Finding the best professional acrylic paint set can be challenging with so many options available. The Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set stands out for its reliable quality and affordability, making it ideal for serious artists. For those seeking a richer palette, the Arteza Acrylic Paint Set offers a wide array of colors with good consistency, perfect for versatile projects. Meanwhile, the Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylic appeals to artists who prioritize thick, textured paint for expressive work. Keep reading to see how these and other top options compare to help you make an informed choice.
Key Takeaways
- The top-ranked sets balance color variety, paint quality, and ease of use for professional results.
- Heavy body acrylics are favored for texture and bold application, but often come at a higher price point.
- Larger tubes or sets with more colors provide better value but may require more storage space and handling care.
- Price often correlates with paint consistency and pigment quality, but premium options aren’t always necessary for every artist.
- Choosing the right set depends heavily on your working style—whether you prefer thin washes or thick impasto techniques.
| Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set, 48 x 22ml Tubes |  | Best Budget-Friendly Starter Set | Number of tubes: 48 | Tube size: 22ml | Finish: Satin | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Artecho Professional Acrylic Paint Set, 20 Primary Colors (120ml / 4.05oz) Tubes |  | Best for Color Variety and Coverage | Number of Colors: 20 | Tube Volume: 120ml / 4.05oz | Finish: Glossy | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Arteza Acrylic Paint Set, 60 Colors (0.74 oz Tubes) with Metallic Shades |  | Best for Technique Versatility and Metallic Effects | Number of Colors: 60 | Tube Size: 0.74 oz / 22 ml | Paint Type: Acrylic | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint, Essentials Set (12 x 22ml) |  | Best for Textured and Impasto Work | Quantity: 12 tubes | Volume per tube: 22ml | Pigments: Pure artist-grade pigments | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Mont Marte Acrylic Colour Paint Set Signature 24pc, 36ml each |  | Best Value for Versatile Beginners and Hobbyists | Number of Colors: 24 | Volume per Paint: 36ml (1.21 US fl.oz) | Finish: Semi-matte | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| MEEDEN Heavy Body Acrylic Paint Sets, 100 Colors for Canvas, Wood, Fabric Painting |  | Best for Professional-Grade Artists and Large-Scale Projects | Paint Type: Acrylic | Number of Colors: 100 | Color Types: Regular, Metallic, Fluorescent | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set, 48 x 22ml Tubes
This set stands out for offering a large variety of colors at an accessible price, making it ideal for artists who need versatility without high costs. While the high-quality pigments deliver vibrant hues, the student-grade formulation means it may lack the opacity and durability demanded by professionals. Compared with the Liquitex Professional Heavy Body, it dries faster and cleans up easily, but doesn’t offer the same richness or texture. Its quick-drying satin finish suits quick studies, though it falls short for detailed layering or impasto techniques. This set is perfect for hobbyists, students, or those testing acrylics before investing in higher-grade options. However, serious professionals requiring maximum opacity and permanence should look elsewhere.
Pros:- Large variety of colors at an affordable price
- High-quality pigments produce vibrant hues
- Quick-drying and water-cleanable for easy cleanup
- Suitable for multiple surfaces and techniques
Cons:- Student quality may lack opacity and permanence for professional use
- Limited in color opacity options for layering
Best for: Beginner artists, students, or hobbyists seeking an affordable, versatile set for practice and experimentation
Not ideal for: Professional painters needing durable, highly opaque, and archival-quality paints for finished artwork
- Number of tubes:48
- Tube size:22ml
- Finish:Satin
- Pigment quality:High-quality pigments
- Conforms to:ASTM D4236
Bottom line: This set offers a practical entry point for beginners and hobbyists but falls short for professional-grade work requiring longevity and opacity.
Artecho Professional Acrylic Paint Set, 20 Primary Colors (120ml / 4.05oz) Tubes
This set excels in providing high-pigment, vibrant colors with excellent coverage, making it a strong choice for artists focused on bold, colorful work. Its large 120ml tubes mean fewer interruptions for refilling, which is advantageous for extended projects. Compared to the Arteza Acrylic Set, it offers more coverage per tube, but with only 20 colors, it might limit tonal variety unless you mix extensively. The glossy finish and non-toxic formulation appeal to both professionals and serious hobbyists. However, the limited color range and large tubes can be less convenient for travel or small-scale work. It’s ideal for artists who prioritize coverage and vibrancy over a broad palette.
