Evoking a gentle yet striking style of artistry, watercolor painting has been a medium of creation for a significant part of human history.
Due to the fluidity of these paints, creating effects with watercolor paints is challenging, but rewarding.
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Finding the right watercolor paint for you depends on several factors: one that has the proper tint, lightfastness, and color mixing. Selecting the right watercolor paints is crucial for bringing out the best in your artwork.
To help you find the best paint for you, here is our curated list of the best watercolor paints in 2024.
If you are a designer and are looking for tools to enhance your creativity, see our post on the best watercolor papers, and the best watercolor pencils.
10 Best Watercolor Paints in 2024 – Overview
- ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set — The best watercolor paints overall (Editor’s Choice)
- Winsor & Newton Water Colour Paint — The best watercolor paints for beginners
- ARTEZA Watercolor Paint — The best watercolor paints for watercolor techniques
- MeiLiang Watercolor Paint Set — The best budget watercolor paint
- Castle Art Supplies Watercolor Paints — The best value watercolor paint
- Vivart Watercolor Paint Set — The best premium watercolor paints
- Masllutn Watercolor Paint — The best non-toxic watercolor paints
- Norberg & Linden Watercolor Paint Set — The best high-quality watercolor paints
- Blablaovy Watercolor Paint Set — The best durable watercolor paints
- Schmincke Watercolor Paintset — The best watercolor paints for professionals
Also, read my posts on the best colored pencils for artists and the best oil paints for artists.
What are the Best Watercolor Paints?
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What to Consider When Buying Watercolor Paints
Watercolor paints are the best tool for any artist to bring out the best in their work. But many artists fail in choosing the right watercolor paints which leaves their work incomplete. Watercolor paints are easy to use and simple to learn and once you choose them, knowing the right quality will help you create magic in your artwork. However, there are a few properties you must consider before you buy any watercolor paints.
Transparency and opacity
There are many factors to consider before purchasing watercolor paints. However, transparency and opacity are important factors in watercolor paints.
Transparent watercolors have the ability to allow light to pass through and reflect the back of the white paper.
Opaque watercolors will block the light from shining through and you must make sure that the transparent colors go above opaque colors to create a glorious effect.
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You also get to come across some colors to are semi-transparent and semi-opaque.
Quality
For watercolor paints, one of the most important factors to consider is their quality. When you are shopping for watercolor paints, you will come across two types of watercolors, which are artistic quality and student quality.
If you have a limited budget, select the student quality that is not of superior quality but a good choice for beginners.
On the other hand, artistic quality is of great superior quality and contains a greater amount of high-grade fillers and extenders to deliver excellent performance. Artistic quality watercolor paints are a bit expensive and if your budget allows, then they are the best choice.
Granulation
Granulation defines the appearance of the texture and a blend of transparent color and granulation is a treat for the artist as it adds more texture to your painting and interests you to enjoy the process of painting.
Stain
Having a perfect mix of staining and non-staining watercolor paints is essential. If you are a beginner, then this factor is less important, whereas if you are a professional and planning to do layering, then considering this factor is essential.
The Top Best 10 Watercolor Paints in 2024
1. ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set (Editor’s Choice)
The best watercolor paints overall
ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set is the ideal watercolor set that tops the list with an exclusive waterproof set suitable for everyone from artists to crafters to kids.
This pack comes with everything that you need to create awesome artwork. It features 40 watercolor paints that come packed in a stylish and attractive box. This portable watercolor paint set is a great travel companion for both beginners and pros.
These high-quality watercolor paints are safe to use as these paints are non-toxic and their quality is second to none on the list.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Non-toxic | ➖ Expensive |
| ➕ High-quality watercolor paint | |
| ➕ Perfect for travel |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- High Quality Watercolor Paint Set: Make your watercolor art come to life with vibrant colors. This art advantage watercolor kit was designed for both beginners and pros. These watercolor paints are...
- Create On the Go: This Travel Watercolor Set gives you the ability to paint with watercolor paint at home or while traveling. Everything you need is included in this watercolor set, from the brush to...
