13 Best Acrylic Paints For Beginners & Pros [2025]

Hey there, art lovers! If you’ve ever stood in the paint aisle, bewildered by the endless choices of acrylic sets, you’re not alone. Here are the best acrylic paints for beginners.

Whether you’re just starting your artistic journey or you’re a seasoned pro, finding the right paint set can be a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Well, fear not! we’ve got your back with this guide to the best acrylic paint sets for both beginners and professionals. These are the top sellers of this year.

For those dipping their toes into the colorful world of acrylics, let’s kick things off with some sets tailored just for you.

If you are new to painting, you might want to check out our article about the best oil painting sets for beginners too.

BEST ACRYLIC PAINTS FOR ARTISTS

1. Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set

2. Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set

3. Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint

4. Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Pouches

5. ARTEZA Acrylic Paint Set

6. MONT MARTE Signature Acrylic Color Paint Set

7. Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Paint

8. MEEDEN Art Set with French Easel

9. Nicpro Acrylic Large Bulk Colors

10. artPOP Heavy Body Acrylic Paint

11. Golden So Flat Acrylic Paints

12. MyArtscape Heavy Bodied Acrylic Paint Set

13. Magicfly Bulk Acrylic Paint Set

What are the different types of acrylic paints?

1. Heavy Body Acrylics

These are thick, buttery paints with a high pigment concentration. Heavy body acrylics retain brushstrokes and texture, making them ideal for impasto techniques and creating a three-dimensional effect on the canvas.

2. Soft Body or Fluid Acrylics

Soft body or fluid acrylics have a thinner consistency compared to heavy body acrylics. They are more fluid and can be poured or dripped onto the canvas, making them suitable for techniques like glazing and pouring.

3. Open Acrylics

Open acrylics have a slower drying time compared to regular acrylics. This extended drying time allows artists to blend colors on the canvas for a longer duration, making them a good choice for artists who prefer a more relaxed pace.

4. Acrylic Ink

Acrylic inks are highly pigmented and have a fluid consistency. They are suitable for fine details, illustration work, or for use with pens and airbrushes. Acrylic inks are often water-resistant when dry.

5. Gel Mediums

While not paints themselves, gel mediums are often used in conjunction with acrylics. They come in various textures, such as gloss, matte, or heavy gel, and can be mixed with acrylic paints to alter their consistency, increase transparency, or add texture to the artwork.

6. Interactive Acrylics

Interactive acrylics are a special type of acrylic paint that, like open acrylics, has an extended drying time. What sets them apart is that they can be reactivated with water even after drying, allowing for further manipulation of the paint on the canvas.

7. High Flow Acrylics

High flow acrylics have a very fluid consistency, similar to ink. They are ideal for detailed work, airbrushing, or creating fine lines. These paints often have high pigment concentration despite their liquid form.

8. Student Grade Acrylics

These types of acrylic paints cater to a wide range of artistic styles and techniques, so choosing the right one depends on your specific preferences and the effects you want to achieve in your artwork.

9. Acrylic Paint Pens

Paint pens come in acrylic and also oil. To learn more about paint pens, see our guide of the best paint pen brands.

Tips for choosing the best acrylic paints

1. Consider Your Skill Level

If you’re just starting out, opt for a beginner-friendly acrylic paint set.

These often come with essential colors, making it easier for you to grasp basic techniques without overwhelming you with a vast array of choices.

For more experienced artists, professional-grade sets offer a broader spectrum of colors and higher pigment quality to elevate your work.

2. Color Variety

Take a look at the range of colors offered in the set.

Beginners might appreciate sets with primary colors and a few additional shades for mixing, while professionals may lean towards expensive sets with a wide variety of hues.

Having a diverse color palette allows for more creative freedom and expression in your artwork.

3. Quality Matters

Check the quality of the paint. Professional artists often prefer higher pigment concentration for richer colors and better coverage.

However, for beginners, a good balance between quality and affordability is key.

Look for sets that strike the right balance to ensure your paintings look vibrant and last without breaking the bank.

4. Packaging and Presentation

Consider the packaging of the acrylic paint set.

Sturdy and well-organized sets not only protect your paints but also make your creative process smoother.

Look for sets that are easy to open and close, with tubes or bottles that are designed to minimize drying and waste.

5. Brand Reputation and Reviews

Before making a final decision, take a moment to check out reviews and consider the reputation of the brand.

Reputable brands often have consistent quality across their products.

Reading reviews from other artists can provide valuable insights into the performance, durability, and overall satisfaction with a particular acrylic paint set.

In Closing: Thanks a bunch for joining me on this colorful excursion through the realm of acrylic paint sets! We hope this guide has been a helpful compass on your journey to finding the perfect palette.

As you go on your paint-filled adventures, don’t forget that the best set is the one that speaks to your creativity and suits your unique style.

So, go ahead, grab those brushes, squeeze those tubes, and let your imagination run wild.

Here’s to many vibrant creations and joyful moments with your chosen acrylic paint set.

Happy painting, and may your artistic endeavors be as bold and brilliant as the colors on your palette!