Top Acrylic Paint Sets for Beginners: Start Painting!

Do you remember when you first used a paintbrush as a child? The excitement of seeing colors blend on paper was magical. Many have put aside painting as life got busy. Yet, the desire to create stayed with us. Now is the best time to rediscover that passion for art. Starting with beginner acrylic paint sets is a great first step. It allows you to dive into a world full of colors.

Acrylic paints are great for beginners because they’re versatile and easy to use. Whether you want to create detailed landscapes or bold abstracts, choosing the right acrylic paint set is important. Looking at pigment quality, how the paint flows, and the colors available helps. Brands like Liquitex, Winsor & Newton, and Plaid offer great starter kits. They give you good quality at an affordable price.

Starting your art journey with the right supplies is crucial. There are student-grade paints that are affordable and artist-grade paints that are of higher quality. The important thing is to pick what’s best for you. Check out our full guide and discover the top acrylic paint sets that will inspire you to create. Feel the joy of painting and unleash your creativity once more.

Key Takeaways

• Acrylic paints are versatile and easy to use, ideal for beginners.
• Student-grade paints are affordable but have lower pigmentation.
• Choose the best acrylic paint sets for beginners for a great start.
• Renowned brands like Liquitex, Winsor & Newton, and Plaid are top choices.
• Understanding paint quality ensures informed decisions for your art journey.

The Basics of Acrylic Paints

Artists love acrylic paints for their quick drying and versatility. They work on many surfaces. These paints vary in consistency and quality, for newbies and pros alike.

What Are Acrylic Paints?

Acrylic paints have pigment in acrylic polymer emulsion. When dry, they create a durable, flexible coat. They’re soluble in water, making cleanup and thinning easy. These paints shift from watercolor to thick textures, pleasing artists.

Types of Acrylic Paints

There are three main types of acrylic paints to consider:

1. Heavy Body: These paints are thick, ideal for texture and applying with tools. Brands like Golden Heavy Body and Liquitex Heavy Body are top choices.
2. Soft Body: With a smoother texture, they’re great for fine work and glazing. Liquitex Soft Body is a favorite.
3. Fluid Acrylics: Like ink, these paints flow easily. They’re best for layering and bright washes, with Golden Fluid Acrylics being a go-to brand.

Student Grade vs. Artist Grade

Choosing between student and artist grade acrylics matters a lot for an artist. Student grade acrylics are cheaper and have fewer pigments, perfect for starters. Artist grade versions have high-quality pigments and last longer, suited for pros seeking the best.

Liquitex and Golden have options for both beginners and experts. Trying different brands and paint types helps find what’s best for your art.

Why Choose Acrylic Paint for Beginners?

Acrylic paints are great for beginners. They’re easy to use and clean up with water. They dry quickly, letting artists work fast. Plus, they stick to many surfaces like canvas, paper, wood, and glass.

Simplicity and Ease of Use

Acrylic paints are perfect for beginners because they’re simple. You can thin them with water, avoiding harsh chemicals. This makes painting safe and easy for everyone. Plus, their quick drying time boosts creativity, letting artists add layers without a long wait.

Durability and Versatility

Acrylics last a long time, which is great for artwork that endures. High-quality acrylic paints keep their color and don’t yellow. Artists can try many techniques like blending and dry brushing on different surfaces.

Getting a versatile set of acrylics is a smart move for beginners. It’s important to find a balance between cost and quality. Brands like Liquitex and Golden are great choices. These acrylics are affordable and high-quality, perfect for those new to painting.

Best Acrylic Paint Sets for Beginners

Choosing the right acrylic paint set is key for new painters. The top sets for beginners come with many essential colors. This includes primary colors and black and white. These paints help beginners mix many colors. They are easy to use and provide good coverage. Brands like Liquitex, Winsor & Newton, and Golden offer great options for beginners.

• Liquitex Basics: This set, designed for new painters, includes 24 x 22ml colors. It’s priced at $60.49 USD, making it a good start without spending too much. Although these paints have less pigment than professional ones, they still give excellent results. They are safe, last long, and work on many surfaces like canvas and wood.
• Winsor & Newton Galeria: These paints are known for their bright colors and smooth feel. They are affordable yet high quality. They are also easy to use, making them perfect for beginners.
• Golden Introductory Sets: Golden is known for their thick paints, great for adding texture. They also have fluid acrylics for detailed work. Golden paints may cost more, but they offer vibrant colors and long-lasting art.

