If you’re looking for extra paint for paint-by-numbers projects, you want sets that offer clean color separation, easy blending, and reliable coverage. The following five options are selected for different skill levels and project types, from casual hobbyists to dedicated crafters. Each choice is best suited for specific needs—ranging from beginner-friendly kits to professional-looking finishes—so you can pick the one that aligns with your painting style and goals.
Summary of selected products:
- Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set, 30 Tubes: Best for beginners and mix-and-match projects on a variety of surfaces.
- Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors: Best for artists who want a broader color range and included brushes.
- 55PCS Acrylic Paint Set by HissiCo: Best for safe, high-pigment per-color options with a sturdy storage box.
- Acrylic Paint Set Canvas Art Paints, 24 Colors: Best for all-around use with good coverage and included brushes.
- MONT MARTE Premium Acrylic Flow Medium: Best for thinning, glazing, and achieving smooth pours in mixed-media work.
Shuttle Art 30-Tube Acrylic Paint Set
Product name: Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set, 30 x 12ml Tubes
Brand: Shuttle Art
URL: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077WSBLZ1?tag=craftingbasic0b-20
Key features: 30 vibrant colors; each tube 12 ml; includes 3 free brushes; creamy, easy to lay down; suitable for canvas, ceramic, wood, fabric, clay, and more; quick-drying, durable, waterproof, fade-proof.
Best for: Beginners and casual crafters who want a wide color range without needing additional tools. This kit is great for early color experiments, kids’ projects, and home decor crafts where quick-drying, durable finishes help keep projects intact.
Why selected: The combination of a broad color set and included brushes makes it a one-stop starter kit that minimizes extra purchases, while the fast-drying, durable paints suit most home projects.
Caution/limitation: Some colors may require multiple coats for complete coverage on darker surfaces; ensure proper ventilation when using acrylic paints.
Shuttle Art 36 Colors Acrylic Paint Set
Product name: Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 36 Colors with Brushes & Palette
Brand: Shuttle Art
URL: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z93LQDB?tag=craftingbasic0b-20
Key features: 36 vibrant colors; includes 12 brushes and 1 palette; creamy consistency; quick-drying, water-resistant, fade-resistant; suitable for wood, rock, canvas, ceramic, fabric, glass, clay, leather, plastic.
Best for: Artists who want a complete, ready-to-go kit with applicators and a palette for on-the-spot blending and detailed work.
Why selected: The added brushes and palette improve workflow, especially for projects requiring multiple colors and blending sessions.
Caution/limitation: The included brushes may not be the highest-end; for professional-detail work, consider upgrading brush quality separately.
55PCS Acrylic Paint Set by HissiCo
Product name: 55PCS Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors
Brand: HissiCo
URL: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CB3JH79?tag=craftingbasic0b-20
Key features: 55 pieces; 36 color tubes and 12 brushes; non-toxic; rich pigments; flip-top squeeze bottles for easy control; safe for adults, teens, and kids.
Best for: Families and hobbyists who want a robust color library plus multiple brush options and simple storage in a sturdy box.
Why selected: The expanded set with many brushes is practical for ongoing projects and experimentation with color mixing, while the non-toxic formula suits younger artists and classroom settings.
Caution/limitation: Some colors may be similar in hue; use swatches to map your palette before large projects.
Acrylic Paint Set Canvas Art Paints, 24 Colors
Product name: Acrylic Paint Set Canvas Art Paints 24 Colors
Brand: KOLOR KINGDOM
URL: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QNJ7KSF?tag=craftingbasic0b-20
Key features: 24 colors; high-quality pigments; versatile coverage for large areas and fine details; dries to a gloss finish; blending and layering friendly; includes 3 brushes; certified safe and non-toxic (ASTM D-4236, EN71-3).
Best for: Intermediate artists and crafters seeking a reliable all-around set with excellent color payoff and a gloss finish for decorative projects.
Why selected: The gloss finish and pigment richness support clean color separation in paint-by-numbers projects while offering good blending capacity.
Caution/limitation: Some colors may appear more translucent on darker surfaces; consider a white base or primer for absolute opacity.
MONT MARTE Premium Acrylic Flow Medium 250ml
Product name: MONT MARTE Premium Acrylic Flow Medium 250ml
Brand: Mont Marte
URL: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N7YQRBM?tag=craftingbasic0b-20
Key features: Acrylic pouring medium; thins paints and dilutes binders; increases translucency without dulling color intensity; enhances flow for smooth application.
Best for: Artists who want to achieve seamless pours, glazes, or thin layers in fluid art and mixed-media projects.
Why selected: This medium expands the versatility of any acrylic set by enabling different techniques beyond solid-coverage painting, which can be valuable for more complex paint-by-numbers effects.
Caution/limitation: The medium can alter drying times and finish; test on a scrap piece before applying to a finished work.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Choosing Extra Paint For Paint By Numbers
- Color range and pigmentation: Choose sets with a broad hue spectrum and strong opacity for solid color blocks and easy blending.
- Surface compatibility: Prefer paints that adhere well to canvas, wood, ceramic, rock, fabric, and paper commonly used in paint-by-numbers kits.
- Finish and durability: Consider whether you prefer a matte or gloss finish and whether the paint is water-resistant once dry.
- Drying time and layering: Fast-drying paints speed up projects, while slower-drying varieties offer more blending time for gradients.
- Tools included: Sets with brushes, palettes, or pouring mediums can save money and simplify setup for beginners.
- Non-toxicity and safety: For kids or classroom use, confirm non-toxic certifications and safer handling features.
- Storage and organization: A sturdy case or box helps keep colors organized between sessions and protects paints from damage.
Choosing By Use Case
- Beginner projects at home: A 30- or 36-color starter set with brushes is ideal for learning color mixing and basic shading.
- Mixed-media and glazing: Mediums and multi-color kits with gloss finishes support glazing, shading, and surface texture work.
- Kids’ crafts and education: Non-toxic sets with clear color labels and easy-flow bottles reduce mess and improve safety.
- Professional or semi-professional work: A larger color range with high pigmentation and reliable lightfastness helps maintain consistency across projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best paint for paint-by-numbers beginners?
– A 30–36 color acrylic set with easy-flow bottles and included brushes often works best for starting out. - Are acrylic paints safe for kids?
– Look for sets certified non-toxic and labeled ASTM D-4236, EN71, or similar safety marks. - Do you need brushes with paint sets?
– Some sets include brushes; if not, plan to buy a basic brush set designed for acrylics for best results. - Can acrylics be used on multiple surfaces?
– Yes. Acrylic paints adhere well to canvas, wood, ceramic, fabric, rock, and more, though a primer may help on some surfaces. - How do you prevent color bleeding in paint-by-numbers?
– Use thin, even layers, let each layer dry, and avoid overloading the brush with paint. - Is a flow medium necessary for painting by numbers?
– Not always, but a flow medium can improve blending and reduce brush marks for certain techniques.