Top 5 Best Watercolor Paints for Beginners 2026 – Expert Approved
Embarking on the journey of watercolor painting is an incredibly rewarding experience, and choosing the right supplies can make all the difference for a smooth start. When you’re just dipping your toes into this vibrant medium, finding the best watercolor paints for beginners means looking for sets that offer a good balance of quality, ease of use, and value. You want paints that are vibrant and easy to rewet, without breaking the bank, and perhaps even come with essential accessories like brushes and palettes. This guide is designed to help new artists like you navigate the myriad of options available, ensuring you pick a set that fosters creativity and enjoyment from your very first stroke.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Watercolor Paints For Beginners Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Chalkola Watercolor Paint Set for Beginners: 36 Tubes, 10 Brushes, and a Palette.
The Chalkola Watercolor Paint Set offers an all-inclusive package that is truly excellent for anyone starting out with watercolors. With 36 tubes, including some fun metallic shades, plus 10 brushes and a palette, it provides everything a beginner needs to get started right away. This set makes exploring the world of watercolor art easy and accessible, offering exceptional quality and performance for its price point.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Includes 36 vibrant watercolor tubes, with exciting metallic colors for added creativity.
- ✓ Comes with 10 brushes and a palette, providing a complete starter kit.
- ✓ High-quality artist-grade colors suitable for both new and seasoned artists.
- ✓ Great for gifting to aspiring artists or adding to your personal art collection.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend this Chalkola set because it eliminates the guesswork for beginners. Having a wide range of colors, multiple brushes, and a mixing palette all in one package means you can jump straight into painting without needing to purchase additional items. The inclusion of metallic watercolors also adds a unique touch, allowing for diverse artistic expression from the very beginning.
Best For
This set is best for absolute beginners and students who want a comprehensive kit to start watercolor painting without investing in separate supplies.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive set with tubes, brushes, and palette.
- Wide selection of 36 colors, including unique metallic options.
- Good pigment quality for a beginner-friendly set.
- Excellent value for money, making it accessible.
Cons:
- Some beginners might prefer pan sets for portability over tubes.
- The quality of the included brushes may be basic for advanced techniques.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: It’s a great set. I haven’t officially used it but I like it. I haven’t painted for years! I’m really looking forward to getting back to it! The color selection is good and I love having all the brushes and the palette. My paints and brushes are so old the are no longer useable.
Customer Review: It’s a great set. I haven’t officially used it but I like it. I haven’t painted for years! I’m really looking forward to getting back to it! The color selection is good and I love having all the brushes and the palette. My paints and brushes are so old the are no longer useable.Read more
2. Caliart 128 Colors Watercolor Paint Set – An Excellent Choice for Beginner Artists.
The Caliart 128 Colors Watercolor Paint Set is truly an excellent choice for beginner artists who crave a vast palette and comprehensive tools. This all-in-one art kit boasts an impressive 128 vibrant colors, ranging from regular to metallic, pastel, and fluorescent shades, ensuring endless creative possibilities. With included water brush pens and detail brushes, it’s designed to provide everything you need for a delightful watercolor experience, offering exceptional quality and performance for budding painters.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Extensive 128-color palette, including 84 regular, 36 metallic, 4 pastel, and 4 fluorescent colors.
- ✓ Includes 3 water brush pens, 3 detail paintbrushes, and a nylon palette for versatility.
- ✓ Features upgraded 40μm hyperfine grinding pigments for bright, transparent, and easy-to-blend colors.
- ✓ Comes in a premium, sturdy metal case with quality closures, great for travel and organization.
Why We Recommend It
This set stands out for its sheer volume of color options, which is fantastic for beginners looking to experiment widely without limitations. The upgraded pigments ensure that even new artists can achieve beautiful, vibrant washes and blends. The comprehensive accessory kit means you’re fully equipped to start painting right out of the box, making it one of the best watercolor paints for beginners.
Best For
Ideal for adventurous beginners and young artists who want a massive color selection and all necessary tools in one convenient, portable set.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unmatched variety of 128 colors, including special effects.
- High-quality, easy-to-blend pigments.
- Comes with all essential brushes and a palette.
- Durable and compact metal case for portability.
Cons:
- The sheer number of colors might be overwhelming for some first-time users.
- Some users might find the detail brushes basic for very fine work.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: The case is nice made of metal with quality closures. Lots of variety of colors. It’s compact but not too small and great to travel with.
Customer Review: You can really use this at any age. I bought for myself to do wit my teenage daughter. Her and I both love it. It actually made my sons (ages 9, 10, & 12) jealous and they painted with us too. Even included my toddler! Easy to use, comes with all the needed tools, only need is water and paper. I do
3. MeiLiang Watercolor Paint Set: 36 Colors in a Portable Box with a Brush, Ideal for Beginners.
The MeiLiang Watercolor Paint Set is an exceptional choice for beginners seeking quality on a budget. This set provides 36 highly pigmented colors in a convenient, portable metal box, making it easy to create art anywhere. Featuring Arabic gum for enhanced gloss and transparency, these paints mix beautifully and dry without a chalky finish, offering outstanding performance for an affordable option among watercolor paints for beginners.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Formulated with high-quality Arabic Gum to boost gloss and transparency.
