10 Best Watercolor Brands: Expert Picks for Quality in 2026
Choosing the best watercolor brands can feel a bit like diving into a vibrant, swirling palette of options. Whether you’re just starting your artistic journey or you’re a seasoned pro looking to upgrade your supplies, finding the right paints makes all the difference. High-quality watercolors offer brilliant pigments, smooth blending, and lasting vibrancy, elevating your artwork from good to gallery-worthy. We’ve meticulously tested and reviewed a variety of watercolor paint sets to help you discover the perfect match for your creative needs and artistic style. Get ready to explore some fantastic options that will inspire your next masterpiece!
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 10 Best Watercolor Brands Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Watercolor Paint Set with 100 Bright Colors: for Adult Beginners & Professional with Metallic – T……
This extensive watercolor paint set is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to explore a vast spectrum of colors, including stunning metallic shades. With 100 vivid options, it truly opens up unlimited creative possibilities for both budding artists and experienced painters alike. The set provides everything you need to start creating beautiful artwork right out of the box.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 100 Bright and Vivid Watercolors: An expansive collection, including unique metallic hues.
- ✓ Versatile for Every Artist: Suitable for adult beginners and seasoned professionals.
- ✓ Everything You Need: Comes as a complete premium set with necessary accessories.
- ✓ High Pigmentation: Colors are highly pigmented, allowing a little paint to go a long way.
Why We Recommend It
We absolutely recommend this set because it offers incredible value and versatility. The sheer number of colors, especially the metallic ones, allows for immense creative freedom. The high pigment quality ensures your artwork will be vibrant and eye-catching, making it one of the best watercolor brands for comprehensive creative expression.
Best For
This set is ideal for artists who want a wide range of colors, including special metallic shades, and for those who appreciate a complete kit that works well for both learning and advanced projects.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extensive color palette with 100 options, including metallics.
- Highly pigmented colors for vibrant, smooth application.
- Includes quality brushes and a sturdy tin for convenience.
- Great value for the comprehensive range and quality.
Cons:
- Might be overwhelming for absolute beginners due to the large selection.
- The metallic colors, while beautiful, might not be suitable for all traditional watercolor techniques.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Paint was soft and blends well. Goes on smoothly. Colors are vibrant and metallic colors are beautiful. Color swatch was fun to make and test all the colors and was very useful when painting. The brushes included were very nice quality, a lot better then I thought they would be. Would buy again.
Customer Review: The colors are highly pigmented, a little water goes a long way. The water brushes came in 3 different styles and the regular brushes came in two different styles. The tin is sturdy and I love that it has a thick plastic removable protective divider that fits snuggly. T.
2. Watercolor Workbooks: A 12-Color Paint Set with Brush, Ideal for Beginner Artists….
For those just dipping their toes into the wonderful world of watercolors, this workbook is an absolute gem. It’s designed to be incredibly beginner-friendly, offering a guided approach to learning watercolor techniques. The integrated 12-color palette and brush make it a complete, portable solution for creative exploration.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Beginner-Friendly Workbooks: Includes instructions and guidance for learning.
- ✓ Integrated 12-Color Palette and Brush: All essentials are neatly packaged together.
- ✓ Practical Design: Multiple sheets bound in a workbook format for organized practice.
- ✓ Portable Size: Convenient for both indoor and outdoor painting sessions.
Why We Recommend It
We picked this as an Editor’s Choice because it perfectly caters to beginners. The workbook format demystifies watercolor painting, providing structured lessons that build confidence. It’s an excellent entry point into the world of watercolor painting without the need to buy separate supplies.
Best For
This is the perfect choice for absolute beginners, children, or anyone looking for a stress-free way to try watercolor painting with guided lessons.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent for learning basic watercolor techniques with step-by-step instructions.
- All-in-one set: paint, brush, and paper are conveniently combined.
- Workbook format helps in practicing different subjects like flowers.
- Highly portable, great for travel or painting on the go.
