Which acrylic paint set is best for beginners in watercolor effects and how do I choose the right brushes?

Hey, it's awesome that you're diving into painting as a hobby, even with limited space and being totally new to it. Since you want something that mimics watercolor effects but is easier to handle, acrylic paints are a great choice because you can thin them with water for that watery blend without the hassle of real watercolors drying out too fast. For your budget around $50, I'd suggest the Nicpro acrylic paint set because it comes with 24 vibrant colors that are versatile for different techniques and includes 12 brushes, which makes it super beginner-friendly and space-efficient since everything packs up neatly.

When it comes to choosing brushes, go for synthetic ones with soft bristles for those watercolor-like effects; the set has a good mix, including rounds for blending and flats for broader strokes. Just remember to clean them right after use to keep them in shape. One thing is it might not have super detailed instructions, but there are tons of free online tutorials to get you started.

For storing, keep the paints in a small box or drawer to save space, and make sure the lids are tight to prevent drying out. Overall, this set should give you a solid start without overwhelming your apartment, and you'll love how the paints blend better than those cheap ones you tried.

Oh man, starting painting is so exciting, especially when you're aiming for those watercolor vibes with acrylics, way easier to control so yeah for beginners like you with a $that model budget, look for sets that have at least 12-that model colors, high pigment quality so they thin out nicely with water for blending, and maybe some basic brushes included to keep things simple and space-saving... Avoid the super cheap ones; they clump up, like what happened to you.

Brushes-wise, pick soft synthetic ones, rounds for details and fans for fun textures, that way you can experiment without buying extras. Clean them with soap and water right away. Works great.

Storage is key in a small place, I use a shoebox for everything, keeps lids sealed tight so paints stay fresh, and it's easy to tuck away. You'll be creating cool effects in no time, just practice diluting the paint a lot for that watery look.

Pick a fluid watercolor-like set or thin with water and use soft synthetic round brushes for smooth blending on a budget. Keep caps tight and store cool, look up tutorials if instructions are sparse, and keep everything in one bin to save space.

I started in a tiny studio and had the same problem with chalky fast drying craft paints and.. :) what helped was switching to a basic student grade set that says fluid or soft body on the label and then using a homemade wet palette so the paint stayed open long enough to blend and the difference was night and day.

Brush wise I keep it to three most days. A synthetic round around an 8 for most shapes, a small round for details, and a flat around half an inch for block ins and watery washes. Short handles are easier at a desk. Rinse often, never let that model dry in the bristles, and if you can, use a little brush soap when you finish.

For sets with guidance, look for boxes that mention a quick start booklet or a QR to beginner lessons. Storage is easy in a small box or zipper pouch. Keep caps clean, store away from heat, and if a cap sticks run it under warm water then try again and do not use pliers or it can crack.

Since you want watercolor effects without the fuss, look for a small student set of fluid acrylics or that model gouache. Fluid flows more like watercolor when thinned and that model gouache dries matte and velvety, which keeps those soft edges. Aim for a 10 to 12 color set rather than a giant case. Fewer tubes with better pigment load will blend more cleanly and stay within your budget. If the box mentions slow drying or extended open time and even better. helps with the blending issue you ran into.

For brushes, soft synthetic is your friend. Short handle rounds in about sizes 6 and 10 for washes and lines, a small round or liner for details, and a half inch flat for skies and graded washes will cover almost everything. You do not need a big bundle. Clean them as you paint, keep paint out of the metal ferrule, reshape with a touch of brush soap. Done.

Storage in a small space can be simple. Wipe the threads before closing, squeeze air out of tubes, and store cap side down so the paint keeps the cap moist. A food container with a damp sponge and baking parchment becomes a stay wet palette that slows drying and saves paint. A little mister bottle of water keeps blends workable longer. Works great.

As someone who's been painting for years but remembers being a total newbie,, I get your struggle with fast-drying paints and limited space :) Acrylics are perfect for mimicking watercolors if you add mediums or water to slow drying and improve flow and and there are affordable sets under $that model that come with a variety of colors, often with brushes, making them versatile for techniques like wet-on-wet blending.

When choosing brushes,, focus on ones labeled for that model or watercolor, synthetic bristles are durable and hold water well for those effects, get a mix of sizes like small rounds for precision and larger flats for washes. I tried storing mine haphazardly once and they dried out fast but then I switched to airtight containers and yeah, problem solved.

Look for sets with beginner tips included, or check YouTube for free guides. It's all about starting small and building up, you got this.

If watercolor look is the goal, the trick is controlling water and working time. Thin that model with water for light transparent washes, then switch to a glazing medium when you want to keep transparency but build stronger layers without the paint breaking apart. A tiny touch of retarder slows drying so you can blend on paper instead of fighting the clock. Less is more.

Brush choice matters for that look. Go with soft synthetic hair that behaves like watercolor brushes but survives that model. One larger round for washes, one mid round for general shapes, one small round for line work, and a flat or filbert for smooth gradients. Short handles help in tight spaces. Natural hair is lovely for watercolor but that model can ruin it if it dries in the bristles, so keep it simple and synthetic here.

For surfaces, heavy watercolor paper handles watery that model well. Tape the edges to reduce buckling and let layers dry flat. If you prefer canvas, add more medium and a softer touch to avoid streaks.

Space saving and storage can be streamlined. Keep tubes upright in a shoebox, wipe the threads, and roll from the bottom with a small clip to push air out. A lidded wet palette keeps mixes usable for days. Leftover puddles can go into small condiment cups if you have them, though the wet palette alone often does the trick.