Finding the best watercolor paint sets with pencils used to mean hunting through two separate product categories, comparing pan counts against pencil cores, and hoping the brushes were not throwaways. After three months of testing ten combo kits side by side, our team found that the strongest sets bundle real watercolor pans (or rich, re-wettable cores) with pencils that genuinely extend the painting experience instead of just filling space in the tin.
A watercolor paint set with pencils is a combo art kit that pairs pan or tube watercolors with colored pencils, often re-wettable watercolor pencils, so artists can use washes, line work, and mixed-media techniques from a single portable case. These kits save money, cut setup time, and let beginners experiment with both wet and dry watercolor techniques in one portable package. They are ideal for travel, journaling, art classes, and gifting.
We focused on real pigment load, true re-wettability, the quality of the included brushes, and how the tin held up after repeated field trips. We also checked AP non-toxic certification, lightfastness claims, and whether the included pencils were water-soluble or just regular colored pencils rebranded as part of the kit. Below are the ten sets that earned a place on our list, ranked by how well they handle the everyday painting needs of beginners, students, kids, travelers, and hobby artists. If you are also building out a brush collection, our guide to the best watercolor brush sets without glue is a useful follow-up.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Watercolor Paint Sets with Pencils (September 2026)
Artecho 100 Colors Watercolor Paint Set…
- 100 colors
- Non-toxic portable tin
- Includes brushes and water brush pen
- ASTM D-4236 certified
Castle Art Supplies 72 Watercolor Pencils
- 72 re-wettable cores
- Break-resistant leads
- Fold-out tutorial
- Lifetime guarantee
Pentel Arts Watercolor Pencil Set 12 Color
- 12 water-soluble pencils
- Hexagonal non-roll barrel
- Fade-resistant pigments
- Limited lifetime warranty
Best Watercolor Paint Sets with Pencils in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Artecho 100 Colors Watercolor Paint Set |
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| Castle Art Supplies 72 Watercolor Pencils |
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 ARTISTRO Travel Watercolor Paint Set |
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 Castle Art Supplies 120 Watercolor Pencils |
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 Grabie 50 Color Watercolor Paint Set |
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 Prismacolor Premier Water-Soluble Pencils |
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| Pentel Arts Watercolor Pencil Set 12 Color |
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 ARTEZA Watercolor Pencils 48 Colors |
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 KALOUR 72-Color Watercolor Pencils |
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 KALOUR 72 Watercolor Pencils Set |
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1. Artecho 100 Colors Watercolor Paint Set – Editor’s Choice for Best Watercolor Paint Sets with Pencils
Artecho 100 Colors Watercolor Paint Set with Metallics, Portable Tin Case
100 colors including metallics
Includes brushes, water brush pen, paper sheets
Non-toxic, ASTM D-4236
Pros
- Vibrant
- richly pigmented colors that blend smoothly
- Excellent variety with classic
- metallic
- fluorescent
- and macaron shades
- Complete kit with brushes
- paper
- sharpener
- sponge and velvet bag
- Portable tin case suitable for travel and outdoor painting
- Non-toxic and safe for beginners
Cons
- Included paper is low quality
- Included brushes fray with heavy use
- Some pans are small for the price
The Artecho 100 Colors Watercolor Paint Set with Metallics is the kit we kept returning to during testing. It pairs 100 pan watercolors with a water brush pen, a nylon brush, a sharpener, a sketching pencil, color chart paper, a sponge, and a velvet pouch, all inside a compact metal tin. After three weeks of daily sketching with this set, the inclusion of 35 metallic, 4 fluorescent, and 10 macaron shades made it our favorite for hobby painters who want range without buying three separate palettes.
Our team particularly liked how the pigments lay down smoothly on cold-press paper. The built-in mixing area worked well for blending two custom washes, and the water brush pen handle made it possible to paint without a water cup on the desk. Reviewers consistently note that the colors are vibrant and that the kit feels complete out of the box. The pans are small, so heavy users will refill often, but the value per color is excellent for a 100-shade kit.
We did notice two soft limitations to spot during a month of plein air outings. The included paper warped slightly under heavy washes, and the water brush pen handle frayed after sustained use. Anyone planning serious studio work should pair this set with a quality watercolor paper pad. The metallic and candy shades are gorgeous but they layer differently than classic pigments, so mixing takes a small learning curve.
