Ever stared at a wall of colorful paint tubes, feeling a little overwhelmed? You want to start painting with acrylics, that vibrant, fast-drying medium everyone raves about, but choosing the right beginner set feels like a puzzle. Which brand is best? How many colors do you actually need to start? These questions stop many new artists before they even squeeze out their first blob of color.
Starting acrylic painting should be fun, not frustrating! The sheer variety of student-grade versus artist-grade paints, the different pigment loads, and the confusing price tags can make finding your first set a real headache. You worry about buying cheap paint that cracks or expensive paint that you might not even use. We understand that initial hurdle.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a good beginner acrylic paint set. You will learn what essential colors you must have and how to spot quality without emptying your wallet. By the end of this post, you will confidently select the perfect paints to launch your artistic journey.
Top Beginner Acrylic Paint Recommendations
- 36 VIBRANT COLORS : Shuttle Art 36 colors acrylic paint set contains 36 unique colors highly pigmented paints, including classic metallic gold and silver colors, also comes with 12 brushes and 1 palette, when you receive this art painting kit you can paint right way
- ARTIST QUALITY & STURDY PACKAGE: Creamy acrylic paints are easy to blend, mix and layer, providing great coverage and true, consistent shades for detailing, texturing and coloring. Art projects will stay as beautiful as the day they were painted. Strengthened cardboard package protects paints well and works as an organizer, safe and convenient.
- WIDE APPLICATION & EASY TO CLEAN: Dry fast, water-proof and fade-resistant, acrylic paint is suitable for most surfaces, such as wood, rock, canvas, ceramic, fabric, glass, clay, leather, plastic and more. Water-bases paint can be easily cleaned with soap and water before completely dry, perfect for kids, students, beginner art lovers and professional artists for painting and crafting.
- NON-TOXIC & ACIDE FREE: This paint set is conformed to ASTM-D4236, non-toxic and acid-free. Safe acrylic paint set for kids, teens and adults to do art projects with the water-based paints.
- SERVICE GUARANTEE: Your satisfaction is our top priority, please rest assured to purchase our products. If you are not satisfied with our products or have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.
- VIBRANT ACRYLIC PAINTS : Shuttle Art 30 Acrylic Paint Set consists of 30 vibrant assorted colors and with BONUS 3 FREE PAINT BRUSHES. Each tube is filled with 12 ml (0.4 oz) paints with rich pigments that are professional artist quality
- VERSATILE PAINTS : Paint lay down is creamy and vivid. Great for teens, beginners or artists for wide range of surfaces, such as canvas, ceramic, wood, fabric, clay, walls, nails, crafts and more. Children use acrylic paints in art class and leisure time to develop imagination skills and adults paint to relax and boost creativity, great for creating decorative art for your home
- DURABLE PAINTS : Acrylics dry very quickly. Paint stays on surface extremely well and is durable and long lasting. It’s permanent, waterproof and fade-proof
- HIGH QUALITY THICK PIGMENTS : When acrylic pigments are thin, artwork will appear watery and difficult to achieve vibrancy. We have developed a thick and rich pigment that provides superior coverage and maintain smoothness while painting. Conforms to ASTM-D4236, non-toxic and acid-free
- SERVICE GUARANTEE : Your satisfaction is our top priority, please rest assured to purchase our products. If you are not satisfied with our products or have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time
- VIVID COLORS - Our paint set for adults and artists is uniquely crafted to bring out maximum brilliance and color clarity. The rich viscosity also makes mixing easy. Great acrylic paint for canvas painting, halloween decorations, pumpkin painting.
- NON-TOXIC ART SUPPLIES - Formulated with a non-toxic composition, these acrylic paint sets for adults and artists are safe for the whole family to use.
- A COMPLETE PAINTING SET - Our acrylic paints have a premium consistency, perfect for blending, layering, and creating texture. Along with your 24-pack of paints, you’ll also receive 3 professional brushes.
- MULTIPURPOSE - Whether you need model art paint, new ceramic paint, or an assortment of wood paint for crafts, this nifty brush and craft paint set can be used for all this and more.
- HAPPY HOLIDAYS - Ideal for beginners or seasoned artists, this canvas painting kit will make a great gift for a crafty Christmas or as extra-special stocking stuffers for artists, adults, heck, just about everyone!
- ALL INCLUSIVE PAINT SET: Unleash your creativity from beginner to professional level with this fun and educational acrylic paint. Open the box, and you're ready to draw and paint! It comes complete with 24 vibrant paints in 60ml bottles, providing ample colors for your artistic endeavors. Additionally, we've included 12 high-quality acrylic paint brushes, catering to both kids and adults.
- PREMIUM VIBRANT COLORS: Our paint delivers brilliance, gliding on smoothly and drying quickly, preserving their vibrant shades. Whether you're an amateur or a pro, the 24 colors in this set will fuel your creativity. Perfect for canvas art, these fade-resistant colors ensure your work lasts. Achieve consistent shades and let your creativity flourish with this exceptional paint kit.
