Best Acrylic Paints For Beginners
Our Picks
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Getting started with acrylic paint
Acrylic paint is one of the most versatile and beginner-friendly mediums in the art world, making it an ideal starting point for anyone looking to explore painting. At Art and Gear, we’ve worked with countless types of paints, and acrylics consistently stand out for their ease of use, quick drying time, and ability to adapt to almost any creative style. Whether you’re painting on canvas, wood, paper, or fabric, acrylics stick beautifully and can be applied in thin washes or thick, textured layers. Their forgiving nature means mistakes can easily be covered up, allowing beginners to experiment freely without fear of “ruining” a piece.
One of the biggest advantages of acrylic paint is its balance between watercolor and oil characteristics. When thinned with water or medium, it can mimic the transparency of watercolor. When applied thickly, it can resemble the depth and richness of oils—without the need for solvents or long drying times. This flexibility allows new artists to test different techniques, from blending and glazing to impasto and dry brushing, all with a single set of paints.
Acrylics are also low-maintenance and affordable, which makes them perfect for building confidence and skill. Cleanup requires only soap and water, and the paints are non-toxic and fast-drying, making them suitable for home studios or classrooms. Another great feature is their vibrant pigmentation—even student-grade acrylics can produce bold, expressive colors that stay bright over time.
For beginners, it’s best to start with a basic palette of primary colors, white, and black, along with a few brushes and a sturdy painting surface. As you grow more comfortable, you can explore mediums, gels, and varnishes that modify texture and finish. With just a little practice, acrylic paint opens the door to endless creative possibilities and expressive freedom.
Product Review
At Art and Gear, we’ve tested a lot of acrylics over the years, and the Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set continues to stand out as one of the best options for beginners who want professional-level results without the high price tag. Liquitex has been perfecting acrylic paints since 1955, and that expertise shows here. The Basics line may be labeled “student quality,” but it delivers rich, consistent color that performs far beyond what you’d expect from an entry-level set.
Each tube in this 48-color set is loaded with the same high-quality pigments used in Liquitex’s professional range. The difference lies mainly in pigment concentration, not in quality. During our testing, the paint’s thick, creamy texture allowed for smooth, even coverage with a satisfying satin finish. The colors blend easily, layer well, and retain their vibrancy when dry—perfect for learning techniques like glazing, color mixing, and impasto. The pigments are finely ground with ceramic beads, which gives these paints a uniform consistency and great control on the brush.
Another big plus is their versatility. Liquitex Basics adheres to almost any surface—canvas, paper, wood, metal, stone, even fabric—making it ideal for experimental artists just starting out. Cleanup is easy with water while the paint is wet, and the fast drying time keeps projects moving smoothly.
Pros:
High pigment quality and smooth consistency
Affordable for beginners and students
Works on nearly any surface
Easy to clean and quick-drying
Wide color selection with great mixing potential
Cons:
Slightly less pigment load than professional lines
Colors can dry a bit darker than when wet
Verdict:
The Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set earns a strong 9/10 from our Art and Gear team. It’s an ideal starting point for beginners—affordable, reliable, and capable of producing professional-looking results. Whether you’re learning to mix colors, experiment with textures, or paint your first canvas, Liquitex Basics gives you the freedom and confidence to explore acrylic painting with ease.
We tested the Artecho 20-Color Acrylic Paint Set to see how it performs for beginners and hobbyists—and we were pleasantly surprised by the quality, coverage, and vibrant results it delivers for its price. This set includes a generous range of 20 rich colors, from essential primaries like Titanium White and Lemon Yellow to earthy tones like Burnt Umber and Raw Sienna, plus metallics like Gold and Silver for added creative flair.
Right out of the tube, the paint has a creamy, smooth consistency that spreads evenly across canvas, paper, or wood. The high pigment concentration gives the colors impressive strength and opacity, making them great for both large backgrounds and detailed work. We also noticed that once dry, Artecho acrylics leave a subtle glossy finish that enhances depth and color vibrancy—especially nice for decorative or craft projects.
One of the best aspects of this set is its mixability. The colors blend cleanly without turning muddy, allowing for a wide range of shades and tones. Whether you’re creating soft gradients or bold layered effects, the paints maintain their clarity and brightness. They also dry quickly, which helps beginners build confidence without long wait times between layers.
The paints are non-toxic, acid-free, and conform to safety standards, making them suitable for adults, teens, and classroom settings. Combined with the large 120ml tubes, this set offers excellent value for anyone building their first studio setup or restocking craft supplies.
Pros:
Smooth, creamy consistency with excellent coverage
Strong color range with metallic accents
Great mixability and quick drying
Non-toxic and safe for all skill levels
Affordable and long-lasting tubes
Cons:
Slightly less vibrant when thinned with water
Gloss finish may not appeal to those preferring a matte look
Verdict:
The Artecho 20-Color Acrylic Paint Set earns an 8.5/10 from our Art and Gear testing team. It’s a dependable, budget-friendly option that performs beautifully for beginners and craft artists alike. With rich pigmentation, easy blending, and a smooth glossy finish, Artecho acrylics make painting accessible, fun, and full of color.
Finally, we tested the Mont Marte 24-Color Acrylic Paint Set to see how it performs for new artists looking for quality and variety at an affordable price—and it didn’t disappoint. This set offers an excellent balance of vibrant color, creamy texture, and smooth application, making it ideal for beginners experimenting with different surfaces and techniques. The paints have a rich, buttery consistency that spreads evenly and provides great coverage, whether you’re painting on canvas, wood, paper, or even clay and leather.
One of the standout features of Mont Marte acrylics is their fast drying time, which lets you layer colors quickly without creating muddy mixes. This is perfect for artists learning how to build depth and texture through layering and blending. The 24-color range includes a thoughtful mix of essentials—like Titanium White, Lemon Yellow, and Burnt Umber—along with bold tones and metallics such as Gold and Silver for creative highlights. The colors retain their vibrancy when dry, offering a smooth, satin-like finish that looks polished without being overly glossy.
During our testing, the paint’s consistency made mixing effortless, allowing for clean transitions and a broad palette of secondary shades. The quick drying nature also makes them convenient for smaller spaces or multi-step projects. These paints adhere well to a variety of materials, from traditional canvases to craft surfaces like cardboard and air-dried clay, giving beginners plenty of freedom to explore different styles.
Pros:
Smooth, creamy texture with solid coverage
Fast drying for quick layering
Wide range of vivid, mixable colors
Works on many surfaces
Includes metallics for extra creativity
Cons:
Slightly thinner than professional-grade acrylics
Colors may dry a bit darker on some surfaces
Verdict:
The Mont Marte 24-Color Acrylic Paint Set earns an 8.5/10 from our Art and Gear team. It’s an accessible, well-rounded starter set with excellent versatility, bright colors, and easy handling—perfect for beginners ready to explore the world of acrylic painting.
Overview
After testing all three beginner acrylic paint sets, our team at Art and Gear ranked Liquitex Basics as the clear winner. Its high-quality pigments, smooth consistency, and professional-grade performance make it the best option for beginners who want lasting, vibrant results. In second place, the Artecho 20-Color Set offers impressive coverage, great mixability, and strong value, making it a reliable choice for hobbyists and students. While the Mont Marte 24-Color Set provides good variety and decent quality for its price, it lands in third place due to thinner texture and slightly less pigment strength. Overall, each set is great for starting out—but Liquitex Basics stands out as the most balanced, durable, and rewarding acrylic paint for beginners.
Steven Miner
Chief writer and Artist for ArtandGear