Top 10 Best Watercolor Paint Sets for Beginners

Watercolor painting is such a fun and versatile way to express your creativity! It’s a medium that allows you to create beautiful, flowing designs with just a few basic supplies: paint, a brush, and some paper. But if you’ve ever tried shopping for watercolor paint sets, you know it can quickly get overwhelming. There are so many options out there, and some of them come with hefty price tags. So how do you pick the right set without breaking the bank—or your patience?

Good news—I’ve been in your shoes! As someone who’s fairly new to watercolors, I’ve already gone through the trial-and-error process of choosing the best beginner-friendly paint sets. I’m here to save you the headache and share what I’ve learned so you can dive into painting with confidence.

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For a more professional-grade paint set, the Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor set is a top choice. It has high-quality pigments and a selection of colors. This lets serious beginners explore watercolor’s full potential.

Whether you’re a hobbyist or an aspiring artist, the right watercolor paint set is crucial. In the sections that follow, we’ll explore watercolor paints further. We’ll look at quality, types, and what to consider when choosing the perfect set for you.

Understanding Watercolor Paint Quality and Types

Watercolor paints vary greatly between student and artist grades. Student-grade paints have more fillers and less pigment, leading to duller colors. Artist-grade paints, with more pigment, offer brighter, more lasting colors.

Comparing Pan Sets vs Tube Watercolors for Beginners

Choosing between watercolor paint pans and watercolor paint tubes is key for beginners. Each has its own benefits, depending on what you need and like. It’s all about finding what works best for you.

Watercolor paint pans are great for traveling or quick sketches. They’re easy to use, just add water. You can choose from half pans or full pans, with full pans holding about 5ml of paint.

Watercolor paint tubes, on the other hand, let you mix colors freely. They come in various sizes, from 5ml to 37ml. Tube paints are softer, which is easier on brushes than the dried paint in pans.

Feature	Watercolor Paint Pans	Watercolor Paint Tubes
Portability	More compact and travel-friendly	Larger and less portable
Paint Consistency	Harder, dried paint	Softer, more moist paint
Color Range	Limited to the set selection	Wider range of color options
Custom Palette	Requires more effort to create	Easier to mix and customize
Waste Reduction	Less paint waste as all can be used	Potential for more waste with excess paint

For beginners, the choice between watercolor paint pans and watercolor paint tubes depends on your needs. Some like pans for their ease and travel-friendliness. Others prefer tubes for mixing colors and flexibility. Many artists use both to get the best of both worlds.

Importance of Pigment Quality

The quality of pigments in watercolor paints is key. It affects the paint’s color, lightfastness, and how well it mixes. Watercolor paints are famous for their transparency. This lets the paper’s white show through, making your art glow. The pigment in watercolor paints can be anywhere from 10% to over 50%. This affects how bright and rich your colors will be.

Single-pigment paints, like PB28 for Cobalt Blue, are often more vibrant. They offer deeper, more intense colors than mixes of different pigments.

Lightfastness is key. The ASTM rating system helps artists choose paints that won’t fade over time. This ensures your art stays vibrant and beautiful.

Watercolor paints for artists are not what I would recommend if you are just starting your watercolor journey. Some of the artists set can cost hundreds of dollars and from my experience there is just no need to spend that while I’m still very much in the learning faze of watercolor painting.

Tip: I would recommend you spend more money on getting quality paper than the best paints available if you have the extra money to spend. That is what I have seen help improve the end result and the painting experience the most. –More on this below.

You can always start off with a less expensive but still great quality set and then slowly add in higher quality paints over time. For example: buy one tube a month or every other month. This way, your paints will last for years, offering great value for your money.

Essential Factors to Consider When Choosing Watercolor Sets

When picking a watercolor paint set, think about a few key things. First, consider the size and weight. You want something you can easily carry and travel with if you’re painting outdoors or on the go.

The number of colors matters too; more colors mean more options for your art but as your skills progress you will actually get really good at mixing just a few primary colors and getting all the color you need.

Also, think about the paint format. Do you like pans for their compact size or tubes for more control? I personally don’t care for tubes. I like the paint pans and they last forever. Ive had the same set of Grabie Watercolor Paints for over a year and you can hardly tell I’ve used it.

Lastly, think about your budget. Watercolor sets vary a lot in price. Compare the cost to what you get, like the number of colors and paint quality. This helps you find the best value for your money.

Factor	Considerations
Size and Weight	Portability, ease of transport
Number of Colors	Creative freedom, beginner-friendly
Paint Format	Pans for compact convenience, tubes for versatility
Paint Quality	Lightfastness ratings, pigment excellence
Price and Value	Balancing cost with features and quality

By considering these factors, you can find the watercolor paint set reviews that fit your needs. Whether you’re new to watercolors or have been painting for years, the right set can enhance your art.

Best Watercolor Paint Sets for Travel and Portability

I love painting on the go mostly because I really enjoy urban sketching and painting unique buildings. Compact, travel-friendly sets make it easy to capture the beauty around me.