- Elegant Design & Giftable Box: This lightweight watercolor plate set has a tin box that’s both stylish and practical. Gift these watercolors to professionals or beginners. It’s both a kids...
- Non-Toxic: All our water colors conform to ASTM d-4236 & EN71 safety standards. Please keep away from direct contact with food. This water color painting kids set is safe for children above age 3.
- Everything Included: This portable watercolor set comes with 40 water color paints, 4 fluorescent, and 4 metallic colors. The watercolors come with a metal box that has 10 sheets of 300g watercolor...
2. Winsor & Newton Water Colour Paint
The best watercolor paints for beginners
Are you looking for premium watercolor paints? Winsor & Newton Water Colour Paint is all set to offer you the perfect texture for your painting.
This is one of the most affordable watercolor paint sets with high-quality standards and if you are a beginner, this is your perfect companion, as you get to learn about each individual pigment with ease.
These sketcher’s pocket-friendly watercolors possess good transparency and excellent tinting strength. This set comes with 12 watercolors and a pocket brush that are appreciable for their good working properties.
This watercolor range is widely popular as it contains more uniform consistency than the professional watercolor range.
This popular pocket-sized watercolor set features an integral mixing palette in the lid and if you are on a quest for an immediate go-to painting kit, this is the best choice.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ The watercolor range has a uniform consistency | ➖Brush provided needs to be improved |
| ➕ High-quality paints | |
| ➕Affordable |
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Latest Price on Amazon:
- Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colours are a range of water colours that are made to our high quality standards but costs are kept to an economical level by replacing some of the more costly pigments...
- Cotman Water Colours possess good transparency, excellent tinting strength and good working properties
- This popular pocket-sized plastic box features an integral mixing palette in the lid
- This water colour set contains a pocket brush and 12 Cotman Water Colour half pans: Lemon Yellow Hue, Cadmium Yellow Hue, Cadmium Red Pale Hue, Alizarin Crimson Hue, Ultramarine, Intense Blue (Phthalo...
- 12 colors (plus 1 brush and tray)
3. ARTEZA Watercolor Paint
The best watercolor paints for watercolor techniques
Are you looking for a watercolor paint set with a wide range of vivid colors? ARTEZA Watercolor Paint comes with rich pigments that will make your artwork stand out and bring your imagination to life.
Although this is expensive, it is ideal for watercolor techniques. It comes with clear pigment information along with transparency and lightfastness indicators.
The set includes 60 different color tubes that you get to enjoy squeezing out when necessary. These colors are suitable for both watercolor beginners and pros, making it an ideal pick for you.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕Easy to use | ➖Expensive |
| ➕Highly Pigmented Colors | |
| ➕Non-toxic |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Rich, Vibrant Watercolors – Unleash your creativity with these highly pigmented watercolor paints. Each color in our watercolor set adds a vibrant touch to your watercolor canvas or watercolor...
- Paint Conservation Made Easy – Our watercolor paint tubes allow you to squeeze out just the right amount of water colors paint, reducing waste and ensuring the longevity of your adult watercolor...
- Comprehensive Quality Information – Each tube of our water color paint set offers detailed pigment information, transparency, and lightfastness indicators, providing the insights you need to excel...
- Conceived by Artists, For Artists – Arteza channels passion for creativity into our watercolor paints. Our watercolors have been thoughtfully designed to inspire and facilitate the human artistic...
- Arteza: Comprehensive Art Supplies for All – We are committed to providing quality painting, drawing, and art supplies for all ages and skill levels. Our range spans from watercolor paint sets,...
4. MeiLiang Watercolor Paint Set
The best budget watercolor paint
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MeiLiang Watercolor Paint Set comes in a surprise box set containing 36 vibrant colors to bring life to your ideas.
It comes in a sturdy metal case, making it easier for you to hold this attractive package. It is also a great gift idea for anyone who loves painting.
