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10 Best Watercolor Paints 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, 12 Colors, 8ml (0.27-oz) Tubes
The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set is a solid choice for both beginners and hobbyists looking for quality at a reasonable price. The set includes 12 vibrant 8ml tubes, which cover a good range of colors necessary for various projects. One of its strengths is the good transparency and tinting strength, allowing users to create beautiful washes and layers in their artwork. Additionally, the paint is rated AA and A for lightfastness, meaning your artwork will retain its vibrancy over time, which is a significant plus for any artist.
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Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set 48 Colors, Professional-quality art supplies for artists adult painting sketching, Non-Toxic, Made in Japan
The Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set offers professional-quality watercolor paints that are ideal for artists and serious hobbyists. With 48 colors, this set provides a broad color range, ensuring you have plenty of options for your artwork. The paints are in pans, which is convenient for mixing and using with both small and large brushes, thanks to their larger-than-average size. This flexibility is a significant advantage for various painting techniques.
Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Customer Highlights
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Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor 15ml Paint Tube, Ultramarine Blue (284600106), 0.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
The Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor in Ultramarine Blue is a strong choice for both amateur and professional artists. This paint comes in a convenient 15ml tube, making it easy to use and store. One of its standout features is its exceptional lightfastness, ensuring that your artwork will last over time without fading. The Ultramarine Blue shade is known for its cooler and bluer tone compared to the more saturated French Ultramarine, which may appeal to artists looking for a unique hue.
Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Customer Highlights
A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!Top 10 Best Watercolor Paints 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
10.0 score
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, 12 Colors, 8ml (0.27-oz) Tubes
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, 12 Colors, 8ml (0.27-oz) Tubes
Quality (Student vs. Professional): Student
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Tubes
Color Range: 12
Lightfastness: AA and A
Transparency: good
Chosen by 1162 this week
Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set 48 Colors, Professional-quality art supplies for artists adult painting sketching, Non-Toxic, Made in Japan
Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set 48 Colors, Professional-quality art supplies for artists adult painting sketching, Non-Toxic, Made in Japan
Quality (Student vs. Professional): Professional
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Pans
Color Range: 48 colors
Transparency: Opaque
Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor 15ml Paint Tube, Ultramarine Blue (284600106), 0.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor 15ml Paint Tube, Ultramarine Blue (284600106), 0.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Quality (Student vs. Professional): Professional
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Tubes
Color Range: over 240 colors
Lightfastness: exceptional
Transparency: transparent
Winsor & Newton Professional Water Colour Paint, 0.47-oz Tube, Burnt Sienna
Winsor & Newton Professional Water Colour Paint, 0.47-oz Tube, Burnt Sienna
Quality (Student vs. Professional): Professional
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Tubes
Lightfastness: AA
Transparency: Transparent
Daniel Smith 284610057 Extra Fine Watercolors Tube, 5ml, Moonglow, 0.17 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Daniel Smith 284610057 Extra Fine Watercolors Tube, 5ml, Moonglow, 0.17 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Quality (Student vs. Professional): Professional
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Tubes
Color Range: Over 240 colors
Lightfastness: Excellent
Transparency: Transparent
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Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paint Set, Lightweight Metal Box, 24 Half Pan
Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Paint Set, Lightweight Metal Box, 24 Half Pan
Quality (Student vs. Professional): Professional
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Pans
Color Range: 24
Lightfastness: Good
Transparency: Transparent
DANIEL SMITH 285610005 Extra Fine Essentials Introductory Watercolor, 6 Tubes, 5ml, Blue/Transparent/Yellow, 0.17 Fl Oz (Pack of 6)
DANIEL SMITH 285610005 Extra Fine Essentials Introductory Watercolor, 6 Tubes, 5ml, Blue/Transparent/Yellow, 0.17 Fl Oz (Pack of 6)
Quality (Student vs. Professional): Professional
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Tubes
Color Range: Three cool and three warm primaries
Lightfastness: Excellent
Transparency: Strong
Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI GRANULATING COLOR 5 colors set, Watercolor Paint Set, Professional-Quality for Artists and Crafters, AP-Certified, for Adult, Made in Japan
Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI GRANULATING COLOR 5 colors set, Watercolor Paint Set, Professional-Quality for Artists and Crafters, AP-Certified, for Adult, Made in Japan
Quality (Student vs. Professional): Professional
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Pans
Color Range: 5 colors
#10
8.2 score
Windsor & Newton Artist Watercolor 5ml 24 Color Set
Windsor & Newton Artist Watercolor 5ml 24 Color Set
Quality (Student vs. Professional): Professional
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Tubes
Color Range: 24 colors
Lightfastness: Colors remain vibrant over time
Transparency: Beautiful layering effects
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Buying Guide for the Best Watercolor Paints
Choosing the right watercolor paints can greatly enhance your painting experience and the quality of your artwork. Watercolor paints come in various forms, qualities, and colors, and understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting watercolor paints, along with explanations to guide you through the process.Quality (Student vs. Professional)Watercolor paints are generally categorized into student and professional (or artist) quality. Student quality paints are more affordable and are suitable for beginners or those practicing their skills. They contain less pigment and more fillers, which can affect the vibrancy and permanence of the colors. Professional quality paints have a higher concentration of pigment, offering richer colors and better lightfastness (resistance to fading over time). If you are a beginner or on a budget, student quality paints are a good starting point. However, if you are looking for the best performance and longevity in your artwork, investing in professional quality paints is recommended.
Form (Pans vs. Tubes)Watercolor paints come in two main forms: pans and tubes. Pans are small, solid blocks of paint that are activated with water, making them portable and convenient for travel. They are ideal for those who paint on the go or have limited space. Tubes contain liquid paint and offer more flexibility in mixing colors and adjusting the paint's consistency. They are suitable for larger works and for artists who prefer to have more control over their paint application. Consider your painting style and where you will be painting when choosing between pans and tubes.
Color RangeThe color range refers to the variety of colors available in a set or brand of watercolor paints. A basic set typically includes primary colors (red, blue, yellow) and a few secondary colors (green, orange, purple). More extensive sets offer a wider range of hues and shades, allowing for greater versatility in your artwork. If you are just starting, a basic set with essential colors is sufficient. As you gain experience and develop your style, you may want to expand your palette with additional colors to achieve more complex and nuanced effects.
LightfastnessLightfastness is the measure of how resistant a paint color is to fading when exposed to light. This is an important factor if you want your artwork to maintain its original appearance over time. Paints with high lightfastness ratings are less likely to fade, ensuring the longevity of your work. Manufacturers often provide lightfastness ratings on their products, with ratings such as ASTM I (excellent) and ASTM II (very good) being the most desirable. If you plan to display or sell your artwork, choosing paints with high lightfastness is crucial.
TransparencyTransparency refers to how much light passes through the paint, affecting the layering and blending of colors. Watercolor paints can be transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque. Transparent paints allow underlying layers to show through, creating a luminous effect and are ideal for glazing techniques. Semi-transparent paints offer a balance between transparency and opacity, while opaque paints cover underlying layers more completely. Your choice of transparency will depend on your painting techniques and the effects you wish to achieve. Transparent paints are great for delicate washes and layering, while opaque paints are useful for bold, solid areas of color.