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10 Best Watercolor Sets 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set, Vivid Colors in Portable Box, Palette set, Including Metallic and Fluorescent Colors. Perfect Travel Watercolor Set for Artists, Amateur Hobbyists and Painting
The ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set is a versatile choice for both beginners and experienced artists, boasting 48 vivid colors, including metallic and fluorescent options. The color range is extensive, making it suitable for a variety of artistic projects, from coloring books to more intricate artwork. One of the standout features is its portability; the set comes in a lightweight and stylish tin box, which makes it easy to take on trips or outdoor painting sessions. Additionally, this set includes useful accessories like watercolor paper, a water brush pen, and a sponge, ensuring you have most of the essentials for painting right out of the box.
Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,146
Color Range
Quality of Paint
Packaging and Portability
Most important from
9640 reviews
#2
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, Studio Set, 45 Half Pan w/ Brush
The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set is a solid choice for both beginners and more experienced artists looking for a reliable watercolor option. One of its notable strengths is the extensive color range, boasting 45 half pans that provide a wide spectrum of hues to experiment with. This is particularly beneficial for artists who enjoy mixing and blending colors, as the excellent tinting strength allows for vibrant results with minimal effort. Additionally, the set is designed for good transparency, which is essential for watercolor techniques that require layering and glazing.
Rating
9.4
Color Range
Quality of Paint
Transparency
Most important from
8317 reviews
#3
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, Sketchers' Pocket Set, 12 Half Pan w/ Brush
The Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketchers' Pocket Set offers 12 half pans of watercolor paints in a compact, portable box that includes an integrated mixing palette and a small brush—ideal for artists who like to paint on the go or outdoors. The color selection covers a good range of basics, such as yellows, reds, blues, greens, and earth tones, which works well for beginners and casual painters wanting versatility without overwhelming choices.
Rating
9.1
Packaging and Portability
Color Range
Quality of Paint
Most important from
19333 reviews
Top 10 Best Watercolor Sets 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
9.7 score
ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set, Vivid Colors in Portable Box, Palette set, Including Metallic and Fluorescent Colors. Perfect Travel Watercolor Set for Artists, Amateur Hobbyists and Painting
ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set, Vivid Colors in Portable Box, Palette set, Including Metallic and Fluorescent Colors. Perfect Travel Watercolor Set for Artists, Amateur Hobbyists and Painting
Color Range: 48 colors, metallic and fluorescent
Quality of Paint: vibrant hues, non-toxic
Type of Paint: Watercolor
Lightfastness: could be better
Packaging and Portability: lightweight tin box
Chosen by 1146 this week
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, Studio Set, 45 Half Pan w/ Brush
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, Studio Set, 45 Half Pan w/ Brush
Color Range: 45 half pans
Quality of Paint: high-quality, economical choice
Type of Paint: Watercolor
Lightfastness: varies within Cotman range
Transparency: good transparency
Packaging and Portability: compact case with mixing tray
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, Sketchers' Pocket Set, 12 Half Pan w/ Brush
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, Sketchers' Pocket Set, 12 Half Pan w/ Brush
Color Range: 12 half pans, various colors
Quality of Paint: Good transparency, strong tinting
Type of Paint: Watercolor
Lightfastness: Less strong than professional sets
Transparency: Good transparency
Packaging and Portability: Compact box, mixing palette, brush
Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set 48 Colors, Professional-quality art supplies for artists adult painting sketching, Non-Toxic, Made in Japan
Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set 48 Colors, Professional-quality art supplies for artists adult painting sketching, Non-Toxic, Made in Japan
Color Range: 48 colors
Quality of Paint: professional-grade
Type of Paint: Watercolor
Transparency: Opaque
Packaging and Portability: sturdy box
Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set 24 Colors II - Art nouveau, Professional-quality art supplies for artists adult painting aketching, Non-Toxic, Made in Japan
Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set 24 Colors II - Art nouveau, Professional-quality art supplies for artists adult painting aketching, Non-Toxic, Made in Japan
Color Range: 24 colors set
Quality of Paint: Professional-grade
Type of Paint: Watercolor
