How to choose a watercolor sets
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
For beginners, choose a student-grade set with a dozen or so well-chosen colors that offers decent pigment load and a clear color chart, while professionals should invest in artist-grade sets with high pigment concentration, excellent lightfastness, and minimal filler. The choice between pans and tubes depends on whether you prefer portability (pans) or mixing in larger quantities (tubes). Focus on pigment quality and transparency ratings over color count, and don’t overlook brands like Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith, or Sennelier for consistent results.
What's the difference between student-grade and artist-grade watercolor sets?
The main difference is the pigment. Student-grade paints, such as Winsor & Newton Cotman or Van Gogh, use less pigment and more binder or filler, making them affordable but less vibrant and sometimes chalky. They also have lower lightfastness ratings, meaning colors may fade over time if exposed to sunlight. Artist-grade paints, like Daniel Smith, Winsor & Newton Professional, Schmincke, or Sennelier, pack more finely ground pigment into each pan or tube, resulting in richer, more transparent washes and better blending. They also come with clear lightfastness ratings (often ASTM I or II) so you know your painting will last. For beginners practicing techniques, student-grade is fine; for finished work you want to last, go artist-grade.
Should I get pans or tubes?
Pans (dry cakes) are compact, easy to travel with, and great for painting on location or in small spaces. They’re activated by adding water, but they can be harder to mix large washes with because you need to rub the brush to pick up pigment. Tubes contain wet paint that you squeeze out onto a palette; they make it easy to mix large quantities and reactivate well even after drying, but they can dry out if not sealed properly. Many experienced watercolorists use a combination: tubes for the colors they use most, and pans for a travel set. For a first set, a pan set is more forgiving and less messy; tubes give you more flexibility for larger paintings.
How many colors do I really need?
You don’t need 36 colors. A well-chosen set of 8 to 12 colors is enough to mix almost any hue you need, especially if you include a warm and cool version of the primary colors plus a neutral dark like Indigo or Paynes Gray. Sets with 24 or more colors can be tempting, but they often include redundant shades and may encourage muddy mixing. Beginners should look for sets that provide a color chart or label each pan with the pigment number (e.g., PB29 for ultramarine) so you can learn to identify pigments and mix intelligently. Professionals often prefer curated 12-color sets that cover a balanced palette, such as a split-primary set.
What should I look for in terms of pigment quality and lightfastness?
Lightfastness tells you how resistant a paint is to fading when exposed to light. Look for ratings: ASTM I (excellent) and II (very good) are safest; avoid paints with ‘fugitive’ labels (low lightfastness) unless you’re consciously making temporary artwork. Pigment quality is usually indicated by the pigment name and number, mono-pigment paints (single pigment) mix cleaner and stay transparent, while multi-pigment paints can appear dull or muddy. Reputable brands list pigment composition on the label. Also check transparency vs. opacity: transparent paints layer beautifully for glazes; opaque ones (like Chinese White) are better for highlights or covering.
Which brands are known for consistent quality?
In the artist-grade tier, Daniel Smith, Winsor & Newton Professional, Schmincke Horadam, Sennelier, and M. Graham are widely praised for color purity, lightfastness, and smooth handling. For student-grade, Winsor & Newton Cotman, Van Gogh (Talens), and White Nights (St. Petersburg) offer good value, White Nights is especially affordable and has surprising pigment load. For portable kits, Kuretake Gansai Tambi (Japanese watercolors) and the Sakura Koi Travel sets are popular with illustrators and travelers. Always read owner reviews, because batch consistency and palette design varies even within brands.
How much should I expect to spend on a good watercolor set?
Prices vary widely. A quality student-grade pan set (12–15 colors) can be very affordable, often costing a few tens of dollars. Mid-range sets from reputable brands sit in the range of a few hundred dollars for larger pan sets. A high-end artist-grade set of 12 to 24 half-pans can cost a few hundred dollars, while tube sets are similarly priced. The best investment is a smaller, higher-quality set rather than a cheap, large set with weak pigment. If your budget is tight, consider buying a few good tubes separately and a small pan set for portability.
Frequently asked questions
Are watercolor pans better than tubes?
Not strictly, it depends on your workflow. Pans are more portable, dry slowly, and require less setup, making them ideal for travel and quick studies. Tubes let you mix large washes easily and can be rewetted after drying, but they require a palette and can be messier. Many artists use both.
Can I mix my own colors from a basic set?
Yes, absolutely. A good basic set of 6 to 12 colors (warm and cool primary plus a neutral) allows you to mix almost any secondary or tertiary color. The key is understanding color theory and practicing mixing on a palette, don’t rely on pre-mixed convenience unless you’re in a hurry.
What is the most important quality of watercolor paint?
Lightfastness is the most critical for longevity. A paint that looks beautiful now but fades in a few years is wasted. Second is pigment concentration, which affects transparency, color strength, and blending. Always check the label for ASTM lightfastness ratings.
Do I need a set with many colors or a few?
Start with 8 to 12 well-chosen colors. More colors often lead to overreliance on convenience mixtures and can create muddy washes. A smaller palette forces you to mix and learn color relationships, which builds skill faster.
Are professional watercolor sets too expensive for beginners?
Not necessarily. You don’t need a full artist-grade set right away. A student-grade set from Cotman or Van Gogh costs a fraction and performs well for practice. Once you develop preferences, you can invest in artist-grade paints for the colors you use most.
How do I know if a watercolor paint is fugitive or lightfast?
Check the label or the manufacturer’s website for a lightfastness rating. Most brands use the ASTM system (I = excellent, II = very good, III = moderate, IV = poor). Avoid paints labeled ‘fugitive’ or with low ASTM ratings if you want your work to last.