For beginners, these starter acrylic paint sets are great. Each set offers value, performance, and quality. They give beginners everything they need to make beautiful art.

Top Brands to Consider

Choosing the right brand is crucial when starting with acrylic painting. We look at three trusted brands perfect for beginners: Liquitex, Winsor & Newton, and Plaid FolkArt. These brands offer quality and diversity of paints.

Liquitex Basics

Liquitex Basics are great for newcomers because they’re affordable and reliable. The pigments may be less vibrant than in professional sets. Still, their thick consistency is easy to manage. Liquitex paint lets beginners experiment with different styles easily, making art fun and accessible.

Winsor & Newton Galeria

Winsor & Newton Galeria paints combine quality with affordability. These paints blend well and keep their color even when thinned. They have a smooth texture that beginners find easy to use, building their confidence in painting techniques.

Plaid FolkArt

Plaid FolkArt stands out for crafts because of its high pigment and flexibility. The paints work on many surfaces, not just canvas. This includes wood and ceramics. Their easy-to-use paints help even new painters get bright, lasting results without much practice.

Each brand offers something special for beginners in acrylic painting. Exploring these brands helps you find the right paint for your projects. This way, starting artists can easily bring their ideas to life.

Acrylic Paint Set Reviews

Exploring acrylic paint sets means understanding the differences between brands. We will look closely at popular sets like Liquitex Basics, Plaid FolkArt, and Golden Heavy Body.

Liquitex Basics Comparison

Liquitex Basics is often discussed in acrylic paint set reviews. It’s known for student-grade paints that are affordable yet high in quality. Each set has 24 x 22ml tubes, adding up to 72 colors. The pigments in Liquitex Basics are vibrant and last long, though not as concentrated as in professional sets. These paints have an Archive Permanence (AP) seal, ensuring their safety as certified by the Art and Creative Materials Institute at Duke University. They work well on different surfaces like canvas, paper, and wood.

Plaid FolkArt Coverage and Pricing

Liquitex vs Plaid FolkArt shows clear differences. Plaid FolkArt is praised for its great opacity and coverage. It’s also affordable, which is great for those just starting out. This brand offers a broad color range, perfect for many projects. While it’s not professional-grade, the quality is still praiseworthy for hobbyists and beginners.

Golden Heavy Body Quality

Golden Heavy Body paints are at the top according to many reviews. These sets are for artists wanting rich colors and easy use. They are professional-grade, offering intense color and lasting results. Starters can aim high with these. Although priced at $60.49 USD a set, the quality makes it a worthy investment for dedicated artists.

Affordable Acrylic Paint Sets for Beginners

Aspiring artists can start acrylic painting without spending a lot. There are budget-friendly acrylic paint sets that offer both good quality and low prices. These sets are perfect for beginners just starting their artistic journey.

Liquitex Basics is among the favored options. It’s considered a great student grade acrylic. Though made with cheaper pigments and binders, it still ensures a good painting experience. These sets usually have many colors and are priced around $30 on average.

Other good choices include SoHo Urban Artist and Creative Inspirations sets. The SoHo Urban Artist Heavy Body Acrylics Value Set includes 24 tubes and costs about $36.20, but sales can lower it to $17.79. Likewise, the Creative Inspirations Acrylic Paints Kaleidoscope Set, normally $39.90, often drops to $26.59. These cost-effective beginner paints are excellent for new artists.

Beginners should watch for sales at art stores or online. This ensures they get the best deals. These inexpensive acrylic sets give beginners a solid start. Trying different brands is also key, as it helps find what works best for you.

High-Quality Acrylic Paint Sets for Beginners

Beginners aspiring to enhance their painting skills should consider high-quality acrylic paint sets. These sets offer better texture and color than basic ones. Brands like Golden and Winsor & Newton provide these professional-quality paints. They help beginners improve their painting techniques.

A wide range of top-quality acrylic sets is available for artists. Here, we compare some of the best sets out there:

High-quality acrylic sets do more than just provide better materials. They unlock the medium’s true potential for beginners. With prices ranging from $29 to $54.94 and various textures available, choosing quality sets is a smart move. It’s an investment in your artistic journey. Whether you go for professional-grade paints or find great deals, starting with the best tools is inspiring.

