You’re looking for acrylic paints that balance quality, safety, and value. The 15 best list helps you compare options like ARTEZA, Shuttle Art and Apple Barrel at a glance.
You’ll find markers, sets with brushes and non-toxic formulas for kids and adults alike. Each pick has strengths for different surfaces and finishes.
The best choice depends on your project. Curious which combination fits your needs and budget best?
Acrylic Paint Set for Adults and Kids (24 Pack, 12mL)
This acrylic paint set is perfect for families and beginner-to-intermediate artists who want a safe and fun way to create. With 24 vibrant 12mL paints and three brushes, you can easily paint on canvas, pumpkins, ceramics, and more. Enjoy painting with kids knowing that the non-toxic formula keeps safety in mind.
Highlights:
- Non-toxic and safe for all ages, including kids
- 24 bright 12mL paints that mix easily and cover well
- Comes with 3 brushes and works on wood, glass, fabric, ceramic, canvas, and paper
55Pcs Acrylic Paint Set - Non-Toxic, Rich Pigments for Kids & Adults
This 36-color acrylic paint set comes in 2 fl oz bottles, perfect for both new artists and seasoned pros looking for vibrant colors that flow easily from flip-top bottles. With non-toxic paint that blends well and layers beautifully, you’ll enjoy creating on a variety of surfaces. Plus, you get 12 brushes to help bring your artistic vision to life!
Highlights:
- Rich, creamy pigment that blends and layers nicely
- Includes 36 colors and 12 brushes for a complete painting experience
- Non-toxic and meets safety standards, making it safe for all ages
Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint in Assorted Colors (8 Ounce), 20403 White
Brighten your projects with Apple Barrel’s 8-ounce White acrylic paint. It's perfect for basecoating, stenciling, and crafting on surfaces like wood, paper, and canvas. This paint is great for crafters, students, and hobbyists who want to bring their creative ideas to life.
Highlights:
- Dries to a matte finish, which helps reduce glare and makes layering easy.
- Water-based and cleans up easily with soap and water while still wet.
- Made in the USA and safe for all ages, making it a great choice for classrooms and family projects.
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set (30 x 12ml Tubes) Non-Toxic Artist Quality
If you're an artist looking for a great value, this Shuttle Art set is perfect for you. It comes with 30 vibrant 12 ml tubes of non-toxic, artist-quality acrylics, along with three free brushes, making it a fantastic choice for teens, beginners, and pros alike. These paints dry quickly and are durable, so you can use them on all sorts of surfaces, from canvas to wood and beyond.
Highlights:
- 30 bright, thick pigments give you strong coverage and plenty of color options.
- Non-toxic and safe for teens, beginners, and professionals; meets ASTM-D4236 standards.
- Comes with three free brushes and works on canvas, ceramic, wood, fabric, clay, walls, and crafts; dries quickly and lasts.
Mont Marte Acrylic Paint Set (24 Colours, 36ml) for Canvas, Wood, Fabric, Leather, Cardboard, Paper, MDF and Crafts
If you're into mixed-media projects and crafting, the Mont Marte 24-colour acrylic paint set is perfect for you. With 36ml tubes of creamy, fast-drying paint, you can easily work on various surfaces like canvas, wood, and fabric. Enjoy 24 vibrant colors, including Titanium White and Phthalo Blue, and let your creativity flow!
Highlights:
- A wide range of 24 vibrant colors, featuring options like Phthalo Blue, Viridian, Gold, and Silver
- Creamy texture for great coverage and quick drying, making layering a breeze
- Works well on various surfaces like canvas, wood, fabric, leather, cardboard, paper, and MDF
Caliart Acrylic Paint Set with 12 Brushes, 36 Colors Art Supplies for Artists and Beginners
The Caliart Acrylic Paint Set is perfect for beginners and casual artists looking for a complete toolkit to jumpstart their creativity. With 36 bright colors and 12 brushes, you can start painting right away on various surfaces. Plus, it's easy to clean up, making it a thoughtful gift for anyone wanting to explore their artistic side.