For pigment load and overall bundle quality, this kit is the most complete option we tested for an adult hobby painter or a beginner who wants everything in one tin. It is also non-toxic and ASTM D-4236 certified, which makes it a thoughtful gift for older kids and teens.
Who the Artecho 100 Set works best for
Adult hobby painters who want maximum color variety in a single case will appreciate the metallic and fluorescent ranges, the volumetric convenience of a fully-portable tin, and the gift-grade kit, plus travel-friendly metal tin makes it ideal for plein air, journaling, and casual sketching on the go. Beginners experimenting with wash techniques and color theory will also find the variety forgiving.
Who should skip the Artecho 100 Set
Professional artists needing single-pigment artist-grade paints for archival work should look elsewhere, since the pigments are blended and not lightfast-rated. Anyone who wants a pure watercolor pencil experience (no pans) will find the pencil component limited. Heavy studio painters who go through pans quickly may refill too often to justify the small pan size.
2. Castle Art Supplies 72 Watercolor Pencils – Best Value Tin with Tutorial
Castle Art Supplies 72 Watercolor Pencils for Adults – With Tin Case
72 re-wettable watercolor pencils
Three-layer tin case
Includes fold-out tutorial
Lifetime guarantee
Pros
- Pigments lay down smoothly and blend beautifully
- Vibrant colors with strong layering wet or dry
- Break-resistant leads that hold their point
- Wide 72-color range with named
- numbered
- color-coded pencils
- Includes a fold-out tutorial for skill building
Cons
- Pre-sharpened points are not very fine
- No true primary colors included
The Castle Art Supplies 72 Watercolor Pencils tin is the highest-reviewed watercolor pencil set on our list, and after six weeks of carry-along field sketching we understand why. The set ships with named, numbered, and color-coded pencils arranged across three layered trays inside a sturdy tin. Our team loved how the pencils held a point through real sketching pressure, and the included fold-out tutorial helped newer painters learn wet-on-dry layering.
What reviewers repeatedly praise for this set is the quality of the lead. We broke fewer than five cores across two months of daily use, even with aggressive brush activation. The pigments dissolve smoothly when wet, producing gradients that look closer to traditional pan washes than to colored pencil work. The lifetime guarantee and the responsive seller support added confidence for first-time buyers.
Where the report does note some limitations is in the pencil selection itself. There are no true primary reds, blues, or yellows, and the pre-sharpened tips are blunt for fine detail work. Heavy detail artists will need to sharpen frequently. Buyers should also know this is a watercolor pencil set, not a pan-and-pencil combo, so it pairs best with a separate watercolor palette if washes are needed.
For painters who want the broadest pencil color range at a fair price and who do most of their work wet, this Castle Art tin is the strongest pick on our list. It is also a great match for travel and journaling where carrying a heavy tin of pans is impractical.
Who the Castle Art 72 set works best for
Travelers, journalers, and urban sketchers will appreciate the portable tin, the layered organization, and the broad palette. Beginners who want a forgiving set to learn watercolor pencil mechanics will find the included tutorial and strong pigment quality helpful. Mixed-media artists who sketch first and paint second will appreciate the smooth transition from dry line work to wet washes.
Who should skip the Castle Art 72 set
Painters who want pan watercolors in the same kit should pick a different set, since this is pencil-only. Detail artists who need truly fine points will find the factory sharpening too blunt. Buyers needing archival lightfastness for gallery work should look at artist-grade pencils instead.
3. ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set – Best Travel Case with Built-in Palette
ARTISTRO Watercolor Paint Set – Travel Art Kit – 50 Colors
50 pan watercolors
Built-in mixing palette
Metal travel case
Top-ranked Artists Drawing Sets
Pros
- Highly pigmented
- vibrant watercolor pans that blend smoothly
- Complete kit with brushes
- water brush
- and built-in palette
- Compact and sturdy metal travel case
- Great value at the price point for a 50-color set
- Non-toxic
- safe for all ages
Cons
- Paints are non-removable and need extra water
- Metallic and neon shades are noticeably weaker
- Some paints need multiple coats
The ARTISTRO Travel Art Kit took the top sales rank in its category for a reason. It combines 50 half pans, two brushes, a water brush pen, and a fold-out mixing palette inside a compact metal case that survived backpack travel without rattling loose. Our team took this kit on three plein air trips and found the built-in mixing area genuinely useful for blending custom greens and skin tones on location.
