Picking up a paintbrush for the first time feels exciting, but standing in front of a wall of acrylic sets can quickly turn that excitement into overwhelm. I have watched dozens of beginners grab whatever was on sale, take it home, and discover the chalky coverage made every painting look washed out. The right acrylic paint starter set with brushes changes that experience completely.
After comparing eight starter kits side by side over six weeks of studio testing, I narrowed down the best acrylic paint starter sets with brush combinations that actually deliver vibrant coverage, smooth blending, and brushes worth using. Whether you want to paint your first canvas, decorate pumpkins for Halloween, or learn color theory, one of these sets will get you painting confidently without emptying your wallet.
Our top pick, the Benicci 24-Color Set, strikes the right balance between color variety and brush quality for under ten dollars. If you want more pigment options for crafts, the Caliart 36-Color Set leads the category with over 23k reviews from happy painters. Below, I break down every set with real numbers, brush counts, tube sizes, and the pros and cons I noticed during testing.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance in September
Benicci 24-Color Acrylic Paint Set
- 24 vibrant colors
- 12 brushes included
- Palette knife and sponge
- Non-toxic formula
Shuttle Art 36-Color Acrylic Paint Set
- 36 colors with metallics
- 12 brushes and palette
- 60ml bottles
- Waterproof finish
Caliart 36-Color Acrylic Paint Set
- 36 colors including metallics
- 12 brushes
- 2oz bottles
- Waterproof formula
Best Acrylic Paint Starter Sets With Brush in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Benicci 24-Color Acrylic Paint Set |
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| Shuttle Art 36-Color Acrylic Paint Set |
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 TMOL 24-Color Acrylic Paint Set |
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 Nicpro 24-Color Acrylic Paint Set |
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| Caliart 36-Color Acrylic Paint Set |
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 Fantastory 36-Color Acrylic Paint Set |
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 ESRICH 26-Piece Painting Kit |
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 HissiCo 36-Color Acrylic Paint Set |
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1. Benicci 24-Color Acrylic Paint Set – Best Overall Starter
Complete Acrylic Paint Set – 24х Rich Pigment Colors – 12x Art Brushes with Bonus Paint Art Knife & Sponge – for Painting Canvas, Clay, Ceramic & Crafts, Non-Toxic & Quick Dry – for Kids & Adults
24 colors at 12ml each
12 nylon brushes
Palette knife and sponge
Non-toxic quick-dry
Pros
- 24 vibrant colors cover every warm and cool primary
- 12 non-shed nylon brushes suitable for canvas and crafts
- Includes bonus palette knife and sponge for mixing
- Non-toxic formula safe for kids and adults
- Under 10 dollars for a complete beginner kit
Cons
- Tubes are 12ml which run out fast on big canvases
- Rare reports of missing colors in some sets
I pulled this set out for my niece’s first painting lesson, and the moment she squeezed out the cadmium yellow next to the cerulean blue, I knew we had a winner. The 24 colors include split primaries (warm and cool versions of red, yellow, and blue), which is exactly what beginners need to learn color mixing. Coverage was solid on the 8×10 canvas panel we tested, and the paint dried to a smooth matte finish without streaks.
The 12 included brushes cover the basics. You get a few rounds for detail work, some flats for filling large areas, and a couple of angular shaders. The nylon bristles held up well to repeated rinsing, which is critical because acrylic dries fast and ruins brushes if you skip cleanup. After three painting sessions, no bristles shed onto the canvas.
The palette knife and sponge round out the kit nicely. Beginners rarely get a palette knife in starter bundles, and it opens up texture techniques that brushes alone cannot replicate. The sponge works well for blending skies or creating soft gradients on backgrounds.
What I noticed during testing is that 12ml tubes disappear faster than you expect on canvases larger than 8×10. For the price, you get a complete starter kit, but expect to repurchase white, black, and a favorite color within a month of regular painting. The non-toxic certification gives peace of mind for parents painting with kids.
Who should buy this set
This set fits beginners who want a complete acrylic paint starter set with brushes for under 10 dollars and plan to paint on smaller surfaces like 8×10 canvases, rocks, or wood plaques. It also works well as a gift for kids exploring painting for the first time.
When to look elsewhere
If you plan to paint large canvases or want bigger bottles for longer projects, the Shuttle Art or Caliart 36-color sets with 60ml bottles offer better value per milliliter.
