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10 Best Watercolor Paints 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Winsor & Newton Professional Water Colour Paint, 0.47-oz Tube, Burnt Sienna

The Winsor & Newton Professional Water Colour Paint in Burnt Sienna is a solid choice for artists looking for high-quality watercolor paint. One of its standout strengths is the quality; being a professional grade, it offers a wide choice of pigments known for their permanence and rich color. This specific product has an excellent lightfastness rating (AA), meaning it resists fading when exposed to light, which is crucial for artists aiming for long-lasting artwork. The paint comes in a 0.47-ounce tube, making it convenient for both indoor and outdoor use and suitable for various painting surfaces, primarily paper.

In terms of form, this product is in tube form, allowing for easy mixing and control over the amount used, which many artists prefer compared to pans. The transparency of the burnt sienna pigment is a plus for those who enjoy layering colors and achieving a depth in their artwork.

This watercolor paint excels in quality and is ideally suited for experienced artists seeking a reliable and vibrant watercolor option. However, it may not be the best fit for beginners or those on a tight budget, as professional-grade paints can be more expensive than student-grade alternatives.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Quality (Student vs. Professional)
Winsor & Newton's Burnt Sienna is a staple for professional artists, praised for its reliability and vibrant color.
#2

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.

However, since these paints are categorized as student-grade, they may not meet the expectations of professional artists who prefer higher pigment concentrations and richer hues found in professional-grade paints. The use of less expensive pigments does mean a slight compromise in some color richness compared to premium options.

In terms of form, the paint comes in tubes, which is convenient for mixing and controlling the amount used, especially for those who appreciate the flexibility of squeezing out the desired amount. However, some users might prefer pans for easier portability or storage. This watercolor set is particularly beneficial for artists working on paper and those who are learning the craft, as the user-friendly characteristics and vibrant colors help foster creativity. The Winsor & Newton Cotman set serves well for those looking to explore or enhance their watercolor skills without breaking the bank.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Quality (Student vs. Professional)
These watercolors are on a whole new level compared to basic sets like Crayola.
Form (Pans vs. Tubes)
The tubes might seem small, but the paint is highly concentrated, so only a tiny amount is needed.
Color Range
The variety of colors is impressive, and a little paint goes a long way.
Transparency
The opacity of the colors can be adjusted by varying the amount of water added.
#3

DANIEL SMITH 284600011 Extra Fine Watercolor 15ml Paint Tube, Burnt Umber, 0.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

The DANIEL SMITH Extra Fine Watercolor Paint Tube in Burnt Umber is a high-quality option tailored for professional artists. This product is known for its excellent lightfastness, meaning the colors are resistant to fading over time, which is crucial for artwork longevity. The paint is semi-transparent, allowing for layered washes and subtle details.

The tube form makes it convenient for mixing custom shades and controlling the amount of paint used, which is ideal for detailed work and large projects alike. For those looking for a broad palette, DANIEL SMITH offers an extensive range of over 240 colors, including unique and mineral-based options like the PrimaTek series. This specific Burnt Umber shade is appreciated for its warm, rich brown tone, which can be mixed to create a variety of effects.

However, it is worth noting that the price point may be higher compared to student-grade paints, which might not be suitable for beginners or casual hobbyists. Additionally, the semi-opaque quality may not be preferable for those seeking completely transparent washes. The tube contains 15ml of paint, which is a standard size for professional-grade watercolor tubes. This paint is best suited for serious artists who value high-quality materials and a wide color range for their watercolor paintings.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Quality (Student vs. Professional)
This brand is highly appreciated for its quality.
Color Range
Rich color that mixes well with other shades.

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.

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