Transparency: Adjustable
Packaging and Portability: Cardboard box with washi overlay
Related Products
Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paint Set, Lightweight Metal Box, 24 Half Pan
Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paint Set, Lightweight Metal Box, 24 Half Pan
Color Range: 24 half pans
Quality of Paint: professional grade
Type of Paint: Watercolor
Lightfastness: generally reliable
Transparency: excellent
Packaging and Portability: lightweight metal box with palette
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)
Color Range: 24 Colors
Type of Paint: Watercolor
Lightfastness: Excellent
Transparency: High
Packaging and Portability: Sturdy metal box
DANIEL SMITH Hand Poured Watercolor, Half Pans, Ultimate Mixing Set with 15 Watercolor Half Pans, 15 Empty Half Pans, 2 Plastic Travel Cases (total 32 pieces) 285650009
DANIEL SMITH Hand Poured Watercolor, Half Pans, Ultimate Mixing Set with 15 Watercolor Half Pans, 15 Empty Half Pans, 2 Plastic Travel Cases (total 32 pieces) 285650009
Color Range: Vibrant
Quality of Paint: High-quality pigments
Type of Paint: Watercolor
Lightfastness: Good reputation
Transparency: Varies by color
Packaging and Portability: Two plastic travel cases
#10
7.1 score
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Buying Guide for the Best Watercolor Sets
Choosing the right watercolor set can be a delightful yet overwhelming experience, especially with the variety of options available. The key to finding the perfect set lies in understanding your needs and preferences, as well as the specific features that different sets offer. Here are some important specifications to consider when selecting a watercolor set, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.Color RangeThe color range refers to the number of different colors included in the set. This is important because a wider range of colors allows for more versatility and creativity in your artwork. Watercolor sets can range from basic sets with 12 colors to professional sets with 48 or more. If you are a beginner, a smaller set with essential colors might be sufficient. However, if you are more experienced or want to experiment with a broader palette, a larger set with more colors would be beneficial.
Quality of PaintThe quality of watercolor paint can vary significantly between student-grade and artist-grade sets. This spec is important because higher quality paints generally offer better pigmentation, transparency, and lightfastness (resistance to fading over time). Student-grade paints are more affordable and suitable for beginners or casual use, while artist-grade paints are ideal for serious artists who require the best performance and longevity in their work. Consider your level of expertise and how important the quality of your finished pieces is to you when choosing between these grades.
Type of PaintWatercolor paints come in different forms, including pans, tubes, and liquid. This spec is important because each type has its own advantages and is suited to different styles of painting. Pans are compact and convenient for travel, making them great for plein air painting. Tubes offer more paint and are easier to mix, which is ideal for larger works or more intensive use. Liquid watercolors are highly concentrated and can be used for vibrant washes or detailed work. Think about where and how you plan to paint to determine which type of paint will best suit your needs.
LightfastnessLightfastness refers to how resistant the paint is to fading when exposed to light over time. This is important if you want your artwork to maintain its original appearance for years to come. Paints with high lightfastness ratings are less likely to fade, making them a better choice for professional artists or anyone creating work intended for display. If you are painting for practice or short-term projects, lightfastness may be less critical. Check the ratings provided by the manufacturer to ensure the paints meet your longevity requirements.
TransparencyTransparency is a characteristic of watercolor paint that allows underlying layers to show through, creating depth and luminosity in your artwork. This is important because it affects the overall look and technique of your painting. Transparent paints are ideal for layering and glazing techniques, while opaque paints can be used for more solid coverage and highlights. Consider the style of painting you prefer and whether you need more transparent or opaque colors to achieve your desired effects.
Packaging and PortabilityThe packaging and portability of a watercolor set can greatly influence your painting experience, especially if you plan to paint on the go. This spec is important because a well-designed set can make it easier to organize and access your paints. Compact sets with built-in palettes and brush holders are convenient for travel and outdoor painting. Larger sets with separate palettes may be better suited for studio use. Think about where you will be painting most often and choose a set that offers the right balance of convenience and functionality for your needs.