How to Choose the Right Acrylic Paint Set

Ready to start with acrylic painting, but feeling a bit overwhelmed by the vast array of available sets? Choosing the right materials can quickly become a puzzle, between the different types of paint, the number of tubes, and the included accessories.

As the head of product selection at Joybuy, my mission is to help you navigate your options. This guide offers practical advice and concrete choices to find the perfect acrylic paint set for you, all free of marketing jargon. Our goal: to give you everything you need to make an informed choice, whether you're a beginner or a more seasoned artist.

Buyer's Guide: Criteria for Choosing the Right Acrylic Paint Set

Before diving into our selection, let's go over the key criteria for finding the product that truly suits your needs.

1. Complete Kit or Just Paint Tubes?

The contents of the set are the first thing to evaluate.

• A beginner's acrylic paint kit is often an all-in-one solution. It typically includes brushes, a surface (like suitable paper), and sometimes even a tabletop easel. It's the ideal option for those starting from scratch who want all the painting supplies on hand right out of the box.
• Conversely, a complete acrylic paint set might simply refer to a beautiful assortment of colours without any accessories. These sets are geared more towards those who already own brushes and surfaces and are just looking to expand their palette.

2. The Number and Volume of Tubes

The amount of paint is a key factor. A set of 12 tubes of acrylic paint in 12 ml sizes offers a great variety of shades to start exploring colour mixing. This is a very common and versatile format.

For large-scale projects or if you use certain colours frequently (like white or the primaries), larger volume tubes (75 ml or more) will be more economical in the long run. They allow you to create your own mixes in large quantities without the fear of running out.

3. The Surface: Painting on Paper and Canvas

Acrylic paint is renowned for its incredible versatility. It adheres to a multitude of surfaces, as long as they are clean and not greasy.

• Paper is an excellent option for sketches, colour studies, and first attempts. We recommend a thick paper (over 250 g/m?) designed for acrylics to prevent it from buckling under the effect of water.
• Canvas (cotton or linen) remains the preferred surface for works intended for display.

Most quality acrylic paints, like Talens acrylic paint, are perfectly suited for both these surfaces, as well as for wood, cardboard, or plaster.

Our Recommended Acrylic Paint Sets

Here is our selection of products designed for different needs, whether you're looking for a starter kit or an assortment of colours to complement your existing materials.

TALENS ART CREATION: The Set with Brushes and Paper

Why it stands out: This set is the ultimate starter solution. It contains not only a basic colour palette but also the essential accessories to get started right away. A cohesive package that removes any doubt about choosing initial supplies.

Key features:

• All-in-one set: 12 tubes of 12 ml acrylic paint, 3 brushes, and a 15-sheet A4 paper pad.
• Basic palette: The 12 colours include the primaries (yellow, magenta, cyan), white, black, and secondary shades to easily learn about colour mixing.
• Quick-drying: The acrylic resin-based paint dries fast, offers a satin finish, and becomes water-resistant once dry.
• Digital support: An included QR code links to tutorials to guide your first steps.

Who is it for? This kit is ideal for absolute beginners or as a gift. It provides everything needed for a successful first experience without having to purchase separate items.

TALENS ART CREATION: The 6 x 75 ml Tube Set

Why it stands out: This set focuses on quantity over a wide variety of shades. It offers six fundamental colours in a large format, a great asset for artists who work on large surfaces or prefer to create their own shades from the primaries.

Key features:

• Large volume: The 75 ml tubes provide a generous amount of paint, ideal for avoiding running out mid-project.
• Essential colours: The set includes titanium white, primary yellow, a primary red, ultramarine blue, a green, and black. A solid foundation for all your mixes.
• Consistent quality: The paint, with its pasty consistency, can be used pure or diluted with water and dries to a glossy, satin finish.
• Versatility: It is suitable for a multitude of surfaces like canvas, paper, wood, or plaster.

Who is it for? Perfect for artists and students who already have their supplies and are looking to build up a stock of basic colours in a large format for their projects.

TALENS ART CREATION: The 12 x 12 ml Tube Set

Why it stands out: This is the quintessential classic and reliable acrylic paint set. It offers a well-balanced colour palette in a standard format, making it a versatile choice for a multitude of projects. The renowned quality of Talens acrylic paint is a trusted choice for achieving beautiful results.

Key features:

• Balanced palette: The 12 colours in 12 ml tubes have been selected to offer a wide range of possibilities, including primaries, secondaries, and earth tones.
• Convenient format: The 12 ml tubes are easy to transport and store, perfect for painting outdoors or in a shared studio.
• Durable finish: Once dry, the paint is permanent, water-resistant, and has a glossy, satin finish.
• Easy to use: The paint mixes easily and can be applied directly from the tube.

Who is it for? This assortment is perfect for art students, hobbyists looking to expand their colour collection, or anyone seeking a quality paint set without accessories.

Looking for Other Creative Options?

If these suggestions don't quite match what you're looking for, or if you want to explore other crafts, we've got you covered. Explore an even wider range of art supplies in our dedicated category.

? Discover all our hobby kits

Frequently Asked Questions about Acrylic Paint

1. What is the difference between acrylic paint and gouache?

The fundamental difference lies in the binder. Acrylic paint uses a plastic resin (acrylic polymer) which, upon drying, becomes permanent and water-resistant. Gouache, on the other hand, uses a soluble gum arabic binder, meaning it remains "rewettable" with water even after drying and provides a matte, opaque finish.

2. Can you use acrylic paint on any surface?

Acrylic is incredibly versatile. It adheres perfectly to most porous, non-greasy surfaces like canvas, paper, cardboard, wood, plaster, stone, or even cement. For very smooth or non-porous surfaces (plastic, metal), applying a primer (like Gesso) is recommended to ensure optimal adhesion.

3. How long does acrylic paint take to dry?

Acrylic paint is known for its rapid drying time. A thin layer can be dry to the touch in just a few minutes. A thicker layer will require an hour or more. The time it takes to be fully cured "to the core"—the point at which all the water has evaporated and the paint reaches its final hardness—can range from a few hours to several days, depending on the thickness of the layer and the ambient conditions (humidity, temperature).