The best acrylic paint is the one that suits your specific project, working surface, preferred colour range and frequency of use. There is no single universal choice for everyone: a compact basic palette may be convenient for a beginner, while a set with more ready-made colours may be better for varied artwork.
Before choosing, answer four questions: what you plan to paint on, how many different colours you will use, how much paint you need and whether you want to mix colours actively. These answers make it much easier to compare sets than choosing solely by the packaging or number of colours.
Best acrylic paint: the short answer
Define your project first, then compare the number of colours and the volume of each tube. Check whether the specific paint is suitable for your surface and way of working. If you are planning several large pieces, a small volume may run out quickly; for small practice exercises, however, an especially broad set is not always necessary.
For an initial comparison, consider the following:
- Surface: what the manufacturer states about using the paint;
- Colour selection: whether the set contains the essential and frequently used tones you need;
- Tube volume: whether it matches the scale of your planned work;
- Number of colours: whether you prefer ready-made tones or mixing colours;
- Project frequency: whether you are buying for a one-off project or regular painting.
Consider these criteria together. For example, many colours can be useful for a varied palette, but if you mainly use just a few tones, a set with fewer colours can also be a practical choice.
Main selection criteria
Number of colours and palette logic
A large number of colours in a set gives you more ready-made options, but it does not automatically mean better results. Think about your next piece: are you planning a landscape, a decorative composition, a portrait or an exercise in colour mixing? Check not only the quantity but also whether you will use most of the included colours.
If you want to learn colour mixing, a relatively compact palette can help you create your own tones. If you often need different ready-made colours and do not want to mix every tone separately, a broader set may be more convenient.
Volume and a realistic assessment of use
Compare the tube volume shown on the packaging with the size of the canvas or other working surface, the expected number of layers and the number of projects. Pay particular attention to colours you will use for backgrounds or large areas, as their consumption may differ from that of accent tones.
When evaluating a set, look at the volume of each colour as well as the total volume. Many small tubes and fewer larger tubes meet different needs, so the overall size of the set alone does not give you the full picture.
Information on the packaging and product page
When choosing, read the product name, description and instructions on the packaging. If working on a particular surface or using a specific technique matters to you, check the relevant manufacturer’s instructions before deciding. A choice based on assumptions often creates mismatched expectations.
Size, material and intended use
Here, “size” means two things: how many colours the set contains and the volume of each tube. Both details have a practical impact. More colours expand the palette, while tube volume determines whether the set is suitable for a small sketch, a medium-sized piece or several projects.
For “material,” the main consideration is the working surface. Canvas, paper and other bases may require different preparation and working methods. Choose the surface first, then check the product instructions for compatibility. The surface should be clean and prepared for work in the way required by the chosen material.
Define the intended use clearly as well. For learning, the priority may be colour mixing and a controlled number of tones. For colourful decorative compositions, more ready-made colours reduce the need to recreate every tone from scratch. For regular work, the volume of frequently used colours needs particular attention.
How to compare options step by step
Step one: describe the project in one sentence—its surface, size, colour character and approximate number of pieces. This short note will help you focus on your actual needs rather than attractive packaging when making your choice.
Step two: list the essential colours and mark preferred additional tones separately. This makes it easy to see which set covers your main needs and which offers colours you may use only rarely.
Step three: compare the volume of each tube. If two sets contain different numbers of colours, keep volume as a separate criterion. More colours and more paint are not the same thing.
Step four: check the exact product name and the information on its page. In Lumino’s acrylic paint collection, you can view options gathered in the relevant category and start comparing them using your own criteria.
Step five: compare only confirmed specifications. For example, the Mont Marte 18-colour acrylic paint set contains 18 colours, each with a volume of 36 ml. You can consider this format if you want a more compact colour selection.
Another verified option is the Mont Marte 36-colour acrylic paint set, which contains 36 colours in 36 ml tubes. The main confirmed difference between the two options is the number of colours; your choice should be based on your palette and project.
Common mistakes when choosing
Focusing only on the number of colours: a broad palette is useful only if you will actually use it. Identify the essential tones in advance and do not assume that the largest set is always the best.
Overlooking tube volume: two sets may look similar, but comparing the volume of each colour is also essential. This is particularly important when you plan to paint a large background or complete repeated projects.
Not choosing the surface in advance: buying paint and deciding on the working material later creates unnecessary uncertainty. First determine what you will work on, then check the relevant instructions.
Ignoring your own habits: if you enjoy mixing colours, you do not need every ready-made tone. If you want to use different colours quickly, a very limited palette may require more preparation.
Relying on assumptions instead of the description: a product photo does not always reveal the volume, exact quantity or conditions of use. Read the name and available description before deciding.
Practical recommendations before use
Make a short checklist before buying. Include the surface, project size, essential colours, preferred colours and the minimum practical tube volume. Then evaluate every option against exactly the same list.
- Prepare only the colours needed for the current stage;
- When mixing colours, start with small amounts;
- If you will need a particular tone again, note the proportions of the colours used;
- Close the tubes properly after use;
- Follow the instructions on the packaging for storage and use;
- Before starting your first piece, test your chosen colour and technique on a small area.
If you do not yet know exactly how many colours you will use, create a simple colour sketch of the planned piece. This will quickly show whether you need a broad ready-made palette or can achieve the desired result by mixing a few basic colours.
Conclusion—start with the project
The best choice is not the set with the most colours or the largest packaging, but the one that best suits your task. Compare the working surface, essential colours, volume of each tube, project scale and your own working style.
If you list these criteria in advance, the difference between the 18- and 36-colour options will also become clearer. Before making a final decision, check the exact information on the product page and choose a palette whose colours and volume you will actually use.
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