A professional oil paint set for artists should offer reliable color, useful tube sizes, and a palette that suits the way you paint. Gamblin Artist Oil Colors Introductory Set is my best overall pick for its artist-focused range and substantial 37 ml tubes, while Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Colour Introductory Set stands out for painters who prefer a focused selection from an established artist-color line. For large quantities, Paul Rubens Oil Paint Set offers 40 colors in 50 ml tubes, though a large palette is not automatically a better one. The main tradeoffs are pigment quality versus color count, and compact starter assortments versus generous tube volume. Read on for the full breakdown and guidance on matching a set to your practice.
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Key Takeaways
- Gamblin and Winsor & Newton offer focused artist-color assortments, making them stronger starting points for painters who value a purposeful palette over the highest color count.
- Tube size changes the value of an assortment: Paul Rubens and PHOENIX Studio provide 50 ml tubes, while several compact sets use 12 ml tubes that are easier to sample but run out sooner.
- More colors do not guarantee a more useful professional set. The 40- and 48-color options offer variety, but painters who mix deliberately may prefer fewer, more thoughtfully chosen colors.
- Portrait specialists have a clearer match in ZenART‘s 8-color set, which prioritizes a concentrated palette and large tubes over broad color coverage.
- Beginner-friendly packaging and non-toxic labeling are separate from artist-level performance. Check product details and safety information for your own needs rather than treating either label as proof of professional-grade paint.
| professional oil paint set for artist | Paint type | Brand | Tube size |
|---|---|---|---|
| RoseArt Premium Oil Paint Set | Oil | — | .4 oz each |
| Rembrandt Oil Colour Basic Pai | Oil | Rembrandt | 15 ml (0.5 oz.) |
| Gamblin Artist Oil Colors Intr | Oil | Gamblin | 37 ml each |
| MyArtscape Oil Paint Set | Oil | MyArtscape | 12 ml |
| Magicfly Oil Paint Set | Oil | Magicfly | 18 ml (0.6 oz) |
| Castle Art Supplies 24-Color O | Oil | Castle Art Supplies | — |
| Elan Professional Oil Paint Se | Oil | Elan | 1.7 oz (50 ml) |
| MEEDEN Non-Toxic Oil Paint Set | Oil | MEEDEN | 22 ml / 0.74 fl oz |
| PHOENIX Oil Paint Set | Oil | PHOENIX | — |
| Paul Rubens Oil Paint Set | Oil | Paul Rubens | 50 ml |
| ZenART Portrait Palette Profes | Oil | ZenART Supplies | 50 ml (1.7 fl oz) each |
| PHOENIX Studio Oil Paint Set | Oil | PHOENIX | 50 ml each |
| MyArtscape Artist Oil Paint Se | Oil | MyArtscape | — |
| Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil C | Oil | Winsor & Newton | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
RoseArt Premium Oil Paint Set – 24 Colors, Maximum Strength Pigmented Oil Paints for Casual to Professional Artists
I’d choose the RoseArt set when color range matters more than tube volume. Its 24 shades give artists more ready-to-use options than the Rembrandt Basic set’s 10 colors, while the buttery consistency is described as suitable for blending, layering, and texture. That makes it a practical choice for painters who want to explore varied mixes without starting from a short foundational palette. The tradeoff is the .4 oz tubes: they hold less paint than the 15 ml Rembrandt tubes and far less than the larger tubes in some other sets in this roundup. Despite its professional-facing title and artist-grade description, frequent painters may run through favored colors quickly. I’d rank it as a color-variety pick, not the strongest choice for sustained, high-volume studio work.
Pros:- Offers 24 distinct colors for a wider starting palette than compact 9- or 10-color sets.
- Described as highly pigmented for vivid, saturated color.
- Buttery consistency supports blending, layering, and texture work.
- Suitable for use on canvas, wood, and paper.
Cons:- The .4 oz tubes provide less paint than the 15 ml tubes in the Rembrandt set.
- Heavy users may need to replace frequently used colors sooner.
- The supplied product details do not identify the individual colors.
Best for: Artists who want a broad 24-color selection for occasional painting, color exploration, and small or medium studies.
Not ideal for: High-volume studio painters who rely on a few staple colors and need larger tubes to reduce how often they restock.
