The Best Watercolor Kit For Adults

Buying Guide

Watercolor is perhaps the most flexible option for artists looking to perfect their skills. The small paints are usually packaged in color palettes that make them easy to take on the go. You can paint at home or while vacationing, or you can simply move from your studio to your living room to your back patio as inspiration strikes.

But choosing a watercolor set can be difficult, primarily because there are so many options available. You’ll find that some sets are geared toward students, while others are marketed to professionals. If you’re a beginner or early intermediate artist, you’ll likely want to go with a student watercolor set.

Student watercolor sets will often be more affordable than professional-grade paints. But these sets typically include more binders and fillers in the paints, so your artwork may not last as long. Professional sets are made to create colors that last over the years without fading or smudging.

To achieve that permanence, professional watercolor paints tend to be of higher quality than what you’ll find with student sets. These kits will have more pigment and a wider variety of colors as well.

Some watercolor kits come with paper and brushes, which makes them a complete resource for beginners. As you advance in your skills, however, you might become a tad bit pickier about the supplies in your art studio.

• Blending is an important part of any watercolor, but it’s also one of the toughest techniques to master. Look for paints that don’t dry so quickly that you won’t have time to blend them.
• You’ll want paints that last without fading, especially if you plan to hang onto your creations. Look for paint with vivid dyes that don’t lose their luster over time.
• You can spice up your artwork with metallics. If this is your preference, look for watercolor kits that include these eye-catching paints.
• One of the biggest differences between watercolor kits is the number and variety of colors included. You can blend colors to extend these capabilities, but you’ll still be better off if you start with a larger selection.
• Some kits come with a pad and some brushes to get you started, but you’re going to want to restock quickly if you enjoy the pastime.
• Before you invest in a watercolor set, make sure you have a workspace. You’ll also want something to store your brushes in, as well as a place to keep your paints when you aren’t using them.
• If you ever take your artwork on the go, you’ll want a kit that has some portability to it. Some paint sets prioritize this, creating palettes that are easy to store and carry along with you. You’ll also want a durable case to tote everything around in.
• If you purchase a watercolor set with a case and plan to move your paints often, check to make sure your case is as leakproof as possible.
• Watercolor pencils can be a refreshing alternative to paints. These pencils are designed to blend so that you can create the watercolor effect without the mess of painting.