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10 Best Acrylic Paint Sets 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Liquitex Acrylic Basics Set of 12 x 22 ml Colours

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,114
Color Range
Pigment Quality
Drying Time
Color Range
The vibrant blue is perfect for creating nighttime skies or deep oceans, mixing well with other acrylics to achieve beautiful tones.
Pigment Quality
This acrylic paint offers fabulous color and quality, drying quickly for efficient layering.
Drying Time
This acrylic paint offers fabulous color and quality, drying quickly for efficient layering.

The Liquitex Acrylic Basics Set includes 12 tubes of 22 ml acrylic paint in a variety of colors such as Primary Yellow, Cadmium Orange Hue, and Primary Blue. This set covers a good color range, which is essential for artists to create diverse artworks. Liquitex is known for using high-quality pigments, ensuring vibrant and long-lasting colors. The inclusion of reinforced ceramic beads in the pigment grinding process aids in achieving fine dispersion and great color development, which are key for high-quality artwork.

The paints have a satin finish, which provides a smooth, slightly shiny look to the finished pieces, suitable for various surfaces such as wood, paper, and more. The versatility of these paints is notable, as they adhere to a wide range of surfaces and can be adjusted in opacity to serve as undertones, tints, or shades. The quick-drying nature of these acrylics allows for faster layering but may require artists to work swiftly. Additionally, the paints are water-dilutable when wet, making clean-up easy, and they become waterproof when dry, enhancing their durability.

Lightfastness, which is crucial for preventing colors from fading over time, is ensured, making them suitable for archival-quality works. At 22 ml per tube, the volume may be limiting for larger projects, though the set is priced economically for beginner to intermediate artists. This set is a good balance of quality and cost, making it a solid choice for artists looking to explore acrylic painting without a significant investment.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,114
Color Range
Pigment Quality
Drying Time
Color Range
The vibrant blue is perfect for creating nighttime skies or deep oceans, mixing well with other acrylics to achieve beautiful tones.
Pigment Quality
This acrylic paint offers fabulous color and quality, drying quickly for efficient layering.
Drying Time
This acrylic paint offers fabulous color and quality, drying quickly for efficient layering.
#2

Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set, 36 Colours (60ml, 2oz) with 12 Brushes & 1 Palette, Craft painting, Rich Pigments,Non-Toxic for Artists,Beginners and Kids on Rocks, Crafts, Canvas,Wood, Fabric, Ceramic

Rating
9.6
Color Range
Pigment Quality
Viscosity
Color Range
Great value for money with a wide range of vibrant colors.
Pigment Quality
The color palette is well chosen, with good quality paint that comes in nice shaped bottles.
Viscosity
Good consistency and coverage make these paints ideal for various surfaces, including stone.

The Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set offers a broad color range with 36 vibrant colors in 60ml tubes, making it ideal for diverse creative projects. The included 12 brushes and palette are a handy addition, especially for beginners or those looking to start painting without purchasing extra supplies. The paint's rich pigments and professional-grade quality mean you can expect good coverage and bright, lasting colors in your artwork, suitable for various surfaces such as canvas, wood, ceramic, and more.

The paint's viscosity is quite thick, which might be beneficial for creating texture but could require some adjustment if you're used to thinner paints. The drying time, like most acrylics, is relatively fast, which is good for layering but can be challenging for blending techniques. The set is non-toxic and safe for all ages, making it suitable for kids and family art projects.

A potential drawback is its lightfastness, as there's no specific mention of how well the colors resist fading over time, which could be important for professional artists looking for longevity in their artworks. Additionally, these paints are not suitable for outdoor use, meaning they might not withstand harsh weather conditions. This set is best suited for indoor projects and hobbyists rather than outdoor murals or professional long-term installations. Those looking for an all-in-one starter set or a gift for an art enthusiast will find this set a fantastic choice, but professionals focused on high durability and outdoor applications might need to look elsewhere.

Rating
9.6
Color Range
Pigment Quality
Viscosity
Color Range
Great value for money with a wide range of vibrant colors.
Pigment Quality
The color palette is well chosen, with good quality paint that comes in nice shaped bottles.
Viscosity
Good consistency and coverage make these paints ideal for various surfaces, including stone.
#3

Winsor & Newton, Galeria Acrylic, 10x60ml Tube Set

Rating
9.3
Color Range
Pigment Quality
Color Range
A good selection of colors that mix well, offering quality at a reasonable price.
Pigment Quality
Some colors may be quite transparent, requiring multiple layers for full coverage.

The Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic 10x60ml Tube Set is an excellent choice for both beginners and more experienced artists looking for high-quality acrylic paints. One of its standout features is the impressive color range, including vibrant and fluid hues like Cadmium Yellow Medium Hue, Cadmium Red Hue, and Winsor Blue. These colors have high opacity and permanence, resulting in a smooth satin finish that is visually appealing. The pigment quality is notable as the set uses professional-grade pigments or similar ones in lower concentrations, making it easier to transition to artist-grade paints if needed. This provides a good balance between quality and affordability.

The set offers a buttery consistency, which allows for quick and easy coverage while also ensuring that brush marks are retained when desired. This texture is particularly beneficial for artists who value control and precision in their work. The viscosity of the paint is well-balanced, not too thick or too runny, making it suitable for a variety of surfaces including wood, ceramic, paper, and fabric. However, drying time may vary based on the surface and environmental conditions, which could require some adjustment for artists used to working with faster-drying paints.

Lightfastness, or the paint's resistance to fading when exposed to light, is generally good, ensuring that artworks remain vibrant over time. Despite these strengths, the set may not fully satisfy professional artists seeking the highest pigment concentration and the most extensive color range. Additionally, international variations might have different terms and conditions, which could affect product consistency. This set offers great value for its price, making it a solid choice for those looking to explore acrylic painting with reliable and vibrant colors.

Rating
9.3
Color Range
Pigment Quality
Color Range
A good selection of colors that mix well, offering quality at a reasonable price.
Pigment Quality
Some colors may be quite transparent, requiring multiple layers for full coverage.

Buying Guide for the Best Acrylic Paint Sets

Choosing the right acrylic paint set can greatly enhance your painting experience and the quality of your artwork. Acrylic paints are versatile, fast-drying, and can be used on a variety of surfaces, making them a popular choice for artists of all levels. When selecting an acrylic paint set, consider the range of colors, the quality of the paint, and the specific needs of your projects. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your artistic goals.
Color RangeThe color range in an acrylic paint set refers to the variety of colors included. This is important because a wider range of colors allows for more creative freedom and the ability to mix and match to achieve the desired hues. Sets can range from basic primary colors to extensive collections with dozens of shades. If you're a beginner, a set with primary colors might be sufficient as you learn to mix your own colors. For more advanced artists, a larger set with a broader spectrum of colors can save time and provide more options for complex projects.
Pigment QualityPigment quality determines the vibrancy and longevity of the paint. High-quality pigments result in more vivid colors and better coverage, which is crucial for creating striking artwork. Pigment quality is often indicated by terms like 'student grade' or 'artist grade.' Student grade paints are more affordable and suitable for practice or casual projects, while artist grade paints offer superior pigmentation and are ideal for professional work. Consider your level of expertise and the importance of color vibrancy in your work when choosing the pigment quality.
ViscosityViscosity refers to the thickness or consistency of the paint. This is important because it affects how the paint handles and the texture it can create. Acrylic paints can be heavy body, soft body, or fluid. Heavy body paints are thick and retain brushstrokes, making them ideal for impasto techniques. Soft body paints are smoother and better for detailed work or blending. Fluid acrylics are thin and suitable for glazing or watercolor-like effects. Choose the viscosity based on the techniques you plan to use and the texture you want to achieve in your artwork.
Drying TimeDrying time is the duration it takes for the paint to dry once applied. Acrylic paints are known for their fast drying time, which can be both an advantage and a challenge. Quick drying allows for rapid layering and less waiting time, but it can also make blending more difficult. Some acrylics are formulated to dry slower, giving more time for blending and adjustments. Consider your working style and whether you prefer to work quickly or need more time for blending when evaluating drying time.
LightfastnessLightfastness indicates how resistant the paint is to fading when exposed to light over time. This is crucial for ensuring the longevity of your artwork, especially if it will be displayed in well-lit areas. Paints with high lightfastness ratings will maintain their color integrity longer. If your work is intended for long-term display or sale, prioritize paints with excellent lightfastness. For practice or temporary projects, this may be less of a concern.