Pros:- Excellent coverage and high-pigment colors
- Large 120ml tubes reduce refill frequency
- Suitable for multiple surfaces including fabric and wood
- Non-toxic and glossy finish
Cons:- Limited to 20 colors, requiring mixing for variety
- Large tubes less practical for small projects or travel
Best for: Artists needing high coverage and vibrant colors for murals, mixed media, or large canvases
Not ideal for: Travelers or artists seeking compact, portable palettes with a wide color range
- Number of Colors:20
- Tube Volume:120ml / 4.05oz
- Finish:Glossy
- Conforms to:ASTM D-4236, EN71
- Toxicity:Non-toxic, Acid-free
Bottom line: This set is best suited for artists who prioritize coverage, vibrancy, and large volumes over palette diversity or portability.
Arteza Acrylic Paint Set, 60 Colors (0.74 oz Tubes) with Metallic Shades
This collection offers a broad spectrum of 60 colors, including 5 metallic shades, making it a versatile choice for artists exploring various techniques. The high-viscosity, creamy consistency allows for detailed work, layering, and textured strokes, suitable for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Compared to the Liquitex BASICS, it provides a larger color variety and metallic options, but the smaller 0.74 oz tubes may be less appealing for large projects. Its fast-drying nature supports efficient workflows, yet some users might find the metallic shades somewhat limited for extensive metallic work. Overall, this set balances variety and performance for artists seeking flexibility across different media.
Pros:- Wide range of 60 vibrant colors including metallics
- Rich, high-viscosity paints suitable for detailed and textured work
- Versatile across multiple surfaces and techniques
- Fast-drying for efficient layering
Cons:- Small tube size may not suit large-scale projects
- Metallic shades are limited, possibly requiring additional colors
Best for: Mixed media artists and illustrators wanting a wide color range with metallic accents
Not ideal for: Artists requiring large quantities of paint for extensive murals or impasto work
- Number of Colors:60
- Tube Size:0.74 oz / 22 ml
- Paint Type:Acrylic
- Surface Compatibility:Canvas, Wood, Paper, Mixed Media
- Drying Time:Fast-drying
Bottom line: This set offers excellent versatility and metallic effects, ideal for artists who want a broad palette for multi-technique work without large volume commitments.
Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint, Essentials Set (12 x 22ml)
This set is tailored for artists who focus on thick, textured applications, with pure pigments that produce rich, vibrant colors. Its high viscosity and heavy body consistency make it a prime choice for impasto, 3D effects, and extended open time for blending. Compared with the Artecho Set, it offers fewer colors but allows for more expressive, textured strokes. The non-yellowing, UV-resistant finish ensures longevity, making it suitable for gallery-quality pieces. The main tradeoff is its limited palette and the effort required to mix colors due to the high viscosity. It’s best suited for seasoned artists working on large, textured surfaces.
Pros:- Rich, vibrant, and permanent colors
- High viscosity for textured, impasto techniques
- Extended open time for blending and handling
- Long-lasting, UV-resistant finish
Cons:- Limited color variety in this set
- High viscosity requires more effort to mix or thin
Best for: Professional painters specializing in impasto, textured, or 3D acrylic work
Not ideal for: Artists needing a broad color palette or working on detailed, fine-line projects
- Quantity:12 tubes
- Volume per tube:22ml
- Pigments:Pure artist-grade pigments
- Finish:Heavy body
- Durability:Non-yellowing, UV-resistant
Bottom line: This set is perfect for professionals creating textured, thickly applied artworks, but less suitable for artists needing a wide color range or fine detail work.
