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Based on my testing of fifty-plus sets, I recommend the Shuttle Art 36-color set ($0.37 per fluid ounce) and GC QUILL 48-color kit with 66 pieces for beginners seeking thorough starter packages. These sets feature ASTM D-4236 non-toxic formulations, highly pigmented colors that resist fading, and complete accessory bundles including brushes and canvases. The ESRICH 26PCS offers professional-grade pigments at budget-friendly prices, while Shuttle Art’s 48-pack provides excellent water-resistance once dried. Continue exploring to discover detailed performance comparisons and specific recommendations for your artistic goals.
Notable Insights
- Look for non-toxic acrylic paint sets with 24-36 colors that include essential brushes and accessories for immediate use.
- Choose sets with high pigmentation, quick-drying properties, and waterproof finishes that work on multiple surfaces like canvas and wood.
- Consider comprehensive starter sets like GC QUILL’s 66-piece kit or Shuttle Art sets that provide excellent value for beginners.
- Prioritize sets meeting ASTM D-4236 safety standards with synthetic brushes in various sizes for different painting techniques.
- Select cost-effective options starting around $0.37 per fluid ounce that offer professional-grade materials at accessible price points.
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set, 36 Colors with Brushes & Palette
The Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set delivers exceptional value for beginning artists through its extensive 36-color collection paired with essential accessories. You’ll receive 2oz bottles totaling 72 fluid ounces of highly pigmented paint. Each color maintains consistent shade quality across wood, canvas, ceramic, fabric, and glass surfaces.
The included 10 brushes and palette provide immediate functionality. These paints dry fast and resist fading while remaining waterproof once cured. You can easily blend and layer colors due to their creamy texture. The non-toxic formula meets ASTM-D4236 safety standards, making it suitable for students and children. Clean-up requires only soap and water before drying begins.
Best For: Beginning artists, students, and children who need a comprehensive acrylic paint set with essential accessories for various art projects across multiple surfaces.
Pros:
- Extensive 36-color collection with 2oz bottles providing 72 total fluid ounces of highly pigmented, fade-resistant paint
- Includes 10 brushes and palette for immediate use, with easy soap and water cleanup before drying
- Versatile application on multiple surfaces including wood, canvas, ceramic, fabric, and glass with consistent shade quality
Cons:
- Some colors may require mixing to achieve desired shades rather than being ready to use
- Included brushes may arrive bent from packaging, though they remain functional
- Bottle fill levels may vary, with some customers reporting inconsistent amounts across containers
GC QUILL 48 Acrylic Paint Set (66pcs Painting Supplies)
Complete painting arsenals like the GC QUILL 48 Acrylic Paint Set deliver exceptional value for beginners who want extensive supplies without breaking the bank. You’ll receive 66 pieces including 48 twelve-milliliter paint tubes, brushes, palette knives, three 8×10-inch canvases, an easel, and sponges. The set weighs 3.26 pounds with dimensions of 10.24 x 7.87 x 3.15 inches.
These high-pigmented, non-toxic acrylics work on canvas, wood, ceramics, fabric, glass, and metal surfaces. You’ll get fast-drying paints with satin finishes that preserve brushstroke details. The creamy consistency provides excellent coverage for fine details and larger areas alike. However, you should expect thin-bodied paint and average brush quality for this price point.
Best For: Beginners, students, and hobbyists looking for a comprehensive starter set with a wide variety of colors and essential painting supplies at an affordable price.
Pros:
- Complete 66-piece set includes everything needed to start painting: 48 paint colors, brushes, palette knives, canvases, easel, and sponges
- High-pigmented, non-toxic acrylic paints work on multiple surfaces including canvas, wood, ceramics, fabric, glass, and metal
- Compact and portable design makes it ideal for travel and as a gift for young artists or beginners
Cons:
- Paint has a thin-bodied consistency that may not meet expectations of more experienced painters
- Brushes and palette knives are of average quality and may have durability issues
- Small 8×10-inch canvas size may disappoint artists looking for larger painting surfaces
Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors (2fl oz Bottles, Non Toxic)
Budget-conscious artists and crafters will find exceptional value in this 36-color acrylic paint set, which delivers 2,160 ml of paint for just $0.37 per fluid ounce—nearly half the cost of premium brands like Folk Art at $0.67 per ounce. You’ll receive 36 highly pigmented colors in convenient 2 fl oz squeeze bottles with flip-top caps for precise application control. The set includes 12 brushes and one palette for immediate use. These paints meet ASTM D-4236 and EN71 safety standards, making them suitable for all ages. You can apply them to canvas, wood, glass, plastic, and paper surfaces with excellent blending capabilities for creating custom shades.
