Have you ever stared at a wall of colorful paint cans, feeling completely overwhelmed? You want to start painting, but picking the very first set feels like solving a giant puzzle. It is easy to get confused by terms like acrylic, watercolor, or oil. Many beginners worry about buying the wrong supplies and wasting money or, worse, giving up before they even start.
Choosing the correct “Paint For Beginners” is the first big hurdle. You need something easy to use, forgiving when you make mistakes, and something that lets you actually enjoy the process of creating art. If you pick paint that dries too fast or smells too strong, your first experience might not be fun.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best, most beginner-friendly paints available today. You will learn exactly what you need to buy to start creating beautiful things right away, without the stress. Get ready to trade that confusion for confidence as we dive into the simple world of beginner painting supplies!
Top Paint For Beginners Recommendations
Bestseller No. 1
koseibal Acrylic Paint Set for Kids, Art Painting Supplies Kit with 18 Paints, 5 Canvas Panels, 8 Brushes, Table Easel, Etc, Premium Paint Set for Students, Artists and Beginner
- 【The joy of painting】:The painting set will bring out the joy to the new artist; Help them enjoy endless hours of painting fun; Great for family fun; bonding time with mom, dad, grandpa, grandma and friends etc.
- 【Perfect Painting Kits】：The acrylic paint set contains: 18 colors of acrylic paint, 8 brushes, 5 canvas panels(8x10”), 1 Plastic Palette, 1 Multi-function Table Ease, A 15 sheets acrylic painting pad(8x10”). One set can fully satisfy an art beginner, students or all the necessary supplies for children to learn art.
- 【Two Kinds of Canvas Panels】：There are 6 canvas panels(8x10”) in the set, 3 canvas panels with pattern, and 2 blanks, which are designed to meet the creative needs of different ages.
- 【Multi-function Table Easel】：There is a multifunctional table easel in the kit, which can support painting on the desktop, it can be folded and can be used as a stand for painting, Ipad and Crafts.
- 【Great Gift Idea】: This acrylic painting set has beautiful packaging. It's a perfect gift for back to school, birthday, Christmas, festival for your children and friends. It is ideal choice for young artists, amateurs, and painting enthusiasts.
Bestseller No. 2
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set, 15 x 12ml Tubes Artist Quality Non Toxic Rich Pigments Colors Perfect for Kids Adults Beginners Artists Painting on Canvas Wood Clay Fabric Ceramic Crafts
- 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
Bestseller No. 3
TMOL Acrylic Paint Set, 24 Colors (2 oz/Bottle) with 12 Art Brushes, Art Supplies for Painting Canvas, Wood, Ceramic & Fabric, Rich Pigments Lasting Quality for Beginners, Students & Professional Artist
- 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.
Bestseller No. 4
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes & Palette, 2oz/60ml Bottles, Rich Pigments Non-toxic for Artists Kids & Adults, Painting on Canvas Rocks Ceramic Wood
- 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.
Bestseller No. 5
Artkey Acrylic Paint Set, 24 Colors 2 oz/59 ml Acrylic Paint Kit for Professional Artists & Beginners – Craft & Art Supplies for Canvas, Wood, Fabric, Rock, Leather, Ceramic, Glass, Easter Egg
- 24 Bottles Vibrant Acrylic Paints: Professional artist quality acrylic paint, glide smoothly over the surface and provide strong coverage in both large areas and fine detail. The butter-like consistency allows the paint set to mix easily and dry quickly. The acrylic paint will remain in the artwork for a long time and will not fade
- Tightly Packed Non-Leaking Bottles: The bottle cap is tightly screwed so that the paint will not leak out or dry out from exposure to the air before opening. Each bottle is marked with a color name for easy identification. All you need to do is unscrew the lid to show off your creativity. Remember to tighten the lid when you are done using it
- Safe & Non-Toxic Acrylic Paints: The acrylic paint set is certified safe and non-toxic for people or pets. Water-based paints allow artists to stay safe while painting without having to interrupt their work for fear of toxicity. Simply clean up with soap and water when you have finished your work
- Wide Range of Application: Acrylic paint set is suitable for painting on most surfaces such as canvases, fabric, wood, ceramic, rock, metal, plastic, plaster, etc. You can DIY your own canvas art, scrapbooking, crafts, Christmas decorations, Halloween makeup, Easter egg and more with this acrylic paint kit
- What You Get: The acrylic painting kit comes with 24 bottles of acrylic paint. Packaged in a beautiful and sturdy colorful box. An ideal gift for adults, art lovers, amateurs, beginners and professional artists, intended for ages 12+ only
Bestseller No. 6
Colorful Acrylic Painting Kit - Paint Supplies Set with 24 Colors, 30 Brushes, 5 Canvases, 1 Pad, 2 Palette, 2 Sponge & 1 Wood Easel - Art Acrylic Paint Set for Beginners, Kids, Adults
- 【Premium Acrylic Paints for Adults】COLORFUL acrylic paint set contains acrylic medium based 24 rich colors with artist quality. The creamy consistency and high pigments with designed rheology and viscosity can ensure the paint medium can be blended easily and glided-on smoothly, offering great covering power for large area and fine details. The acrylic paint dries quickly and stay vividly after curing. Additional coats or layers are able to apply shortly to achieve desired effects.
