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Watercolor Paints

10 Best Watercolor Paints 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 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

Winsor & Newton

9.8 score

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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.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,221
Quality (Student vs. Professional)
Form (Pans vs. Tubes)
Color Range

Most important from
1814 reviews

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.
#2
9.6 score

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)

DANIEL SMITH

9.6 score

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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.

Rating
9.6
Quality (Student vs. Professional)
Color Range

Most important from
8233 reviews

Quality (Student vs. Professional)
The color spreads wonderfully on damp paper, showcasing its quality.
Color Range
Their unique granulating colors add incredible depth, making them a go-to choice for any project.
#3
9.5 score

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

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

Winsor & Newton

9.5 score

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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.

Rating
9.5
Quality (Student vs. Professional)

Most important from
157 reviews

Quality (Student vs. Professional)
Winsor & Newton's Burnt Sienna is a staple for professional artists, praised for its reliability and vibrant color.

Top 10 Best Watercolor Paints 2025 in the United States

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Slide 1

U.S. Art Supply

U.S. Art Supply 133-Piece Deluxe Ultimate Artist Painting Set with Aluminum and Wood Easels, 72 Paint Colors, 24 Acrylic, 24 Oil, 24 Watercolor, 8 Canvases, 44 Brushes, 4 Painting & Sketch Pads & More

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#1

Winner

9.8 score

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Winsor & Newton

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

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Chosen by 1221 this week

Sponsored

Slide 1

U.S. Art Supply

U.S. Art Supply 133-Piece Deluxe Ultimate Artist Painting Set with Aluminum and Wood Easels, 72 Paint Colors, 24 Acrylic, 24 Oil, 24 Watercolor, 8 Canvases, 44 Brushes, 4 Painting & Sketch Pads & More

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#2

9.6 score

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DANIEL SMITH

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

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#3

9.5 score

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Winsor & Newton

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

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#4

9.2 score

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DANIEL SMITH

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

Quality (Student vs. Professional): Professional
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Tubes
Color Range: 240+ colors
Lightfastness: Excellent
Transparency: Semi-transparent

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#5

9.0 score

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DANIEL SMITH

Daniel Smith 284600198 Extra Fine Watercolor 15ml Paint Tube, Opera-Pink, 0.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Quality (Student vs. Professional): Professional
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Tubes
Color Range: Over 240 unique shades
Lightfastness: Fugitive
Transparency: Transparent

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#6

8.8 score

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Kuretake

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

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#7

8.6 score

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DANIEL SMITH

Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor 15ml Paint Tube, Sap Green (284600102), 0.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Quality (Student vs. Professional): Professional
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Tubes
Color Range: Over 240 options
Lightfastness: Excellent
Transparency: Transparent

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#8

8.3 score

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DANIEL SMITH

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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#9

8.0 score

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DANIEL SMITH

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

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28% OFF
#10

7.7 score

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DANIEL SMITH

Daniel Smith 285650103 Extra Fine Inspirational Solid Watercolor Paint Set of 12 Half Pans, Metal Case and 12 Empty Containers

Quality (Student vs. Professional): Professional
Form (Pans vs. Tubes): Pans
Color Range: 12 colors

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9% OFF
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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.

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