How to Choose the Right Acrylic Paint Set: A Buyer’s Guide

By Joybuy, your product expert

Versatile, vibrant, and quick-drying, acrylic paint is a favourite for many reasons. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned painter, finding the right acrylic paint set can be overwhelming given the vast selection available. The number of colours, tube volume, pigment quality... there are many criteria to consider. Follow our guide to find the set that perfectly matches your creative ambitions.

Key Criteria for Choosing Your Acrylic Paint Set

Before diving into our selection, let's review the essential points that will guide your choice.

1. Tube Volume and Colour Palette

The ideal number of colours depends primarily on your practice. To start, a beginner's acrylic paint kit with primary colours (red, yellow, blue), plus white and black, forms the perfect foundation. It's ideal for practising colour theory and creating your own mixes. More comprehensive sets with 12, 24, or more colours offer out-of-the-box convenience: a wide variety of ready-to-use shades, perfect for specific projects.

The volume of the acrylic paint tubes is also a criterion not to be overlooked. Tubes of 12 or 20 ml are perfect for experimentation, small-format works, or artists on the go. Tubes of 75 ml or more are more cost-effective in the long run and are suitable for working on larger surfaces, such as acrylic painting on canvas.

2. Paint Composition and Finish

The quality of an acrylic paint depends on its pigment concentration and the type of binder (an acrylic resin). A paint rich in pigments will offer more intense colours and better covering power.

The finish, once the paint is dry, can vary:

• Satin: A slightly glossy finish that enhances the depth of the colours without excessive reflection.
• Glossy or Lustrous: Offers a smooth and very bright appearance.
• Matte: Produces no reflection, for a sober and modern look.

Leading brands like Clairefontaine formulate paints that guarantee a pleasant consistency and excellent colour permanence over time.

3. Versatility and Compatible Surfaces

One of the great advantages of acrylic is its ability to adhere to many surfaces: canvas, paper, cardboard, wood, plaster, and more. Simply check that the set that catches your eye is suitable for the surfaces you intend to paint on. Most acrylic paints are miscible with each other and can be diluted with water to achieve transparent effects, similar to watercolour.

Top Acrylic Paint Sets

Here are our top picks, selected for their excellent balance of quality, versatility, and price.

Clairefontaine DFY Essential Set - 10 x 20 ml

Why it stands out: This set is an excellent starting point. It offers a palette of ten fundamental colours in a compact format that is easy to transport and store. Its pure acrylic resin formulation resists yellowing over time.

Pros:

• Balanced palette: Contains the essential colours for a wide variety of subjects.
• Creamy texture: Pleasant to work with using a brush or a palette knife.
• Satin finish: Enhances the intensity of the colours without excessive shine.
• Convenient format: The 20 ml tubes are perfect for small-scale projects or for painting outdoors.

Who is it for? This set is ideal for beginners wanting to get started with acrylics, students, or artists on the go looking for a quality travel kit.

Clairefontaine DFY Primary Set - 5 x 75 ml

Why it stands out: This set focuses on the essentials with five primary colours in large-format tubes. It was designed for artists who love to create their own shades and need a larger quantity of paint for their works.

Pros:

• Generous volume: The 75 ml tubes offer good value for money for regular use.
• Learn to mix: Ideal for mastering the creation of secondary and tertiary colours.
• Consistent quality: Features the same pigment-rich formulation and creamy texture as other sets in the range.
• Versatility: Allows for covering larger surfaces.

Who is it for? Recommended for art students and painters who prefer mixing colours and work on medium to large-sized canvases.

Talens Art Creation Set - 24 × 12 ml

Why it stands out: With its 24 colours, this acrylic paint set from Royal Talens offers a very extensive, ready-to-use palette. It allows you to explore a wide variety of subjects without having to perform complex mixing.

Pros:

• Wide range of colours: Includes 24 varied shades, including earth tones, bright colours, and two tubes of titanium white.
• Satin-gloss finish: Once dry, the paint reveals a lustrous appearance that enhances the vibrancy of the colours.
• Highly versatile: Adheres to multiple surfaces (canvas, paper, wood, stone, etc.).
• Quick-drying: Allows for rapid layering and is water-resistant once dry.

Who is it for? This set is for artists who want a large selection of colours at their fingertips, whether for detailed works, illustrations, or craft projects.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Acrylic Paint

What is the difference between acrylic and oil paint?

The main difference lies in the binder and the drying time. Acrylic paint uses an acrylic resin and dries very quickly (from a few minutes to an hour), while oil paint uses an oil (linseed, poppy) and can take several days, or even weeks, to dry. Acrylics clean up with water, whereas oils require specific solvents.

Can you mix acrylic paints from different brands?

Yes, since most acrylic paints are water-based, it is entirely possible to mix them, even if they come from different brands. Be aware, however, that the consistency, pigmentation, and finish (matte, satin, gloss) can vary from one brand to another. We recommend doing a small test patch before you start to ensure the result is consistent and meets your expectations.

How should I store my acrylic paint tubes?

To preserve your paint, always cap the tubes tightly after each use to prevent air from drying it out. Store your tubes away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures (freezing or high heat), in a cool, dry place. Storing them horizontally can also help maintain the paint's consistency.