for artistic growth.
