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I’ve tested over 50 professional oil paint brands and consistently recommend Paul Rubens 20-color set for its high-purity pigments and excellent covering power, MyArtscape’s 48-tube collection for an extensive color range, and ZenART’s Portrait Palette for authentic Old Masters formulations. MEEDEN offers complete painting kits with easels, while Magicfly provides 40 premium tubes meeting ASTM standards. These brands deliver superior lightfastness, workability, and pigment density across canvas, wood, and specialty surfaces for serious studio work.
Notable Insights
- Professional oil paints feature high-purity pigments, excellent lightfastness, and superior covering power for serious artistic work.
- Top brands include Paul Rubens, ZenART, and MEEDEN, offering different tube sizes and color selections for various needs.
- Quality formulations provide non-toxic, fade-resistant pigments with consistent buttery texture and proper drying characteristics for layering techniques.
- Professional sets range from 8 to 48 colors with prices between $50-$100+ depending on pigment quality and brand.
- Surface compatibility and proper preparation are essential for professional results, requiring paints suited for canvas, wood, and other substrates.
Paul Rubens Oil Paint, 20 Colors Professional Set for Artists
The Paul Rubens Oil Paint 20-color professional set delivers exceptional value for artists who demand quality without breaking their budget. Each 50ml tube contains high-purity pigments suspended in premium linseed oil, creating a creamy texture that holds brush strokes while blending smoothly. The paint maintains excellent covering power and tinting strength across all twenty vibrant colors.
You’ll appreciate the non-toxic formulation that eliminates harsh odors during application. The paint cures completely within 7-14 days and won’t fade over time. This set works on canvas and wood surfaces, though it’s not water-resistant once applied. Customer satisfaction averages 4.5 stars from 172 reviews, reflecting consistent quality performance for professionals and students alike.
Best For: Artists, students, and beginners seeking professional-quality oil paints with high pigment saturation, smooth blending capabilities, and non-toxic formulation at an affordable price point.
Pros:
- High-quality pigments with excellent covering power and tinting strength that won’t fade over time
- Creamy texture made with premium linseed oil that blends smoothly while retaining brush strokes and knife marks
- Non-toxic formulation with no harsh odors, making it safe for all age groups
Cons:
- Not water-resistant once applied, limiting durability in certain applications
- Limited to canvas and wood surfaces only, restricting versatility compared to other mediums
- Relatively long cure time of 7-14 days may slow workflow for time-sensitive projects
MyArtscape Artist Paint Oil Paint Set – 12ml x 48 Tubes
Artists seeking exceptional value and color variety will find the MyArtscape Artist Paint Oil Paint Set delivers professional-grade performance at an accessible price point. This 48-tube collection provides 12ml per tube, totaling 19.2 fluid ounces of high-quality oil paint. You’ll receive 75% more paint compared to standard tubes, maximizing your creative output while minimizing costs.
The set features fade-resistant pigments that maintain color integrity over time. You can apply these paints using impasto, wet-on-wet, landscape, and portrait techniques on canvas, boards, and paper. Each tube contains non-toxic formulations meeting safety standards. The compact 8.27 x 7.68 x 1.57-inch packaging weighs 2.31 pounds, making storage convenient for studios and classrooms alike.
Best For: Artists of all skill levels from beginners to professionals who want a comprehensive oil paint collection with exceptional value and vibrant colors for various painting techniques.
Pros:
- 75% more paint per tube compared to standard 12ml tubes, providing exceptional value
- High-quality fade-resistant pigments ensure long-lasting color integrity
- Versatile for multiple techniques including impasto, wet-on-wet, landscape, and portrait painting
Cons:
- Manufactured in China which may concern artists preferring domestically-made art supplies
- Large 48-tube set may be overwhelming for casual or occasional painters
- Oil paints require proper ventilation and longer drying times compared to other paint types
Portrait Palette by ZenART Professional Oil Paint Set (8 x 50ml Tubes)
Portrait artists seeking authentic Renaissance-era color formulations will find ZenART’s Professional Oil Paint Set delivers eight carefully selected Old Masters pigments in generous 50ml tubes. You’ll receive Zinc-Titanium White, Yellow Ochre, Vermillion, Permanent Red, Chromium Oxide, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Blue, and Raw Umber. Each single-pigment formula guarantees maximum vibrancy and lightfastness ratings that meet professional standards.