Mont Marte Acrylic Colour Paint Set Signature 24pc, 36ml each
This set stands out for offering a broad palette of 24 vibrant colors with a creamy consistency, making it ideal for artists starting out or those who want a reliable, all-around acrylic collection. Compared with the Artecho set, which offers fewer colors but larger tubes, the Mont Marte provides a more manageable size for experimentation and daily use. Its semi-matte finish and good coverage make it suitable for various surfaces like canvas, wood, and clay, but it’s limited to acrylic medium—making it a poor choice for oil painters. The paints dry slightly darker than their initial appearance, so color matching can require some practice. This set is perfect for hobbyists, students, and beginners seeking quality at an affordable price, but it may not satisfy professional demands for extensive or highly specialized palettes.
Pros:- Wide range of vibrant colors suitable for various projects
- Creamy consistency ensures easy, smooth application
- Good coverage with quality pigments
- Non-toxic, safe for all ages
Cons:- Limited to acrylic medium, not suitable for oil painting
- Colors tend to dry slightly darker than initial application
Best for: Beginners, hobbyists, and artists needing a versatile, affordable acrylic set for multiple surfaces.
Not ideal for: Professional artists requiring larger volumes and more specialized colors—this set’s limited size and selection may fall short.
- Number of Colors:24
- Volume per Paint:36ml (1.21 US fl.oz)
- Finish:Semi-matte
- Non-toxic:Yes
Bottom line: This set makes the most sense for beginners and hobbyists who want reliable, colorful acrylics without a hefty investment.
MEEDEN Heavy Body Acrylic Paint Sets, 100 Colors for Canvas, Wood, Fabric Painting
The MEEDEN Heavy Body set offers a massive selection of 100 colors, including metallic and fluorescent shades, catering to artists who need variety and vibrancy for detailed, large, or mixed-media works. Unlike the Liquitex BASICS 48-tube set, which provides a more compact option, this collection supplies a broader spectrum, making it ideal for professionals or serious hobbyists. Its high-quality, non-toxic paints provide excellent coverage, lightfastness, and durability, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. However, the smaller 12ml tubes can be a drawback for artists working on extensive projects, as multiple tubes are necessary to cover large areas. The price point is higher, which might deter casual users, but for those needing a comprehensive, long-lasting palette, this set delivers.
Pros:- Extensive palette with 100 vibrant colors, including metallic and fluorescent options
- Excellent coverage, lightfastness, and durability for professional results
- Versatile for multiple surfaces like canvas, wood, fabric, and ceramics
- Non-toxic and suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Cons:- Higher price point may be prohibitive for casual users
- Small tubes (12ml) require multiple for large projects, which can be inconvenient
Best for: Professional artists, serious hobbyists, and those undertaking large or multi-surface projects who need extensive color options.
Not ideal for: Casual hobbyists or beginners with limited budgets, as the set’s cost and small tubes may be overwhelming or expensive for smaller projects.
- Paint Type:Acrylic
- Number of Colors:100
- Color Types:Regular, Metallic, Fluorescent
- Container Size:12 ml
- Application:Canvas, Wood, Fabric, Ceramics, Crafts
- Dry Time:2 hours
Bottom line: This set is best suited for artists who need a comprehensive, durable palette and are prepared for the investment and smaller tube sizes.
How We Picked
I evaluated these acrylic paint sets based on performance attributes such as pigment strength, consistency, and drying times. Ease of use, durability of the paint once dried, and the quality of the packaging also played a role, since professional artists need reliable, long-lasting results. Value for money was another key factor, especially in terms of color variety and tube size, ensuring artists get a good balance between quality and affordability. Sets were ranked to highlight those suited for serious, professional work, with an emphasis on versatility and longevity, while also considering beginner-friendly options for those transitioning to professional-grade supplies.Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Professional Acrylic Paint Set
Choosing a professional acrylic paint set involves more than just picking the most colorful option. Consider these key factors to ensure your purchase aligns with your artistic needs, budget, and working style. Making an informed choice can prevent frustration and help you get the most from your supplies, whether you’re working on fine art, murals, or mixed media.Color Range and Pigment Quality
When selecting a set, pay close attention to the range of colors and the pigment load. Sets with a broader palette offer more flexibility, but the quality of pigments determines color vibrancy and longevity. Higher pigment loads typically mean brighter, more durable colors, which are essential for professional work. Avoid sets with weak pigmentation or limited color choices, as they can restrict your creative possibilities and require additional purchases.