Tips for Using Acrylic Paint as a Beginner

Starting with acrylic painting is both thrilling and a bit tough for newbies. Knowing the basic techniques and methods is key. These beginner painting tips aim to make your start with acrylics easier and fun.

Mixing Colors

It’s important to learn how to mix acrylic paints to expand your colors. By making new colors from the primary ones, you improve your skills and understanding of colors. Here are some tips for color mixing:

1. Start with Primary Colors: You begin with red, yellow, and blue. You can create many other colors from these basics.
2. Use a Clean Palette: A clean mixing surface keeps colors pure.
3. Add Paint Gradually: Add little by little to see how the colors blend.
4. Test Before Applying: Always check your color mix on paper before putting it on your canvas.

Paper palettes are great for beginners because they’re easy to clean and give you space to practice.

Sealing Your Paintings

After finishing your artwork, you must protect it. Knowing how to seal acrylic artworks helps keep them safe from dust, UV rays, and damage. Here is how to choose the right sealant:

• Varnishes: They come in matte, satin, and gloss. Varnishes make the colors look vibrant and provide a smooth finish.
• Acrylic Sealants: These can be in spray or liquid form. You apply them in thin layers for a clean finish.
• Application Tips: Put on sealants in a spot with good air flow. Use smooth, even strokes to cover the art.

By following these steps, you’ll protect your art and keep it looking great. This helps your creativity stand out as you improve your painting skills.

Where to Purchase Acrylic Paint Sets?

For beginners ready to start their art journey, finding the best place to buy acrylic paint sets is key. There are 40 brands available, offering plenty of choices. Both local and online stores have a range, from pro to budget-friendly sets.

Amazon is a top spot online for beginners to get their paint sets. It has good prices, a wide selection, and reviews to help decide. Craft stores like Michaels and Joann Fabrics also have a great selection, including sets hard to find elsewhere.

For those starting, it’s wise to look at prices and the cost per ounce. For example, the Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic set has 10 tubes for $13.05. This makes it a budget-friendly option.

Stores make it simple to know where to buy acrylic paint sets. They also offer sales and discounts. Blick, for example, has four acrylic paint options and often has promotions, helping beginners buy sets more easily.

1. Price Ranges: Acrylic paint sets can cost from $2.90 to $372.59.
2. Reviews: The Blickrylic Student Acrylic Paints and Sets is highly reviewed, with 1904 reviews and a 4.6 out of 5 stars rating.
3. Clearance and Sales: 15 acrylic paint sets are on sale, with 8 coupon eligible and 2 clearance items.

Choosing wisely means looking at each brand’s quality and features. Brands like Golden, Liquitex, and Winsor & Newton are known for their pro-grade paints. Meanwhile, Soho Urban Artist sets are more budget-friendly, ideal for beginners.

• Golden Professional Acrylics: Known for smooth consistency and rich pigment. Prices range from $7-22 per tube.
• Liquitex: Offers 3 options, famous for vibrant colors and ease of use.
• Winsor & Newton: Affordable, with sets beginning at $13.05.

Conclusion

Starting with acrylic painting is a great way for beginners to express themselves. It’s important to pick paint sets that are good quality but won’t break the bank. They should also offer a wide range of colors for the best creative experience.

Plaid FolkArt and Liquitex Basics stand out as top choices. Plaid FolkArt offers a 24-bottle set for about $29. This makes it a budget-friendly option for newcomers. Its colors, like Apple Red and Cardinal Red, cover really well. They’re more opaque compared to Liquitex’s Primary Red. Plaid FolkArt’s True Blue also beats Liquitex Primary Blue in opaqueness. Liquitex Basics, though, has its advantages. It sells for around $39 on Amazon, with free shipping. This price means each tube costs about $2.33.

Choosing the right type of acrylic paint matters. Student-grade paints from Plaid FolkArt are less expensive. They provide good color for those just starting. However, for those improving their skills, artist-grade paints like Liquitex Basics are better. They have more pigment.

The main thing for beginners is to dive in with excitement and a spirit of experimentation. Acrylic paints hold a world of possibilities. By exploring them, new artists can discover what they love. This can lead to a fulfilling journey of artistic discovery and personal growth.