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Watercolor Paints

10 Best Watercolor Paints 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set 48 Colors, Professional-quality art supplies for artists adult painting sketching, Non-Toxic, Made in Japan

23%OFF

Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set 48 Colors, Professional-quality art supplies for artists adult painting sketching, Non-Toxic, Made in Japan

Kuretake

10.0 score

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The Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set offers professional-quality watercolor paints that are ideal for artists and serious hobbyists. With 48 colors, this set provides a broad color range, ensuring you have plenty of options for your artwork. The paints are in pans, which is convenient for mixing and using with both small and large brushes, thanks to their larger-than-average size. This flexibility is a significant advantage for various painting techniques.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,331
Quality (Student vs. Professional)
Form (Pans vs. Tubes)
Color Range

Most important from
10316 reviews

Quality (Student vs. Professional)
The paints are of really good quality, recommended by artists and worth repurchasing.
Form (Pans vs. Tubes)
Larger pans make these paints convenient for both small and large brush strokes, enhancing their versatility.
Color Range
The color variety is impressive, making it easy to find just the right shade for any project.
Transparency
The opacity of these Japanese watercolors stands out, providing a unique, vibrant finish that differs from traditional watercolors.
#2
9.1 score

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, 12 Colors, 8ml (0.27-oz) Tubes

8%OFF

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, 12 Colors, 8ml (0.27-oz) Tubes

Winsor & Newton

9.1 score

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The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set is a solid choice for both beginners and hobbyists looking for quality at a reasonable price. The set includes 12 vibrant 8ml tubes, which cover a good range of colors necessary for various projects. One of its strengths is the good transparency and tinting strength, allowing users to create beautiful washes and layers in their artwork. Additionally, the paint is rated AA and A for lightfastness, meaning your artwork will retain its vibrancy over time, which is a significant plus for any artist.

Rating
9.1
Quality (Student vs. Professional)
Form (Pans vs. Tubes)
Color Range

Most important from
47336 reviews

Quality (Student vs. Professional)
These watercolors are on a whole new level compared to basic sets like Crayola.
Form (Pans vs. Tubes)
The tubes might seem small, but the paint is highly concentrated, so only a tiny amount is needed.
Color Range
The variety of colors is impressive, and a little paint goes a long way.
Transparency
The opacity of the colors can be adjusted by varying the amount of water added.
#3
8.5 score

Daniel Smith Color Hand Poured Pan Set with BONUS Metal Box and Empty Half Pans, 24 Units (Pack of 1)

Daniel Smith Color Hand Poured Pan Set with BONUS Metal Box and Empty Half Pans, 24 Units (Pack of 1)

DANIEL SMITH

8.5 score

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The Daniel Smith Color Hand Poured Pan Set offers 24 high-quality watercolor half pans that are well-suited for artists looking for professional-grade paints. These pans come filled with richly pigmented, hand-poured colors known for their excellent transparency and strong lightfastness, meaning your artwork will maintain its vibrancy over time without fading easily. The set includes a broad color range, featuring unique hues like Buff Titanium, Quinacridone Gold, and Phthalo Blue (Green Shade), which provides a lot of creative flexibility. The included empty half pans and sturdy metal box add convenience for organizing and customizing your palette.

Rating
8.5
Quality (Student vs. Professional)
Form (Pans vs. Tubes)
Color Range

Most important from
1746 reviews

Quality (Student vs. Professional)
The paints deliver vibrant, richly pigmented colors that elevate the quality of artwork noticeably.
Form (Pans vs. Tubes)
These hand-poured pans moisten quickly and offer excellent transparency, making them ideal for both beginners and professionals.
Color Range
The included extra palette provides flexibility to create custom color mixes and expand your palette effortlessly.
Lightfastness
The set’s strong lightfastness ensures artwork maintains its vibrancy over time without fading.
Transparency
These hand-poured pans moisten quickly and offer excellent transparency, making them ideal for both beginners and professionals.

Top 10 Best Watercolor Paints 2025 in the United States

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Slide 1

U.S. Art Supply

U.S. Art Supply 133-Piece Deluxe Ultimate Artist Painting Set with Aluminum and Wood Easels, 72 Paint Colors, 24 Acrylic, 24 Oil, 24 Watercolor, 8 Canvases, 44 Brushes, 4 Painting & Sketch Pads & More

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#1

Winner

10.0  score
Slide 1Slide 2Slide 3Slide 4Slide 5

Kuretake

Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set 48 Colors, Professional-quality art supplies for artists adult painting sketching, Non-Toxic, Made in Japan

Quality (Student vs. Professional): Professional
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Pans
Color Range: 48 colors
Transparency: Opaque

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23% OFF

Chosen by 1331 this week

Sponsored

Slide 1

U.S. Art Supply

U.S. Art Supply 133-Piece Deluxe Ultimate Artist Painting Set with Aluminum and Wood Easels, 72 Paint Colors, 24 Acrylic, 24 Oil, 24 Watercolor, 8 Canvases, 44 Brushes, 4 Painting & Sketch Pads & More

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#2
9.1  score
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Winsor & Newton