Tube Size and Quantity
Tube sizes vary from small 22ml to larger 120ml or more. Larger tubes are often more economical per volume and suited for extensive projects, but they can be cumbersome to handle. Consider your project scope and storage space—larger sets with many tubes offer value but may be overkill for casual use. Balance your needs for quantity and convenience to avoid waste or storage issues.
Paint Consistency and Texture
Professional acrylics come in different consistencies, from fluid to heavy body. Heavy body paints are preferred for impasto techniques and textured effects, but they tend to be pricier and heavier to work with. Fluid acrylics are easier to blend and layer, making them suitable for detailed work. Understanding your preferred style helps in choosing the right consistency—don’t buy heavy body paints if you primarily work with thin glazes.
Price and Value
While higher prices often indicate better pigment quality, it’s important to consider the overall value. Sets that include more colors and larger tubes can save money in the long run. However, premium prices may not always translate into better results for every artist—sometimes, mid-range options provide all the quality needed for professional work. Assess your budget against your project demands to find the best fit.
Longevity and Storage
Professional-grade acrylics should remain usable over time without separation or spoilage. Look for sets with airtight, well-sealed tubes or bottles, and consider whether the paint dries to a durable finish. Proper storage—cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight—extends the life of your paints. Investing in high-quality packaging can save you money and frustration over time, especially if you work on long-term projects or in a studio setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use professional acrylic paint sets for beginners?
Absolutely. Many professional-grade acrylics are suitable for beginners who want to develop their skills with high-quality materials. However, because they can be thicker or more pigmented, they might require some adjustment to your technique. Starting with a smaller set or a beginner-friendly option within a professional line can ease the learning curve without sacrificing quality. Over time, transitioning to more advanced sets can enhance your work and results.
Are more colors in a set always better?
Not necessarily. A larger color range offers more creative flexibility, but only if those colors are of good quality and suited to your style. Sometimes, sets with fewer, well-chosen colors can be more versatile if they include essential shades and high pigment loads. Focus on the quality of the pigments and how well the colors can be mixed rather than just quantity to ensure your palette supports your intended projects.
What is the difference between heavy body and fluid acrylics for professional work?
Heavy body acrylics have a thicker, more textured consistency, making them ideal for impasto work and bold, textured effects. Fluid acrylics are smoother and easier to blend, suitable for glazing and detailed work. Your choice depends on your style—if you prefer thick, textured applications, heavy body paints are preferable, but for delicate layering or fine detail, fluid acrylics are more manageable. Many artists keep both types on hand for versatility.
Is it worth paying more for a professional acrylic paint set?
Higher-priced sets often feature more concentrated pigments, better lightfastness, and longer-lasting quality, which are important for professional work that needs to stand the test of time. However, not every artist needs the highest-end products—mid-range options can deliver excellent results at a more accessible price point. Consider your project scope, longevity needs, and whether you require the highest pigment load before investing in premium sets.
How much should I expect to pay for a good professional acrylic paint set?
Prices vary widely based on size, brand, and pigment quality. Generally, a professional set with 12-60 tubes can range from $50 to over $200. Larger, more comprehensive sets with extensive color options tend to be on the higher end, but they often offer better value per tube. It’s wise to balance your budget with your artistic needs—investing in quality paint can improve your results and reduce the need for future replacements.
Conclusion
For artists seeking the best overall performance, the Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set offers a reliable balance of quality and affordability. Those prioritizing value should consider the Arteza Acrylic Paint Set for its extensive color range at a reasonable price. Beginners or hobbyists might find the Mont Marte Signature Set easier to handle, while professionals requiring the thickest textures will lean toward the Liquitex Heavy Body Essentials. For specialized needs like large-scale murals or mixed media, the MEEDEN Heavy Body Set provides an impressive variety of colors and textures. Your choice depends on your skill level, project demands, and budget—use this guide to match your ideal set to your artistic journey.