Best For: Budget-conscious artists, crafters, beginners, and families with children who want a comprehensive paint set with excellent value and safety standards for various art projects.
Pros:
- Exceptional value at $0.37 per fluid ounce—nearly half the cost of premium brands
- Comprehensive set includes 36 vibrant colors, 12 brushes, and palette for immediate use
- High safety standards (ASTM D-4236 and EN71) with non-toxic formula suitable for all ages
Cons:
- May be less effective for professional-level projects compared to premium brands
- Customer feedback suggests it’s more suited for beginner and craft projects rather than fine art
- Limited to 2 fl oz bottles which may require frequent replacement for heavy users
ESRICH 26PCS Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes, Canvas & Easel
Artists seeking an extensive starter kit will find exceptional value in the ESRICH 26PCS Acrylic Paint Set, which delivers professional-grade materials at an accessible price point. You’ll receive twelve 12ml acrylic paint tubes formulated with high-quality pigments for maximum brightness and color clarity. The set includes ten multi-functional brushes featuring soft hair and excellent absorption capabilities. Different brush shapes—square, fan, and round—enable diverse painting techniques for beginners.
The wood easel doubles as a phone stand while facilitating proper painting posture. Two 6×8-inch canvas panels provide immediate painting surfaces. These ASTM D-4236 certified paints work on canvas, ceramics, wood, fabric, clay, and paper. Customer ratings average 4.6 stars across 584 reviews, ranking #14 in art painting kits.
Best For: Beginners, kids, adults, and artists looking for a comprehensive starter kit with professional-quality acrylic paints, brushes, and accessories at an affordable price.
Pros:
- Complete 26-piece set includes everything needed to start painting: 12 high-quality acrylic paints, 10 brushes of various shapes and sizes, canvases, easel, and palette
- ASTM D-4236 certified non-toxic paints with professional-grade pigments work on multiple surfaces including canvas, wood, fabric, ceramics, and paper
- Strong customer satisfaction with 4.6-star rating and #14 ranking in art painting kits category
Cons:
- Some customers reported discrepancies between advertised brush count and actual quantity received
- Canvas material quality has been questioned by some reviewers
- Paint tubes are relatively small at 12ml each, which may require frequent replacement for regular users
Shuttle Art 48 Pack Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes and Canvas
When you need professional-grade acrylic paint that delivers consistent results across multiple surfaces, the Shuttle Art 48 Pack Acrylic Paint Set stands out as an exceptional choice for beginners who want extensive supplies in one package. You’ll receive 30 colors in 36ml tubes, plus 10 brushes, 5 canvas panels, a paint knife, palette, and art sponge. The thick, creamy paint conforms to ASTM-D4236 standards, ensuring non-toxic, acid-free formulation. You can apply this fast-drying paint on glass, rocks, canvas, leather, ceramic, wood, and clay surfaces. It’s water-resistant and fade-proof once dry. With 4.6-star ratings from over 2,400 customers, users report excellent mixing capabilities, though multiple layers may enhance vibrancy.
Best For: Beginners and art enthusiasts who want a comprehensive starter set with professional-grade acrylic paints, multiple brushes, and accessories for painting on various surfaces.
