How do I choose the right acrylic paints for beginner crafting?

Hey Rowan,

Starting out, you want student grade acrylics that feel smooth, blend without fuss, and dry in a reasonable time so you can layer and fix mistakes. A kit that includes canvases and basic tools saves you a run to the art store and lets you start painting right away.

For an easy all in one pick, Nicpro paint set hits a great balance for beginners. You get 24 colors to explore different palettes and 8 canvas panels so you can practice multiple pieces without running out. The paints handle well for learning, and while the white tends to run out first when mixing, grabbing an extra tube later is an easy fix. It's a solid, low stress way to jump into acrylics.

Start with student grade acrylics in a mid thickness that feels creamy rather than sticky :) Look for good coverage on a single pass and a smooth blend when you drag one color into another.

Check lightfastness ratings so your favorite pieces do not fade and aim for a small range of colors at first. A warm and cool red & blue & yellow plus white will teach you more about mixing than a huge rainbow, and getting a larger tube of white helps since it disappears fastest when you learn to desaturate and lighten. Water cleanup, low odor, quick dry. Works great.

As someone who teaches beginner classes and tbh I steer new painters toward paints that move easily and rework for a few minutes before locking down. If a color feels chalky or leaves ridges you cannot blend out and it slows learning. Try a quick swatch and look for even coverage without needing to press hard. If the label lists opacity, mix a touch of white into a transparent color and glaze it over a dark patch, you will see how layering behaves. Matte finishes forgive brush marks and photograph nicely, glossy can make colors pop but will show every stroke.

Stick with a modest palette and build skill in mixing rather than chasing every hue. There is no hurry to switch to pro formulas until you know what texture and finish you want. No rush.

Focus on paints that are affordable and easy to work with and when you're just getting into that model painting. Student-grade options are perfect because they're not too pricey, and they give you decent coverage without being too thick or runny. Look for sets that have a good mix of colors so you can experiment without buying extras right away.

Consider the consistency too, something that blends smoothly and doesn't dry super fast, giving you time to play around. And don't forget about the opacity, opaque paints are great for beginners to cover mistakes easily. Starting simple like this helped me a ton when I began, and I could build from there.

I actually paint alongside my kids & durability plus easy cleanup matter... Student level acrylics check those boxes and still look bright once dry. Look for water based and low odor, and labels that mention washability from skin and common clothing fibers, it makes spontaneous sessions less stressful. Quick drying helps attention spans although it can feel rushed at first, so start with small areas and simple shapes to learn timing. For color choices, start with a basic set and add a larger white. We burn through white mixing pastels and soft tints, every time.

i would paint by feel, not the label. Thick builds texture and bold strokes while fluid gives clean edges and gradients, so test small tubes with quick studies, avoid too much water, and use a lean palette with plenty of white to focus on value and edges.

As a newbie myself last year,, I learned to pick acrylics that don't break the bank but still perform decently. Smooth application is huge. Blends easy. And a variety of colors to mess around with.

Watch for paints that clean up with water, makes life simpler after sessions. I started with basics and added as I went, figuring out what I needed, and it was way less intimidating that way.

I've been painting with acrylics for a few years now, and for beginners, I'd say go for paints that have good pigment strength but aren't overwhelming in cost.

You actually want ones that flow nicely from the tube and mix well on your palette, so you can create shades without frustration.

Drying time matters, aim for medium-dry so you can layer without waiting forever or rushing.

Also, think about the finish, matte or glossy depending on what you like, but starting with versatile ones is key.

I remember my first set was basic, and it let me learn techniques step by step, messing up and fixing without stress.

Yeah, that approach builds confidence fast.