Starting acrylic painting is exciting until you grab a set where the colors turn chalky, the paint is watery, or the pigment fades as it dries. The difference between a frustrating first canvas and a rewarding one often boils down to the paint set you choose.
I’m Rikta — the co-founder and writer behind FitlyFast. My deep market research and hours analyzing pigment viscosity, color assortment logic, and included accessories across dozens of kits help me separate the ones worth buying from the ones that leave beginners frustrated.
After comparing seven complete kits for their color variety, brush quality, canvas count, and ease of cleanup, this guide will help you find the best acrylic paint set for beginners that turns your first project into a success.
How To Choose The Best Acrylic Paint Set For Beginners
An acrylic paint set for beginners is more than a collection of tubes. The paint quality, the number of canvases, the brush variety, and the included extras like an easel or palette all determine whether you feel equipped or annoyed. Here is what separates a useful starter kit from a toy-like disappointment.
Paint Quality and Pigment Load
A cheap set uses fillers that produce weak color. The best beginner sets use high pigment density and a creamy consistency that spreads evenly without thinning out. Look for terms like “rich pigment” or “artist grade” in the description. A set with 24 or more colors gives you mixing flexibility, but the pigment load matters more than the raw count.
Included Accessories Beyond Paint
A true all-in-one kit includes canvases (not just paper), a wooden easel, multiple brush shapes, a palette, and a cleaning cup. These extras save you from buying separate items and let you start painting immediately. Beginners should aim for at least five canvases, 10 to 12 brushes, and a sturdy tabletop easel.
Non-Toxic Certification
Acrylic paint is water-based and generally safe, but a reliable set carries ASTM D-4236 certification. This standard ensures the paint contains no harmful levels of toxic materials. If you are gifting the kit to a child or using it in a small room, this certification is non-negotiable.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicpro Acrylic Paint Canvas Set | All-in-One Kit | Large color selection & canvas count | 36 colors at 36ml each | Amazon |
| Chalkola Acrylic Paint Set | Premium Kit | Artist-grade pigment in a complete set | 32 colors at 22ml each | Amazon |
| Shuttle Art 66 Pack | Ultimate Bundle | Most accessories & canvas variety | 30 colors + 12 canvases | Amazon |
| 59pcs Acrylic Paint Set | Family Friendly | Kids & beginners with washable paint | 24 colors + apron & sleeves | Amazon |
| Colorful Acrylic Painting Kit | Value Bundle | Budget-friendly with many extras | 24 colors + 30 brushes | Amazon |
| Shuttle Art 54 Pack | Entry Plus | Compact starter with easel & canvas | 30 colors + 3 painting knives | Amazon |
| Artecho Acrylic Paint Set | Budget Starter | Large bottles for color mixing | 24 colors at 59ml each | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Nicpro Acrylic Paint Canvas Set
The Nicpro kit leads the pack because it offers 36 colors at 36ml each — a larger volume per tube than most competitors. The buttery consistency and high pigment load mean you do not need multiple coats to get solid coverage. It includes 10 canvas panels in three sizes, a wooden table easel, and 12 brushes with silicone brush washer.
Buyers consistently call out the professional feel of the paints and the fact that the canvas surface is 100% cotton and primed with acid-free gesso. The kit also includes a color wheel, which helps beginners understand complementary colors and mixing. The brushes are synthetic nylon with varied shapes — flat, round, and filbert — covering basic techniques.
One minor note is that some customers wished for more canvases given the generous paint volume. The included 10 canvas panels are quality pieces, but if you plan to paint daily, consider buying an additional canvas pack. Overall, the Nicpro set delivers the best balance of color count, tube size, and usable extras.
Why it’s great
- Generous 36ml tubes with dense pigment for opaque coverage
- 10 canvas panels in varied sizes plus a wooden easel
- Includes silicone brush washer and color wheel for beginners
Good to know
- Only 10 canvas panels included — heavy painters may need more
- Brushes are decent but upgrading to natural bristle later is worthwhile
2. Chalkola Acrylic Paint Set
Chalkola’s 56-piece set packs 32 artist-grade paints with a gloss finish that gives finished pieces a professional sheen. The paint tubes come organized in separate boxes for tidy storage. Included are 10 brushes, 10 canvas boards in three sizes, a palette knife, sponge, and a lightweight wooden easel.
The canvases are made of durable MDF with 100% cotton surface primed with acid-free titanium gesso — this prevents warping over time. The paint has a gloss finish that some beginners prefer because it makes colors pop without needing a separate varnish. The set is ASTM D-4236 and EN71 certified, so it is safe for kids and adults.
A few users noted the paint consistency is slightly thinner than premium heavy-body brands, though it still offers good saturation. The brushes are resilient but upgrading to higher-end brushes later will improve detail work. For the price, this is a comprehensive kit with strong pigment that gives a glossy, vibrant result.
Why it’s great
- Gloss finish creates vibrant, shiny artwork without extra varnish
- MDF canvas boards resist warping and are pre-primed with gesso
- ASTM D-4236 and EN71 certified for safe use
Good to know
- Paint is thinner than heavy-body brands — may need two coats
- Brushes are functional but not premium quality
3. Shuttle Art 66 Pack Acrylic Paint Set
The Shuttle Art 66-pack is the most complete bundle in this lineup, featuring 30 colors, 12 multi-size painting canvases, 12 brushes, 5 painting knives, two palettes, a water bucket, a foldable wooden easel, and a waterproof art apron. The sheer volume of accessories means you can start multiple projects without running out of supplies.
The paints are artist-grade with a creamy consistency that holds brush strokes well. The foldable wooden easel is adjustable and sturdy enough for tabletop use. The 12 canvases include a mix of sizes suitable for practicing different compositions. The art apron keeps clothes clean — a practical addition for kids and adults alike.