- VIVID COLORS, SAFE & EASY CLEANUP: Immerse yourself in a world of rich, vibrant pigments worry-free with our acrylic paint set. It's non-toxic and adheres to ASTM D4236 safety standards. Experience seamless blending and quick drying. Our fast-drying formula enables immediate layering and creative exploration. When it's time to tidy up, a simple wash with soap and water effortlessly clears your workspace.
- VERSATILE GIFT FOR ALL: Our paint set is the perfect gift idea for creative artists, beginners, students, kids, teens, and adults alike. With their versatility, they can be used for canvas art, painting, scrapbooking, Christmas decorations, and more. These paints are suitable for a wide range of surfaces, including canvas, wood, rocks, glass, fabrics, metal, plastic, ceramics, and even decorative walls and Styrofoam.
- QUALITY GUARANTEE: We stand behind the quality of our acrylic paints. Our drawing kit comes with professional customer service. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. We will reply to you within 24 hours and do our best to make things right.
- VIBRANT ACRYLIC PAINTS : Shuttle Art 15 Acrylic Paint Set consists of 15 vibrant assorted colors and with BONUS 3 FREE PAINT BRUSHES. Each tube is filled with 12 ml (0.4 oz) paints with rich pigments that are professional artist quality
- VERSATILE PAINTS : Paint lay down is creamy and vivid. Great for teens, beginners or artists for wide range of surfaces, such as canvas, ceramic, wood, fabric, clay, walls, nails, crafts and more. Children use acrylic paints in art class and leisure time to develop imagination skills and adults paint to relax and boost creativity, great for creating decorative art for your home
- DURABLE PAINTS : Acrylics dry very quickly. Paint stays on surface extremely well and is durable and long lasting. It’s permanent, waterproof and fade-proof
- HIGH QUALITY THICK PIGMENTS : When acrylic pigments are thin artwork will appear watery and difficult to achieve vibrancy. We have developed a thick and rich pigment that provides superior coverage and maintain smoothness while painting.Conforms to ASTM-D4236, non-toxic and safe for kids
- SERVICE GUARANTEE : Your satisfaction is our top priority, please rest assured to purchase our products. If you are not satisfied with our products or have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time
- VIBRANT COLORS & EASY MIXING - Benicci premium acrylic paint set includes 12 vivid colors that are highly pigmented, ensuring bright and solid coverage. These quick dry paints have a thick and creamy texture, making it easy to mix and layer them.
- SAFE & IDEAL FOR KIDS - Craft confidently with our painting kit, meticulously formulated with non-toxic ingredients, ensuring safety for kids. Designed for beginners and children, our painting supplies offer simplicity and enjoyment in every stroke, keeping your little ones happily engaged.
- COMPLETE ART KIT - Unleash your creativity with our comprehensive paint kit. With 12 vibrant colors, 6 high-quality brushes, a palette knife, an art sponge, and 3 canvas panels included, you have all the tools you need to bring your artistic vision to life.
- VERSATILE USAGE - Our kids paint set is designed to work seamlessly on various surfaces like canvas, paper, glass, ceramic, wood, rock, stone, clay, Halloween decorations, pumpkin, fabrics, and metal. Great for artists of all levels, including beginners and professionals, adults and kids, making it accessible to everyone.
- PERFECT GIFT FOR ALL - Make the holidays brighter with our ultimate painting set, an ideal artistic gift for Christmas, stocking stuffers, or any occasion. Spark creativity and joy among friends and family with this thoughtful present.
- 25 VIBRANT COLORS: Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set comes with 25 colors acrylic paint in 60 ml/2 oz bottles, providing the most commonly used colors and inspiring hot fluorescent and metallic colors to your art projects, ideal for painting and crafting
- PREMIUM QUALITY: These acrylic paints are water-based, have a creamy texture, and are easy to mix and layer. They have great coverage, and a little paint can go a long way on your surface
- MULTI-PURPOSE PAINT: Acrylic paints for art dry quickly and stay on surfaces extremely well, permanent, waterproof and fade resistant, suitable for most surfaces like glass, rocks, nails, walls, canvas, leather, ceramic, wood, clay, crafts and more, great for art beginners, enthusiasts, professional artists, students, etc
- NON-TOXIC & CERTIFICATED: Conforms to U.S. ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3, non-toxic and acid-free, safe and suitable for all ages
- SERVICE GUARANTEE: Your satisfaction is our top priority, please rest assured to purchase our products. If you are not satisfied with our products or have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time
- 50 VIBRANT COLORS : Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set comes with 50 colors acrylic paint in 60 ml/2 oz bottles, providing the most commonly used colors and inspiring hot fluorescent and metallic colors to your art projects, ideal for painting and crafting
- PREMIUM QUALITY : These acrylic paints are water-based, have a creamy texture, and are easy to mix and layer. They have great coverage, and a little paint can go a long way on your surface
- MULTI-PURPOSE PAINT : Acrylic paints for art dry quickly and stay on surfaces extremely well, permanent, waterproof and fade resistant, suitable for most surfaces like glass, rocks, nails, walls, canvas, leather, ceramic, wood, clay, crafts and more, great for art beginners, enthusiasts, professional artists, students, etc
- NON-TOXIC & CERTIFICATED : Conforms to U.S. ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3, non-toxic and acid-free, safe and suitable for all ages
- SERVICE GUARANTEE : Your satisfaction is our top priority, please rest assured to purchase our products. If you are not satisfied with our products or have any questions, please feel free to contact us at any time
Your First Strokes: A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Acrylic Paint
Starting with acrylic paint is exciting! These paints dry fast and are easy to clean up with water. This guide helps you choose the right set for your first artistic adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When you pick up a tube of paint, look for a few important things. These features tell you how good the paint will be to use.