- Paint type:Oil
- Artist grade:Yes
- Number of colors:24
- Tube size:.4 oz each
- Total tubes:24
- Texture:Rich and buttery
- Recommended surfaces:Canvas, wood, and paper
Our verdict“Choose RoseArt if you value 24 ready-to-use colors in a compact set, but look to a larger-tube option for regular studio production.”
Rembrandt Oil Colour Basic Paint Set, 10 × 15 ml Tubes
The Rembrandt set suits painters who prefer a deliberate, compact palette over a large assortment of ready-made hues. Its 10 colors cover key warm and cool pigments, plus titanium white, burnt sienna, and ivory black, giving artists room to mix rather than depend on dozens of premixed shades. The paints use finely ground pigments in linseed or safflower oil and are listed for canvas, paper, and board. Compared with the 24-color RoseArt set, Rembrandt offers fewer colors but slightly larger 15 ml tubes; compared with Gamblin’s introductory set, it provides one more color but no included painting panel. The limitation is clear: artists who need broad color choice straight from the tube or generous quantities may find this basic set restrictive.
Pros:- Finely ground pigments support a focused artist palette.
- Includes 10 foundational colors spanning yellows, reds, blues, green, earth color, white, and black.
- 15 ml tubes are larger than the .4 oz tubes in the RoseArt set.
- Listed for use on canvas, paper, and board.
Cons:- Ten colors offer less immediate variety than the RoseArt or MyArtscape sets.
- Each color is limited to 15 ml, which may not suit frequent painting.
- The supplied details specify indoor use.
Best for: Painters building a controlled mixing palette who want finely ground pigments in a small set of standard colors.
Not ideal for: Artists who need many ready-mixed hues, larger paint quantities, or a starter package that includes a painting surface.
- Brand:Rembrandt
- Paint type:Oil
- Number of tubes:10
- Tube size:15 ml (0.5 oz.)
- Included colours:Titanium white, permanent lemon yellow, permanent yellow medium, permanent red light, permanent Madder medium, ultramarine deep, severs blue, permanent green deep, burnt sienna, ivory black
- Binder:Linseed or safflower oil
- Recommended surfaces:Canvas, paper, and board
- Usage:Indoor
Our verdict“Pick Rembrandt if you want a compact, mix-first palette with finely ground pigments rather than a large collection of premixed colors.”
Gamblin Artist Oil Colors Introductory Set, 9 Tubes, 37 ml
Gamblin’s set earns its place for artists who want fewer colors in notably larger tubes, rather than the widest shade count. Each of its nine colors comes in a 37 ml tube, which is more than twice the volume of Rembrandt’s 15 ml tubes and well above the small RoseArt tubes. The warm-and-cool selection includes pigments such as yellow ochre, ultramarine blue, and burnt umber, and the pre-primed birch panel gives a new project a ready surface. That makes the set more of a focused working start than a color sampler. Its tradeoff is breadth: MyArtscape supplies 48 colors for painters who want many hues without mixing, while Gamblin provides only one tube of each color. I’d choose this for foundational mixing and a first panel, not maximum variety.
Pros:- Nine 37 ml tubes provide substantially more paint per color than the Rembrandt 15 ml set.
- Warm and cool colors support foundational color mixing.
- Includes a pre-primed birch painting panel.
- Richly pigmented paints are made in the USA.
Cons:- Only nine colors are included, fewer than the RoseArt and MyArtscape sets.
- There is just one tube of each color, so heavy use of a staple color can leave the palette unbalanced.
- The included panel is a single painting surface, not a supply of replacement panels.
Best for: Artists starting a serious oil-painting practice who want larger tubes of core colors and an included primed panel.
Not ideal for: Painters who want a broad selection of ready-mixed shades, duplicate tubes of staples, or a large palette for frequent production.
- Brand:Gamblin
- Paint type:Oil
- Number of paint tubes:9
- Tube size:37 ml each
- Included colors:Cadmium Yellow Light, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Umber, Cadmium Red Light, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Viridian, Ivory Black, Titanium White
- Included panel:Pre-primed birch painting panel
- Made in:USA
Our verdict“Choose Gamblin if you want a focused palette with generous tube sizes and a ready-to-paint panel, rather than maximum color count.”