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, 12 Colors, 8ml (0.27-oz) Tubes

Quality (Student vs. Professional): Student
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Tubes
Color Range: 12
Lightfastness: AA and A
Transparency: good

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8% OFF
#3
8.5  score
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DANIEL SMITH

Daniel Smith Color Hand Poured Pan Set with BONUS Metal Box and Empty Half Pans, 24 Units (Pack of 1)

Quality (Student vs. Professional): professional-grade
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): half pans
Color Range: 24 colors
Lightfastness: strong lightfastness
Transparency: excellent transparency

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#4
8.2  score
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Winsor & Newton

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, 20 Colors, 5ml (0.17-oz) Tubes

Quality (Student vs. Professional): Student
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Tubes
Color Range: 20 essential colors including primaries, earths
Lightfastness: Strong
Transparency: High

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29% OFF
#5
8.2  score
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SENNELIER

SENNELIER L'Aquarelle French Watercolor Paint, Metal Set Of 48 Half Pans

Quality (Student vs. Professional): Professional
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Pans
Color Range: 48 Half Pans
Lightfastness: Strong
Transparency: Good

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#6
8.2  score
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Winsor & Newton

Winsor & Newton Professional Water Colour Paint, 0.47-oz Tube, Burnt Sienna

Quality (Student vs. Professional): Professional
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Tubes
Lightfastness: AA
Transparency: Transparent

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26% OFF
#7
7.6  score
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M. Graham & Co.

M. Graham & Co. 33-Set 1/2-Ounce Tube Watercolor Paint Basic 5-Color Set

Quality (Student vs. Professional): artist-quality
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Tubes
Color Range: five basic colors
Transparency: transparent

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#8
7.3  score
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DANIEL SMITH

DANIEL SMITH 284600010 Extra Fine Watercolor 15ml Paint Tube, Burnt Sienna, 0.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Quality (Student vs. Professional): professional
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): tube
Color Range: over 240 shades
Lightfastness: excellent
Transparency: semi-transparent

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#9
7.3  score
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DANIEL SMITH

Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor 15ml Paint Tube, Cobalt Blue (284600025), 0.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Quality (Student vs. Professional): Professional
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Tube
Color Range: Extensive
Lightfastness: Excellent
Transparency: Semi-transparent

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#10
7.0  score
Slide 1

Winsor & Newton

Windsor & Newton Artist Watercolor 5ml 24 Color Set

Quality (Student vs. Professional): Professional
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Tubes
Color Range: 24 colors
Lightfastness: Colors remain vibrant over time
Transparency: Beautiful layering effects

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Buying Guide for the Best Watercolor Paints

Choosing the right watercolor paints can greatly enhance your painting experience and the quality of your artwork. Watercolor paints come in various forms, qualities, and colors, and understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting watercolor paints, along with explanations to guide you through the process.
Quality (Student vs. Professional)Watercolor paints are generally categorized into student and professional (or artist) quality. Student quality paints are more affordable and are suitable for beginners or those practicing their skills. They contain less pigment and more fillers, which can affect the vibrancy and permanence of the colors. Professional quality paints have a higher concentration of pigment, offering richer colors and better lightfastness (resistance to fading over time). If you are a beginner or on a budget, student quality paints are a good starting point. However, if you are looking for the best performance and longevity in your artwork, investing in professional quality paints is recommended.
Form (Pans vs. Tubes)Watercolor paints come in two main forms: pans and tubes. Pans are small, solid blocks of paint that are activated with water, making them portable and convenient for travel. They are ideal for those who paint on the go or have limited space. Tubes contain liquid paint and offer more flexibility in mixing colors and adjusting the paint's consistency. They are suitable for larger works and for artists who prefer to have more control over their paint application. Consider your painting style and where you will be painting when choosing between pans and tubes.
Color RangeThe color range refers to the variety of colors available in a set or brand of watercolor paints. A basic set typically includes primary colors (red, blue, yellow) and a few secondary colors (green, orange, purple). More extensive sets offer a wider range of hues and shades, allowing for greater versatility in your artwork. If you are just starting, a basic set with essential colors is sufficient. As you gain experience and develop your style, you may want to expand your palette with additional colors to achieve more complex and nuanced effects.
LightfastnessLightfastness is the measure of how resistant a paint color is to fading when exposed to light. This is an important factor if you want your artwork to maintain its original appearance over time. Paints with high lightfastness ratings are less likely to fade, ensuring the longevity of your work. Manufacturers often provide lightfastness ratings on their products, with ratings such as ASTM I (excellent) and ASTM II (very good) being the most desirable. If you plan to display or sell your artwork, choosing paints with high lightfastness is crucial.
TransparencyTransparency refers to how much light passes through the paint, affecting the layering and blending of colors. Watercolor paints can be transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque. Transparent paints allow underlying layers to show through, creating a luminous effect and are ideal for glazing techniques. Semi-transparent paints offer a balance between transparency and opacity, while opaque paints cover underlying layers more completely. Your choice of transparency will depend on your painting techniques and the effects you wish to achieve. Transparent paints are great for delicate washes and layering, while opaque paints are useful for bold, solid areas of color.

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