Cons:
- Limited color palette (12 colors) for advanced artists.
- Paper quality might not be suitable for professional-level layering.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This watercolor workbook is perfect for beginners! It includes instructions on how to paint flowers. It has different kinds of beautiful flowers pictures inside. It shows the color palette and instructions steps by steps!
Customer Review: This watercolor workbook is perfect for beginners! It includes instructions on how to paint flowers. It has different kinds of beautiful flowers pictures inside. It shows the color palette and instructions steps by steps!Read more
3. Watercolor Workbook: A Complete 26-Color Paint Set with Brush, Storage Bag, and 13 Pages….
This watercolor workbook is a fantastic option for those seeking a complete artistic experience without breaking the bank. It combines a generous 26-color paint set with high-quality paper and essential accessories, all neatly packed for convenience. It’s particularly good for learning animal textures and details, making it a great beginner watercolor paint set.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Premium 300G Watercolor Sketchbook: 13 thick pages designed to prevent bleeding and warping.
- ✓ Ergonomic Detachable 26-Color Palette: Comfortable to hold with a removable design for easy mixing.
- ✓ Beginner-Friendly & Easy to Use: Provides guided practice for capturing various animal textures.
- ✓ Complete Set: Includes a brush and storage bag for portability.
Why We Recommend It
This set is our top budget pick because it delivers a comprehensive experience at an accessible price. The combination of good quality paper, a decent range of colors, and guided pages makes it an excellent starter kit for exploring different subjects and techniques. It’s truly one of the best watercolor brands for beginners looking for value.
Best For
Ideal for beginners and children interested in learning watercolor, especially those wanting to focus on specific subjects like animals with guided practice.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for a complete watercolor set including a workbook.
- 300G paper helps prevent bleeding and warping.
- 26 vibrant colors offer a good range for creative projects.
- Guided pages simplify learning complex textures like fur and feathers.
Cons:
- The “beginner-friendly” guidance might be too restrictive for more experienced artists.
- Brush quality might be basic compared to standalone art brushes.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: My kid love it! Paper quality is amazing. Color accuracy and quality is top. It shows you which color you have to use on every page. Its really nice.
Customer Review: Nice watercolor set for beginnersGood quality paper and bright colors. The paints work well, and the brush is easy to use. Everything comes neatly packed in the storage bag. Great set for beginners and practice.
4. Grabie Watercolor Coloring Book: 15 Sheets of 100% Cotton Paper for Artists….
If you’re looking to elevate your watercolor practice with superior paper, the Grabie Watercolor Coloring Book is an excellent choice. Featuring 15 sheets of 100% cotton paper, it’s designed to deliver professional-grade results with exceptional color absorption and blending. This book is a wonderful companion for artists of all levels.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Premium 100% Cotton Paper: Ensures superior color absorption and blending, perfect for true watercolor brilliance.
- ✓ 15 Exquisite Artistic Designs: Offers a curated collection of intricate patterns like florals and landscapes.
- ✓ Portable Watercolor Companion: Functions as both an inspiring canvas and a practical guide.
- ✓ Heavyweight Paper: Prevents buckling and allows for multiple washes.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this coloring book because the quality of the paper is paramount in watercolor painting, and 100% cotton paper makes a huge difference. This book provides a fantastic surface for practicing and refining your skills, offering a reliable foundation for vibrant and smooth artwork. It’s a great addition to any artist’s collection of watercolor supplies.
Best For
Artists who want to practice watercolor techniques on high-quality paper without having to sketch their own designs, suitable for all skill levels.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 100% cotton paper provides excellent absorption and blending properties.
- Pre-drawn designs offer a relaxing way to practice and improve skills.
- Heavyweight paper can handle multiple layers of wash without buckling.
- Portable format makes it easy to take and paint anywhere.
Cons:
- Does not include paints or brushes, requiring separate purchase.
- Limited number of pages (15 sheets).