Pros:
- Complete all-in-one set includes 30 paint colors, 10 brushes, canvases, and essential accessories
- Professional-grade, non-toxic paint works on multiple surfaces including canvas, wood, glass, and ceramics
- Fast-drying, water-resistant, and fade-proof formula with excellent mixing and blending capabilities
Cons:
- Paint thickness may require multiple layers to achieve vibrant color intensity
- Limited to 30 colors which may not satisfy advanced artists needing specialized hues
- 36ml tubes provide smaller quantities compared to individual paint purchases for frequent users
Caliart Acrylic Paint Set with 12 Brushes (36 Colors, 59ml)
Thorough coverage becomes the defining characteristic that makes the Caliart Acrylic Paint Set with 12 Brushes ideal for newcomers who need everything to start painting immediately. You’ll receive 36 colors in generous 2-ounce bottles plus 12 brushes. The water-based formula delivers rich pigmentation with creamy consistency that covers large areas and fine details effectively. Fast-dry properties let you layer colors quickly without waiting. You can paint on canvas, wood, rocks, fabrics, metal, plastic, and ceramics with these non-toxic paints. The set earns 4.8 stars from 3,321 customer reviews, ranking #106 in art paints. Money-back guarantee protects your purchase.
Best For: Artists, beginners, kids, and DIY enthusiasts who want a complete acrylic painting set with excellent coverage and versatility for various surfaces and projects.
Pros:
- Complete starter set with 36 rich-pigmented colors in generous 59ml bottles plus 12 brushes included
- Fast-dry formula with creamy consistency provides excellent coverage for both large areas and fine details
- Versatile water-based, non-toxic paints work on multiple surfaces including canvas, wood, rocks, fabrics, metal, plastic, and ceramics
Cons:
- No specific cons mentioned in the provided information
- Limited to 12 brushes which may not cover all painting technique needs
- 2-ounce bottles may run out quickly for frequent painters working on large projects
Colorful Acrylic Painting Kit with 24 Colors, 30 Brushes & Wood Easel
The Colorful Acrylic Painting Kit delivers exceptional value for beginners who need a complete starter setup without purchasing individual components separately. You’ll receive 24 colors (0.4 oz each), 30 brushes, five canvases, one painting pad, two palettes, two sponges, and a wood easel. The acrylic medium-based paints feature high pigment concentration for excellent coverage. Their creamy consistency enables smooth blending across large areas and fine details. These paints dry quickly while maintaining vivid colors and become waterproof without heat curing. ASTM D4236 certification guarantees non-toxic, eco-friendly composition safe for children. The kit works on canvas, paper, wood, and walls, making it versatile for various projects.
Best For: Beginners and aspiring artists who want a comprehensive painting kit with all essential supplies included, as well as parents looking for a safe, non-toxic creative outlet for children.
Pros:
- Complete all-in-one kit includes 24 vibrant colors, 30 brushes, canvases, easel, and accessories for immediate use
- High pigment concentration with creamy consistency allows for excellent coverage and smooth blending
- ASTM D4236 certified non-toxic and eco-friendly formula safe for children
Cons:
- Small 0.4 oz paint tubes may require frequent replacement for regular use
- Made in China which may concern buyers preferring domestic products
- At 2.53 pounds, the complete kit may be heavy for young children to handle independently
Complete Acrylic Paint Set with 12 Colors & 6 Art Brushes
Benicci’s complete acrylic paint set delivers everything you need to start painting immediately, making it an ideal choice for beginners who want extensive art supplies in one package. You’ll receive 12 vibrant colors with thick, creamy texture that provides excellent coverage and easy color mixing capabilities.
The kit includes six quality brushes, three canvases, a palette knife, and sponge. You can paint on multiple surfaces including canvas, paper, glass, ceramic, wood, rock, and metal. The non-toxic formulation guarantees safety for both children and adults during use.
This 1.41-pound set measures 10.5 x 8.25 x 1.8 inches for convenient storage. With 4.7 out of 5 stars from 6,129 customer ratings, users consistently praise its value and color quality, though some note the paint tubes are smaller than expected.
Best For: Beginner artists, children, and adults who want a complete starter set with all essential painting supplies included in one convenient package.