Highlights:
- 36 bright, highly pigmented colors with a smooth, creamy texture
- Comes with 12 brushes and a sturdy box for neat storage
- Water-based, non-toxic, quick-drying, and cleans up easily with soap and water
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set (50 Colors, 2oz/60ml Bottles)
Shuttle Art’s 50-color set is perfect for artists and hobbyists looking for a complete acrylic paint collection all in one package. With 50 bright colors in 60 ml bottles, including fun fluorescent and shiny metallic shades, you’ll have everything you need for various projects. These water-based paints are easy to mix, provide solid coverage, and are safe for everyone to use.
Highlights:
- Wide selection of 50 colors, featuring fluorescent and metallic options for different projects
- Smooth, easy-to-mix texture with excellent coverage; water-based and safe
- Long-lasting and durable; waterproof and fade-resistant on canvas, wood, glass, and more
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set (36 Colors) with Brushes & Palette, Non-toxic for Artists & Kids & Adults
The Shuttle Art 36-color acrylic paint set is perfect for artists, kids, and adults who want to dive right into their projects. It comes with 12 brushes and a palette, making it super easy to start creating. With 36 vibrant 2oz/60ml bottles of rich pigments, you’ll have everything you need to express your creativity.
Highlights:
- Comes with 36 vibrant 2oz/60ml bottles, plus 12 brushes and a palette for a complete starter setup.
- Creamy acrylics that blend easily and provide solid coverage with consistent colors.
- Non-toxic, acid-free, and ASTM-D4236 compliant, safe for all ages and easy to clean up.
Shuttle Art 18 Colors Acrylic Paint Bottle Set (250ml/8.45oz) for Artists, Beginners and Kids
The Shuttle Art 18-color set is a great choice for beginners and kids who want to create bold artwork with ease. With thick, creamy acrylics that dry fast and stay permanent, you’ll enjoy vibrant colors in handy 250ml bottles. This kit is perfect for artists of all ages looking for affordable, ready-to-use paint that works on many surfaces.
Highlights:
- Thick, creamy texture gives high coverage with little paint needed
- Quick-drying, permanent, waterproof, and fade-proof finish
- Non-toxic and meets ASTM D-4236/EN71-3 standards, making it safe for everyone
Artkey Acrylic Paint Set (24 Colors, 2 oz/59 ml) for Artists & Beginners
The Artkey Acrylic Paint Set is perfect for both newcomers and experienced artists looking for dependable coverage. With its smooth, butter-like consistency, these paints glide on easily and dry quickly, ensuring your work stays vibrant over time. You’ll get 24 lively colors in handy 2 oz bottles, making it great for filling large spaces or adding fine details.
Highlights:
- Smooth, buttery texture for easy application and even coverage
- 24 bright colors in 2 oz bottles, perfect for both large areas and intricate work
- Non-toxic and safe for use around people and pets; tightly sealed to prevent leaks
Acrylic Paint Set with 12 Art Brushes (24 Colors, 2 oz Bottles) for Beginners to Professionals
This Acrylic Paint Set comes with 24 bright colors and 12 quality brushes, making it perfect for both beginners and professional artists. Whether you're painting on canvas, wood, or fabric, you'll love how smoothly the rich pigments glide on and how quickly they dry. With non-toxic materials and easy cleanup with soap and water, this set is a great all-in-one choice for your creative projects.
Highlights:
- Bright pigments that glide on easily and dry fast for quick layering.
- Non-toxic and safe, with simple cleanup using just soap and water.
- Comes with 24 colors and 12 brushes, great for everything from canvas to fabric.
ARTEZA Acrylic Paint Set 24 Colors (0.74 oz Tubes)
If you’re looking for a set that offers bold colors and great options, the ARTEZA 24-color acrylic kit is a fantastic choice for artists at any skill level. This set provides 24 rich, high-viscosity paints in 0.74 oz tubes that layer nicely on canvas, wood, or crafts. With smooth finishes and consistent shades, you can easily create depth and detail in your artwork.
Highlights:
- High-viscosity formula lets you build texture and add fine details.