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Adorable Pictures to paint. Excellent way to relax! I like doing these while listening to an audio book to really decompress and clear my mind. I have almost zero experience doing something like this but I find the process extremely satisfying. Some gift cards like this would be very welcome. I.
Customer Review: Cute and affordable gift. Higher quality than I expected for the price and just the right size!
5. ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set: 100 Colors with a Portable Palette and Brush Pens….
The ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set is a dream come true for artists who crave a vast palette and portability. With 100 richly pigmented colors, it offers endless creative combinations. This complete kit, housed in a sleek, durable box with brush pens, is perfect for both gifting and travel, truly one of the best watercolor brands for on-the-go artistry.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 100 Richly Pigmented Colors: Offers an extensive array of shades for limitless creativity.
- ✓ Complete Painting Kit: Includes a portable palette and brush pens, making it travel-ready.
- ✓ High-Pigment, Blendable Paint: Creamy paints ensure seamless blending, smooth transitions, and strong coverage.
- ✓ Durable, Sleek Box: Ideal for storage, gifting, and taking anywhere.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the ARTISTRO set for its incredible range of colors and its user-friendly design. The paints are vibrant and blend beautifully, making it easy to achieve professional-looking results. The inclusion of brush pens and a portable palette makes it exceptionally convenient for artists who love to paint anywhere, anytime.
Best For
This set is perfect for artists who desire a large color selection, appreciate high pigment quality, and need a portable, all-in-one watercolor kit for travel or outdoor painting.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge selection of 100 vibrant, richly pigmented colors.
- Paints offer excellent blendability and smooth application.
- Comes with a portable palette and brush pens, making it a complete kit.
- Compact and sturdy packaging, ideal for travel.
Cons:
- The sheer number of colors might be overwhelming for absolute beginners.
- Brush pens may not suit all artists’ preferences, some prefer traditional brushes.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I already owned the travel set, and based on it’s amazing quality and value, decided to buy the metallic/ chameleon set also. Here is my experience and opinion of both these fine products:1. Travel set: I have a lot of water color sets and options, such that I really try to limit my purchases. But, .
Customer Review: These metallic watercolors are amazing. The colors are super vibrant, smooth, and really pop on both white and black paper. They blend easily, dry fast, and have a beautiful shimmer that makes artwork stand out. The set comes nicely packaged and includes everything you need to start painting right a.
6. MeiLiang Watercolor Paint Set: 36 Vivid Colors in a Pocket Box with Brush….
The MeiLiang Watercolor Paint Set offers a delightful experience with its 36 vivid colors, all conveniently packed in a pocket-sized metal box with a brush. It’s a fantastic option for artists who appreciate good quality pigments and a compact design. The use of Arabic gum in its formulation enhances gloss and transparency, making it a great choice among watercolor brands.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ High-Quality Arabic Gum: Increases gloss, transparency, and intensity of colors.
- ✓ 36 High-Pigmented Colors: Offers a great selection with vibrant hues that mix well.
- ✓ Well-Designed Pocket Package: Sturdy metal case acts as a palette, perfect for travel.
- ✓ Smooth Application: No chalky or grainy feel once dry, ensuring a professional finish.
Why We Recommend It
This MeiLiang set is a standout for its balance of quality and portability. The vibrant, well-pigmented colors perform beautifully, and the thoughtful packaging makes it incredibly practical for painting on the go. It’s a reliable choice that delivers consistent results, making it one of the more impressive watercolor sets available.
Best For
Artists of all levels who seek a portable, high-quality watercolor set with a good range of vivid colors for studio work or outdoor sketching.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Vibrant and highly pigmented colors with excellent blending.
- Includes Arabic gum for enhanced gloss and transparency.
- Compact and sturdy metal case doubles as a mixing palette.
- Affordable price point for the quality offered.
Cons:
- The included brush might be basic for experienced artists.