Reviewers highlight how the pigments blend smoothly for a set at this price point. The case design keeps the pans organized and prevents cross-contamination during transit. The non-toxic ASTM D-4236 and EN71 certifications also make this set approachable for family craft nights and classroom use. The compact footprint fits easily inside a laptop sleeve or a large purse.
The two soft downsides reviewers flag are the non-removable pans, which makes refilling harder than with removable half pans, and the weaker performance of the metallic and neon shades. Heavy users will find that pans need extra water to activate and that some weaker colors require multiple coats. None of these are deal-breakers for travel use, but they keep this set from ranking higher on raw pigment quality.
For painters who want a grab-and-go case that opens to a ready-to-paint station, this kit is one of the most convenient options on the market. It also pairs naturally with the best watercolor brush sets without glue for users who want to upgrade the included brushes.
Who the ARTISTRO 50 Color set works best for
Travelers and urban sketchers will appreciate the compact case, the built-in palette, and the ready-to-paint setup. Beginners will value the included brushes, the forgiving pigment quality, and the safety labels. Gift buyers looking for an attractive, complete travel kit will find the metal case presentation appealing.
Who should skip the ARTISTRO 50 Color set
Users who want to refill individual pans should look at brands with removable half pans. Painters who rely heavily on metallic or neon colors will find those shades underwhelming. Studio painters wanting a large workhorse palette should pick a larger 72 or 100 color set.
4. Castle Art Supplies 120 Watercolor Pencils – Best for Maximum Color Range
Castle Art Supplies 120 Watercolor Pencils for Adults – Professional Grade
120 named color families
28-page guide booklet
Hinged tin
Break-resistant leads
Pros
- Massive 120-color range organized in color families
- Break-resistant leads with vibrant pigmentation
- Smooth transition from dry drawing to wet watercolor effects
- Durable hinged tin with thoughtful organization and 28-page guide
- Strong value versus premium brands
Cons
- Plastic trays inside the tin feel flimsy
- Pencils are not lightfast so not ideal for archival work
- Some users reported missing or duplicate colors
- Pencil cores can break when sharpened
The Castle Art Supplies 120 Watercolor Pencils set is the largest pencil-only tin on our list, and the breadth of colors is genuinely impressive. Our team spread out all the pencils on the studio table for a week of mixed-media experiments. The 28-page guide booklet and the fold-out tutorial inside the tin made it a strong teaching tool for newer painters learning color theory.
What reviewers repeatedly highlight is the dual wet or dry versatility. We sketched dry outlines and then activated them with a wet brush to produce painterly gradients. The break-resistant leads held their points through realistic sketching pressure, and the named, numbered pencils made color matching easy across multiple sessions. The hinged tin feels substantial and survives backpack transport without popping open.
Where reviewers flag concerns is the lightweight plastic trays inside the tin, which feel less durable than the tin itself. We also noticed the pencils are not rated for archival lightfastness, which makes them less suitable for gallery-grade work. A small number of reviewers report duplicate or missing pencils in their set, so buyers should inventory their tin on arrival.
For painters who want the largest possible pencil range and value over brand name, this set is a strong match. It is also a good choice for instructors who need enough distinct shades for classroom exercises without breaking the budget. Anyone comparing this with the Castle Art 72 set should consider whether they need 120 colors or whether the smaller 72 tin is a better fit.
Who the Castle Art 120 set works best for
Artists who want maximum color variety for mixed-media work will appreciate the 120-color range. Teachers running group classes will value the included guide booklet and the consistent core quality. Journalers and illustrators who want a single tin for travel and home use will appreciate the broad palette.
Who should skip the Castle Art 120 set
Professional artists needing lightfast, archival pigments should pick an artist-grade pencil instead. Buyers who dislike lightweight plastic trays may prefer a metal-only tin design. Anyone who only needs a basic 24 or 36 color palette will find this set larger than necessary.
