10 Best Watercolor Sets 2025 in the United States

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Studio Set with 24 pans offers a broad and versatile color range that covers most basic watercolor needs, including various yellows, reds, blues, greens, earth tones, and neutral shades. This makes it a great choice for beginners or hobbyists who want a comprehensive palette without paying for professional-grade pigments. The paints use Cotman quality, which means they maintain good transparency and tinting strength, giving you vibrant colors that mix well and layer nicely. However, some pigments are replaced with less expensive alternatives to keep costs down, so the paint quality, while decent, is not at the highest professional level.

Lightfastness is generally good for student-grade paints but might vary slightly between colors, so very long-lasting archival work might require higher-end sets. The paints come in whole pans that are 2 ml each, housed in a lightweight plastic box with a removable lid that doubles as a palette, making it convenient and portable for studio or travel use. The satin finish and compact packaging add to its user-friendly design.

This set isn’t water-resistant or waterproof once dry, which is typical for watercolors, and the color coverage is strong enough for practice and casual artwork. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly set with solid transparency and a wide color selection for learning or casual painting, this Cotman set is a fitting choice. For users needing top-tier pigment quality or extremely durable, lightfast colors, professional-grade options may be more suitable.

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.

The Grabie Watercolor Paint Set is designed for artists, amateur hobbyists, and painting enthusiasts who appreciate a versatile and portable option for their projects. With 50 vibrant colors, this set provides a broad range that caters to various artistic needs. The paints are known for their good transparency and tinting strength, making them easy to mix and blend for unique creations. Additionally, the high-quality, non-toxic formulation ensures safety for users of all ages, aligning with common safety standards.

On the practical side, the set comes with essential accessories, including a water brush pen, nylon paintbrush, and detail brushes, making it a complete kit for artists on the go. The compact metal case is lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for travel and outdoor painting sessions.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The paint does not have waterproof properties once dry, which can limit its application in certain projects. Additionally, while the range of colors is extensive, some shades may require multiple layers to achieve the desired opacity.