- ✓ Features 36 highly pigmented colors that mix well with no chalky or grainy feel.
- ✓ Comes in a sturdy, portable metal case with a lid that doubles as a mixing palette.
- ✓ Includes a brush, offering a ready-to-use set for immediate painting.
Why We Recommend It
For its price, the MeiLiang set offers incredible value. The quality of the pigments and the inclusion of Arabic gum are features often found in more expensive sets, yet it remains very accessible for new artists. The portable design is also a huge plus, encouraging beginners to practice and create on the go without hassle.
Best For
Perfect for budget-conscious beginners and students who want quality paints and portability for studies and outdoor sketching.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent pigment quality and vibrancy for the price point.
- Arabic gum enhances gloss and transparency.
- Portable and durable metal case with integrated palette.
- Colors are easy to rewet and blend smoothly.
Cons:
- The included brush is basic and might be quickly upgraded by serious users.
- Pan size is relatively small, which can be challenging for larger brushes.
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: My regular practice watercolors are Cotman pans, I use them for practice, studies and on the go painting, and the palettes are really hard to beat for portability, mixing areas , the transparency of colors which is important when you begin learning watercolors and affordability when you need new pa
4. Artecho 50-Color Watercolor Paint Set with Papers and Brushes, Perfect for Beginners.
The Artecho 50-Color Watercolor Paint Set is designed as a complete package for beginner watercolor artists, offering a rich spectrum of 50 vibrant colors, including fluorescent shades. This kit goes above and beyond by providing not only paints and brushes but also watercolor papers, making it an instant studio-in-a-box. Its elegant design and comprehensive tools make it perfect for discovering the joy of watercolor art.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Features 50 vibrant colors, including 4 fluorescent hues for dynamic artwork.
- ✓ Includes essential tools: 1 water brush pen, 1 nylon brush, and 1 drawing eraser.
- ✓ Comes with watercolor papers, providing a complete starter creative experience.
- ✓ Packaged in an elegant metal case with a velvet bag, ideal for travel and gifting.
Why We Recommend It
What makes the Artecho set stand out is its all-inclusive nature, especially the inclusion of watercolor papers. This means a beginner literally has everything they need to start painting the moment they open the box. The wide color range and thoughtful extras make it a hassle-free entry point into watercolor painting, solidifying its place among the best watercolor paints for beginners.
Best For
An excellent choice for complete novices and those looking for an instant art kit that includes paper to start painting immediately.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extensive 50-color palette with fluorescent options.
- Comes with watercolor paper, brushes, and eraser.
- Portable and stylish metal case with a velvet bag.
- Good pigment intensity for vibrant results.
Cons:
- The quality of the included paper might be basic for advanced techniques.
- Some metallic shades could be more pronounced.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I’m new to watercolor so this is really my first adult pan set. I love the variety of colors and find the pigments to be very pleasing. The metallic are a bit lighter than I’d like but the rest of the colors are very nice. They work for my amateur purposes. I’m a beginner but would say that the qual
Customer Review: Get on painting! This beautiful set comes with flat and sparkly watercolor paint, easy to use and great colors. Also comesWith a pencil, a brush and an amazing eraser.My first buy as a watercolor beginner, it provides me with great and refreshing colors! What a beautiful set!
5. 48-Color Watercolor Paint Set: Brush, Refillable Water Pen, Palette – Ideal for Beginners.
This 48-Color Watercolor Paint Set is specifically designed for ease of use and portability, making it an ideal companion for beginner artists. With 42 unique vibrant colors, fine pigment powder, and essential accessories like a brush, a refillable water pen, and a palette, it offers a complete artistic experience. The paints are soluble and easy to blend, ensuring a pleasant and successful learning journey for anyone new to watercolor.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Boasts 48 vivid colors, including 42 unique shades with fine pigment powder.
- ✓ Comes with a paint brush, a refillable water pen, and a mixing palette.
- ✓ Paints are soluble, easy to color, and blend well for smooth gradients.
- ✓ Lightweight and sturdy plastic box makes it highly portable for travel or outdoor painting.
Why We Recommend It
The Blablaovy watercolor set is highly recommended for its convenience and quality, particularly the inclusion of a refillable water pen. This feature makes it incredibly easy to paint without needing a separate water pot, perfect for beginners learning to control water and pigment. The vibrant colors and ease of blending further enhance the learning experience, making it a great option among the best watercolor paints for beginners.
Best For
Great for on-the-go artists, students, and beginners who prioritize portability and a ready-to-use setup with a good color range.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good range of 48 vibrant and easy-to-mix colors.
- Refillable water brush pen adds immense convenience for travel.
- Paints have a creamy texture and build up color well.