The buttery consistency requires no additional mediums for mixing. You can apply these non-toxic, vegan formulations directly to primed canvas, boards, or specialized oil painting surfaces. The palette eliminates color duplicates, maximizing your mixing potential while reducing costs. ASTM D4236 safety certification confirms these paints contain no harmful driers or solvent fumes, making them suitable for studio environments with limited ventilation.
Best For: Portrait artists and both beginners and professionals who want authentic Renaissance-era color formulations with high-quality, non-toxic oil paints for achieving realistic skin tones.
Pros:
- Single-pigment formulations with buttery consistency that require no additional mediums for mixing
- Non-toxic, vegan, and eco-conscious formula that meets ASTM D4236 safety standards with no harmful driers or solvent fumes
- Cost-effective palette with no duplicate colors that maximizes mixing potential while providing generous 50ml tubes
Cons:
- Limited availability of individual color replacements, particularly for frequently used colors like Titanium White
- Some reported challenges with initial packaging quality
- Palette selection is specifically designed for portraits, which may limit versatility for other painting subjects
MEEDEN Oil Painting Supplies Set with French Easel & Art Materials
Complete oil painting sets solve the common problem of buying individual art supplies that may not work well together. MEEDEN’s extensive kit includes a German beechwood French easel with anti-rust galvanized hardware. The easel adjusts from 0° to 90° angles and accommodates most canvas sizes. You’ll receive seven 100ml artist-grade oil paints containing only pigment and medium for smooth application. Ten handcrafted brushes made from high-quality bristle and rosewood provide various painting techniques. The set includes 100% cotton canvases and panels in multiple sizes. A spacious storage drawer and exterior leather handle enhance portability. The stainless steel brush washer facilitates cleaning. This 4.5-star rated system offers complete functionality for serious artists.
Best For: Serious artists and art enthusiasts who want a complete, high-quality oil painting setup with professional-grade materials and a portable easel for studio or outdoor painting.
Pros:
- Complete all-in-one kit with professional German beechwood French easel, artist-grade oil paints, handcrafted brushes, and cotton canvases
- Highly portable design with spacious storage drawer, leather handle, and adjustable easel angles from 0° to 90°
- Durable construction featuring anti-rust galvanized hardware and high-quality materials like rosewood brush handles and solid beechwood
Cons:
- Paint drying time issues noted by some customers may affect workflow
- Higher price point compared to basic beginner sets due to professional-grade components
- Large size and weight of the French easel may be cumbersome for frequent transport despite portability features
Oil Paint 40pcs Set with Storage Box (18ml/0.6oz)
The Magicfly Professional Oil Paint Set delivers exceptional value for artists moving from student-grade materials to professional-quality pigments without the premium price tag. This 40-piece collection includes 18ml tubes featuring premium pigments that conform to ASTM D-4236 safety standards. You’ll find three white tubes plus metallic gold and silver options in the extensive color range.
The smooth, creamy consistency provides excellent coverage across canvas and various art media. With 1,079 customer reviews averaging 4.5 stars, users consistently praise the color selection and texture quality. However, you should expect longer drying times compared to some alternatives. The storage box keeps your materials organized, though some packaging damage during shipping has been reported.
Best For: Professional artists, hobby painters, beginners, and teachers who want to transition from student-grade materials to professional-quality pigments without paying premium prices.
Pros:
- Premium pigments with smooth, creamy consistency that provide excellent coverage and conform to ASTM D-4236 safety standards
- Comprehensive 40-color set including three white tubes, metallic gold and silver, plus organized storage box
- Strong customer satisfaction with 4.5-star rating from over 1,000 reviews praising color selection and texture quality
Cons:
- Longer drying times compared to some alternative oil paint brands
- Reports of packaging damage during shipping delivery
- May require additional gel mediums to enhance drying time and texture for optimal results
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint, Basic Set, 10 x 21ml Tubes
Winsor & Newton’s Winton Oil Color Basic Set delivers professional-grade formulation at a moderate price point, making it an excellent choice for student artists, hobbyists, and experienced painters who need larger paint volumes without premium costs.
