Choosing the right watercolor paints directly impacts the quality of the artwork. The difference between muddy colors and lively washes often comes down to pigment quality and how well the paint flows on paper.
Finding the right watercolors that blend well and don’t fade can be overwhelming.
Whether a beginner or pro, the right supplies ease creativity. Let’s see which brands deliver the best results for different painting styles.
What Sets Professional Watercolor Brands Apart?
Professional watercolor brands stand out because of their pigment concentration. These paints pack more color into every brushstroke, which means richer hues and better coverage.
The best watercolor paints use high-quality binders that keep pigments suspended evenly, so colors stay true without separating or getting chalky.
Lightfastness is another major factor. Professional-grade watercolor sets won’t fade when exposed to light over time. Plus, they reactivate smoothly with water and blend smoothly on paper.
Professional paints also offer better transparency and granulation control.
The color range is wider with more single-pigment options instead of mixed formulas. This gives artists cleaner color mixing and more predictable results.
Watercolor Paint Types
Watercolors come in several forms, each offering a distinct feel, texture, and level of control. Understanding the main types helps you choose the perfect medium for your painting style and setup.
| TYPE | DESCRIPTION | BEST For |
|---|---|---|
| Pan Watercolors | Dried paint cakes activated with water; compact and long-lasting. | Travel sketching, beginners, quick setups. |
| Tube Watercolors | Moist paints in squeezable tubes with strong pigment load. | Studio work, large washes, mixing vibrant colors. |
| Liquid Watercolors | Ready-to-use fluid paints, often very bright and transparent. | Illustrators, calligraphers, and classroom use. |
| Watercolor Pencils | Colored pencils that dissolve with water to create washes. | Detail work, sketchbooks, mixed-media artists. |
| Watercolor Sticks / Crayons | Solid sticks of pigment usable dry or wet. | Expressive mark-making, plein-air painting. |
| Gouache (Opaque Watercolor) | Thicker, matte version of watercolor with more pigment. | Designers, illustrators, and artists need solid coverage. |
| Dot Cards / Samples | Small dots of dried paint for testing or travel use. | Beginners sampling brands, color swatching. |
Best Watercolor Paint Brands
Watercolor paint quality varies by brand, affecting pigment, liveliness, lightfastness, and texture. Top professional brands are trusted by artists for serious work, offering a range of prices, textures, and shades.
1. Daniel Smith
Known for its extensive range of 260 colors, Daniel Smith offers intensely pigmented paints with varying granulating effects.
Their watercolor sets deliver vibrant color and excellent lightfastness, making them a top choice for expressive and professional work.
- Best for: Artists seeking rich color depth and mineral granulation.
- Skill level: Professional / Advanced.
- Notable shades: Moonglow, Serpentine Genuine, Lunar Black, Quinacridone Gold.
2. Winsor and Newton
A classic favorite with dependable performance, Winsor and Newton offers artist-grade and Cotman student lines. The Artist series is prized for consistency, rich pigments, and smooth blending. Cotman provides great value for beginners.
Their watercolor sets have been trusted by artists for over 180 years and maintain reliable quality across their entire range.
- Best for: Reliable everyday painting and clean color mixing.
- Skill level: Beginner to Professional (depends on line).
- Notable shades: Cobalt Blue, Permanent Alizarin Crimson, Payne’s Gray.
3. Schmincke Horadam
Highly praised for their buttery-smooth texture and clean mixing, Schmincke colors are valued for their transparency and subtle granulation.
These watercolors are favored by artists working in fine detail or botanical illustration. The paints use the finest pigments available and are considered among the best watercolor paints for precision work.
- Best for: Precision work, botanical art, and detailed layering.
- Skill level: Intermediate to Professional.
- Notable shades: Cobalt Turquoise, Transparent Orange, Ultramarine Finest.
4. Holbein
Renowned for lively colors with no ox gall, Holbein watercolors allow precise control and layering. They’re popular among artists wanting smooth application and bold pigmentation.
The colors dry just like they look when they’re wet, making it really simple to match colors perfectly.
- Best for: Illustrators, designers, and controlled layering.
- Skill level: Intermediate to Professional.
- Notable shades: Opera, Peacock Blue, Permanent Alizarin Crimson.
5. Sennelier L’Aquarelle
French-made with a honey-based binder, Sennelier paints have a luminous glow and gently flowing texture. They are perfect for fine layering and sketching.
The honey helps keep the paints moist and easy to work with, making it great for creating especially smooth gradients.
- Best for: Soft washes, portrait work, and natural light effects.
- Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate.
- Notable shades: French Vermilion, Ultramarine Deep, Opera Rose.
6. M. Graham
Their honey-based formulas are intensely pigmented and quick to rewet. Artists love them for juicy, saturated washes and bold, fluid effects.
They’re ideal for artists who prefer working with rich, flowing color straight from the pan. Many consider these among the best watercolor paints for expressive techniques.
- Best for: Loose, expressive painting and wet-on-wet effects.
- Skill level: Intermediate to Professional.
- Notable shades: Azo Yellow, Sap Green, Cobalt Teal, Burnt Sienna.
Professional vs Student Grade Paint Quality
The gap between professional and student-grade paints comes down to pigment load and filler content.
Student watercolor sets contain less pigment and more binders, which means colors appear less vibrant and require more layers to achieve depth.
Professional options deliver intense color right away. The best watercolor paints use pure pigments without fillers, so artists need less paint to create bold washes.
Student-grade work lights work fine for practice and experimentation, but they can’t match the luminosity and mixing capabilities of higher-end options. It’s a trade-off between budget and performance.
Tips for Care, Storage, and Shelf Life
Proper care extends the life of watercolor paints and keeps them performing at their best. Storing paints correctly prevents them from drying out or getting contaminated.
- Keep pans and tubes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Close tubes tightly after each use to prevent paint from hardening
- Let pans dry completely before closing the palette to avoid mold growth
- Clean palettes regularly to prevent color contamination
- Tube paints last 5-10 years, while pans can last decades if stored properly
- Rewet dried pans with a spray bottle to restore workability
Finding the Right Price Range
Watercolor prices vary a lot, and choosing the right range depends on your skill level and goals. The table below breaks down how each price level fits different needs.
| PRICE RANGE | WHAT IT INCLUDES | WHO IT SUITS | KEY NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 40 dollars | Mostly student grade sets with lower pigment strength and more binder. | Beginners who are practicing basic skills. | Good for learning without spending much. |
| 50 to 100 dollars | Mid-range paints that blend student-grade and artist-grade quality. | Artists who want better color without high cost. | Offers stronger pigment and better mixing. |
| 100 to 300 plus dollars | Professional sets with high pigment load and long-lasting tubes. | Serious artists who need top results. | Gives bright, rich color and improved performance. |
| Individual tubes | Single colors are bought one at a time. | Anyone building a custom palette. | Saves money by buying only colors you use. |
Final Brushstroke
Selecting the best watercolor paints comes down to understanding pigment quality, brand reputation, and individual painting needs.
Quality watercolors and proper storage ensure vibrant, lasting artwork for any skill level.
From detailed botanical work to loose, expressive washes, there’s a perfect paint for every style. With the right tools in hand, artists can focus on what matters most and bring their creative vision to life.