Watercolors are notable for their transparency and this set adopts high-quality Arabic gum that increases the transparency of the watercolor, making it a worthy choice.
Furthermore, these watercolors are easier to mix and easy to apply and thus being an option for both professionals and beginners.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕High transparency | ➖The color once dried becomes a bit patchy |
| ➕Easy to use | |
| ➕ Well-designed Package | |
| ➕Affordable |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 🎨 Adopted High Quality Arabic Gum: The arabic gum can increase the gloss and transparency of watercolors. It will also heighten the intensity of the colors and make the paint more soluble
- 🎨 High-pigmented: The set has great color selection, high pigment quality, mixes well. And there's no chalky or grainy feel to them after they are dry.
- 🎨 Well-designed Package: Comes with sturdy metal case with easy to open/close lid, and the flip cover can be used as palette; brush included; the metal ring under the case makes it easy to hold the...
- 🎨 Safe and Fun: non-toxic and easy to apply, Meiliang(Pretty excellent) the perfect gift for your family, friends, and anyone who loves painting.
- 🎨 Satisfaction Guaranteed: We prides ourselves on the high quality of our products, and customer satisfaction is very important to us, so contact us if you have any issues or are unhappy with the...
5. Castle Art Supplies Watercolor Paints
The best value watercolor paint
With over 2000 positive reviews, Castle Art Supplies Watercolor Paints makes its mark with an average score of 4.7/5 ratings with a goal to inspire people. It comes with the best value pack of high quality and rich pigmented colors.
It is always a pleasure to use watercolors with a smooth texture and vibrant colors, and Castle Art makes is one of the best choices in this category as it is budget-friendly. This watercolor paint is a great choice to present to your loved ones.
This essential set of 24 artist-quality colors inspires beginners to create their wonderland and these are versatile and have a quick drying capacity.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕Water Soluble paints | ➖These tubes lack pigment numbers |
| ➕ Versatile | |
| ➕ Low-cost |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- MADE TO MAKE SURE Designed by in-house artists to inspire confidence: low cost to tempt beginners; high quality, richly pigmented colors to reassure experienced artists; and pretty but practical...
- START A GREAT ADVENTURE Cross the threshold into a watercolor wonderland with this essential set of 24 artist quality colors in a double row of resealable tubes, arranged easy-to-pick color families.
- A JOY TO USE Silky smooth texture and vibrant color you can apply direct from the tube or arrange on a palette (a plate is perfect) and dip brush in water to spread, blend and layer the...
- BUILD YOUR SKILLS Unique fold-out tutorial enables you to get to know watercolors by re-creating the stunning Castle in the Air box lid illustration in five easy-to-follow steps.
- TESTED, TRUSTED AND GUARANTEED Tested by our studio experts to beat competitors. Trusted by ultimate judges – our 2.5 million customers worldwide; backed by unique money-back-PLUS guarantee.
6. Vivart Watercolor Paint Set
The best premium watercolor paints
With over 48 premium paints, two artist-grade watercolor brushes, a paint palette, and a 20-sheet watercolor paper pad, Vivart Watercolor Paint Set makes its mark to fill your creative world.
This set is unique as it comes with vibrant colors in removable and reusable half pans. The paints are fluid and the brushes have flexible bristles that allow you to achieve broad or fine strokes.
These non-toxic best watercolor paints are perfect for adult beginners and experienced artists.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕Paints are fluid | ➖Color charts are not available |
| ➕Easy to layer |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- PREMIUM WATERCOLOR PAINTING SET - Offering unbeatable value, this watercolor kit includes 48 premium colors, 2 artist grade water color brushes, paint palette, and 20-sheet 300G watercolor paper pad;...
- 48 VIBRANT COLORS - With an amazing color selection, this watercolor set comes with 48 high-pigmented and vibrant colors in removable and reusable half pans; Paints are fluid, mix well and create...
- ARTIST-GRADE PAINT BRUSHES AND WATERCOLOR PAPER PAD - Includes sizes 12 and 8 watercolor brushes with high-quality synthetic hair; Brushes have flexible bristles that allow you to effortlessly achieve...