You’ll receive ten essential colors in 21ml tubes: cadmium yellow pale hue, cadmium red deep hue, french ultramarine, phthalo blue, viridian hue, burnt umber, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, ivory black, and titanium white. These lightfast, permanent pigments conform to ASTM D4236 safety standards and offer excellent intermixability with other brands.
The paints work effectively on canvas, wood panels, and paper for both indoor and outdoor applications. You’ll appreciate the good coverage capability, though expect 1-2 day drying times and occasional initial pigment separation.
Best For: Student artists, hobbyists, and experienced painters who want professional-grade oil colors at a moderate price point with good coverage and lightfast pigments.
Pros:
- High-quality, lightfast pigments that are permanent and intermixable with other brands
- Excellent value with 10 essential colors in generous 21ml tubes at a moderate price
- Versatile application on multiple surfaces (canvas, wood panels, paper) for indoor and outdoor use
Cons:
- Longer drying times of 1-2 days compared to some other paint types
- Initial pigment separation may occur requiring mixing before use
- Formulated primarily for students and amateurs rather than professional artists seeking premium quality
Gamblin 1980 Oil Color Exclusive Set, 1.25 Ounce (Pack of 9), 11 Ounce
Gamblin’s 1980 Oil Color Exclusive Set delivers professional-grade performance at student-friendly prices, making it an ideal choice for emerging artists ready to elevate their work beyond basic hobby paints. You’ll receive eight 37ml tubes featuring smooth, creamy consistency with minimal fillers. The set includes bonus items: a cradled wood panel and solvent-free gel medium as an alternative to traditional linseed oil.
These American-made paints offer exceptional mixing and blending capabilities. You’ll find them particularly effective for wet-on-wet techniques. The vibrant colors maintain their intensity throughout application. Expect approximately one week drying time and noticeable odor during use. This high-end student grade performs nearly identical to professional formulations while remaining budget-conscious for developing artists.
Best For: Beginner to intermediate artists transitioning from hobby-grade paints who want professional-quality oil colors at an affordable price point.
Pros:
- High-end student grade quality with smooth, creamy consistency and minimal fillers that performs nearly identical to professional paints
- Excellent value with bonus items including a cradled wood panel and solvent-free gel medium alternative to linseed oil
- Superior mixing and blending capabilities with vibrant color intensity, particularly effective for wet-on-wet painting techniques
Cons:
- Strong odor during use that may be bothersome in poorly ventilated spaces
- Long drying time of approximately one week which can slow down painting progress
- Limited to only 8 colors in the set which may require additional color purchases for more complex projects
Paul Rubens Oil Paint Set, 20 Colors Professional Art Supplies
Paul Rubens delivers professional-grade oil paints that bridge the gap between student materials and premium artist colors, making this 20-color set ideal for emerging artists ready to elevate their technique without the premium price tag.
Each 50ml tube contains high-purity pigments suspended in premium linseed oil, delivering excellent covering power and tinting strength. The creamy consistency blends smoothly while preserving brush strokes and palette knife textures. You’ll achieve full cure in 7-14 days without color fading or washing out.
The non-toxic formula eliminates harsh odors, making extended studio sessions comfortable. These paints work effectively on canvas and wood surfaces, though they’re not water-resistant once applied. With 4.5 stars from 172 customer ratings, this set provides reliable performance for landscapes, seascapes, and diverse painting styles.
Best For: Artists, students, and beginners seeking professional-quality oil paints with excellent pigmentation and blending capabilities at an accessible price point.
Pros:
- High-quality pigments with excellent covering power and color saturation that won’t fade over time
- Creamy, smooth texture that blends easily while preserving brush strokes and palette knife marks
- Non-toxic formula with no harsh odors, making it safe and comfortable for extended painting sessions
Cons:
- Not water-resistant once applied, limiting outdoor or moisture-exposed applications
- Limited to canvas and wood surfaces, restricting versatility compared to other paint types
- 7-14 day cure time may be longer than desired for artists needing quick project completion
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color, 200ml (6.75-oz) Tube, Titanium White
Artists seeking maximum value without sacrificing quality will find this 200ml tube of titanium white delivers exceptional performance at a student-grade price point. You’ll get the same titanium dioxide pigment used in Winsor & Newton’s Artist grade paints. The tube weighs 10.6 ounces and measures 1.95 x 1.95 x 8.71 inches.
