Top Rated Oil Paints for Beginners and Hobbyists
The Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Set is our top pick for most beginners because it offers a balanced color palette, good pigment concentration, and a smooth buttery consistency that behaves predictably. Its main limitation is that the tubes are small, so heavy painters may run out quickly.
Starting with oil paints can feel overwhelming with so many brands and sets available. The right set makes learning enjoyable and helps you develop good habits from the start.
We looked at popular oil paint sets that are currently available. We focused on sets that offer a good range of colors, decent quality, and are forgiving for beginners.
What matters most
What we recommend
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Set
This set includes 10 studio tubes of professional-grade student oil paint. The colors are vibrant and mix well, making it ideal for learning to mix a wide range of hues. The paint has a smooth, buttery consistency that is easy to control. Owners report that it dries at a moderate rate, giving beginners time to work. The only downside is the tube size, which may be small for extensive painting.
Pros
- Good color selection
- Smooth consistency
- Reliable brand
Cons
- Small tubes
- Not the most affordable
Liquitex Basics Oil Paint Set
Liquitex Basics offers a student-grade oil paint that is affordable and performs well for classroom use. This set includes 12 colors in 22ml tubes, providing a good range for color mixing. The paint has a medium viscosity and is easy to blend. While the pigment load is lower than professional lines, it is still satisfactory for practice. Users appreciate the consistent quality and the fact that the paints are non-toxic, conforming to ASTM D4236.
Pros
- Low cost
- Great for practice
- Non-toxic
Cons
- Smaller tubes
- Less pigmented
Gamblin 1980 Oil Paint Set
Gamblin 1980 is a professional-grade student oil paint line designed with a limited palette to encourage mixing. This set includes 6 colors that are carefully selected for their mixing potential. The paint has a buttery consistency and high pigment load for a student line. Artists report that the colors are intense and blend beautifully. The set comes in 37ml tubes, which is generous for the price. A con is the limited color selection, but that is intentional for learning.
Pros
- Great for color theory
- High pigment load
- Large tubes
Cons
- Only 6 colors
- Higher price per tube
Mont Marte Oil Paint Set
This Mont Marte set offers 24 colors in large 18ml tubes, making it an incredible value for beginners who want a variety of hues without a big investment. The paint has a soft, buttery texture and moderate pigment load. While the colors are not as lightfast as professional brands, they are fine for practice. Users like the included mixing guide. The main drawback is that some colors may dry with a slightly duller finish.
Pros
- Many colors
- Very affordable
- Good for experimentation
Cons
- Lower lightfastness
- Inconsistent drying
Sennelier Artists’ Oil Paint Set
Sennelier is a renowned French brand known for its high-quality oil paints. This set includes 6 colors in 20ml tubes, each with intense pigmentation and a creamy texture. The paints are made with high-quality oils and are ideal for artists who want professional results. Beginners will find them easy to use, but the price is steep. The small tubes are a downside, but a little goes a long way.
Pros
- Superior pigment quality
- Smooth application
- Professional grade
Cons
- Expensive
- Small tubes
Caran d’Ache Oil Paint Set
Caran d’Ache offers a compact set of 8 water-mixable oil paints in a sturdy metal tin. This set is perfect for painting on the go or in small spaces. The paints are of good quality with a smooth texture, and they can be thinned with water instead of solvents, making them safer for beginners. The set includes a small palette and brush, which is convenient. However, the tube sizes are very small (12ml), and the color range is limited.
Pros
- No solvents needed
- Easy cleanup
- Portable tin
Cons
- Very small tubes
- Limited colors
Master’s Touch Oil Paint Set
Master’s Touch from Hobby Lobby offers a set of 12 oil paints in generous 37ml tubes. This set provides a wide color selection and is suitable for beginners who plan to paint large areas. The paint has a medium body and is easy to spread. While it is not the most pigmented, it delivers decent opacity. Users appreciate the value for the amount of paint. The downside is that the paint may require more layers for full coverage.
Pros
- Large tubes
- Good color selection
- Covers well
Cons
- Less pigmented
- Not as smooth
Compared at a glance
| # | Model | Number of Colors | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Set | 10 | Best All-Around Beginner Set | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Liquitex Basics Oil Paint Set | 12 | Best Value for Students | 9.0 | Check price |
| 3 | Gamblin 1980 Oil Paint Set | 6 | Best for Color Mixing | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | Mont Marte Oil Paint Set | 24 | Best Budget Set with Many Colors | 8.5 | Check price |
| 5 | Sennelier Artists’ Oil Paint Set | 6 | Best for Rich Pigments | 8.3 | Check price |
| 6 | Caran d’Ache Oil Paint Set | 8 | Best for Portability | 8.0 | Check price |
| 7 | Master’s Touch Oil Paint Set | 12 | Best for Large Canvases | 8.2 | Check price |
Good to know
What oil paints are best for beginners?
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Set is often recommended for beginners due to its quality and balanced palette. Liquitex Basics is also a good budget choice.
How many colors do I need to start?
A basic set of 6 to 12 colors is enough. You can mix a wide range of hues from primaries, white, and a few earth tones.
Are student grade oil paints good enough?
Yes, student grade paints are fine for learning. They have less pigment but are more affordable. As you gain skill, you may upgrade to artist grade.
What is the difference between student and artist oil paints?
Artist paints have more pigment and less filler, giving stronger colors and better lightfastness. Student paints have more oil and filler, making them less expensive.
Can I use water to thin oil paints?
Traditional oil paints are not water soluble. They require solvents. However, water-mixable oils can be thinned with water. Check the label.
How long do oil paints take to dry?
Oil paints dry slowly, from a few days to several weeks depending on thickness and environment. This allows for blending but requires patience.
What should I look for in a beginner oil paint set?
Look for a set with a good range of colors, decent pigment load, and reasonable price. Also consider tube size and whether it includes any extras.
Are expensive oil paints worth it for beginners?
Not necessarily. Beginners should start with affordable sets to practice. Expensive paints can be wasted if you are still learning color mixing and technique.
Final word
For most beginners, the Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Set is the best choice because it balances quality, color selection, and price. It provides a reliable paint that helps you focus on learning. If you are on a tight budget, the Liquitex Basics set offers good value with 12 colors. For those interested in color mixing, the Gamblin 1980 set is superb. Choose based on your budget and learning goals. Any of these sets will serve you well as you begin your oil painting journey.
