10 Best Acrylic Paints 2025 in the UK

The Liquitex Acrylic Basics Set of 60 x 22 ml Colours is a versatile and economical choice for artists of all levels. This set boasts high-quality pigments, ensuring vibrant and true-to-color finishes. The variety of 60 colors provides a broad palette for creativity. Users will appreciate the fast-drying nature of these acrylics, making it convenient for layering and reducing downtime between painting sessions. Additionally, the semi-gloss finish offers a professional touch to artworks, suitable for various surfaces including canvas, wood, and ceramics.

While the consistency is generally smooth, some users might find it thinner than expected, requiring multiple layers for full opacity. Nonetheless, this can be adjusted with the use of mediums to achieve the desired texture and finish. The set's frustration-free packaging is a plus, making it easy to organize and store the paints.

Liquitex has balanced quality and economy, making this set a solid option for both beginners and experienced painters looking for reliable acrylics.

The Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint set includes 36 colors, each in a 22ml tube, and offers a comprehensive range for artists. One of its standout features is the quality of color. The pigments are artist-grade, lightfast, and monopigmented, ensuring vibrant and pure hues that stand the test of time without fading. This makes it particularly appealing for professional artists and hobbyists alike.

The consistency of the paint is medium viscosity, making it versatile for various techniques such as underpainting, sketching, and mixed media applications. This flexibility is a significant advantage for artists who like to experiment with different styles and techniques. The drying time is relatively quick, which can be both a strength and a weakness. While it allows for faster layering and less waiting time, it might be challenging for beginners who need more time to work with their paint.

The finish is silky and glossy, adding a professional look to completed pieces. However, this might not suit everyone, particularly those who prefer a matte finish. The opacity of the paints is generally good, providing solid coverage, although it can vary slightly between colors. For those looking to use these paints on a variety of surfaces, they perform well on wood and paper, making them versatile for different art projects. In terms of drawbacks, the 22ml tubes may be on the smaller side for those who paint frequently or work on large projects, potentially leading to more frequent repurchasing. Additionally, while the archival quality ensures the longevity of artworks, some users might find the high gloss finish limiting depending on their preferred aesthetic. This set is made in Europe, adhering to high-quality standards, which adds to its credibility and reliability.

The Fantastory Acrylic Paint Set offers a versatile and vibrant collection of 24 colors, each in a 2 oz (60ml) bottle. Users can expect high color quality that resists fading and is waterproof, making it suitable for a range of surfaces including canvas, wood, glass, clay, fabric, and ceramic. This set is particularly appealing for both novice painters and seasoned artists due to its non-toxic formula, complying with ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 (CE) standards, ensuring safety for all ages.

The consistency of the paints allows for easy blending and mixing, enabling the creation of countless shades and smooth application on various mediums. The drying time is efficient, providing a durable and elastic finish that is abrasion-resistant and maintains its color over time. The finish is ideal for both indoor and outdoor projects due to its excellent lightfastness, meaning the colors will stay vibrant without significant change when exposed to light. Opacity is also impressive, allowing for thick layer work and solid coverage.

However, the set might be less ideal for those seeking very quick drying times or an exceptionally glossy finish, as the focus seems more on durability and versatility. Additionally, the included brushes cater to detailed and broad strokes alike, enhancing the painting experience across different artistic styles. This set is a well-rounded option for anyone looking to explore acrylic painting, from hobbyists to professional artists.