- Compact and lightweight plastic case for excellent portability.
Cons:
- The plastic case, while sturdy, might not feel as premium as metal alternatives.
- The included brush, while functional, might not be suitable for very advanced techniques.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I love this pan of paint. Good quality, and easy to paint. The texture is creamy and you can easily build up the color for deeper shade. So many reds, purples and pinks. Comes with brushes which is a nice perk, even one that you can fill with water and paint just about anywhere. From subtle hues and
Customer Review: Purchased for my granddaughter and she loves it. Good quality for a beginner. Colors are vibrant.
Complete Buying Guide for Best Watercolor Paints For Beginners
Choosing the best watercolor paints for beginners can feel a bit daunting with so many options out there. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you break it down! My goal is to equip you with the knowledge to select a set that will truly support your artistic journey, making every painting session enjoyable and productive.
Essential Factors We Consider
When you’re looking for your first watercolor set, a few key elements really matter. First up, consider the type of paint. You’ll typically find watercolors in pans (solid cakes) or tubes. Pans are great for portability and quick sketches, as they’re easy to activate with a wet brush. Tubes offer more concentrated pigment, making them ideal for larger washes and vibrant color mixing. For beginners, a pan set often provides a good starting point due to its ease of use and less mess.
Next, think about the pigment quality. While professional-grade paints can be expensive, many student-grade sets offer excellent pigment load and lightfastness (how long colors resist fading when exposed to light) for learning. Look for vibrant colors that rewet easily and blend smoothly without appearing chalky. A good range of primary and secondary colors is also crucial for learning color theory.
Finally, the accessories included can be a game-changer. Many beginner sets come with brushes, a mixing palette, or even watercolor paper. While these might not be professional quality, they allow you to start painting immediately without needing to buy extra supplies. A refillable water brush pen, for example, is fantastic for painting on the go.
Budget Planning
As a beginner, it’s completely understandable to want to keep costs down. You don’t need to break the bank to get a good set of watercolor paints for beginners. Many excellent student-grade sets are available at very affordable prices, often ranging from $15 to $40. These sets offer a great balance of quality and cost, allowing you to experiment and develop your skills without a huge investment. Remember, it’s better to start with a decent beginner set than to struggle with very cheap, low-pigment paints that might discourage you.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the “best” watercolor paint set for you as a beginner is one that you feel excited to use. It should be user-friendly, offer a good range of colors, and fit comfortably within your budget. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands and types as you grow. The most important thing is to enjoy the process of learning and creating. Happy painting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between pan watercolors and tube watercolors for beginners?
A: Pan watercolors are solid, dried cakes of paint that activate when you add water with a wet brush. They are very convenient for portability, outdoor sketching, and quick studies. Tube watercolors are liquid and highly concentrated, offering more intense color with less effort and are great for larger washes or when you need a lot of paint for mixing. For beginners, pan sets are often recommended for their ease of use and lower initial mess, though tubes can offer richer pigments.
Q: Do I need special paper for watercolor painting?
A: Yes, absolutely! Watercolor painting requires specific paper designed to handle water without buckling or bleeding. Look for paper labeled “watercolor paper” which typically has a weight of 140 lb (300 gsm) or higher. Thinner papers will warp and pill when wet. Starting with good watercolor paper, even a student-grade one, will significantly improve your painting experience and results.
Q: How many colors should a beginner watercolor set have?
A: For beginners, a set with 12 to 24 colors is usually sufficient. This range provides enough variety to mix a wide spectrum of hues without being overwhelming. Learning to mix colors from a limited palette is an excellent way to understand color theory. Some larger beginner sets offer even more colors, which can be fun for experimentation.
Q: Are the brushes included in beginner watercolor sets good enough?
A: The brushes included in most beginner sets are generally adequate for getting started and experimenting with different strokes and techniques. However, they are often basic synthetic brushes and might not hold as much water or come to as fine a point as higher-quality brushes. As you progress, you might want to invest in a few better quality brushes, especially a round brush and a flat brush, to enhance your painting capabilities.
Q: What is “lightfastness” and why is it important for watercolor paints?
A: Lightfastness refers to how resistant a pigment is to fading when exposed to light over time. Paints with poor lightfastness will fade or change color, especially if artwork is displayed where it receives natural light. For beginners, especially if you’re just practicing, it’s not the most critical factor. However, if you plan to create pieces you want to keep or sell, choosing paints with good lightfastness ratings (often indicated on the packaging) is important for the longevity of your artwork.
There you have it – our comprehensive guide to finding the best watercolor paints for beginners! We’ve covered everything from top product recommendations to essential buying tips and common questions. Remember, the journey of an artist begins with a single stroke, and having the right tools can make that journey much more enjoyable. Whether you prioritize a vast color selection, ultimate portability, or an all-inclusive kit, there’s a perfect watercolor set out there for you. So, pick your favorite from our list, grab some water, and let your creativity flow! Happy painting!