MyArtscape Oil Paint Set, 48 Colors, 12 ml Tubes
For painters who want an extensive assortment at hand, MyArtscape’s 48 colors outpace every other set in this five-product group. That breadth can help artists test color relationships and work across varied subjects without mixing every hue from a handful of basics. The paints are described as rich in pigment, smooth to blend, lightfast, and glossy, which gives the set a different appeal from the more focused Gamblin nine-color palette. The compromise is tube size: each color is 12 ml, less than Rembrandt’s 15 ml and far less than Gamblin’s 37 ml. MyArtscape therefore favors range over paint volume per shade. Its indoor recommendation and stated lack of water resistance also make it a less suitable choice for work that needs exposure to moisture.
Pros:- 48 colors provide more ready-to-use variety than the other sets in this group.
- Rich pigments and smooth blending support a range of techniques.
- Colors are described as lightfast.
- 12 ml tubes offer more paint per color than the .4 oz RoseArt tubes.
Cons:- 12 ml tubes hold less paint per color than the Rembrandt 15 ml and Gamblin 37 ml options.
- The paint is listed as not water resistant.
- Recommended use is indoor.
Best for: Artists who work across varied subjects and want many ready-to-use colors for exploration, studies, or mixed-skill studio use.
Not ideal for: Painters who prefer a small mixing palette with larger tubes, or who need paint described as water resistant or suitable for outdoor use.
- Brand:MyArtscape
- Paint type:Oil
- Number of colors:48
- Tube size:12 ml
- Total volume:19.48 fluid ounces
- Finish:Gloss
- Water resistance:Not water resistant
- Recommended use:Indoor
Our verdict“Choose MyArtscape when a large ready-made palette matters more than having generous quantities of each individual color.”
Magicfly Oil Paint Set, 40 Colors, 18 ml Tubes
Magicfly is the most specialized choice here: its 40-color palette includes metallic gold and silver, and the set adds two extra white tubes. Those details suit artists who expect to use metallic accents or go through white quickly, while the 18 ml tubes provide more paint per color than MyArtscape’s 12 ml tubes. It also has a thick, creamy texture described as easy to blend. By comparison, Gamblin’s nine-color set prioritizes larger tubes of a traditional palette and includes a birch panel; Magicfly puts its emphasis on shade count and decorative options instead. The tradeoff is a less focused set for painters who mainly mix from core colors. Its stated indoor use and lack of water resistance also rule it out for work needing moisture exposure.
Pros:- 40 colors include metallic gold and silver for decorative accents.
- Two extra white tubes provide additional supply of a commonly used color.
- 18 ml tubes hold more than the 12 ml tubes in the MyArtscape set.
- Thick, creamy consistency is described as blending smoothly.
Cons:- The large assortment may be less useful to painters who prefer mixing from a smaller core palette.
- Listed as not water resistant.
- Specified for indoor use.
Best for: Artists, teachers, and hobby painters who want many colors, metallic accents, and spare white for indoor canvas work.
Not ideal for: Painters seeking a compact professional mixing palette, an included painting surface, or paint described as water resistant or outdoor-suitable.
- Brand:Magicfly
- Paint type:Oil
- Number of colors:40
- Tube size:18 ml (0.6 oz)
- Included colors:Includes metallic gold and silver
- Extra tubes:Two extra white tubes
- Surface recommendation:Canvas
- Safety standard:Conforms to ASTM D-4236
Our verdict“Pick Magicfly if metallic shades and extra white are useful to your practice; choose Gamblin instead for a more focused palette and included panel.”
Castle Art Supplies 24-Color Oil Paint Set, 12 ml Tubes
Castle Art Supplies pairs a 24-color palette with practical learning materials, making it a more supported starting point than PHOENIX’s similarly sized 24-tube set. The guide booklet, tutorial leaflet, and tester sheet give newer oil painters ways to explore color and handling before committing to a canvas. Its smooth, highly pigmented paint is described as suitable for blending and palette-knife work, while the lightfast feature favors artists who want colors intended to hold up over time. The tradeoff is tube quantity: at 12 ml each, it offers less paint per color than Elan’s 50 ml tubes. The listed 24-hour dry time may also frustrate painters who want a quicker turnaround, and the product data does not specify a consistent drying time for every color.