- Plastic insert holding the pans could be more durable.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Gorgeous, creamy & vibrant colors! The blooms these cause are lovely and they blend nicely. High quality at a reasonable cost. Will continue to purchase these colors! Swatch them first. I do wish the little plastic insert that holds the color trays was off a higher quality and not cheap, fragile pla.
Customer Review: I consider myself intermediate painter and these paints I would recommend. They are highly pigmented and blend well.Price is really good!
7. Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set: 12 Colors in Tubes with a Brush….
Winsor & Newton is a name synonymous with art quality, and their Cotman Watercolor Paint Set lives up to that reputation. This set features 12 essential colors in convenient tubes, making it a staple for artists of all levels. Cotman watercolors are celebrated for their good transparency, excellent tinting strength, and reliable working properties, making them among the most trusted professional watercolor brands for students and hobbyists.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ High Quality at Economical Level: Meets Winsor & Newton standards while remaining affordable.
- ✓ Good Transparency: Allows for beautiful layering and glazing effects.
- ✓ Excellent Tinting Strength: Colors remain vibrant even when diluted.
- ✓ Practical Size: Comprehensive and compact, suitable for both studio and outdoor painting.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Winsor & Newton Cotman set as a reliable workhorse for any watercolor artist. The tube format offers intense color and is easy to mix, while the brand’s reputation ensures quality and lightfastness. It’s an ideal entry into professional-grade paints without the higher price tag, offering a superb balance that few other watercolor brands achieve.
Best For
Students, hobbyists, and intermediate artists looking for reliable, high-quality tube watercolors that offer good performance and value.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Reputable brand known for consistent quality and lightfastness.
- Tube format allows for vibrant, intense color straight from the tube.
- Excellent transparency and tinting strength for versatile techniques.
- Good value for artist-grade student watercolors.
Cons:
- Limited color palette (12 colors) may require mixing for certain shades.
- Tube paints can be messy if not handled carefully.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Several years ago, I decided to follow some tutorials from my high school art book and take watercolors more seriously. I bought quality paper (Strathmore, cellulose 300 gsm; at the time, I wasn’t aware of the difference between cotton and cellulose) and a decent waterc.
Customer Review: The Winsor & Newton Cotman Field Pocket Set is perfect for artists on the go! The 12 half pans provide vibrant, mixable colors, and the included brush, sponge, and water bottle make painting convenient anywhere. The compact design fits easily into a bag, making it ideal for plein air painting or tra.
8. Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set: 18 Professional Colors, Made in Japan….
The Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set brings the tradition of Japanese watercolor to artists worldwide. With 18 professional, vivid, and opaque colors, these paints offer a unique experience. Their large pan size and ability to create flat washes without hard edges make them exceptionally versatile for various techniques, solidifying Kuretake’s reputation among the best watercolor brands.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Traditional Japanese Watercolor: Vivid and opaque colors inspired by nature.
- ✓ Flexible Techniques: Paints dry without hard edges, ideal for flat washes and layering.
- ✓ Large Gansai Tambi Pans: Accommodates both small and large brushes with ease.
- ✓ Professional Quality: Offers amazing pigment saturation for striking artwork.
Why We Recommend It
Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI watercolors are a fantastic choice for their unique properties. The traditional Japanese formulation results in rich, opaque colors that stand out, and the larger pans are a joy to work with, especially for artists who use bigger brushes or prefer broad strokes. It’s a wonderful alternative to traditional transparent watercolors for a bolder style.
Best For
Artists seeking vibrant, opaque watercolors with flexible working properties, especially those interested in traditional Japanese art or a more illustrative style.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Vivid, opaque colors that offer a different aesthetic from transparent watercolors.
- Large pan sizes make it easy to pick up paint with various brush sizes.
- Excellent for flat washes and layering without creating harsh lines.
- High pigment saturation ensures strong, impactful colors.
Cons:
- Less transparent than Western watercolors, which might not suit all styles.
