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10 Best Watercolor Sets 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set, Vivid Colors in Portable Box, Palette set, Including Metallic and Fluorescent Colors. Perfect Travel Watercolor Set for Artists, Amateur Hobbyists and Painting

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,455
Color Range
Quality of Paint
Packaging and Portability

Most important from
9604 reviews

Color Range
The hues range from bright, bold tones to gentle pastels, with every shade popping like it's on a mission to jazz up your art.
Quality of Paint
For beginners, the paints are easy to use, dry quickly, and provide good coverage, making the first painting experience enjoyable.
Packaging and Portability
The ARTISTRO set feels like an 'art-aid kit' – sturdy, portable, and filled with vibrant colors that make you feel like Bob Ross with a utility belt.

The ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set is a versatile choice for both beginners and experienced artists, boasting 48 vivid colors, including metallic and fluorescent options. The color range is extensive, making it suitable for a variety of artistic projects, from coloring books to more intricate artwork. One of the standout features is its portability; the set comes in a lightweight and stylish tin box, which makes it easy to take on trips or outdoor painting sessions. Additionally, this set includes useful accessories like watercolor paper, a water brush pen, and a sponge, ensuring you have most of the essentials for painting right out of the box.

The quality of the paint is generally well-received, providing vibrant hues that can bring art to life. They conform to safety standards, making them suitable for children aged 3 and up, which is a plus for parents looking for a safe art supply. However, while the paints are non-toxic, they are not waterproof, which means finished artwork may require careful handling.

On the downside, some users might find that the lightfastness of the colors could be better, especially for works intended for display or archival purposes. Additionally, the kit might feel overwhelming for complete beginners due to the large number of colors and tools included, although many will appreciate having such a comprehensive set. For those who enjoy mixed media or performance art, the addition of metallic and fluorescent colors could be an exciting feature. The aesthetic appeal of the packaging also makes it a wonderful gift option, whether it's for a holiday or a special occasion.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,455
Color Range
Quality of Paint
Packaging and Portability

Most important from
9604 reviews

Color Range
The hues range from bright, bold tones to gentle pastels, with every shade popping like it's on a mission to jazz up your art.
Quality of Paint
For beginners, the paints are easy to use, dry quickly, and provide good coverage, making the first painting experience enjoyable.
Packaging and Portability
The ARTISTRO set feels like an 'art-aid kit' – sturdy, portable, and filled with vibrant colors that make you feel like Bob Ross with a utility belt.
#2

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, Studio Set, 45 Half Pan w/ Brush

Rating
9.6
Color Range
Quality of Paint
Transparency

Most important from
8302 reviews

Color Range
The set's 45 half pans offer an impressive range of colors, perfect for both studio work and on-the-go painting.
Quality of Paint
The pigments are vibrant and mix beautifully, allowing for endless possibilities in artwork.
Transparency
The transparency of these watercolors allows for luminous washes and delicate glazing techniques.
Packaging and Portability
Opening the sturdy case with its vibrant colors makes you feel like a true professional.

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set is a solid choice for both beginners and more experienced artists looking for a reliable watercolor option. One of its notable strengths is the extensive color range, boasting 45 half pans that provide a wide spectrum of hues to experiment with. This is particularly beneficial for artists who enjoy mixing and blending colors, as the excellent tinting strength allows for vibrant results with minimal effort. Additionally, the set is designed for good transparency, which is essential for watercolor techniques that require layering and glazing.

In terms of quality, while the Cotman range uses some less expensive pigments compared to professional-grade options, it still adheres to high-quality standards. This makes it an economical choice without compromising too heavily on performance, making it suitable for art students or hobbyists.

Packaging is another strong point; the compact case includes a mixing tray, making it easy to carry and set up for painting sessions. This portability is perfect for artists who like to paint outdoors or travel, offering convenience without sacrificing functionality.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. Some artists might find that the use of alternative pigments affects the color saturation when compared to professional-grade sets, which could be a concern for serious artists seeking the richest colors. Also, while the set is excellent for general use, those who require specific lightfastness ratings may need to research individual colors since the lightfastness may vary within the Cotman range.

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set is a great option for those who value a wide color range and good quality at an affordable price, but serious artists may want to evaluate their specific needs regarding pigment quality and lightfastness.