2. Shuttle Art 36-Color Acrylic Paint Set – Best Value With Metallics
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with Brushes & Palette, 2oz/60ml Bottles, Rich Pigments Non-toxic for Artists Kids & Adults, Painting on Canvas Rocks Ceramic Wood
36 colors in 60ml bottles
12 brushes and palette
Waterproof formula
Includes metallic gold and silver
Pros
- 36 vibrant colors including metallic gold and silver
- Creamy consistency blends easily without streaks
- 60ml bottles give 5x more paint than 12ml tubes
- 12 brushes and mixing palette included
- Waterproof and fade-resistant finish
Cons
- Pink tones dominate the color lineup
- Some colors run thinner than others
When I tested the Shuttle Art set, the metallic gold and silver bottles immediately stood out. Most beginner kits skip metallics entirely, but those two colors alone unlocked an entire category of craft projects from holiday ornaments to mixed-media art. The cream consistency spreads like butter across canvas without the chalky feel of cheaper paints.
The 60ml bottles are a major upgrade over 12ml tubes. After finishing four 11×14 canvas paintings using white, black, and a few primary colors, I had barely made a dent. For beginners worried about running out of paint mid-project, this format saves both money and frustration.
The 12 included brushes cover a useful range from detail rounds to wide flats. They feel slightly stiffer than the Benicci brushes, which actually helps with acrylics because firmer bristles hold their shape under thick paint. The mixing palette has enough wells for a complete color wheel plus mixing space.
I did notice the pink-leaning palette after laying out all 36 colors. If you paint portraits or florals, this skew works in your favor. For landscape painters, you might find yourself wanting more greens and earth tones than pinks. Despite that quirk, the overall value for under 26 dollars is hard to beat.
Who should buy this set
Craft enthusiasts, parents painting with kids, and beginners who want to try metallics without buying separate tubes benefit most from this set. The 60ml bottles suit anyone planning multiple painting sessions before needing a refill.
When to look elsewhere
Hardcore landscape painters who need more greens and earth tones should consider the HissiCo set, which has a more balanced color spread.
3. Caliart 36-Color Acrylic Paint Set – Most Popular Among Beginners
Caliart 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with 12 Brushes
36 colors in 2oz bottles
12 brushes included
Waterproof and matte finish
Sturdy storage packaging
Pros
- 23k+ reviews prove beginner-friendly performance
- 36 colors including metallics cover any project
- Waterproof formula works for outdoor pumpkin painting
- Smooth pigmented formula with good coverage
- Sturdy packaging keeps bottles organized
Cons
- No palette included in the kit
- White and yellow can run thin
With over 23k reviews averaging 4.7 stars, the Caliart set has earned its place as the most-trusted acrylic paint starter set with brushes among beginners. When I tested it against the Shuttle Art set, the pigment load felt comparable, but the color selection ran slightly more balanced with better green and earth tone representation.
The matte and metallic finish options add versatility. Pumpkins painted with this set held up through Halloween night and the rainstorm that followed. That kind of durability matters for craft projects where the painting faces outdoor exposure or frequent handling.
The 12 included brushes mirror what other sets in this range offer. They perform adequately for canvas and wood but lack the spring needed for detail-heavy miniature work. For beginner-level projects, the brushes get the job done without complaints.
The biggest miss here is the lack of a mixing palette. I had to use a paper plate or ceramic tile to mix colors, which works but feels less professional than a dedicated palette. If you already own a palette or don’t mind improvising, this becomes a non-issue.
Who should buy this set
Anyone who values proven reliability and outdoor durability should pick this set. Pumpkin painters, rock art enthusiasts, and canvas beginners will appreciate the waterproof formula and balanced color range.
When to look elsewhere
If you need a palette included or want a more complete toolkit out of the box, the Fantastory 36-color set ships with a color chart, palette knife, sponge, and palette in addition to brushes.
4. TMOL 24-Color Acrylic Paint Set – Solid Mid-Range Performer
TMOL Acrylic Paint Set, 24 Colors (2 oz/Bottle) with 12 Art Brushes, Art Supplies for Painting Canvas, Wood, Ceramic & Fabric, Rich Pigments Lasting Quality for Beginners, Professional
24 colors in 60ml bottles
12 brushes included
Fade-resistant formula
30-minute dry time
Pros
- 60ml bottles offer better value per ml
- Fade-resistant pigments hold color over time
- Quick 30-minute dry time speeds up layering
- Non-toxic ASTM D4236 compliant formula
- Versatile across canvas wood ceramic fabric
Cons
- Some shipping damage reported
- Thicker consistency needs thinning for some techniques
TMOL’s set sits in a sweet spot between budget and mid-tier, with 60ml bottles at a price that undercuts several competitors. I tested it against the Nicpro set and found similar pigment quality, though the colors leaned slightly more saturated. The fade-resistant claim held up after I left a test swatch in direct sunlight for two weeks.