- Bright, vibrant colors that offer lasting finishes.
- Non-toxic and water-based, making it safe and easy to clean up.
Caliart 24 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with 12 Brushes
If you're just starting out or painting for fun, the Caliart 24 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with 12 Brushes is perfect for you. It features 24 vibrant 2 oz bottles and 12 brushes, giving you everything you need to jump into painting. With classic colors like Lemon Yellow, Ultramarine, and Titanium White, you're all set to create your next masterpiece.
Highlights:
- You get 24 vibrant 2 oz bottles and 12 brushes, offering great value and a complete kit to start right away.
- The paint goes on smoothly, dries quickly, and has strong color payoff, making it easy to layer and blend.
- Non-toxic and water-based, this set is safe for all ages and works on various surfaces.
Apple Barrel Acrylic Craft Paint, PROMOABIII, 2 fl oz each, 16 assorted matte colors (16 count)
The PROMOABIII set is perfect for crafters and DIY enthusiasts looking for a variety of matte colors. With 16 different 2 fl oz bottles, you’ll have a great selection to work with on surfaces like wood, Styrofoam, plaster, or terra cotta. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly, making it easy for anyone to start their creative projects.
Highlights:
- 16 assorted matte colors in handy 2 fl oz bottles give you plenty of options.
- Dries to a bright matte finish, great for wood, Styrofoam, plaster, and terra cotta.
- Simple cleanup with soap and water while wet; made in the USA and perfect for beginners.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Acrylic Paints
When you choose acrylic paints, consider pigment quality and color to ensure vibrancy and lightfastness, along with consistent texture for predictable results. Check drying time and layering flexibility, surface compatibility, and safety standards to fit your project and workspace. This helps you pick options that perform reliably across different surfaces and techniques.
Pigment Quality & Color
High-quality pigments determine the brightness and consistency of acrylic paints, so your color stays vibrant and true over time. When you pick pigments, you’ll notice richer, more consistent hues that resist dulling as you work. Creamy paints offer better coverage and easier blending, helping you layer smoothly without harsh edges. Lightfast pigments ensure your colors endure when exposed to light, preserving the look of your finished piece. The ability to mix and create shades depends on pigment quality, enabling seamless blending and a broader color palette. Safety matters too, so opt for non-toxic pigments, especially for classroom or family-use projects. In short, choosing high-quality pigments elevates color accuracy, depth, and versatility, delivering dependable results across your acrylic artworks.
Consistency & Texture
Consistency and texture matter because they directly affect how paint feels in your hand and on the surface. You’ll notice thicker, creamy acrylics give more coverage and texture, ideal for bold strokes and impasto, while fluid versions yield smooth application and fine detail. The texture also influences drying time: thicker paints generally dry slower, inviting blending, whereas thinner paints dry quickly, which can complicate layering. When selecting paints, consider your desired finish—matte, glossy, or satin—as consistency helps achieve that look. Versatility comes from matching texture to the project, since proper consistency and texture expand your options across canvas, wood, and fabric. In choosing, balance control and expressiveness, aiming for a range of consistencies to handle various techniques.
Drying Time & Layering
Drying time is a key factor in how you layer acrylics. You’ll notice most acrylics dry in about 10 to 30 minutes, so you can work quickly and adjust as you go. Fast-drying properties let you layer colors without waiting long, which is ideal for glazing and impasto techniques. The quick set also means you can mix and blend before each layer stiffens, helping you achieve seamless transitions between shades. Be aware that some paints dry matte while others dry glossy, and this finish can influence how layers interact and appear overall. If you want more open time, consider a slow-drying medium to extend working time, enabling finer layering and finer blending without sacrificing your fast-dry advantages.
Surface Compatibility
Acrylic paints shine when you pick surfaces that suit their formulas, so start by considering what you’ll be painting on. You can use them on canvas, wood, fabric, glass, ceramic, and paper, making them incredibly versatile for many projects. Different formulations may adhere better to certain surfaces; some favor porous materials like wood, others are designed for slick surfaces like glass. Before you apply, ensure the surface is clean and properly prepared to maximize adhesion and finish. Surface texture matters: rough textures need thicker layers for even coverage, while smooth ones enable finer details. Also, non-toxic acrylics let you work on kids’ projects safely and without fumes on a variety of surfaces.