Rating
9.6
Color Range
Quality of Paint
Transparency

Most important from
8302 reviews

Color Range
The set's 45 half pans offer an impressive range of colors, perfect for both studio work and on-the-go painting.
Quality of Paint
The pigments are vibrant and mix beautifully, allowing for endless possibilities in artwork.
Transparency
The transparency of these watercolors allows for luminous washes and delicate glazing techniques.
Packaging and Portability
Opening the sturdy case with its vibrant colors makes you feel like a true professional.
#3

Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set 24 Colors II - Art nouveau, Professional-quality art supplies for artists adult painting aketching, Non-Toxic, Made in Japan

Rating
9.4
Color Range
Quality of Paint
Type of Paint

Most important from
1280 reviews

Color Range
The color range is beautiful and vibrant, providing a semi-opaque finish that acts like a cross between gouache and watercolor.
Quality of Paint
These watercolors are incredibly smooth and creamy, transforming beautifully with water and allowing for excellent control over dark and light values.
Type of Paint
The unique binder, made from collagen instead of gum arabic, contributes to the brightness and distinct feel of these colors.
Lightfastness
Highly pigmented and lightfast, these paints ensure that artwork retains its brilliance over time.
Packaging and Portability
The larger pan size is perfect for both small and large brushes, making it easy to swirl and mix colors.

The Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set offers a range of 24 vibrant colors inspired by nature, making it ideal for artists who appreciate vivid, opaque hues. The paint quality is professional-grade, ensuring smooth application and a slight sheen upon drying. The set includes larger-than-average pans, which are convenient for both small and large brush use, and the water-based pigment can be adjusted for varying levels of opacity and transparency, allowing versatility for different artistic techniques.

The packaging, while elegant with its green washi overlay, is made of simple cardboard, which might not be as durable for long-term use or frequent transportation. Additionally, the paints are not water-resistant, which may be a limitation for certain projects.

The set's non-toxic formulation and replaceable pans add to its practicality and appeal, especially for artists who seek a reliable and high-quality watercolor set.

Rating
9.4
Color Range
Quality of Paint
Type of Paint

Most important from
1280 reviews

Color Range
The color range is beautiful and vibrant, providing a semi-opaque finish that acts like a cross between gouache and watercolor.
Quality of Paint
These watercolors are incredibly smooth and creamy, transforming beautifully with water and allowing for excellent control over dark and light values.
Type of Paint
The unique binder, made from collagen instead of gum arabic, contributes to the brightness and distinct feel of these colors.
Lightfastness
Highly pigmented and lightfast, these paints ensure that artwork retains its brilliance over time.
Packaging and Portability
The larger pan size is perfect for both small and large brushes, making it easy to swirl and mix colors.

Buying Guide for the Best Watercolor Sets

Choosing the right watercolor set can be a delightful yet overwhelming experience, especially with the variety of options available. The key to finding the perfect set lies in understanding your needs and preferences, as well as the specific features that different sets offer. Here are some important specifications to consider when selecting a watercolor set, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
Color RangeThe color range refers to the number of different colors included in the set. This is important because a wider range of colors allows for more versatility and creativity in your artwork. Watercolor sets can range from basic sets with 12 colors to professional sets with 48 or more. If you are a beginner, a smaller set with essential colors might be sufficient. However, if you are more experienced or want to experiment with a broader palette, a larger set with more colors would be beneficial.
Quality of PaintThe quality of watercolor paint can vary significantly between student-grade and artist-grade sets. This spec is important because higher quality paints generally offer better pigmentation, transparency, and lightfastness (resistance to fading over time). Student-grade paints are more affordable and suitable for beginners or casual use, while artist-grade paints are ideal for serious artists who require the best performance and longevity in their work. Consider your level of expertise and how important the quality of your finished pieces is to you when choosing between these grades.
Type of PaintWatercolor paints come in different forms, including pans, tubes, and liquid. This spec is important because each type has its own advantages and is suited to different styles of painting. Pans are compact and convenient for travel, making them great for plein air painting. Tubes offer more paint and are easier to mix, which is ideal for larger works or more intensive use. Liquid watercolors are highly concentrated and can be used for vibrant washes or detailed work. Think about where and how you plan to paint to determine which type of paint will best suit your needs.
LightfastnessLightfastness refers to how resistant the paint is to fading when exposed to light over time. This is important if you want your artwork to maintain its original appearance for years to come. Paints with high lightfastness ratings are less likely to fade, making them a better choice for professional artists or anyone creating work intended for display. If you are painting for practice or short-term projects, lightfastness may be less critical. Check the ratings provided by the manufacturer to ensure the paints meet your longevity requirements.
TransparencyTransparency is a characteristic of watercolor paint that allows underlying layers to show through, creating depth and luminosity in your artwork. This is important because it affects the overall look and technique of your painting. Transparent paints are ideal for layering and glazing techniques, while opaque paints can be used for more solid coverage and highlights. Consider the style of painting you prefer and whether you need more transparent or opaque colors to achieve your desired effects.
Packaging and PortabilityThe packaging and portability of a watercolor set can greatly influence your painting experience, especially if you plan to paint on the go. This spec is important because a well-designed set can make it easier to organize and access your paints. Compact sets with built-in palettes and brush holders are convenient for travel and outdoor painting. Larger sets with separate palettes may be better suited for studio use. Think about where you will be painting most often and choose a set that offers the right balance of convenience and functionality for your needs.

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