The 30-minute dry time is noticeably faster than the 8-hour dry time advertised by some competitors. For beginners who want to layer colors quickly without waiting all day, this speed makes practice sessions more productive. I could apply a second coat within the hour without lifting the underlying paint.
What I appreciate most is the bottle size. At 60ml each, you get 1.44 liters of paint across the 24 colors. That quantity handles serious project volume for beginners who paint regularly. The included brushes cover the basic shapes but feel slightly less refined than the Shuttle Art brushes.
The paint consistency is thicker than other sets I tested, which works for impasto and texture techniques. For smooth gradient work, you will want to add a drop of water or thinning medium. Beginners who do not know how to thin acrylics might find this consistency frustrating on detailed areas.
Who should buy this set
Regular hobbyists who paint weekly and want bigger bottles without paying premium prices fit this set best. Texture-loving painters who enjoy impasto techniques will appreciate the thicker formula.
When to look elsewhere
If smooth blending is your priority or you want thinner paint out of the bottle, the Nicpro set offers a creamier consistency that flows more naturally.
5. Nicpro 24-Color Acrylic Paint Set – Best for Color Theory Learners
Nicpro Acrylic Paint Set 24 Colors 2oz with 12 Brushes & Palette
24 colors in 60ml bottles
12 brushes and palette
Includes color wheel guide
90-day warranty
Pros
- Creamy texture ideal for blending and layering
- Comes with beginner color wheel guide
- 12 brushes and dedicated palette included
- Fade and crack resistant formula
- ASTM D-4236 certified non-toxic
Cons
- Thick consistency tricky for miniature painting
- Occasional clumps in certain colors
The Nicpro set caught my attention because it includes a color wheel guide. Most starter kits skip the educational extras, leaving beginners to guess about complementary colors and color mixing. With this guide, my test painter (a complete beginner) figured out how to mix a believable green on her first try.
The creamy consistency stands out from other sets in this price range. Where cheaper acrylics feel chalky or streaky, Nicpro’s paint flows smoothly across canvas. Blending two colors together produced clean transitions without the muddy mid-tones that plague budget paints.
The 60ml bottles match TMOL and Shuttle Art in size, giving you ample paint for multiple projects. The included palette has proper mixing wells that hold enough paint for a full painting session. Twelve brushes round out the kit with shapes that cover both detail and background work.
I did notice thicker clumps in a couple of bottles. Shaking vigorously before use solves the issue, but it is worth mentioning if you have never used acrylics before. The 90-day warranty gives peace of mind in case any color arrives dried out or unusable.
Who should buy this set
Absolute beginners who want to learn color theory alongside painting technique benefit from the included educational guide. The creamy consistency also suits painters who plan to do smooth blending work.
When to look elsewhere
Miniature painters or anyone working on tiny details should pick a set with thinner consistency, since this paint’s thickness can clog fine detail brushes.
6. Fantastory 36-Color Acrylic Paint Set – Most Complete Toolkit
Fantastory 60ml 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with 12 Brushes
36 colors in 60ml bottles
12 brushes plus full toolkit
3 metallic colors
Includes color chart and scraper
Pros
- Complete 16-piece toolkit beyond just paint
- Professional-grade pigments with high opacity
- 3 metallic colors included for variety
- Color chart helps with color selection
- Works on canvas wood rock and even 3D surfaces
Cons
- 8-hour dry time slower than competitors
- Some shipping damage complaints
Fantastory packs more than just paint into this kit. Inside the box, you get 12 brushes, a mixing palette, a palette knife, a color chart, a sponge, and 36 paint bottles with three metallic colors. Compared to other starter sets that include only brushes and paint, this comprehensive approach saves you from buying accessories separately.
The pigment quality impressed me during testing. Coverage stayed opaque even over black canvas, which is a tough test for any acrylic. Beginners who want paint that covers in one coat will appreciate this performance.
The 8-hour dry time caught me off guard. Most acrylics dry within an hour, so waiting half a day between coats slows down layering. The upside is the longer open time, which lets you blend wet-into-wet for much longer than faster-drying alternatives.
One thing I appreciated was the included color chart. Instead of guessing what each color looks like, the chart sits next to your palette for quick reference. For beginners still learning color names, this small addition makes a real difference.
Who should buy this set
Beginners who want everything in one box without buying extras separately should pick this set. Hobbyists who enjoy 3D texture work and want paint with strong opacity benefit from the heavy pigment load.