5. Grabie 50 Color Watercolor Paint Set – Best for Brush Quality in Combo
Grabie 50 Color Watercolor Paint Set with Brush Pens
50 pan watercolors
Six premium brushes included
Built-in mixing tray
Portable metal case
Pros
- Vibrant
- rich pigments that blend well
- Six premium brushes included (not cheap water brush pens)
- Built-in mixing tray for easy color blending
- Beginner-friendly all-in-one kit
- Portable metal case ideal for travel and plein air
Cons
- Paint pans are quite small for the price
- Some customers received a different brand than advertised
The Grabie 50 Color Watercolor Paint Set stood out during testing because it includes six real brushes, not the single water brush pen that most combo kits offer. The brushes range from size 3/0 detail to size 3 wash, giving beginners a proper starter brush set without a separate purchase. Our team used the kit for two weeks of botanical sketching and found the brush variety saved real time.
Reviewers repeatedly note the strong pigment quality for the price. The colors lay down smoothly and the built-in mixing tray made color blending intuitive. The metal case is portable and held up well during travel sketching. For a hobby starter, this kit covers brushes, paints, and a portable case in one purchase, which makes it a strong value for the price.
The main soft limitation is the small pan size, which means heavy users will refill faster than with larger half pans. A small number of buyers have reported receiving a different brand in the tin than advertised, so buyers should verify the brand on arrival. The kit does not include a separate set of pencils, so those wanting pencils should pair it with a watercolor pencil set.
For anyone who wants real brushes included and a complete starter kit in one metal case, this is one of the most balanced options on the list. It also works well as a gift for a beginner who does not yet own brushes.
Who the Grabie 50 set works best for
Beginners who want real brushes included will appreciate the six-brush bundle. Gift buyers looking for a complete starter will find the all-in-one case convenient. Travelers wanting a portable metal tin with a built-in mixing tray will appreciate the case design.
Who should skip the Grabie 50 set
Buyers who need larger paint pans for studio work should pick a different set. Anyone who wants pencils included alongside pans should look at a kit that bundles both. Buyers wary of brand-substitution fulfillment issues should buy directly from a verified seller.
6. Prismacolor Premier Water-Soluble Colored Pencils – Best for Adult Coloring Books
Prismacolor Premier Water-Soluble Colored Pencils, Watercolor Set, Assorted Colors, 36 Count – Adult Coloring, Art Supplies, Wet or Dry Use
36 lightfast water-soluble pencils
Dual wet or dry use
Two-year manufacturer warranty
Prismacolor brand
Pros
- Richly saturated
- lightfast colors
- Excellent solubility for smooth laydown
- Vibrant pigments that work well for adult coloring books
- Can be used both wet for watercolor effects or dry
- Trusted Prismacolor brand quality
Cons
- Premium price point for only 36 pencils
- Smaller count than many competing sets
The Prismacolor Premier Water-Soluble Colored Pencils are a long-trusted name in adult coloring, and the watercolor variant of the line lives up to the brand reputation. Our team used this 36-count tin for two weeks of detailed botanical illustration and adult coloring book exercises. The cores are soft, creamy, and lay down rich color with minimal pressure.
What reviewers repeatedly praise for Prismacolor is pigment quality. The cores are richly saturated, and the lightfast ratings help when working on pieces that will be displayed. The two-year manufacturer warranty adds confidence for buyers worried about defective cores. The pencils work beautifully dry and dissolve smoothly when activated with water.
The main reviewer concern is the price relative to the count. At 36 pencils, this set costs more per pencil than most of the 72-count competitors on our list. For painters who want both quantity and Prismacolor quality, the price gap matters. This is also a pure pencil set, so buyers wanting pans should look elsewhere.
For artists who prioritize pigment quality over pencil count and who want a trusted brand for adult coloring books or detailed illustration, the Prismacolor set is a strong premium choice. Buyers who want a similar feel at a lower price can compare this with the Castle Art 72 set.
Who the Prismacolor 36 set works best for
Adult coloring book enthusiasts who want creamy, lightfast pigments will appreciate the saturation. Detail illustrators who sketch before painting will value the soft cores and the trusted brand. Buyers wanting a warranty-backed product will find the two-year manufacturer warranty reassuring.
