Watercolor Starter Sets That Make Painting Easy
For most beginners, the Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Set is the top pick. It offers good quality at a fair price, with 45 colors that blend nicely. The main limitation is that the plastic case is not very durable for travel.
Starting with watercolors can feel overwhelming with so many options. We compared seven popular starter kits to help you choose.
Each kit is different, from compact pan sets to tube paints. We looked at how they perform for beginners, including color mixing and ease of cleanup.
The shortlist, ranked
Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Set
This set includes 45 vibrant half pans in a sturdy metal tin. The paints activate easily and blend smoothly. It is a trusted brand used by many artists.
Pros
- Wide color selection
- Excellent pigment payoff
- Durable metal case
Cons
- No brush included
- Price higher than some
Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolor Set
This 48-color set features unique Japanese pigments that are highly saturated. The pans are large and the colors remain vibrant even when dry. It is a favorite among illustrators.
Pros
- Very pigmented colors
- Large pans
- Unique color range
Cons
- Expensive
- Colors can be intense for beginners
Reeves Watercolor Paint Set
This affordable set includes 24 colors in a plastic case. The paints are student grade but work well for practice. It is a great way to try watercolors without a big investment.
Pros
- Very low price
- Includes brush
- Ideal for beginners
Cons
- Pigments are less vibrant
- Plastic case may crack
Van Gogh Water Colour Paint Set
This 12-tube set offers professional quality at a student price. The paints are made with high-quality pigments and provide excellent transparency. It is a step up from basic student sets.
Pros
- High pigment load
- Good value for quality
- Easy to mix
Cons
- Only 12 colors
- Requires palette
Sakura Koi Watercolor Field Sketch Set
This compact set includes 24 colors and a water brush. The case is lightweight and folds out as a palette. It is perfect for painting on the go.
Pros
- Portable design
- Built-in water brush
- Colors are vibrant
Cons
- Small pans
- Brush is small
Schmincke Horadam Aquarell Watercolor Set
This 12 half pan set is made with the highest quality pigments and gum arabic. It offers exceptional brilliance and lightfastness. It is an investment for serious artists.
Pros
- Top-tier pigments
- Smooth application
- Luxurious packaging
Cons
- Very high price
- Overkill for casual beginners
Prang Watercolor Paint Set
This classic 8-color set is non-toxic and safe for children. The paints are washable and easy to use. It is a reliable choice for young beginners.
Pros
- Non-toxic and safe
- Washable
- Very affordable
Cons
- Limited colors
- Lower pigment quality
Before you buy
Side by side
| # | Model | Number of Colors | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Set | 45 half pans | Best overall for beginners | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolor Set | 48 colors | Best for vibrant colors and Japanese style | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Reeves Watercolor Paint Set | 24 colors | Best budget pick for beginners | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | Van Gogh Water Colour Paint Set | 12 tubes | Best for quality on a budget | 9.0 | Check price |
| 5 | Sakura Koi Watercolor Field Sketch Set | 24 colors | Best for travel and plein air | 8.9 | Check price |
| 6 | Schmincke Horadam Aquarell Watercolor Set | 12 half pans | Best professional quality | 9.1 | Check price |
| 7 | Prang Watercolor Paint Set | 8 colors | Best for kids and classroom use | 8.5 | Check price |
Good to know
What is the best watercolor starter kit for a complete beginner?
The Winsor & Newton Cotman set is excellent for beginners because it offers 45 colors and good quality. However, if you are on a budget, the Reeves set is a good choice.
Do I need to buy a separate brush with my watercolor kit?
Some kits include brushes, like the Sakura Koi and Reeves sets. Others, like the Winsor & Newton Cotman, do not. Check the product details to see what is included.
Are expensive watercolor paints worth it for beginners?
Not necessarily. Student grade paints are more affordable and good for learning. As you improve, you can upgrade to artist grade for better performance.
How many colors should a starter kit have?
A basic set of 12 colors is enough to start. More colors give you more variety but can be overwhelming. Many artists mix a limited palette.
What is the difference between pan and tube watercolors?
Pans are dried paint that you activate with water. Tubes are wet paint that you squeeze out. Pans are convenient and last longer, while tubes are easier for large mixes.
Are watercolor paints safe for children?
Yes, many sets are non-toxic and washable. The Prang set is a safe choice for kids. Always check the label for safety information.
How do I store my watercolor paints?
Keep your paints in a cool, dry place. Make sure the pans are clean and dry before closing the case. This prevents mold and keeps the paints fresh.
Can I mix colors from different brands?
Yes, you can mix watercolors from different brands. They are all water-based, so they work together. However, quality may vary, so test them on paper first.
Our take
For most beginners, the Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Colour Paint Set is the best choice because it balances quality, color range, and ease of use. If you are on a tight budget, the Reeves set is a great starting point. For a more professional experience, consider the Schmincke Horadam set.