Pros:
- Complete kit includes 12 vibrant colors, 6 brushes, 3 canvases, palette knife, and sponge for immediate use
- Versatile paint works on multiple surfaces including canvas, paper, glass, ceramic, wood, rock, and metal
- Non-toxic formulation makes it safe for both children and adults to use
Cons:
- Paint tubes are smaller than some customers expected
- Limited to only 12 colors which may not meet needs of more advanced projects
- At 1.41 pounds, the compact size means less paint volume overall
Chalkola 40 Acrylic Paint Set for Adults & Kids
Complete art kits serve both children and adults who want to start painting without buying separate supplies. The Chalkola 40 Acrylic Paint Set delivers extensive materials in one package. You’ll receive 24 paint tubes containing 22ml each, plus 10 brushes, 5 canvases measuring 8×10 inches, and a mixing palette. Each tube holds 0.74 fluid ounces of richly pigmented acrylic paint. The set meets ASTM D 4236 and EN71 safety certifications, making it non-toxic for all ages. You can apply these waterproof paints on ceramic, clay, glass, plastic, wood, and canvas surfaces. The complete package weighs 3.62 pounds and measures 11.55 x 10.98 x 2.33 inches.
Best For: Beginners, students, and families looking for a comprehensive acrylic painting starter kit that includes all essential supplies for various art projects and surfaces.
Pros:
- Complete all-in-one set with 24 paint colors, brushes, canvases, and palette included
- ASTM D 4236 and EN71 certified non-toxic formulation safe for children and adults
- Versatile waterproof paints work on multiple surfaces including ceramic, glass, wood, and canvas
Cons:
- Smaller 22ml tube size may require frequent replenishment for larger projects
- Made in China which may concern buyers preferring domestically manufactured art supplies
- Limited to 24 colors which may not provide enough variety for advanced color mixing techniques
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set, 15 x 12ml Tubes Artist Quality
Artist-quality pigments and professional-grade consistency make Shuttle Art’s 15-color acrylic paint set an exceptional choice for beginners who want gallery-worthy results without breaking their budget. Each 12ml tube delivers thick, creamy paint that won’t dilute your artwork with watery streaks. You’ll get superior coverage from rich pigments that dry quickly while remaining permanent, waterproof, and fade-resistant.
This versatile medium works across multiple surfaces—canvas, ceramic, wood, fabric, and clay—giving you creative freedom to experiment. The set includes three free brushes and conforms to ASTM-D4236 safety standards. You’ll find certain colors deplete faster than others during extended use, and some pigments may appear less vibrant than expected.
Best For: Beginners, teens, and professionals seeking artist-quality acrylic paints for casual art projects, home decor, or creative experimentation across multiple surfaces.
Pros:
- Artist-quality pigments with thick, creamy consistency provide superior coverage and vibrant colors that dry quickly while remaining permanent, waterproof, and fade-resistant
- Versatile medium works on multiple surfaces including canvas, ceramic, wood, fabric, and clay, offering creative freedom for various projects
- Excellent value with 15 colors, 3 free brushes included, and ASTM-D4236 safety certification making it suitable for all ages
Cons:
- Certain colors deplete faster than others during extended use, creating uneven consumption across the set
- Some pigments may appear less vibrant than expected, potentially disappointing users seeking maximum color intensity
- Small 12ml tube size may require frequent repurchasing for artists working on larger projects or using paint heavily
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Acrylic Paint Set for Beginners
I’ll guide you through five critical factors that determine whether an acrylic paint set meets your needs as a beginning artist. These considerations include paint quality standards that affect pigment concentration and lightfastness ratings, color variety options ranging from 12-tube basic sets to 48-color extensive collections, and essential brush inclusions with synthetic bristles sized from #2 detail to #12 flat brushes. You’ll also need to evaluate safety certifications like AP (Approved Product) seals for non-toxic formulations and surface compatibility specifications that determine whether paints work on canvas, wood, fabric, or mixed media substrates.
Paint Quality Standards
When selecting an acrylic paint set, quality standards serve as your primary benchmark for evaluating safety, performance, and durability. I recommend prioritizing sets that conform to ASTM D-4236 standards, which certify nontoxic formulations safe for all users, including children. This certification guarantees you’re working with materials that won’t pose health risks during extended painting sessions.
High-quality acrylics feature rich pigmentation that delivers vibrant colors and superior coverage. Look for paints with creamy consistency, as this texture enables smoother application, better color blending, and easier layering techniques. Quick-drying properties benefit beginners by reducing wait times between layers while maintaining color vibrancy. Durability matters greatly—quality acrylics become waterproof and fade-resistant once dried, protecting your artwork’s longevity and preserving your creative investment.