Pros:- 24 colors offer a useful range for mixing and exploring palettes
- Smooth consistency is suited to blending and palette-knife application
- Lightfast feature supports artists focused on lasting color
- Includes a guide booklet, tutorial leaflet, tester sheet, and presentation box
Cons:- 12 ml tubes provide less paint per color than Elan’s 50 ml tubes
- The stated 24-hour dry time may not suit artists seeking faster layering
- The supplied details do not identify individual pigment names or lightfastness grades
Best for: Newer oil painters who want a broad palette plus printed guidance and a tester sheet for practicing techniques.
Not ideal for: Artists who use large amounts of paint per session or need larger tubes; Elan’s 50 ml format provides much more paint per color.
- Brand:Castle Art Supplies
- Paint type:Oil
- Colors:24
- Tube volume:12 ml per tube
- Total volume:9.73 fluid ounces
- Recommended surface:Canvas
- Listed dry time:24 hours
- Included items:Guide booklet, tutorial leaflet, tester sheet, presentation box
- Model number:CASOP24
Our verdict“Choose Castle Art Supplies if you want a compact 24-color set with learning aids, but pick a larger-tube set if paint volume matters more.”
Elan Professional Oil Paint Set, 24 Colors, 1.7 oz Tubes
Elan’s main advantage is quantity: its 24 colors come in 50 ml tubes, a much larger format than Castle Art Supplies’ 12 ml tubes and MEEDEN’s 22 ml tubes. That makes it a more practical choice for artists who paint large canvases, repeat studies, or rely heavily on a few colors. The set is described as highly pigmented for rich coverage on canvas and paper, and color-coded tubes can make palette changes easier to manage. The tradeoff is that Elan focuses on paint rather than a ready-to-use kit: unlike Castle Art Supplies, it includes no tutorials or tester sheet. It is listed for indoor use, which limits its fit for work planned for outdoor display, and the provided information gives little detail about pigments, lightfastness, or drying behavior.
Pros:- 50 ml tubes provide substantially more paint per color than the 12 ml and 22 ml sets here
- 24 colors supply a broad working palette
- Color-coded tubes make colors easier to identify during painting
- Described as highly pigmented for rich coverage on canvas and paper
Cons:- No tutorial materials or other painting accessories are included
- Listed for indoor use, limiting its suitability for outdoor-use needs
- Provided data does not specify lightfastness, pigment details, or drying time
Best for: Artists who regularly use generous amounts of paint and want 24 colors in larger tubes for sustained studio work.
Not ideal for: Painters seeking guidance, included accessories, or detailed pigment and lightfastness information; Castle Art Supplies includes learning materials.
- Brand:Elan
- Paint type:Oil
- Colors:24
- Tube size:1.7 oz (50 ml)
- Total volume:40.6 fl oz
- Suitable surfaces:Canvas and paper
- Finish:Gloss
- Indoor/outdoor use:Indoor
- Model number:OIL-24×50
Our verdict“Pick Elan when larger tubes matter more than bundled guidance or detailed pigment information.”
MEEDEN Non-Toxic Oil Paint Set, 24 Colors
MEEDEN stands out for its stated safety certifications, with AP, CE, and ASTM D-4236 listed alongside a 24-color palette. That documentation gives buyers a clearer safety-label reference than the product details supplied for Castle Art Supplies, though it does not replace careful studio handling or ventilation. The 22 ml tubes sit between Castle Art Supplies’ 12 ml format and Elan’s 50 ml tubes, offering more paint per color than the former without matching Elan’s larger supply. A smooth, buttery consistency is presented as helpful for mixing and canvas work. However, the listed one-hour dry time may be at odds with expectations for traditional oil-paint handling, and the set is identified as not water resistant and intended for indoor use. It is a safety-information-led option, not the strongest pick for large-scale production.
Pros:- Lists AP, CE, and ASTM D-4236 certifications
- 24 colors support broad mixing choices
- 22 ml tubes hold more paint per color than Castle Art Supplies’ 12 ml tubes
- Smooth, buttery consistency is described as suitable for mixing
Cons:- Not water resistant, according to the product details
- Listed for indoor use rather than outdoor work
- The stated one-hour dry time may not suit artists seeking slower oil-paint handling
Best for: Artists who want a 24-color oil set with stated AP, CE, and ASTM D-4236 certifications and mid-sized tubes.
Not ideal for: Painters needing water-resistant finished work, outdoor use, or large quantities of each color; Elan provides larger tubes.