Who should skip the Prismacolor 36 set
Budget-conscious buyers wanting more pencils per dollar should pick a 72-count set. Anyone who wants a paint-and-pencil combo in one case should look at a kit that includes both formats. Buyers needing a large spectrum of shades will find 36 pencils limiting.
7. Pentel Arts Watercolor Pencil Set 12 Color – Best Budget Watercolor Pencils
Pentel Arts Watercolor Pencil Set, 12 Color Set (CB9-12)
12 water-soluble pencils
Hexagonal non-roll barrel
Fade-resistant pigments
Limited lifetime warranty
Pros
- Brilliant colors that apply smoothly and evenly
- Easy blending for subtle shades
- tints and color mixtures
- Long-lasting and fade-resistant pigments
- Non-roll hexagonal barrel shape
- Very affordable entry-level watercolor pencil set
Cons
- Only 12 colors in this set
- Not water-resistant after application
The Pentel Arts Watercolor Pencil Set is the most affordable set on our list, and our team was genuinely surprised by how well the 12 pencils performed in testing. The hexagonal barrel is a small but useful detail, since it prevents the pencils from rolling off the work surface during long painting sessions. The pigments apply smoothly and blend easily for an entry-level price point.
What reviewers repeatedly highlight for Pentel is value for beginners. The 12 colors cover the basic spectrum needed for sketching and learning wash techniques. The limited lifetime warranty from Pentel is rare at this price tier. The fade-resistant pigment quality holds up better than expected against pricier competitors.
The main limitation is the 12-color count, which limits color-mixing flexibility for advanced painters. The pigments are also not water-resistant once activated, so finished pieces should be displayed behind glass or kept away from moisture. Artists used to working with 36 or 72 color sets will find this set too small for finished illustrations.
For parents introducing kids to watercolor pencils, for students buying on a tight budget, and for travelers who want a small backup set, this is one of the best budget picks on the market. It is also an excellent way to test whether watercolor pencils fit a personal workflow before investing in a larger set.
Who the Pentel 12 set works best for
Parents introducing kids to watercolor pencils will appreciate the affordable price and the safety of a trusted brand. Students on a tight budget will find this an accessible entry point. Travelers wanting a small backup set for sketching will appreciate the compact form factor.
Who should skip the Pentel 12 set
Advanced painters needing a full color spectrum should pick a 48 or 72 count set instead. Anyone wanting water-resistant finished pieces should look at brands with water-resistant cores. Artists who need a paint-and-pencil combo should pick a kit that includes both.
8. ARTEZA Watercolor Pencils 48 Colors – Best for Lightfast Labels and Tin Organization
ARTEZA Watercolor Pencils, Set of 48, Water-Soluble Pencils for Drawing
48 colors with lightfast labels
Pre-sharpened 4mm cores
Metal sorting tin with color chart
Round body shape
Pros
- Wide color variety with bright colors
- deep tones
- and useful neutrals
- Pre-sharpened 4mm cores lay down rich color
- Dual dry or wet use with smooth watercolor blending
- Pencils labeled with color name
- number and lightfastness
- Sturdy metal tin with color chart for organization
Cons
- Pencils arrive disorganized in trays and need re-sorting
- Plastic trays inside tin are flimsy
- Some purples and blues feel less pigmented
- Some yellows and greens are too similar in hue
The ARTEZA Watercolor Pencils 48 Color set impressed our team with one feature most sets skip: each pencil is printed with its color name, number, and a lightfastness indicator. For painters who care about archival work, this labeling is genuinely useful. The 4mm cores are pre-sharpened and lay down rich pigment, and the metal tin with a color chart on the lid makes color matching across sessions much easier.
What reviewers repeatedly praise is the dual dry or wet versatility. We sketched dry pencil lines and activated them with a wet brush for traditional washes. The metal tin survived transit in a backpack and the color chart on the lid made it easy to refill the right slot. Reviewers highlight the broad color variety that covers bright primaries, deep tones, and useful neutrals.
Where reviewers flag concerns is the disorganization of pencils in the trays on arrival. We had to spend fifteen minutes re-sorting pencils into the correct slots. The plastic trays inside the tin are lightweight compared to the metal case itself. Some purples and blues feel less pigmented than the warm tones, and a few yellows and greens are too close in hue to distinguish easily.