- 【Wide Applications】Our acrylic painting kit is not just for canvas. These puff slick paints can also be applied onto other textured surfaces such as paper, wood and wall. Perfect for all kinds of DIY projects. Whether you’re newbie to acrylic painting or a professional artist, the paint kit will let your imagination fly. Ideal acrylic paint for canvas painting, the colors won’t fade over time even outdoor.
- 【Waterproof & No Heating Needed】- Our painting supplies are designed to be waterproof once it dries, and does not require any heating during the curing process. The artist-quality paint glides smoothly and dries quickly, retaining its vivid colors and beauty over time. It is also difficult to wash off after it has dried on your applied surfaces, ensuring long-lasting and durable artwork.
- 【Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly】- The COLORFUL canvas painting kit is certified by ASTM D4236 for art products, ensuring that the glass color paints are made with natural, safe ingredients and completely kid-safe. You can have peace of mind while letting your kids unleash their creativity. Our comprehensive kit provides everything they need to create imaginative works of art.
- 【Ideal Gift Choice】The beginner acrylic paint set is well-wrapped by exquisite colored box with COLORFUL brand, making it is a fantastic gift choice for kids or DIY hobbyist. The painting kit has 24 tubes of 0.4 oz in various colors, 30 brushes, 2 palette, 1 A5 Paiting Pad, 1 Wood Easel, 5 Canvases and 2 Sponges, the all-in-one pack is convenient when performing your project freely.
Bestseller No. 7
Watercolor Paint, 48 Colors Washable Watercolor Paint Set with a Brush a Refillable Water Brush Pen and Palette, Non-toxic Water Color Paints Sets for Kids Adults Artists Children Students Beginner
- 48 Vivid Colors Best Watercolor Paints Set -- The watercolour paint set including 42 unique vibrant colors, fine pigment powder make them soluble in water easily. The color is saturated and beautiful, the effect of halo dyeing is good, the texture is light and thin, with high transparency, and create a natural blooming in your painting paper. You can play your imagination and talent more freely, easy to blend to create an endless range of colors
- Portable Watercolor Cake -- These watercolor pan set large capacity but lightweight, comes in a lightweight and sturdy plastic box makes it easy for storage and carrying. The removable cover design of case allows it not only works as a normal cover for pan, but also as a palette, to keep the watercolor paints organized and tidy. Profect for ield sketching, natural journaling or coffee-house painting, capture every beautiful moment by watercolor painting whenever inspiration strikes
- Upgraded Watercolors Set & Bright Art Paintbrushes -- Blablaovy Perfect and convenient water coloring paint set, including 48 Premium Colors, 2 paint brush and 1 water pen. Convenient for both beginners and professional artist to start painting just with few drops of water, ideal for home painting, indoors, countryside, beach, park, garden, city and anywhere you want. Bring this watercolour paint box and come to painting in suburbs on weekends ,Enjoy happy artistic creation time
- Perfect High-Quality Water Paint Supplies -- Blablaovy use elevated concentration of finely ground top permanence rating and durability pigments, make our solid watercolor paints will not crack. They are easy to blend colors, washable and dry fast , fading resistant and have excellent fluid, and there's no chalky or grainy feel to them after they are dry, is an ideal arts & crafts supply choice for outdoor sketching, scrapbooking, creative interactive classroom activities, scho
- Safety and Quality Watercolor kit -- Blablaovy Washable Watercolors is 100% Non-toxic tested and certified for safe use. Conforms to ASTM D4236 & EN71. Makes it a perfect gift for Birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve. Suitable for kid preschoolers, students to painting novices, art lovers. Recommended Age Rage: 3 Years & Up. Best choice for encourage a passion for kids arts and crafts
Bestseller No. 8
Caliart 24 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with 12 Brushes, Art Craft Paints Gifts Trendy Stuff for Adults Artists, Halloween Pumpkin Canvas Ceramic Rock Eggs Painting Kit Art Supplies
- Acrylic Paint Set With 12 Brushes: Premium paints glide on smoothly, dry quickly and stay as beautiful as the day they were painted. Whether you’re new to acrylic painting or a seasoned artist, the paint kit will set fire to your imagination. Great acrylic paint for canvas painting, halloween decorations, pumpkin painting. The craft paint set is great to produce true, consistent shades on painting art, ideal for professional artists, young aspiring artists, painting lovers.
- Rich Pigments, Certified Safe & Non-Toxic: No need to worry about toxicity with our acrylic paint. The acrylic water-based non-toxic paint is Safe for all ages. The creamy consistency and high pigments offer great covering power for large areas and fine details. Blend easily and dry quickly. The fast-dry formula allows you to layer additional coats or add other elements to your work right away. Easy clean up with soap and water.