- Brand:MEEDEN
- Paint type:Oil
- Colors:24
- Tube size:22 ml / 0.74 fl oz
- Recommended surface:Canvas
- Certifications:AP, CE, ASTM D-4236
- Coverage:12–14.5 square meters per liter
- Listed dry time:1 hour
- Water resistance:Not water resistant
Our verdict“Choose MEEDEN for its stated safety certifications and mid-sized tubes, but skip it if water resistance or outdoor use is a priority.”
PHOENIX Oil Paint Set – 24x12ml Tubes, Non-toxic Oil Based Paints for Artists & Beginners
PHOENIX is the technique-focused pick among the smaller-tube sets: its thick, creamy consistency is described as suitable for wet-into-wet work, glazing, and textured applications. The stated surfaces—canvas, oil color pad, and wood panels—also offer more documented support for panel work than Castle Art Supplies, which lists canvas. Its 24 colors are formulated with finely ground pigments and described as highly saturated and lightfast, while EN 71 and ASTM-4236 certifications are listed. The compromise is supply: the 12 ml tubes are much smaller than Elan’s 50 ml format or Paul Rubens’ 50 ml tubes. The product details also flag slow drying and moderate coverage, so artists seeking quick layered studies or one-coat opacity may prefer another option.
Pros:- Thick, creamy consistency is suited to texture and blending
- Described as highly saturated and lightfast
- Listed for canvas, oil color pads, and wood panels
- EN 71 and ASTM-4236 certifications are specified
Cons:- 12 ml tubes offer less paint per color than Elan and Paul Rubens
- Slow drying can extend the wait between layers
- Moderate coverage may require multiple coats for full opacity
Best for: Artists and beginners who want a compact palette for textured brushwork, wet-into-wet painting, or work on canvas and wood panels.
Not ideal for: Painters who need large quantities, quick-drying paint, or dependable single-coat opacity; Elan and Paul Rubens offer larger tubes.
- Brand:PHOENIX
- Paint type:Oil
- Quantity:24 tubes
- Volume per tube:12 ml (0.4 fl oz)
- Total volume:10.08 fluid ounces
- Suitable surfaces:Canvas, oil color pad, wood panels
- Safety certifications:EN 71, ASTM-4236
- Target audience:Adults and beginners
- Model number:PO2412
Our verdict“Choose PHOENIX for textured techniques and flexible listed surfaces, but look to larger-tube sets for sustained, high-volume painting.”
Paul Rubens Oil Paint Set, 40 Colors, 50 ml Tubes
Paul Rubens offers the broadest palette in this group, with 40 colors in 50 ml tubes. Compared with Elan’s 24 colors at the same stated tube size, it gives artists more ready-mixed choices and may reduce the need to build every hue from a smaller core palette. Its creamy, coverage-focused paint is described as blending smoothly while retaining brushstrokes and palette-knife marks, a useful combination for artists who want both mixing flexibility and visible texture. The tradeoff is drying time: the supplied data lists 250 hours, with paintings potentially taking 7–14 days to dry. That makes it a poor match for fast production schedules. The set is listed for canvas, while its product description also names painted wood panels; its non-toxic feature is listed, but no specific certification is provided.
Pros:- 40 colors provide more premixed choices than Elan’s 24-color set
- 50 ml tubes offer a substantial amount of each color
- Creamy paint is described as blending smoothly with strong coverage
- Retains brushstrokes and palette-knife marks for textured work
Cons:- Listed dry time is 250 hours, with paintings potentially taking 7–14 days to dry
- The slow drying schedule may delay layering and completion
- Specific safety certifications and individual pigment details are not supplied
Best for: Studio painters who want many ready-to-use colors, generous 50 ml tubes, and paint that can preserve visible brush or knife marks.
Not ideal for: Artists working to short deadlines or wanting paint to dry quickly between layers; PHOENIX is also described as slow drying, but Paul Rubens lists a lengthy drying time.
- Brand:Paul Rubens
- Paint type:Oil
- Color count:40
- Tube size:50 ml
- Total volume:2000 ml
- Finish:Matte
- Special feature:Non-toxic
- Listed dry time:250 hours
- Recommended surface:Canvas
Our verdict“Choose Paul Rubens for a wide, large-tube studio palette and expressive texture, but not for quick-turnaround painting.”
