Buying Watercolor Paints Is Like Buying a Car: Here’s What to Pick

Buying watercolor paints is a lot like buying a car. You step onto the lot and every shiny model looks amazing. The sleek sports car, the rugged SUV, the little convertible with balloons tied to the mirrors—they all scream “take me home!” But once you’ve kicked the tires, you realize only a few are actually worth driving off the lot.

And let’s be real—you don’t want to get stuck with the beater in the back row either. Cheapest isn’t always best. The trick is finding paints that balance quality, reliability, and price… so you don’t regret the ride.

My Go-To Watercolor Paints (The Reliable Rides)

I’ve test-driven a lot of paints over the years—some were smooth rides, others sputtered out quick. Here are the two “cars” I keep in my paint garage:

• Holbein – Like a luxury sedan: smooth, consistent, and built for the long haul. When I need a soothing gray or a color I can trust every time, Holbein delivers.
• Winsor & Newton – This is the trusty mid-range car. Solid, affordable, and dependable. Think Honda Accord—it may not have a bow on the hood, but it gets the job done beautifully.
• Daniel Smith - Honorable mention for their excellent quality and wide range of available hues.

That’s it. You don’t need the whole dealership—just the couple of models you’ll actually use every day.

Keep Your Palette Minimal (No Need to Buy the Whole Lot)

Here’s where I messed up early on: I bought every color on the lot thinking I was the next Van Gogh.. Before long, I had a drawer full of “flashy cars” I never drove.

Truth is, you only need six paint hues, or what I call the 6 primary palette. See the image below that shows a color wheel using a proper assortment of hues. Remember when we were to blue plus red equals purple? Uh, no! That's not exactly true. Here's a great lesson for learning to mix watercolor using 6 primary palette.

• Warm hues: Yellow ochre , Ultramarine blue, and Cadmium red light
• Cool hues: Lemon yellow, Cobalt blue and Alizarin crimson
• Neutrals: Burnt Sienna and Neutral tint
• Optional: a small tube of white gouache for highlights.

That’s it. A simple, minimal palette is like owning a reliable car—you’ll use it every day and it’ll take you anywhere you want to go.

👉 If you’re just starting out, check out my top picks for Best Watercolor Paper or a useful guide to The Best Watercolor Brushes.

Where I Buy My Paints - My Trusted Dealer

For 20+ years, I’ve bought my paints from Blick Art Materials. They’ve never steered me wrong.

• Huge selection
• Reliable shipping
• Helpful customer service when things go sideways

And unlike the stereotypical car dealer, these folks actually know art. They’re artists themselves, so you’re buying from people who understand what you need, not just selling you the “balloon-wrapped display model.”

Storage Tips (Maintenance Mode)

Even the best paints need a little upkeep. Think of this as your “oil change” routine:

• Snug those caps tight—don’t let the paint dry out.
• Keep tubes in a bag or container (Ziploc works).
• Store them in a cool, dry spot.

Do this, and your paints will last for years—just like a well-maintained car that keeps purring down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions About Watercolor Paints

Q: What’s the deal with student vs. professional paints?
A: Student paints are like economy cars with crank windows—they’ll work, but you’ll notice the difference. Professional paints (Holbein, Winsor & Newton Pro) are richer, smoother, and just more fun to drive (er, paint with).

Q: How many colors do I actually need?
A: Six primaries + a couple neutrals. That’s it. More tubes just means more clutter in your “paint garage.”

Q: Tubes or pans?
A: Tubes = juicy, strong color. Pans = portable and easy to pack. It’s like choosing between an SUV and a hatchback—depends on how you roll.

Q: Do watercolors expire?
A: Nope. Even dried tubes can usually be reactivated with water. Some artists still use “vintage” tubes from decades ago.

Q: Where’s the best place to buy?
A: Blick. Been with them over 20 years. Reliable, fair prices, and real humans who know their stuff.

People Also Ask

What are the best watercolor paints for beginners?
Winsor & Newton Cotman if you’re on a budget, Holbein or Daniel Smith if you want to start strong.

What watercolor set should I buy first?
Keep it minimal: six primaries + neutrals. Like buying your first reliable car—you don’t need bells and whistles, just something that runs.

Can I mix student and pro paints?
Yep! Many artists do. Just know the pro stuff will always feel smoother and richer.

Do I need white watercolor paint?
Not usually—the paper is your white. But I keep a little white gouache for highlights and touch-ups.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to watercolor paints, don’t let the showroom dazzle fool you. Stick with a couple of proven brands, keep your palette minimal, and treat your paints with a little care.

At the end of the day, it’s not about owning the fanciest balloon-wrapped sports car on the lot. It’s about having the right ride that gets you where you want to go—smooth, reliable, and ready for the next adventure on paper.

👉 Next stop: check out my Free Watercolor Painting Course or cruise through the Watercolor Tutorials Hub to keep building your skills.

👉 Follow me on Pinterest for daily watercolor inspiration!