If you’re shopping for acrylic paint in tubes, you want sets that offer rich pigment, good coverage, and versatile uses. This guide highlights five tube-based acrylic paint kits that cater to beginners, hobbyists, and professional painters alike. Each pick comes with details on who it’s best for, plus a practical buying note. A quick summary table is provided to help you compare core specs at a glance.
| Product | Colors/Tubes | Best For | Notable Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle Art 30 Colors Acrylic Paint Set | 30 colors, 36 ml tubes | Beginners to intermediate crafters | Includes 3 brushes |
| Mont Marte Signature Acrylic 24pc | 24 colors, 36 ml tubes | Canvas and wood projects | Great beginner kit |
| Artbreezing 48 Colors Acrylic Set | 48 colors, 22 ml tubes | Vibrant palettes, mixed media | Rich pigmentation |
| Artecho 20 Colors Professional Set | 20 colors, 120 ml tubes | Detailed works, large areas | Long-lasting and non-toxic |
| MEEDEN 100 Colors Heavy Body Set | 100 colors (mixed pack) | Advanced colorists, mixed media | Includes metallics and fluorescents |
Shuttle Art 30 Colors Acrylic Paint Set
Includes 30 colors in 36 ml tubes plus 3 brushes. The paint offers a thick, creamy texture with strong coverage and good blending. Best for beginners and hobby artists who want a broad color range without buying multiple sets. The set is suitable for a variety of surfaces such as canvas, wood, rocks, and crafts. A potential limitation is that color accuracy can shift slightly when blending across warm and cool tones, so test swatches first.
Best for: Beginners who want a complete starter kit with all-around versatility. Better for: Craft projects and classroom settings where quick, reliable coverage matters. Choose this if: You want a single kit with a large color range and included brushes.
Mont Marte Signature Acrylic 24pc Set
Contains 24 colors in 36 ml tubes with a smooth, creamy consistency and solid coverage. The palette covers essential primaries, earth tones, and a few vibrant hues, making it a good all-around starter kit for canvas, wood, and paper. Best for: Beginners learning color mixing and layering. Better for: Projects that benefit from a balanced color spectrum. Avoid if: You need a very large color library in one package; this set is compact but adequate for most entry-level needs.
Artbreezing 48 Colors Acrylic Paint Set
A broad 48-color range with 22 ml tubes delivers vibrant pigments and smooth blending on canvas, wood, fabric, and paper. The formula is designed for quick drying and strong color development. Best for: Artists who want extensive color options for mixed media. Better for: Projects that benefit from bright primaries and metallics, though metallics aren’t explicitly listed in this set. Caution: Some users report variability in tube consistency across colors; swatch first.
Artecho Professional 20 Colors
This set offers larger 120 ml tubes with good pigment load and a smooth, glossy finish when dry. It includes essential primaries and earth tones, making it suitable for large areas and detailed work alike. Best for: Artists who need big-tube quantities for extensive projects. Better for: Studios or classrooms where frequent use is common. Limitation: Some colors may require layering for deeper tones; plan for dry times between layers.
MEEDEN Heavy Body 100 Colors
Offers a very large color spectrum with 76 basic colors, 16 metallics, and 8 fluorescents. The heavy-body formula provides strong covering power and high pigment load, with lightfast and durable finishes. Best for: Advanced colorists and mixed-media artists who want a comprehensive palette. Better for: Projects requiring bold, opaque strokes and neon accents. Caution: The sheer volume of colors may be overwhelming for casual crafters; consider starting with a smaller subset.
Buying Guide
What should I look for in acrylic paint tubes?
Key factors include pigment load, tube size, drying time, and surface compatibility. Heavy-body paints offer more texture and coverage, while student grades emphasize ease of use and lower cost. Consider the surfaces you work with—canvas, wood, ceramic, and fabric each react differently to application and drying.
How many colors do I actually need?
A practical starter palette includes primary colors (red, blue, yellow), plus black and white, several earth tones, and a couple of vibrant hues. If you plan detailed work or mixed media, larger sets (like 48–100 colors) provide more blending options and effects.
What about safety and non-toxicity?
Most acrylic paints used for education and hobby purposes are non-toxic and water-based. Check product notes for ASTM D-4236 labeling and any allergen warnings if you or someone you work with has sensitivities.
Which set is best for beginners?
Sets that include a mix of essential colors and beginner-friendly finishes, like Shuttle Art 30 Colors or Mont Marte Signature 24pc, are ideal for new painters. They provide straightforward color mixing and reliable performance without overwhelming the user with too many options.
Is a larger set always better?
Not necessarily. A larger palette can be exciting, but it can also complicate color mixing. For beginners, starting with 24–48 colors is often most practical, with room to expand as skills grow.
How should I store and use acrylics?
Keep tubes sealed between uses to prevent drying. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Clean brushes promptly to maintain brush tip integrity and consistent paint flow.
What is the best way to test color accuracy?
Make color swatches on your painting surface or swatch paper. Test for opacity, drying time, and how the color changes when mixed with white, black, or other hues.
Final quick tips
- Spread a thin, even layer for better drying and color intensity.
- Layer colors from light to dark to maintain brightness.
- Use a palette knife for texture and impasto effects if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do acrylic paints in tubes dry out quickly? – They can dry when exposed to air, so seal the tubes tightly after use and reseal to extend life.
- Are all acrylic paints water-based? – Most student and artist-grade acrylics are water-based, making cleanup easy with soap and water.
- Can I use acrylics on glass or ceramic? – Yes, acrylics adhere to many non-porous surfaces with proper preparation and sealing.
- Which brand offers the best value for beginners? – Brands like Shuttle Art and Mont Marte provide broad color sets at accessible prices for beginners.
- Should I buy metallic or fluorescent colors separately? – If you need metallics or fluorescents, consider a set that includes them or add a supplemental color kit.