1. Pigment Load and Opacity
- Pigment Load: This means how much actual color is in the paint. Higher pigment means brighter, richer colors. For beginners, look for sets labeled “Student Grade.” These have enough pigment to look good without costing a lot.
- Opacity: Opacity tells you if the paint covers what is underneath it. Opaque paints hide the canvas well. Transparent paints let light shine through. Most beginner sets offer a good mix.
2. Consistency and Texture
Good acrylics feel smooth, like thick cream. If the paint looks chunky or separated in the tube, it might be old or low quality. You want paint that flows smoothly off your brush.
3. Color Range
For beginners, a set of 10 to 12 basic colors is perfect. This usually includes the primary colors (red, yellow, blue), white, and black. You can mix almost any color you need from these basics.
Important Materials You Need
Paint is just one part of the puzzle. You need a few other things to start painting right away.
Brushes
Do not buy the most expensive brushes first. Synthetic brushes work best with acrylics. They are durable and clean up easily. A set with a few different shapes—a flat brush, a round brush, and a small detail brush—will cover most needs.
Surfaces
Acrylics stick well to many things. Stretched canvas or canvas boards are popular choices. Thick paper made specifically for acrylics is a cheaper way to practice techniques.
Mediums and Water
Water is your thinner and cleaner. You will need a couple of jars for rinsing brushes. Some beginner sets might include a small bottle of “medium.” This liquid helps the paint dry slower or makes it shinier. It is not essential at first, but it is helpful later.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your paint affects how easy it is to use and how long your painting lasts.
What Makes Paint Better?
- Lightfastness: This is how well the color resists fading when exposed to light. Professional paints have high lightfastness ratings (often shown by stars). Student paints are usually good enough for practice, but they might fade over many years.
- Binder Quality: Acrylic paint uses a plastic binder (polymer) to hold the pigment. Better quality paint uses a stronger, more flexible binder. This prevents cracking as the paint dries.
What Reduces Quality?
Cheap, craft-grade paint often uses more filler (like chalk) instead of real pigment. This makes the paint look dull and thin, even after several layers. If the paint smells strongly of chemicals, it might be lower quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Beginner acrylics are designed for learning and experimentation. They dry quickly, which is both a pro and a con.
The Quick Dry Advantage
Because acrylics dry fast, you can layer colors quickly without waiting hours. This is great for beginners who want to see results fast. You can finish a small painting in one session.
Learning Techniques
Student-grade acrylics are perfect for learning basic techniques like blending, dry brushing, and impasto (thick paint application). If you make a mistake, you can usually just paint right over the top once it dries.
Use beginner acrylics for studies, sketchbook work, or small decorative projects. Once you feel comfortable, you can upgrade to artist-grade paints for larger, more important pieces.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Beginner Acrylic Paint
Q: Do I need a special surface to paint on?
A: No. You can use canvas, wood, heavy paper, or even cardboard. Acrylic paint sticks well to most clean, dry surfaces.
Q: How do I clean my brushes after using acrylics?
A: Rinse them thoroughly in warm, soapy water immediately after you finish painting. Never let paint dry in the bristles.
Q: What is the difference between “Student Grade” and “Artist Grade” acrylics?
A: Artist Grade paints have much more pigment and fewer fillers. They are brighter and last longer. Student Grade paints are cheaper and perfect for learning.
Q: Can I mix acrylic paint with water?
A: Yes. Adding a little water thins the paint for washes, like watercolor. Too much water, however, can weaken the binder, making the color look chalky.
Q: Do I need to prime my canvas before painting?
A: Most store-bought canvases are pre-primed with gesso. If you paint on raw wood or cardboard, you should apply one coat of gesso first.
Q: How long does acrylic paint take to dry?
A: It dries very fast, usually within 5 to 30 minutes, depending on how thick you apply it and how humid the room is.
Q: What colors should I buy first if I want to mix skin tones?
A: Start with Titanium White, a warm red (like Cadmium Red Hue), Yellow Ochre, and a small amount of Burnt Umber (brown).
Q: Can I paint over dried acrylic paint?
A: Absolutely! This is one of acrylics’ best features. Dried acrylic paint becomes waterproof, so you can paint new layers on top without disturbing the bottom layer.
Q: Is acrylic paint toxic?
A: Most modern beginner acrylics are labeled “non-toxic.” However, you should always avoid eating or drinking near your paints, and wash your hands well afterward.
Q: What is the best way to store leftover paint?
A: Squeeze the paint back into the tube and wipe the rim clean. Close the cap tightly so air cannot get in and dry out the paint inside the tube.