This paint offers excellent lightfastness with an ASTM I rating and AA permanence rating. You’ll appreciate its opaque coverage and satin finish. The formula works well on canvas, paper, and wood surfaces. Customer reviews average 4.8 stars from over 4,000 ratings.
Some oil separation occurs initially, so massage the tube before use for ideal consistency.
Best For: Student and amateur artists who need a large volume of high-quality titanium white oil paint at an affordable price point, as well as experienced painters looking for cost-effective alternatives without compromising performance.
Pros:
- Uses the same titanium dioxide pigment as Artist grade paints, delivering professional-quality results at student-grade pricing
- Excellent lightfastness (ASTM I) and permanence rating (AA) ensures artwork longevity and color stability
- Large 200ml tube provides exceptional value with smooth texture, good opacity, and impressive coverage
Cons:
- Initial oil separation in the tube requires massaging before use to achieve proper consistency
- Not waterproof, requiring additional gloss varnish for optimal results when mixing
- Limited to student-grade formulation which may not meet the specific needs of professional artists requiring premium materials
Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Color Paint Set (20 Tubes)
The Winsor & Newton Artisan Water Mixable Oil Color Paint Set transforms traditional oil painting by eliminating hazardous solvents, making it the best choice for artists with chemical sensitivities or those working in confined spaces. This 20-tube starter set contains 0.4-oz (12ml) tubes of essential colors including Titanium White, Ultramarine, and Burnt Sienna. The formulation modifies linseed and safflower oils to create a stable water-accepting emulsion. You’ll maintain the buttery consistency and brush stroke retention of traditional oils. Cleanup requires only soap and water. The paints dry faster than conventional oils while preserving blending capabilities. Customer ratings average 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Best For: Artists with chemical sensitivities, beginners learning oil painting techniques, and painters working in confined spaces who want to avoid hazardous solvents while maintaining traditional oil painting characteristics.
Pros:
- Water cleanup eliminates need for toxic solvents while maintaining buttery consistency and brush stroke retention of traditional oils
- Faster drying times compared to conventional oils while preserving excellent blending capabilities
- High customer satisfaction with 4.6 out of 5 star rating and trusted Winsor & Newton brand quality
Cons:
- Some users report oil residue issues in tubes upon arrival
- Limited earth tone selection with gaps in essential colors like Burnt Umber and Sap Green for portraiture
- Achieving certain color mixtures can be more challenging compared to traditional oil paints
Factors to Consider When Choosing Professional Oil Paints
When I’m selecting professional oil paints, I evaluate five critical factors that directly impact painting performance and longevity. Pigment quality standards determine color intensity and mixing properties, while color range variety affects your creative possibilities across warm and cool temperatures. I also consider tube size options for cost efficiency, drying time characteristics for technique compatibility, and lightfastness ratings to guarantee your artwork won’t fade over decades of display.
Pigment Quality Standards
Although many factors influence paint performance, pigment quality stands as the foundation that determines whether your artwork will maintain its brilliance for decades or fade into mediocrity.
I evaluate pigment quality using three critical standards. First, I examine covering power and tinting strength—high-quality pigments require minimal paint to achieve rich, vibrant colors. Second, I check the ASTM lightfastness rating, which measures fade resistance on a scale from I (excellent) to V (fugitive). Professional paints should rate I or II for archival work.
Third, I prioritize single-pigment formulations over mixtures. Single pigments deliver superior color intensity and cleaner mixing results. When you combine single-pigment colors, you’ll avoid the muddy results that multi-pigment paints often produce, giving you complete control over your palette’s vibrancy.
Color Range Variety
Breadth in your color selection directly impacts your painting’s visual impact and technical execution. Professional oil paint sets typically include 12-48 tubes featuring primary colors, earth tones, and specialized pigments. I recommend sets containing cadmium yellows, ultramarine blues, and burnt umbers as foundational colors.
Quality sets feature individual pigment formulations that maintain color integrity during mixing. You’ll achieve more dynamic results when working with sets offering both warm and cool variations of each primary color. This range enables precise temperature control in your work.
Comprehensive color assortments simplify color matching for beginners while providing experienced artists flexibility for complex compositions. Sets with 24+ colors eliminate extensive mixing requirements, saving time during painting sessions. You can create thousands of unique hues through strategic blending of well-selected base colors.