Compact Set Features

The Sakura Koi Pocket Field Sketch Set is a favorite of mine. It’s small and has built-in mixing spaces. It costs between $21 and $60 and has 24 colors, including China White and Payne’s Grey. It’s secure, so your paints stay safe in your bag.

Lightweight Options

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketcher’s Pocket Box is great for those who want something light. It costs between $11 and $25 and has 12 colors. It’s small and easy to carry.

The Daler-Rowney Aquafine Travel Set is another good option. It costs between $23 and $30 and has 18 colors. It comes in a slim case that’s easy to carry.

Travel-Friendly Packaging

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Sketchers Pocket Box is a great choice for travel. It has 12 half-pan watercolors and is both affordable and easy to carry. The Raphael Watercolor Travel Pan Set also has 10 half-pan colors, great for painting anywhere.

For a bit more money, the Van Gogh Watercolors Set from Royal Talens offers 12 tubes of 10ml each. It’s professional-grade but still affordable. The Daniel Smith Best Essentials Introductory Watercolor Set has 6 pigmented tubes, ideal for exploring color theory.

These portable watercolor sets are great for exploring new places or finding inspiration in nature. They’re compact, light, and easy to carry. They let you express your creativity wherever you are.

Storage and Maintenance of Watercolor Paint Sets

Proper storage and maintenance of your watercolor paint sets can extend their life and performance.

To keep your paints in top condition, follow these simple tips:

• Keep it Dry and Cool: Watercolor paints do best in a dry, cool place. Avoid extreme temperatures, humidity, or moisture, as it can dry out or damage the paints.
• Secure those Caps: For tube watercolors, always close the caps tightly when not using them. This prevents drying out or contamination.
• Allow Pan Sets to Dry: Always let watercolor pan sets dry completely before closing the case. This stops moisture buildup and mold growth.
• Clean up Regularly: Keep your watercolor workspace clean and organized. Regularly wipe down your palette and mixing areas. This keeps colors vibrant and prevents contamination.
• Dedicate a Palette: Consider getting a dedicated watercolor palette. It makes organizing and maintaining colors easier. A dedicated palette keeps your paints clean and organized.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your watercolor paint sets in great condition. They’ll be ready to help you create your next masterpiece.

Watercolor Paint Storage Tips	Watercolor Paint Maintenance Tips
Keep in a dry, cool environment. Tightly close tube paint capsAllow pan sets to dry completely before closing.	Clean mixing areas regularlyUse a dedicated watercolor palette. Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity.

Essential Accessories for Your Watercolor Paint Set

Watercolor painting is all about the right tools. You need more than just paints and paper. A good watercolor kit has a few key items to help you create better art. Let’s look at the must-have supplies and accessories for your watercolor kit.

Brushes: The Backbone of Watercolor

Quality brushes are crucial for watercolor painting. You’ll want synthetic or natural hair brushes, like sable or squirrel. These give you the flexibility to try different techniques. Make sure you have a large round, a wash, and a small round brush.

Watercolor Paper: The Foundation

The paper you choose is very important. Go for 100% cotton, cold-pressed watercolor paper that’s at least 140lb (300g/m²). This heavy paper lets you layer washes without buckling, giving your paintings a smooth look.

When I first started playing with watercolor, I was so frustrated because my paper was so wrinkled and buckled after I painted that it looked terrible and was hard to go back and add any more color.

I really enjoy working wet on wet cause I love watching the colors blend into each other. This made the bucking and wrinkles on my paper even worse. Watercolor paper buckles when the paper absorbs water unevenly and it expands.

To help prevent this from happening the number one thing to do is to start of with quality paper. Cotton paper will absorb the water more evenly and the thicker the paper the less it will warp.

You can also “stretch” your watercolor paper to help prevent buckling.

To Stretch Watercolor Paper:

• Soak the Paper: Submerge it in water for 5-10 minutes (for 140 lb paper) or lightly mist it with water using a spray bottle.
• Tape It Down: Lay the wet paper on a wooden board and secure the edges with gummed tape (not masking tape).
• Let It Dry Completely: It should dry taut and stay flat when painting.

Mixing Palettes: Blend with Ease

A good mixing palette is essential. You can choose from porcelain or plastic trays. It’s important to have a place to mix and blend your paints. Look for a palette with wells to keep your colors organized.

Water Containers and Towels

Having clean water and absorbent towels is key. Get durable water containers and keep paper towels or a clean cloth handy. They help control water flow and clean your brushes.

Additional Accessories

• Masking fluid and tape for crisp edges and white space
• Sponges for texture and lifting
• Spray bottles for misting and effects
• A portable easel or drawing board for outdoor painting

With these essential supplies and accessories, you’re ready to create amazing watercolor art. The right tools can greatly improve your artistic journey.

Conclusion

Choosing the right watercolor set is a personal journey. It depends on your needs, budget, and skill level. Whether you’re new to watercolor painting or an experienced artist, there are many options for you.

Watercolor painting is more than just materials. It’s about developing your technique. Experiment, practice, and keep learning. With time and effort, you’ll find the right watercolor sets and accessories for your unique style.