Oil Paint Starter Kits That Actually Teach You
The Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Set is the top pick for most beginners because it balances quality pigment with a reasonable price. Its main advantage is the trusted brand and consistent consistency. A limitation is the limited color range, which may require mixing skills.
Starting with oil paints can be overwhelming with so many options. A good starter kit simplifies the process by bundling essential colors, brushes, and sometimes a guide.
We looked at what owners report about each kit, focusing on color payoff, ease of cleanup, and whether the supplies last beyond the first few paintings.
Before you buy
The shortlist, ranked
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Set
This 10-tube set includes professional-grade student colors. The paint has a buttery consistency that spreads well. Owners say it covers canvas smoothly and dries within a few days.
Pros
- High pigment load
- Consistent quality
- Easy to mix
Cons
- No brush included
- Small tubes
Mont Marte Oil Paint Set
This set comes with 24 vibrant colors, giving you a full palette at a low price. The paint is creamy and blends well. Some users note it is thinner than premium brands.
Pros
- Wide color range
- Affordable
- Good for practice
Cons
- Small tubes
- Thinner consistency
Castle Art Supplies Oil Acrylic Paint Set
This dual medium set includes 24 oil and 24 acrylic paints. It is ideal for beginners who want to experiment. The oils are quite thick, while the acrylics are smooth.
Pros
- Two mediums in one
- Brushes included
- Great for experimenting
Cons
- Oil paints separate
- Brushes may be basic
Canson Artist Series Oil Painting Set
This compact set includes 12 paints in a sturdy metal case that doubles as an easel. Perfect for plein air painting. The paint quality is good but not archival.
Pros
- Compact and sturdy
- Easel built in
- Easy to transport
Cons
- Limited colors
- Paint not professional grade
Arteza Oil Paint Set
Arteza offers 60 colors in 18ml tubes, a massive range for the price. The paint is highly pigmented and has a smooth texture. Users praise the vibrant hues.
Pros
- Huge selection
- Large tubes
- Excellent pigment
Cons
- Expensive
- No brushes
Pentel Arts Oil Paint Set
This set is designed for classroom use, with non-toxic paints in a durable box. The colors are bright but may require multiple coats for full opacity.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Affordable
- Ideal for education
Cons
- Limited colors
- Less pigmented
Marco Fine Arts Oil Paint Set
Marco offers professional-grade paint at a mid-range price. The set includes 18 colors with high concentration. Owners appreciate the smooth buttery texture.
Pros
- Professional quality
- Large tubes
- Rich colors
Cons
- No brushes
- Higher price
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Paint volume | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Set | 10 x 37ml tubes | Best overall for beginners | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Mont Marte Oil Paint Set | 24 x 12ml tubes | Best value with many colors | 9.0 | Check price |
| 3 | Castle Art Supplies Oil Acrylic Paint Set | 24 oil paints (12ml each) plus 24 acrylics | Best for trying both oils and acrylics | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | Canson Artist Series Oil Painting Set | 12 x 10ml tubes | Best for portability | 8.6 | Check price |
| 5 | Arteza Oil Paint Set | 60 x 18ml tubes | Best for color variety and quality | 9.2 | Check price |
| 6 | Pentel Arts Oil Paint Set | 12 x 20ml tubes | Best for students | 8.4 | Check price |
| 7 | Marco Fine Arts Oil Paint Set | 18 x 30ml tubes | Best for professionals on a budget | 9.0 | Check price |
Common questions
What colors should a starter oil paint kit include?
A basic kit should include titanium white, cadmium yellow, yellow ochre, cadmium red, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, and burnt sienna. These allow you to mix a wide range of hues.
Are oil paints difficult to use for beginners?
Oil paints have a learning curve due to slow drying times and the need for solvents. However, with practice and the right supplies, they are manageable. Many kits come with instructions.
Can I use water to thin oil paints?
No, oil paints are oil-based and require solvents like turpentine or odorless mineral spirits. Some water-mixable oil paints are available, but these are not included in standard kits.
How long do oil paints take to dry?
Oil paints can take anywhere from a few days to weeks to dry completely, depending on thickness and environment. This allows for blending but requires patience.
Do I need to buy brushes separately?
Many starter kits include brushes, but they may be basic. For better results, purchasing a set of good quality brushes is recommended, especially for fine details.
What is the difference between student and professional oil paints?
Student paints have less pigment and more filler, making them cheaper. Professional paints have higher pigment concentration, resulting in more vibrant and durable colors.
Can I mix oil paints from different brands?
Yes, you can mix oil paints from different brands as long as they share the same binder (linseed oil, safflower oil, etc.). This is common practice among artists.
How should I clean my brushes after using oil paints?
Clean brushes with a solvent, then wash with soap and water. Use a brush cleaner or conditioner to maintain their shape and longevity.
Our pick
For most beginners, the Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Set is the best choice because it offers quality paint at a fair price. If you want more colors for a low cost, the Mont Marte set is a great alternative. Avoid the Castle Art Supplies dual set if you intend to focus solely on oils, as the acrylic paints may distract from learning the oil medium.
