10 Best Watercolor Sets 2026 in the United States

The Grabie 100 Colors Watercolor Paint Set offers an extensive palette including 50 regular, 35 metallic, 10 macaron, and 5 fluorescent colors. This wide color range is a significant strength, providing ample options for creativity without the need for blending custom shades. The paints are described as high-quality, artist-grade, and have good transparency, tinting strength, and working properties, which are essential for producing vibrant and durable artwork.

Additionally, the set is non-toxic and conforms to safety standards, making it safe for all age groups. The inclusion of accessories such as water brush pens, a drawing pencil, a natural sponge, and a swatch sheet enhances its value, catering to both beginners and professional artists. The portability of the set is another highlight, with a compact and sturdy metal carrying case that makes it easy to use on the go.

The set's features make it a versatile choice for anyone looking to explore watercolor painting, whether at home or while traveling.

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Studio Set with 24 pans offers a broad and versatile color range that covers most basic watercolor needs, including various yellows, reds, blues, greens, earth tones, and neutral shades. This makes it a great choice for beginners or hobbyists who want a comprehensive palette without paying for professional-grade pigments. The paints use Cotman quality, which means they maintain good transparency and tinting strength, giving you vibrant colors that mix well and layer nicely. However, some pigments are replaced with less expensive alternatives to keep costs down, so the paint quality, while decent, is not at the highest professional level.

Lightfastness is generally good for student-grade paints but might vary slightly between colors, so very long-lasting archival work might require higher-end sets. The paints come in whole pans that are 2 ml each, housed in a lightweight plastic box with a removable lid that doubles as a palette, making it convenient and portable for studio or travel use. The satin finish and compact packaging add to its user-friendly design.

This set isn’t water-resistant or waterproof once dry, which is typical for watercolors, and the color coverage is strong enough for practice and casual artwork. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly set with solid transparency and a wide color selection for learning or casual painting, this Cotman set is a fitting choice. For users needing top-tier pigment quality or extremely durable, lightfast colors, professional-grade options may be more suitable.

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set is a solid choice for both beginners and more experienced artists looking for a reliable watercolor option. One of its notable strengths is the extensive color range, boasting 45 half pans that provide a wide spectrum of hues to experiment with. This is particularly beneficial for artists who enjoy mixing and blending colors, as the excellent tinting strength allows for vibrant results with minimal effort. Additionally, the set is designed for good transparency, which is essential for watercolor techniques that require layering and glazing.

In terms of quality, while the Cotman range uses some less expensive pigments compared to professional-grade options, it still adheres to high-quality standards. This makes it an economical choice without compromising too heavily on performance, making it suitable for art students or hobbyists.

Packaging is another strong point; the compact case includes a mixing tray, making it easy to carry and set up for painting sessions. This portability is perfect for artists who like to paint outdoors or travel, offering convenience without sacrificing functionality.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. Some artists might find that the use of alternative pigments affects the color saturation when compared to professional-grade sets, which could be a concern for serious artists seeking the richest colors. Also, while the set is excellent for general use, those who require specific lightfastness ratings may need to research individual colors since the lightfastness may vary within the Cotman range.

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set is a great option for those who value a wide color range and good quality at an affordable price, but serious artists may want to evaluate their specific needs regarding pigment quality and lightfastness.