Some users mentioned the paint tubes are on the smaller side at 12ml each. While 30 colors offer impressive variety, frequent painters might run through tubes faster than expected. The kit also lacks a color wheel, so beginners may need to learn basic color theory separately. Still, for someone wanting one box that covers everything, this is a strong choice.
Why it’s great
- 66 pieces including 12 canvases and an adjustable easel
- Waterproof art apron and water bucket included
- 5 painting knives allow texture and palette knife techniques
Good to know
- Paint tubes are 12ml — smaller than some other premium sets
- No color mixing guide included in the package
4. 59pcs Acrylic Paint Set (MMARTE)
This 59-piece set from MMARTE is designed with families in mind. The paint is washable and non-toxic, and the kit includes an art apron with sleeves to protect clothing. It comes with 24 colors, 10 professional brushes, 3 sponge brushes, 7 canvas panels, one stretched canvas, a 10-page canvas pad, a wooden easel (no assembly required), and a color wheel.
The easel is solid beech wood and ready to use out of the box — no tools needed. The short-handled brushes are easier for smaller hands to grip. The sponge brushes let kids experiment with texture and stamping techniques. The color wheel is a great teaching tool for understanding hue relationships.
A few buyers noted that the paint, while washable from skin, can still stain clothes if left to dry — the included apron is essential. The canvas count is modest at 7 panels plus a pad, but the pad offers extra sheets for practice. If you are buying for a child or want a worry-free setup, this kit removes the stress of mess.
Why it’s great
- Washable formula and included apron with sleeves minimize mess
- Solid beech wood easel with no assembly required
- Color mixing wheel included for learning color theory
Good to know
- Paint can stain fabric if not washed promptly
- Canvas count is lower than some other premium kits
5. Colorful Acrylic Painting Kit
The Colorful kit stands out for its massive 30-brush count — an unusual number for a beginner set. It includes 24 tubes of 12ml paint in vibrant colors, a wooden easel, 5 canvases, a painting pad, 2 palettes, and 2 sponges. The paints are certified ASTM D-4236 non-toxic and deliver a glossy finish when dry.
The brush selection spans flat, round, and detail sizes, so you can practice different stroke techniques without needing an upgrade. The paint consistency is creamy with good coverage, though some colors require two coats for full opacity. The included wood easel is functional but lightweight, suitable for tabletop use.
The main drawback is the tube size — 12ml per color goes fast if you paint large areas or mix frequently. The canvas count is on the lower end at 5 pieces. For a beginner who wants maximum brush variety to experiment with, this kit delivers exceptional value in that specific area.
Why it’s great
- 30 brushes offer unmatched variety for learning different strokes
- ASTM D-4236 non-toxic certification for safe use
- Glossy finish that requires no additional varnish
Good to know
- Paint tubes are small (12ml) — use sparingly for larger projects
- Only 5 canvases included in the box
6. Shuttle Art 54 Pack Acrylic Paint Set
The Shuttle Art 54-pack is a compact but capable starter kit. It includes 30 colors (12ml tubes), a foldable wooden easel, 12 paint brushes, 3 painting knives, 3 canvases (8×10 inch), an acrylic pad, a mixing palette, a water bucket, and 2 sponges. Every piece fits in a neatly organized box.
The paint quality is artist-grade with a thick and creamy texture. Customers consistently describe the color payoff as fantastic, noting that the paints blend smoothly without drying too fast. The adjustable easel makes painting more comfortable, and the water bucket is collapsible for storage. The set is ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 certified.
The canvas count is limited to 3, so you will need to buy more for extended practice. The tube size of 12ml is small, similar to the Colorful kit. This kit works best for someone who wants a complete, portable setup to try acrylic painting before investing in larger supplies.
Why it’s great
- 30 colors provide excellent mixing versatility
- Includes 3 painting knives for palette knife work
- Compact, organized packaging for easy storage
Good to know
- Only 3 canvases included — additional canvases needed for more projects
- 12ml tubes are fine for practice but run out quickly for large paintings
7. Artecho Acrylic Paint Set 24 Colors
The Artecho set is the most budget-conscious option here, offering 24 colors in large 59ml bottles with 12 brushes. The high viscosity formula provides strong coverage and blends well. The paints dry to a waterproof matte finish within 3 to 12 hours. It is certified non-toxic and suitable for use on canvas, wood, fabric, and ceramic.
The bottle format is actually an advantage for beginners who mix colors frequently — you can dispense exactly what you need and close the bottle tight. The 24-color range includes classic shades plus some pearl and metallic options for added variety. Buyers mention the fast drying time allows them to layer colors quickly.
The brush set includes 12 brushes of varying sizes, but they are basic quality — functional for practice but not precision work. The paint is waterproof once dried and difficult to wash off clothes, so wear a smock. For a beginner who wants large paint volumes at a low entry cost, this set is hard to beat.
Why it’s great
- Large 59ml bottles offer exceptional value per ounce of paint
- Includes pearl and metallic shades for variety
- Fast drying time (3-12 hours) with waterproof matte finish
Good to know
- Brushes are basic — not suitable for fine detail work
- Paint stains fabric permanently once dry
FAQ
How many colors do I actually need as a beginner?
What is the difference between heavy-body and high-flow acrylic paint?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best acrylic paint set for beginners winner is the Nicpro Acrylic Paint Canvas Set because its 36 color count, generous 36ml tubes, and complete accessory package give you the most room to explore techniques without needing to buy extras for weeks. If you want a glossier finish and a compact all-in-one box, grab the Chalkola Acrylic Paint Set. And for a family-friendly setup with washable paint and a full apron, nothing beats the 59pcs Acrylic Paint Set.