- Premium Arts & Diy Craft Supplies. Caliart acrylic paints are versatile in canvas art, painting, scrap booking, Christmas, Halloween decorations and more. Suitable for most surfaces, including canvas, wood, rocks, painting pumpkins, stretched canvas, fabrics, stone, metal, plastic, ceramics, decorative wall, blackboard, paper, plaster. Great gift for creative adults, artists, beginners. Packed in a sturdy box for keeping always organized and accessible.
- This art acrylic painting kit comes with 24-pack, 2 oz / 59ml bottles in the classic colors: Lemon Yellow, Medium Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Orange, Vermilion, Crimson, Scarlet, Magenta, Purple, Phthalo Blue, Cobalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Viridian, Monastral Green, Sap Green, Burnt Umber, Lamp Black, Grey, Titanium White.
- Money-Back Guarantee: We're sure you'll love using our acrylic paint supplies for arts crafts & DIY paint projects, but if you have any problems with the art kit set, just let us know for a fast, no-hassle refund or product free replacement.
The Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Your First Paint
Starting your first painting project is exciting! Choosing the right paint makes a huge difference. This guide helps you pick the best paint for your needs without feeling overwhelmed.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at cans of paint, a few things matter most for beginners.
1. Coverage and Hide
- What it means: This tells you how well the paint covers the old color. Good coverage means you need fewer coats.
- For Beginners: Look for paints labeled “High Hide” or “One-Coat Coverage.” This saves time and paint.
2. Washability and Durability
- What it means: How easy it is to wipe off smudges. Durability means the paint lasts a long time without chipping.
- For Beginners: If you paint a kitchen or a kid’s room, choose a finish like Satin or Eggshell. These clean up easily.
3. Drying Time
- What it means: How fast the paint dries to the touch and between coats.
- For Beginners: Faster drying times let you finish the project sooner. Check the label for “Quick Dry” options.
Important Materials You Need
The paint is only half the battle. You need the right tools to apply it well.
Brushes and Rollers
- Brushes: For detailed areas (trim, corners), use high-quality synthetic brushes (nylon/polyester). These hold paint better.
- Rollers: For large, flat walls, choose the right “nap” (the thickness of the fuzzy part). A 3/8-inch nap is great for smooth interior walls.
Primer
- Why you need it: Primer seals the surface. It helps the topcoat stick better and stops stains from bleeding through.
- When to use it: Always use primer if you are painting bare wood, drywall that has never been painted, or if you are switching from a very dark color to a very light one.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all paint is made the same. These factors affect how your final wall looks.
Latex vs. Oil-Based Paints
- Latex (Water-Based): This is the best choice for most beginners. It cleans up easily with soap and water. It dries fast and has very little smell.
- Oil-Based (Alkyd): These are very tough but require mineral spirits for cleanup. They smell strong and dry slowly. Beginners should usually stick to latex.
Sheen (Finish)
- Flat/Matte: Hides imperfections well but is harder to clean. Good for low-traffic ceilings.
- Eggshell/Satin: A slight shine. This is the sweet spot for most rooms because it balances look and cleanability.
- Semi-Gloss/Gloss: Very shiny and very durable. Best for trim, doors, and bathrooms where moisture is high.
User Experience and Use Cases
Where are you painting? This determines the best paint type.
Interior Walls
Focus on low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints. These have fewer fumes, making the experience much more pleasant indoors. Satin or Eggshell finishes are your go-to.
Trim and Doors
These areas get touched a lot. Use a durable finish like Semi-Gloss. This paint resists fingerprints and wipes clean easily.
Outdoor Projects
Exterior paint needs to handle sun, rain, and temperature changes. Ensure the can specifically states it is for exterior use. These paints are formulated to stretch and contract with the weather.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Paint Beginners
Q: What is the easiest type of paint for a first-timer to use?
A: Latex (water-based) paint is the easiest. Cleanup is simple, and it dries quickly.
Q: Do I really need to use primer?
A: Yes, usually. Primer helps the new paint stick firmly and ensures the color looks true. It stops old stains from showing through.
Q: How many coats of paint should I plan for?
A: Plan for two coats. Even if the can promises one-coat coverage, two thin coats always look smoother and last longer.
Q: What does “VOC” mean?
A: VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. Lower VOC paints mean less smell and better indoor air quality while you paint.
Q: Should I use a brush or a roller first?
A: Always “cut in” with a brush first. This means painting the edges, corners, and around light switches. Then, use the roller on the large middle sections of the wall.
Q: What is the difference between “Flat” and “Matte” paint?
A: For beginners, there is almost no difference. Both mean the paint has little to no shine.
Q: Can I paint over glossy paint without sanding?
A: You should always lightly sand glossy paint first. Sanding scuffs the surface, which helps the new paint grab onto the wall better. If you skip sanding, the paint might peel.
Q: How long must I wait between coats?
A: Check the label, but most interior latex paints need 2 to 4 hours to dry before you apply the second coat.
Q: What is the best paint sheen for a living room?
A: Eggshell or Satin are the best choices for living rooms. They offer a nice look and can handle light cleaning.
Q: How should I clean my brushes after using latex paint?
A: Wash your brushes right away with warm water and a little bit of mild dish soap until the water runs clear.