- BONUS WATERCOLOR PAINTING eBOOK- Our beautifully illustrated e-book covers the basics of watercolor painting and has 8 step-by-step watercolor lessons for you to practice your new skill. Easily access...
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED SAFE AND FUN TRAVEL WATERCOLOR SET - ASTM D-4236 certified non-toxic, this is the perfect travel set for adults; If you’re not completely satisfied with your Watercolor...
7. Masllutn Watercolor Paint
The best non-toxic watercolor paints
Masllutn Watercolor Paint is a fantastic watercolor paint for kids and artists. As a portable watercolor paint, this set comes with 48 colors of solid watercolor paints and three wooden brushes.
These vibrant colors are acid-free and safe for children. It also features a removable transparent lid that by transforming it into a palette you get to save time by capturing every wonderful moment with these amazing watercolor paints.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕ Easy to carry | ➖Fragile packaging |
| ➕ Affordable | |
| ➕ Non-toxic | |
| ➕ Dries quickly |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 3 IN 1 Perfect Paint Set---This portable watercolor paint set comes with 48 colors solid water color paints and 3 wooden brushes that don’t shed hairs. Removable transparent lid can also be...
- Safety and Quality Online Simultaneously---100%non-toxic tested and certified for safe use, conforms to MSDS, acid-free, vibrantcolors, high transparency, easy to dissolve and blend, washable and...
- Easy To Carry--- Large capacity but lightweight-12 oz, Size-11.2*6.7*0.9 in. Take our watercolor pan like a notebook wherever: indoors, countryside, beach, park, garden and city. Capture every...
- Upgraded Set---Before now, water color set has only 36 colors, attached 1 brush whose handle was cheap plastic, the brush hair was hard to use and easy to break. Those days are over. Now you can get...
- What You Get---1 x 48 watercolor cakes + 3 x brushes. Our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service. Age Range: 3 Years & Up. Ideal for learning color theory and color mixing
8. Norberg & Linden Watercolor Paint Set
The best high-quality watercolor paints
Another must-try bundle in the list is the Norberg & Linden Watercolor Paint Set. This premium watercolor paint set comes with six professional style artist brushes, a 12-page paint pad, and 36 premium watercolor palettes.
Enjoy creating your masterpiece at that very moment with these portable watercolor paints. Start painting as your new hobby with this complete high-quality watercolor paint package.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕Water Soluble Paints | ➖Quality of the brush must be improved |
| ➕ Non-Slip Grip Water Color Brushes | |
| ➕ Best for beginners |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Watercolor Paint Set - Opaque, rainbow art watercolor palette Set Includes 36 painting cakes, 6 brush sizes, and 5.5 x 8.5 watercolor paper storage.
- 36 Vibrant Colors: This painting set contains a 36 paint palette including the primary colors and more
- Travel Watercolor Pan: Portable, sturdy storage case is made from lightweight plastic
- Water Soluble Paints: Perfect starter kit for watercolor painting, Everything you need water color painting set for beginner to professional artists.
- Norberg & Linden stands by our superior Quality and customer service with a 100% money back!
9. Blablaovy Watercolor Paint Set
The best durable watercolor paints
One of the cheapest options available is Blablaovy Watercolor Paint Set which brings you an ample share of watercolor paints.
With the set full of 42 vibrant colors, two paint brushes, and one water pen, enjoy having a great start for your masterpiece.
They feature colors with fine pigment powder, making them soluble in water easily and these solid watercolor paints are durable and will not crack easily.
These portable watercolors bring your imagination to reality and talent to light.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕High-Quality Water Paint Supplies | ➖ Not suitable for professionals |
| ➕ Cheapest watercolor | |
| ➕ Durable |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 48 Vivid Colors Best Watercolor Paints Set -- The watercolour paint set including 42 unique vibrant colors, fine pigment powder make them soluble in water easily. The color is saturated and beautiful,...