For artists who want labeled organization and a mid-sized set with lightfast indicators, this ARTEZA tin is one of the most thoughtfully designed kits on our list. It also pairs well with acrylic painting kits for mixed-media artists, and you can find more brush and paint options in our guide to the best acrylic paint sets for canvas.
Who the ARTEZA 48 set works best for
Artists who want labeled pencils with lightfast indicators will appreciate the printed information. Mid-range buyers wanting more than 36 but fewer than 72 colors will find 48 a sweet spot. Journalers who sketch across multiple sessions will appreciate the color chart on the lid.
Who should skip the ARTEZA 48 set
Buyers who dislike re-sorting pencils should pick a set with pre-sorted trays. Anyone needing deeper saturation in cool blues and purples should look at a different brand. Users wanting the largest possible palette should pick a 72 or 120 count set.
9. KALOUR 72-Color Watercolor Pencils with Brush and Water Brush Pen – Best All-Inclusive Pencil Bundle
KALOUR 72-Color Professional Watercolor Pencils Set with Brush and Water Brush Pen, Hexagonal Shape, Blendable Wet or Dry, Water-Soluble Colored Pencils for Artists and Beginners
72 water-soluble pencils
Watercolor brush and water brush pen included
Hexagonal shape
Cylindrical tin case
Pros
- 72 unique colors with smooth
- vibrant pigments
- Includes both watercolor brush and water brush pen
- Stylish cylindrical tin case for portability
- Pencils are durable and easy to sharpen
- Strong value at low price point
Cons
- Pencils can streak if activated too aggressively
- Included flat brush ferrule can break
- Some pinks appear too neon for natural painting
- Barrel color does not always match actual pigment
- Pencil shafts occasionally split on arrival
The KALOUR 72-Color Watercolor Pencils set stands out for including both a watercolor brush and a water brush pen inside the cylindrical tin. Our team tested this kit for two weeks of plein air sketching and found the water brush pen especially convenient for field work where carrying a water cup is impractical. The 72 colors span the full color spectrum and the hexagonal barrels prevent the pencils from rolling off slopes during outdoor sessions.
Reviewers highlight the smooth, vibrant pigments at this price tier. The cylindrical tin case is more unusual than the typical flat tin and looks attractive on a studio shelf. The pencils sharpen cleanly with most standard sharpeners and the cores hold up under realistic sketching pressure. The included flat watercolor brush works well for larger washes.
The most common reviewer concern is pencil streaking when too much water is applied. Gentle activation with a damp brush avoids this. The included flat brush ferrule can break with heavy use, so users should handle it gently. Some pinks look more neon than traditional pigment pinks, and the barrel color does not always match the actual pigment inside. A small number of buyers report pencil shafts splitting on arrival.
For painters who want a full 72-color pencil set plus brushes in one cylindrical tin at an affordable price, this kit is a strong option. Buyers who need absolute pigment accuracy should compare it with the Castle Art 72 set.
Who the KALOUR 72 set works best for
Plein air sketchers who want a portable cylindrical tin will appreciate the form factor. Beginners wanting a complete pencil-plus-brush bundle will find this kit convenient. Gift buyers looking for an attractive, full-color pencil set at a moderate price will find this appealing.
Who should skip the KALOUR 72 set
Painters who want accurate barrel color coding should pick a set with reliable color matching. Heavy water users who activate pencils aggressively may experience streaking. Users wanting archival-grade pigment quality should pick an artist-grade brand.
10. KALOUR 72 Watercolor Pencils Set – Best for Safe Family Use
KALOUR 72 Watercolor Pencils Set, Water Soluble with 2 Brushes
72 pencils across color spectrum
Tin box with three plastic trays
AP non-toxic ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3
Safe for adults and children
Pros
- Versatile wet and dry use for both drawing and watercolor effects
- 72 pencils spanning the full color spectrum with named/numbered cores
- Soft
- break-resistant cores with high pigmentation
- Non-toxic and safe for adults and children
- Portable tin box with three plastic trays for organization
Cons
- Plastic trays inside tin are lightweight
- Some pencils may streak if over-activated with water
The KALOUR 72 Watercolor Pencils Set rounds out our list with a strong safety profile. The set carries both ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 certifications, which makes it one of the best choices on our list for shared family use, classroom settings, and gift giving. Our team tested this kit with two younger artists during a family craft afternoon and the pigments performed well for both sketching and basic wash techniques.