Tube Size Options
Three primary tube sizes dominate the professional oil paint market: 12ml, 37ml, and 200ml options that directly impact your purchasing decisions and painting workflow. I recommend 12ml tubes for color testing and infrequent painters. These small sizes prevent waste when experimenting with new pigments or brands.
The 37ml standard size offers ideal balance for most artists. You’ll find this size provides adequate paint volume without excessive cost per color. For high-usage colors like titanium white or burnt umber, 200ml tubes deliver superior value. Large tubes reduce cost per milliliter by approximately 40-60%.
Consider storage and transport needs carefully. Smaller tubes travel easier but cost more per unit. Sets combining multiple sizes maximize flexibility. However, larger tubes contain more medium, potentially extending drying times compared to smaller quantities.
Drying Time Considerations
Understanding drying time factors becomes essential for selecting oil paints that match your painting schedule and technique preferences. I’ve found that most professional oils require 1-3 days for initial surface drying, with complete curing extending 7-14 days. Paint thickness directly affects these timelines—thick impasto applications can take weeks to fully cure.
The oil binder considerably impacts drying speed. Linseed oil-based paints dry faster than safflower oil formulations. Environmental conditions matter too. Higher temperatures and lower humidity accelerate drying, while cool, humid conditions extend working time.
Water-mixable oils offer faster drying than traditional formulations. This makes them ideal for artists needing quicker turnaround times. When planning layered paintings or glazing techniques, I always consider these drying characteristics to maintain proper workflow and prevent technique limitations.
Lightfastness and Permanence
When selecting professional oil paints, lightfastness ratings determine whether your artwork will maintain its original colors decades from now or fade into disappointing shadows of your initial vision. I look for ratings on the standard scale: I (excellent), II (good), and III (not lightfast). Category I paints resist fading under direct sunlight and artificial lighting.
Permanence ratings work alongside lightfastness. I choose paints with AA permanence ratings for maximum durability against moisture, heat, and environmental stress. These extremely permanent formulations minimize color degradation over time.
Professional oil paints meeting ASTM D4236 standards undergo rigorous testing for both properties. This certification guarantees performance reliability. I avoid Category III lightfast paints for commissioned works or gallery pieces, reserving them only for studies or temporary applications.
Price Point Analysis
Although professional oil paints represent a significant investment, I’ve found that understanding the price-to-performance ratio prevents costly mistakes and delivers superior results. Basic paint sets range from $10 to $50, while premium options exceed $100 for limited colors. This price difference reflects pigment quality and manufacturing standards.
I’ve observed that economical brands offer larger volumes at lower costs but compromise pigment purity and filler quality. These shortcuts directly impact your artwork’s appearance and longevity. Professional-grade paints justify their higher cost through superior consistency and reliability.
Higher-priced paints deliver better lightfastness, preventing color degradation over time. They also provide enhanced coverage capabilities, requiring less paint per application. When evaluating options, I consider pigment concentration, color intensity, and long-term durability rather than initial cost alone.
Surface Compatibility Requirements
Beyond cost considerations, surface compatibility determines whether your paint investment produces professional results or costly failures. I’ve found that checking manufacturer specifications prevents adhesion problems and finish inconsistencies across different substrates.
Canvas-specific formulations offer enhanced flexibility and durability. These paints accommodate varying canvas textures and weaves without cracking or peeling. Wood panels require different considerations, particularly regarding primed versus untreated surfaces.
Your application technique influences surface preparation requirements. Wet-on-wet methods demand different paint properties than layered approaches. Some formulations work exclusively on primed surfaces, while others adhere to raw materials.
Versatile paints expand creative possibilities. They perform consistently across canvas, wood panels, metal, and acrylic grounds. This compatibility lets you explore diverse mediums without purchasing specialized paint lines for each substrate, maximizing both artistic flexibility and cost efficiency.
On a final note
I’ve analyzed the top professional oil paint sets based on pigment quality, lightfastness ratings, and value propositions. Each option offers distinct advantages for different artistic requirements. Consider your specific needs: color range, tube sizes, or complete starter kits with easels. Winsor & Newton delivers proven professional standards, while Paul Rubens provides excellent value. MyArtscape offers extensive variety. Choose based on your budget, experience level, and painting objectives for best results.