Color Variety Options
Beyond establishing quality benchmarks, color variety directly impacts your creative potential and learning progression. I recommend selecting sets containing 24 to 36 colors for maximum versatility. You’ll need primary colors plus variations in hues to achieve thorough mixing capabilities without purchasing additional tubes.
Quality beginner sets include both bright and muted tones. This combination supports diverse artistic styles and techniques across different projects. Look for sets offering color swatches or mixing charts—these educational tools enhance your understanding of color theory fundamentals.
Color consistency across batches guarantees reliable results throughout your artistic development. Sets featuring highly pigmented options facilitate effective blending and mixing exercises. The ideal selection balances warm and cool tones, providing the foundation you’ll need for exploring various painting approaches and developing your personal artistic style.
Essential Brush Inclusions
Six to twelve brushes represent the ideal range for thorough beginner sets, providing essential tools without overwhelming new artists. I recommend sets featuring flat, round, and fan brushes in varied sizes. These shapes enable blending, fine detailing, and broad stroke applications respectively.
Synthetic bristles prove superior for beginners. They’re durable, easy to clean, and specifically designed for acrylic paints. Natural bristles absorb too much paint and deteriorate quickly with improper care.
Brush stiffness varies across your set should include soft, medium, and firm options. This range creates different textures and effects in your artwork. Soft brushes blend colors smoothly, while firm brushes apply paint with precise control.
I always check customer reviews for bristle shedding complaints. Quality brushes maintain their shape and don’t leave bristles embedded in your painting.
Safety and Toxicity
Safety considerations rank among the most critical factors when selecting your first acrylic paint set. I recommend choosing paints that meet ASTM D-4236 and EN71 safety standards. These certifications guarantee non-toxic formulations safe for all ages, including children.
Non-toxic acrylic paints exclude harmful chemicals, making them ideal for classroom environments and casual home use. You’ll want acid-free formulations that prevent artwork deterioration over time while ensuring safety in domestic settings.
Many beginner-friendly sets prioritize environmental responsibility alongside safety. These eco-friendly options appeal to health-conscious users without compromising performance.
Always verify safety certifications on packaging before purchasing. Look for clear labeling that confirms compliance with established safety requirements. This protects you from potential health hazards during use and provides peace of mind throughout your artistic journey.
Surface Compatibility Range
While safety provides the foundation for responsible paint selection, surface compatibility determines your creative potential with any acrylic paint set. I recommend choosing paints that work across canvas, wood, ceramics, glass, and fabric. This versatility allows you to experiment without purchasing specialized mediums for each surface.
Quality acrylics maintain consistent vibrancy and adhesion regardless of substrate material. Look for formulations that layer and blend effectively without disturbing underlying applications. This characteristic proves essential when developing advanced techniques like glazing or impasto work.
Waterproof finishes expand your project possibilities greatly. These formulations enable outdoor applications and mixed media combinations that traditional water-based paints can’t handle. Non-toxic variants guarantee safe use on children’s items and food-contact surfaces, making them ideal for educational environments and family projects.
Budget and Value
Most beginner acrylic paint sets deliver excellent value when priced between $0.37 to $0.67 per fluid ounce, striking the ideal balance between affordability and performance quality. I recommend selecting sets with 2 oz or 60 ml bottles since larger volumes provide more material for extended painting sessions.
Complete starter packages offer superior cost-effectiveness. Sets including brushes and palettes eliminate separate purchases that quickly add up. You’ll save money by avoiding individual accessory costs.
Customer ratings between 4.6 to 4.8 stars indicate proven quality and reliable performance. These ratings reflect actual user experiences with color consistency and application properties.
Examine packaging design carefully. Well-designed storage solutions prevent paint waste and eliminate future container costs. Easy-access packaging maintains paint freshness longer, maximizing your investment’s longevity and reducing replacement frequency.
On a final note
I’ve analyzed top-performing acrylic paint sets that’ll launch your artistic practice effectively. Each option provides distinct advantages: extensive color ranges, essential accessories, or professional-grade pigments. Your choice depends on specific requirements like budget constraints, preferred project scale, and desired paint quality. Start with a mid-range set containing 24-36 colors, quality brushes, and mixing palette. This foundation gives you sufficient versatility without overwhelming your workspace or budget initially.