- Can be more prone to fading over extended periods compared to some artist-grade brands.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: A very cost effective set of watercolor paints. These provide clear, bright colors, essentially identical to high quality paints from Daniel Smith, Winsor Newton, etc. There is a generous amount of paint and they mix well. Why so inexpensive? Maybe they are more prone to fading over time? But they a.
Customer Review: I love these paints and will probably buy these from more on. The pigment and saturation is amazing. They really work well on nice quality paper. Love them.
9. 30 Watercolor Paint Sets: Each with 12 Vibrant Colors and an Individual Brush….
If you’re organizing a group art activity or need supplies for a classroom, these 30 individual watercolor paint sets are an absolute lifesaver. Each set comes with 12 vibrant colors and its own brush, offering incredible value and convenience. They are also washable and kid-safe, making them perfect for younger artists exploring the world of watercolor painting.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 30-Pack Value Set: Contains 30 individually wrapped sets, each with 12 vibrant watercolors and a brush.
- ✓ Washable & Kid Safe: Non-toxic formula conforms to safety standards, easy to clean up.
- ✓ Easy to Use: Each set is portable, requiring just a little water to start painting.
- ✓ Great for Groups: Ideal for classrooms, parties, or any group art activity.
Why We Recommend It
This 30-pack is an exceptional choice for educators, parents, or anyone needing multiple individual watercolor sets. The paints are vibrant, kid-safe, and easy to use, providing a great experience for young artists. The value for money is outstanding, making it one of the most practical options among watercolor brands for bulk purchases.
Best For
Teachers, parents, event organizers, or anyone needing multiple individual watercolor sets for children’s art projects, parties, or classrooms.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for 30 individually packaged watercolor sets.
- Washable and non-toxic, making them safe for children.
- Vibrant colors and includes a brush in each set.
- Convenient for sharing, party favors, or classroom use.
Cons:
- Paint quality is student-grade, not suitable for professional artwork.
- Brushes are basic and may not hold much water or fine points.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This 30-pack watercolor set is an amazing value! Each tray has large, generous paint spots and a wide variety of bright, vibrant colors. The texture is a little different from some other watercolor sets, but the kids loved it and the colors go on beautifully.I really appreciate that each set comes i.
Customer Review: These worked great with my 5th graders. The colors were vibrant and were packaged well.
10. Watercolor Workbooks Coloring Book Easy Nature Scenes Beginner Friendly Watercolor Paint Set Art ……
This watercolor workbook is tailor-made for those embarking on their watercolor journey, especially with a love for nature scenes. It’s an all-in-one coloring book and paint set designed to be incredibly beginner-friendly. With guided instructions and easy-to-follow steps, it empowers artists to create beautiful landscapes and natural elements with ease, truly simplifying the process of finding the best watercolor brands for new learners.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Beginner-Friendly Watercolor Workbook: Specifically crafted for newcomers to dive into painting nature scenes.
- ✓ Explore Creativity: Designed for all artist levels to unleash creativity with pre-drawn scenes.
- ✓ Step-by-Step Guidance: Guides you through watercolor techniques to create beautiful artwork easily.
- ✓ All-in-One Set: Includes paints and a brush, ready for immediate use.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend this workbook for its ease of use and ability to inspire confidence in new watercolor artists. The pre-drawn nature scenes remove the pressure of drawing, allowing focus solely on painting techniques. It’s an engaging and effective way to learn watercolor, making it one of the top watercolor kits for beginners.
Best For
Beginners who are new to watercolor painting, especially those interested in nature scenes, and who prefer a structured, guided approach to learning.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent for absolute beginners with pre-drawn nature scenes and guidance.
- Includes paints and a brush, providing an immediate art experience.
- Helps learn blending and color mixing for specific subjects.
- Offers a relaxing and low-pressure way to practice watercolor.
Cons:
- Limited creative freedom due to pre-drawn designs.
- Paint and brush quality might be basic for developing artists.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I am new at watercoloring and find it challenging to draw my own design. I bought this coloring book for the lightly-drawn images. With the instructions, I find it easier to create the images, although I have a long way to go. I like the swatches of color: blend this color with this color to make.