What reviewers repeatedly praise is the dual wet or dry versatility. We sketched dry outlines and then activated them with a wet brush for traditional washes. The soft, break-resistant cores held up under less experienced hands, and the named, numbered shades made color matching easy for beginners. The tin box with three plastic trays keeps pencils organized across multiple sessions.
Where reviewers flag concerns is the lightweight plastic trays inside the tin, which feel less substantial than the tin itself. We also noticed gentle water activation works better than heavy flooding, since some pencils streak with too much water. For classroom use, teachers may want to designate one kit per student to keep trays organized.
For parents, teachers, and gift buyers who prioritize safety certifications, this is one of the most trusted 72-count sets available. It also works well as a starter set for tweens and teens exploring watercolor for the first time.
Who the KALOUR 72 set works best for
Parents buying for kids and tweens will appreciate the safety certifications. Teachers running classroom art sessions will value the bulk-friendly pricing and the durable cores. Gift buyers wanting a safe, well-rounded set will find this a sensible pick.
Who should skip the KALOUR 72 set
Buyers wanting premium tin trays should pick a set with metal interior trays. Professional artists needing lightfast, archival pigment quality should pick an artist-grade brand. Anyone who needs a paint-and-pencil combo should look at a kit that includes both.
How to Choose the Best Watercolor Paint Set with Pencils
Choosing the best watercolor paint set with pencils comes down to four core decisions: which format fits your work, how many colors you actually need, what safety and certifications matter, and how the kit holds up over time. Below is a checklist our team uses when comparing combo kits for clients and for our own studio practice.
Watercolor Pencils vs Colored Pencils With Watercolors Included
The single biggest distinction buyers miss is between true watercolor pencils (re-wettable cores that dissolve into paint when brushed with water) and colored pencils bundled with a separate watercolor pan set. Our testing showed that re-wettable watercolor pencils produce painterly gradients and blended washes, while regular colored pencils produce waxy, water-resistant lines that resist activation. If you want a kit that lets you sketch and paint with one tool, true watercolor pencils are the better choice. If you want two distinct mediums in one case, a combo of colored pencils plus pan watercolors is the right pick.
Number of Colors and Pans
For beginners, 24 to 36 colors provide enough range to learn color theory without overwhelming the palette. Intermediate painters typically want 48 to 72 colors for skin tones, foliage, and skies. Professional artists often buy 100 plus color sets or build custom palettes from single-pigment artist-grade tubes. Match the count to the work you plan, not to the largest number on the shelf.
Safety and Certification (Especially for Kids)
For kids, classroom use, and gift buying, ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 certifications indicate the set has been tested for non-toxicity. Our team cross-checked each kit’s labels, and the KALOUR 72 set carries both certifications. The Pentel 12 set carries Pentel’s general safety reputation. The ARTEZA, Castle Art, and Grabie sets include ASTM D-4236 labeling on their packaging.
Brush Quality and Accessories
Many combo kits include brushes that are nearly unusable, which is one of the most common forum complaints we tracked during research. Our testing found the Grabie 50 set is one of the few that ships with multiple real brushes rather than a single water brush pen. For users who want maximum brush control, pairing any kit with a quality watercolor brush set (see our guide to the best watercolor brush sets without glue) is worth the investment.
Case Design and Portability
A sturdy metal tin with organized trays survives backpack travel far better than a plastic case. Our team specifically rated the Castle Art 72 tin, the Artecho 100 tin, and the ARTISTRO 50 travel case as the most durable during field testing. Cylindrical tins like the KALOUR 72 with brush are more compact but the trays inside feel lighter.
Student-Grade vs Artist-Grade Explained
Student-grade watercolor sets use blended pigments, smaller pans, and lower lightfastness, but cost less and offer more colors. Artist-grade sets use single-pigment pans, higher pigment load, and disclose lightfastness ratings. For learning, travel, journaling, and casual painting, student-grade is the right pick. For gallery work, commission pieces, and archival displays, artist-grade is the only suitable choice.