When to look elsewhere
If you want fast-drying paint for quick layering, the TMOL set dries in half an hour and lets you complete paintings in one session.
7. ESRICH 26-Piece Acrylic Paint Set – Complete Beginner Setup With Easel
ESRICH 26 PCS Acrylic Paint Set with 12 Colors Acrylic Paints
26-piece kit with easel
12 colors plus 10 brushes
Includes 2 canvas panels and plate
Complete ready-to-paint package
Pros
- Includes easel and canvas so you can start immediately
- 26 pieces cover paint brushes and surfaces
- Great gift for complete beginners
- Affordable entry point under 10 dollars
- Non-toxic formula safe for kids
Cons
- Small canvas size limits large projects
- Tiny easel restricts canvas size
- Limited 12-color palette
ESRICH approaches the starter set differently by including a wooden easel and two 6×8 inch canvas panels. For absolute beginners who do not own any painting supplies, this complete package eliminates the guesswork of buying accessories. You literally open the box and start painting.
The 12 colors cover basic primaries plus a few secondary shades. While fewer colors limit your palette, the included range handles most first projects like simple landscapes, abstract pieces, or color wheel exercises.
The included easel is a small tabletop model. It works for the included canvases but cannot hold anything larger than 8×10 inches. For kids or casual crafters, the size fits the use case. Anyone planning to paint bigger works will need a full-size easel.
I tested the paint coverage and found it adequate for beginner work on the included panels. The paint does not match the opacity of higher-end sets, but for under 10 dollars with everything included, the value is hard to argue with.
Who should buy this set
Complete beginners who own zero painting gear, parents looking for a kid-friendly gift, or anyone wanting a single-box solution fits this kit perfectly.
When to look elsewhere
Anyone planning to paint larger works or who already owns brushes and canvases should pick a paint-focused set like Benicci or Caliart for better pigment quality and more color options.
8. HissiCo 36-Color Acrylic Paint Set – Best Balanced Color Range
55PCS Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors 2fl oz 60ml Bottles 12 Brushes,Non Toxic 36 Colors Acrylic Paint No Fading Rich Pigment for Kids Adults Artists Canvas Crafts Wood Painting
36 colors in 60ml bottles
12 brushes and palette
Flip-top squeeze bottles
ASTM and EN71 certified
Pros
- Balanced color range without pink overload
- Flip-top squeeze bottles for controlled application
- Sturdy flip-lid storage box
- Low odor formula for sensitive painters
- Double safety certification ASTM and EN71
Cons
- Some packaging damage during shipping
- Bottle caps can be tricky to close
HissiCo impressed me with the most balanced color range among the 36-color sets I tested. Where Shuttle Art skewed pink and Caliart leaned toward warm tones, HissiCo distributed colors evenly across the spectrum. Landscapes, portraits, and still life work all benefit from this thoughtful selection.
The flip-top squeeze bottles solve a beginner frustration. Twist-cap bottles common in other sets require prying off caps with paint-covered hands. The flip-top design lets you squeeze paint out with one hand while holding a brush in the other.
The 60ml bottles match the industry standard at this price range, giving you plenty of paint for extended projects. The included palette has enough mixing space for the color wheel plus extra wells for custom mixes. Twelve brushes cover the basics, though they feel slightly less durable than the brushes in the Shuttle Art kit.
I appreciated the low odor formula during testing. Acrylics are not as pungent as oils, but cheaper sets can still have noticeable chemical smells. HissiCo’s formula kept the air clear even during long painting sessions in my home studio.
Who should buy this set
Painters who want a balanced color palette without favoring any hue should pick this set. Anyone sensitive to chemical smells also benefits from the low odor formula.
When to look elsewhere
If you prioritize brush quality above color selection, the Shuttle Art kit ships with slightly more refined brushes at a similar price point.
How to Choose the Best Acrylic Paint Starter Set With Brush
Choosing the right acrylic paint starter set with brushes depends on what you plan to paint, how often you will paint, and which extras matter most. Here is what to weigh before clicking buy.
Pigment Load Matters More Than Color Count
The number on the box that says “24 colors” or “36 colors” tells you nothing about paint quality. Pigment load, the actual percentage of color particles in each tube, determines whether one coat covers or whether you need three coats to hide the white canvas. Look for sets with pigment loads above 45 percent for one-coat coverage.
Cheaper sets compensate for low pigment by adding chalk and extender, which is why the paint feels chalky and goes on streaky. Premium sets with higher pigment load feel creamier, blend smoother, and use less paint per stroke.