Safety Standards
When choosing acrylic paints, paying attention to safety standards helps you work confidently, especially around kids or in shared spaces. Look for ASTM D-4236 compliance, which confirms the paints are non-toxic and suitable for artists of all ages. This labeling guides family use and educational settings, reducing worry about exposure. Also check EN71-3 conformity, an extra assurance for toy and child-related product safety that some paints carry. Certifications on packaging help you verify products are free from harmful chemicals and heavy metals. Clear labeling and safety compliance empower you to select paints that fit your needs, from classroom projects to home studios. Prioritize trustworthy markings to ensure safer, more informed choices across your creative environments.
Accessibility & Value
Accessibility and value go hand in hand when you’re choosing acrylic paints, building on safety basics to ensure options are safe for everyone, including kids and beginners. You’ll prioritize non-toxic formulas that meet age-appropriate standards, making projects approachable for all skill levels. Value shows up in the paint set size and color range, with 2 oz bottles and larger options that stretch your budget. Many kits include brushes and palettes, so you don’t need extra purchases to start. Listen to customer ratings and feedback to gauge satisfaction and performance before you buy. The versatility across canvas, wood, and fabric boosts value, letting you tackle diverse projects with a single product line. Choose thoughtfully to balance safety, volume, and creative potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Student and Artist Grade Acrylics?
Student-grade acrylics are cheaper and packed with pigments for a wide range of colors. Artist-grade paints have higher pigment concentrations and finer binders. This means you get richer colors and better lightfastness.
With artist grades, you'll notice a smoother texture, improved coverage, and less chalkiness. If you’re just starting out, student paints are great for practicing mixing and technique.
For gallery-quality work, you’ll want to go for artist grades, even if they cost more per tube. Choose based on your goals, how long you want the paint to last, and how important color accuracy is to you.
Do Acrylics Dry Clear or Retain Color Saturation When Dry?
Acrylics generally dry to a clear, matte film. They’ll keep their color saturation while wet.
As they dry, colors often darken a bit and lose some intensity. This depends on the binder, pigment load, and the medium you use. You’ll notice edges soften and the surface may look less vibrant than when you first applied it.
If you want maximum saturation, apply thin layers that glide on easily. Finish with a gloss medium after it dries for the best effect.
Can Acrylic Paints Be Used on Non-Traditional Surfaces?
Yes, you can use acrylic paints on non-traditional surfaces, but prep matters.
First, clean and dry the surface. If it’s slick, roughen it up a bit. Then, throw on a suitable gesso or primer.
For good adhesion, use acrylic-compatible sealants. Keep in mind that the texture may change a bit.
If you’re painting on fabric, grab some fabric medium. For glass, consider a specialty primer.
Always test a small spot first. After you’re done painting, seal it with a compatible varnish to stop peeling and keep the colors bright.
Adjust your technique based on how porous the surface is and how thick your paint is.
How Long Do Acrylics Take to Cure Fully?
Acrylics usually cure to the point where you can handle them in 24 hours. They fully cure in about 7 days, but keep in mind that thickness and environmental conditions play a role.
If you put on a heavy layer, it might take longer to harden completely. After a day, be gentle with it and try not to scratch it for a few days.
Make sure you have good ventilation and keep the temperature between 65–75°F (18–24°C). For the best results, follow the cure times suggested by the manufacturer and check your specific product.
Are Acrylics Water-Mineable After Drying?
Yes, acrylics aren’t water-soluble once they dry.
When the film cures, you’re left with a water-resistant layer. Heat, solvents or abrasion can affect it.
If you want to clean brushes or tools, use water right away while painting. Dried paintings won’t wash off with just water.
To rework the painting, you can soften the surface with the right mediums or carefully re-wet it before adding new layers.