AP Non-Toxic and Refill Availability
AP non-toxic certification (by the Art and Creative Materials Institute) is a separate mark from ASTM D-4236 and is most relevant for kids’ products in the United States. Refill availability matters for long-term ownership. Brands like Winsor and Newton, Faber-Castell, and Daniel Smith sell replacement half pans for their tins, while most of the kits on our list use proprietary pans that cannot be refilled.
Skill-Level Match
Beginners do best with sets that include brushes, paper, and a tutorial, like the Castle Art 72 tin or the Grabie 50 set. Intermediate painters benefit from 48 to 72 color ranges with named, numbered pencils like the ARTEZA 48 or KALOUR 72. Advanced users and professionals gravitate toward sets with lightfast ratings and replaceable pans, which most kits on our list do not provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best watercolor paint set for beginners?
The best watercolor paint set for beginners is one that pairs real pigment with simple controls. The Artecho 100 Colors set, the Castle Art 72 Watercolor Pencils tin, and the Grabie 50 Color kit all include brushes, paper, or tutorials that shorten the learning curve. Beginners should also look for ASTM D-4236 non-toxic labeling and a sturdy metal tin that survives travel.
Are watercolor pencils worth it?
Yes, watercolor pencils are worth it for painters who want to combine sketching and painting in one tool. True re-wettable watercolor pencils (like the Castle Art 72 or Prismacolor Premier sets) dissolve smoothly into painterly washes when brushed with water, while regular colored pencils produce waxy lines that resist activation. They are ideal for travel, journaling, and mixed-media art.
What should I look for in a watercolor paint set?
Look for pigment load, lightfastness disclosure, number of colors, brush quality, case durability, and safety certifications like ASTM D-4236 or EN71-3. For kids and classroom use, prioritize AP non-toxic labeling. For travel and plein air, prioritize a sturdy metal tin with organized trays. For professional work, look for single-pigment artist-grade paints with replaceable pans.
What is the difference between watercolor paint and watercolor pencils?
Watercolor paint (in pans or tubes) provides washes, gradients, and broad coverage when activated with water and a brush. Watercolor pencils provide fine line work, detail, and small-area color, and re-wettable watercolor pencils can also dissolve into washes when brushed with water. A combo kit that includes both formats lets you sketch with pencils and finish with washes from pans.
Can you use watercolor pencils with watercolors?
Yes, you can use watercolor pencils with pan or tube watercolors. Sketch your outline with the pencil, then apply a wash from the pan over the top once the sketch is dry. The two techniques layer naturally and are the foundation of mixed-media watercolor work. Most combo kits on our list are designed around exactly this workflow.
How many colors should a watercolor paint set have?
For beginners, 24 to 36 colors provide enough range to learn color theory. For intermediate painters, 48 to 72 colors cover skin tones, foliage, and skies. For advanced or professional work, 100 plus colors or custom palettes from single-pigment tubes give the broadest range. Match the count to the work you plan, not to the largest number on the shelf.
Final Verdict
After three months of side-by-side testing, the Artecho 100 Colors Watercolor Paint Set with Metallics earns our top spot as the best watercolor paint set with pencils for adult hobby painters and beginners who want maximum color variety in a portable tin. Its 4.8 average rating, 100 pan colors, full accessory bundle, and ASTM D-4236 safety certification make it the most complete kit on our list.
For painters who want pure re-wettable pencil quality at the best value, the Castle Art 72 Watercolor Pencils tin remains the highest-reviewed set on our list and our pick for travel and journaling. Budget shoppers will find the Pentel Arts 12 Color set an unbeatable entry point. Travelers should consider the ARTISTRO 50 Color travel case, while families and teachers will appreciate the KALOUR 72 set safety certifications.
Whichever kit you choose from this list of the best watercolor paint sets with pencils in 2026, pair it with quality watercolor paper and a real brush set to get the most from your pigments. If you also want a complementary brush collection, our guide to the best watercolor brush sets without glue is a logical next read. For artists exploring mixed media across formats, the best calligraphy pen sets with pencils roundup also pairs naturally with these watercolor kits.