- Portable Watercolor Cake -- These watercolor pan set large capacity but lightweight, comes in a lightweight and sturdy plastic box makes it easy for storage and carrying. The removable cover design of...
- Upgraded Watercolors Set -- Blablaovy Perfect and convenient water coloring paint set, including 48 Premium Colors, 2 paint brush and 1 water pen. Convenient for both beginners and professional artist...
- Perfect High-Quality Water Paint Supplies -- Blablaovy use elevated concentration of finely ground top permanence rating and durability pigments, make our solid watercolor paints will not crack. They...
- Safety and Quality Watercolor kit -- Blablaovy Washable Watercolors is 100% Non-toxic tested and certified for safe use. Conforms to ASTM D4236 & EN71. Makes it a perfect gift for Birthday,...
10. Schmincke – HORADAM® AQUARELL Watercolor Paint
Schmincke HORADAM AQUARELL Watercolor Paints. Image credits: Amazon
The best watercolor paints for professionals
Elevate your watercolor experience with the Schmincke – HORADAM® AQUARELL Watercolor Paint Box. Encased in a sturdy metal box (L x W x H: 23.1 x 11.6 x 3 cm), it houses 48 meticulously selected colors, accompanied by an integrated mixing palette.
Each color is presented in half pans measuring 1.5 x 2 cm. You’ll find that the extensive and carefully curated color assortment allows for effortless mixing, resulting in a broad spectrum of brilliant shades.
The curated selection includes an array of hues showcasing the richness of colors. The palette sequence is thoughtfully crafted for harmonious blending possibilities, ensuring your creative visions come to life.
Crafted with the highest quality pigments and binders, they deliver stunning mixing results and vibrant color intensity. The result is a perfect harmony for crafting captivating watercolor masterpieces.
Pros |
Cons |
| ➕Water Soluble paints | ➖Not for beginner watercolor artists |
| ➕ Diverse range of colors and hues | |
| ➕ Great pigmentation |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 🎨 THE BRAND: Schmincke has been producing the best, finest artists' colors Made in Germany since 1881 and they are available in over 60 countries. The range includes watercolors, acrylics, oil...
- 🎨 WATERCOLOR SET: The HORADAM watercolor color box from Schmincke consists of a stable metal box (L x W x H: 23.1 x 11.6 x 3 cm) with 48 coloristically selected colors and an integrated mixing...
- 🎨 COLORS: 893, 894, 101, 215, 224, 209, 217, 220, 213, 214, 218, 349, 363, 366, 371, 354, 353, 352, 474, 495, 482, 485, 494, 480, 492, 484, 479, 475, 509, 528, 519, 524, 533, 784, 534, 525, 221,...
- 🎨 QUALITY: The HORADAM AQUARELL meets the highest quality demands of artists and hobby painters. The 140 colors of the series convince with their brilliance, highest light fastness and yield. They...
- 🎨 HORADAM AQUARELL COLORS: The colors are very easy to dissolve and are suitable for all watercolor painting techniques. The range contains opaque and transparent colors. The pans can easily be...
Frequently Asked Questions
Can watercolor paints be used on canvas?
Yes, Using watercolor paints on canvas boards, a stretched watercolor canvas, or watercolor canvas pads is possible. Make sure the canvas you select has 'Made for watercolor canvas art' as a label.
Can I paint watercolor over acrylic?
Yes, but minimize the amount of water you mix to prevent acrylic paint from ruining your artwork.
How long do watercolor paints last?
On daily usage, watercolor paints last for three to five months. If you aren't painting too often, watercolor paints last for even a year.
10+ Best Watercolor Paints in 2024
Your search for the finest watercolor paints ends here. With this curated and comprehensive list, we hope that the exceptional watercolor paints that you choose will undoubtedly enrich your creative palette.
Whether you’re a novice or an expert artist, seeking affordability or uncompromising quality, our categorized selection covers every aspect of your requirements. Let these watercolor paints breathe life into your artistic journey.
Want to know more about similar best watercolor paints? Let us know in the comment section.
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