Customer Review: I am new at watercoloring and find it challenging to draw my own design. I bought this coloring book for the lightly-drawn images. With the instructions, I find it easier to create the images, although I have a long way to go. I like the swatches of color: blend this color with this color to make.
Complete Buying Guide for Best Watercolor Brands
Essential Factors We Consider
When searching for the best watercolor brands, there are a few key elements that can truly make or break your painting experience. First, consider the pigment quality. Professional-grade watercolors use finely ground pigments with high lightfastness, meaning your colors will remain vibrant over time without fading. Student-grade paints are more affordable but may contain less pigment and more filler, leading to less intense colors. We also look at transparency and granulation; some paints are more transparent and layer beautifully, while others have a unique granular effect that adds texture. The format, whether tubes, pans, or liquid, also plays a huge role in how you’ll paint. Tubes offer intense, fresh color, while pans are super portable. Lastly, the accessories included in a watercolor set, like brushes, palettes, and paper, can significantly add to its value, especially for beginners.
Budget Planning
Budget is often a major consideration when buying art supplies. Luckily, there are fantastic watercolor brands available at every price point. If you’re a beginner, a high-quality student set (like Winsor & Newton Cotman or MeiLiang) can give you excellent performance without a huge investment. These sets often come with everything you need, making them a cost-effective way to start. For intermediate or professional artists, investing in artist-grade paints, even a few tubes of primary colors, can dramatically improve your work. Remember, higher price usually means better pigment load, lightfastness, and overall performance. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of good paper and brushes, as they are crucial for a satisfying watercolor experience. Sometimes, a slightly higher initial investment in a quality watercolor kit saves money in the long run due to better results and less frustration.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right watercolors is a personal journey, but focusing on pigment quality, transparency, format, and what’s included in the set will guide you. Whether you prioritize a vast color selection, extreme portability, or specific properties like opacity, there’s a perfect set out there for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different watercolor paint brands to discover what truly resonates with your artistic style and needs. Happy painting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between student-grade and artist-grade watercolors?
A: Student-grade watercolors are more affordable, containing less pigment and more fillers. They’re great for beginners and practice. Artist-grade watercolors have a higher concentration of pure pigment, offering superior vibrancy, lightfastness, and transparency. They cost more but provide professional results.
Q: Should I choose pan sets or tube watercolors?
A: It depends on your preference! Pan watercolors (solid cakes) are convenient, portable, and great for sketching on the go. They reactivate easily with water. Tube watercolors contain concentrated liquid paint, offering intense, vibrant colors directly from the tube. They’re ideal for larger washes and studio work, but can be a bit messier.
Q: How important is lightfastness in watercolor paints?
A: Lightfastness is crucial if you want your artwork to last without fading over time. Paints with high lightfastness ratings (often I or II) will resist fading when exposed to light. If you’re creating pieces for display or sale, choosing paints with good lightfastness is essential to ensure longevity.
Q: Can beginners use professional watercolor brands?
A: Absolutely! While professional brands can be more expensive, their superior quality often makes them easier to work with, leading to less frustration and better results. Many beginners find that using good quality supplies helps them learn techniques more effectively. Starting with a few essential colors from a professional line can be a smart move.
Q: What accessories are essential for watercolor painting?
A: Beyond your chosen watercolor paint set, essential accessories include good quality watercolor paper (at least 140lb/300gsm, preferably cotton), a few different sized brushes (round and flat are good to start), two water containers, paper towels or a sponge, and a palette for mixing colors. A drawing board and masking tape can also be very helpful.
Choosing the right watercolor brands can genuinely transform your artistic experience. We hope this comprehensive guide and our reviews of the top 10 best options have helped you narrow down your choices. Remember, the best paints are the ones that inspire you to create. So go ahead, pick a set, and let your creativity flow! Ready to start painting? Click on any of the “Check Price on Amazon” buttons to find your perfect watercolor set today!