Tube Size Affects How Long the Set Lasts
Tube size matters because beginners tend to use more paint than experienced artists. A 12ml tube covers roughly one square foot of surface. If you paint on 8×10 canvases, expect to repurchase 12ml tubes within a month of regular painting. A 60ml bottle covers five times more area and lasts much longer.
For beginners planning to paint weekly, sets with 60ml bottles deliver better value per milliliter. For occasional painters who want variety, 12ml tubes in 24-color configurations give more colors at lower upfront cost.
Brush Quality Makes or Breaks the Experience
The brushes in starter sets vary wildly. Synthetic nylon brushes work best for acrylics because they hold their shape under thick paint and resist damage from fast-drying paint buildup. Natural hair brushes absorb water and lose shape quickly with acrylics.
Look for sets that include at least 10 brushes covering flat, round, and angular shapes. Detail brushes in sizes 0 and 2 handle fine lines. Flat brushes in sizes 4 and 8 fill backgrounds. A fan brush adds texture for foliage and clouds.
Split Primaries Unlock Color Mixing
Most beginner kits include only one red, one yellow, and one blue. Split primary sets include warm and cool versions of each primary, giving you six colors that mix into a much wider spectrum. A warm red (cadmium) and cool red (magenta) produce different oranges and purples when mixed.
For color theory learners, split primaries are essential. For absolute beginners who want simple color mixing, a single primary set works fine but limits your palette.
Consider What Else Comes in the Box
Some sets ship with extras that save you from buying accessories separately. The Fantastory kit includes a color chart, palette knife, sponge, and palette. The ESRICH kit includes an easel and canvas panels. The Nicpro kit includes a color wheel guide for learning color theory.
If you already own brushes and canvases, focus on paint-only sets for better pigment quality. If you own nothing, a complete kit saves trips to the store and gets you painting faster.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying sets with too many colors overwhelms beginners. Twelve to 24 colors is the sweet spot for learning without drowning in choice. Buying sets without checking for ASTM D-4236 certification risks toxic exposure, especially for kids. Skipping primer on raw canvas wastes paint and produces dull results.
If you also tackle home painting projects beyond canvas art, our guide on the best paint sprayers for interior walls covers equipment for larger surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best acrylic paint brush set for beginners?
For beginners, a set with 10 to 12 synthetic nylon brushes covering flat, round, and angular shapes gives the most versatility. Look for brushes labeled for acrylic use with firm bristles that hold their shape under thick paint. Avoid natural hair brushes, which absorb water and lose shape with acrylics. Starter sets from Benicci, Shuttle Art, and Caliart all include adequate brush ranges for under 30 dollars.
What is the best starter kit for acrylic painting?
The best starter kit depends on your goals. For complete beginners who own nothing, the ESRICH 26-piece kit includes an easel, canvases, brushes, and paint in one box. For beginners who already have canvases, the Benicci 24-color set or Caliart 36-color set delivers better pigment quality at lower prices. Both include 12 brushes and a non-toxic formula certified to ASTM standards.
What brand of acrylic paint is best for beginners?
Brands like Benicci, Caliart, Shuttle Art, and HissiCo consistently rank as top choices for beginners based on customer reviews and pigment performance. These brands offer student-grade acrylics with adequate pigment loads for learning without the price tag of artist-grade brands like Golden or Liquitex Heavy Body. For beginners planning to upgrade later, Liquitex Basics provides a bridge between student and artist grades.
What are some good acrylic painting sets for beginners?
Good acrylic painting sets for beginners include the Benicci 24-Color Set, Shuttle Art 36-Color Set, Caliart 36-Color Set, TMOL 24-Color Set, Nicpro 24-Color Set, Fantastory 36-Color Set, ESRICH 26-Piece Kit, and HissiCo 36-Color Set. Each offers 12 to 36 colors, 10 to 12 brushes, and non-toxic formulas at price points from 10 to 33 dollars. Choose based on your preferred tube size, color count, and included accessories.
Final Verdict
After six weeks of testing eight acrylic paint starter sets with brush, the Benicci 24-Color Acrylic Paint Set earns the top spot for delivering complete coverage, usable brushes, and enough color variety for genuine learning at under 10 dollars. For painters who want more colors and bigger bottles, the Caliart 36-Color Acrylic Paint Set offers the best balance of pigment quality and trusted customer satisfaction.
Whichever set you pick, the best acrylic paint starter set with brush is the one that gets your first painting finished. Grab your kit, set up a canvas, and start painting. The skills you build in your first month matter far more than the brand on the tube.