ZenART Portrait Palette Professional Oil Paint Set, 8 × 50 ml
I’d choose the ZenART Portrait Palette when a focused range of skin, earth, and mixing colors matters more than having a large ready-made palette. Its eight 50 ml tubes give portrait painters generous working quantities, while the buttery consistency supports blending and wet-on-wet work without requiring extra medium. Compared with Winsor & Newton’s ten-color introductory set, ZenART offers fewer hues but larger tubes and a selection centered on portrait and natural tones. Its vegan, cruelty-free formulation is another point of distinction. The tradeoff is range: artists seeking bright, varied colors for subjects beyond portraits may find the palette restrictive, and these are traditional, non-water-mixable oils intended for primed surfaces. I’d also plan for the stated drying time of about 24 hours.
Pros:- Eight colors are selected with portrait and realistic skin-tone painting in mind.
- Large 50 ml tubes provide more paint per color than the 21 ml Winsor & Newton introductory set.
- Buttery consistency supports blending and wet-on-wet application.
- Described as vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic.
Cons:- Eight-color selection limits immediate color variety for subjects outside portrait and earth-tone work.
- Not water-mixable, so it does not suit artists seeking water cleanup.
- Use is specified for primed surfaces suitable for oil painting.
Best for: Portrait painters who want large tubes of skin-tone and earth-color staples for blending on primed canvas or board.
Not ideal for: Artists who need a broad, vivid color range, water-mixable paints, or paints for unprimed surfaces.
- Brand:ZenART Supplies
- Paint type:Oil
- Number of colors:8
- Tube size:50 ml (1.7 fl oz) each
- Colors included:Zinc-Titanium White, Yellow Ochre, Vermillion, Permanent Red, Chromium Oxide, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Blue, Raw Umber
- Dry time:24 hours
- Surface compatibility:Primed canvas, board, metal, and paper
- Safety and materials:Non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free
Our verdict“Choose ZenART if portrait work and generous quantities of a focused earth-tone palette matter more than broad color choice.”
PHOENIX Studio Oil Paint Set, 40 Colors, 50 ml Each
The PHOENIX Studio set is the scale-first choice here: 40 colors in 50 ml tubes supply both breadth and substantial volume for artists who paint often or work across large surfaces. Its thick, creamy consistency can support textured strokes as well as blending, while strong tinting means a little paint may go a long way when mixing. Compared with the ZenART Portrait Palette, PHOENIX is much better suited to varied subjects and frequent color changes; ZenART’s smaller, portrait-focused selection is the more targeted option. PHOENIX’s stated suitability for canvas, fabric, and wood adds flexibility, but the 4 kg set is a substantial studio purchase to store and handle. Its slow drying time can help with extended blending, yet it may frustrate painters working to a quick deadline.
Pros:- Forty colors provide broad choice for mixing and working across different subjects.
- Each color comes in a large 50 ml tube.
- Thick, creamy paint supports blending and textured application.
- Listed as lightfast and suitable for canvas, fabric, wood, and other surfaces.
Cons:- The 4 kg set takes considerable storage and is less practical for a compact workspace.
- Slow drying may impede projects that need faster layering or completion.
- The large color selection may be more than a focused or occasional painter needs.
Best for: Artists who regularly paint on large canvases or varied surfaces and want a broad palette with substantial quantities of each color.
Not ideal for: Painters with limited storage, those wanting a small introductory selection, or anyone who needs oil paint to dry quickly.
- Brand:PHOENIX
- Paint type:Oil
- Number of colors:40
- Tube size:50 ml each
- Item weight:4 kg
- Consistency:Thick and creamy
- Suitable surfaces:Canvas, fabric, wood, and other painting surfaces
- Certifications:EN 71 and ASTM D-4236
Our verdict“Pick PHOENIX Studio if you want a high-volume, 40-color palette and can accommodate its weight and slow-drying paint.”
MyArtscape Artist Oil Paint Set, 24 Colors, 21 ml Tubes
MyArtscape lands between compact introductory sets and high-volume options: 24 colors in 21 ml tubes give artists a useful range without the bulk of PHOENIX Studio’s 40 large tubes. The creamy paint is described as suitable for both blending and textured brushwork, so the set can serve painters who move between smooth passages and visible strokes. It also covers canvas, paper, boards, and panels, offering more stated surface choices than the primed-surface-focused ZenART palette. The stated ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 standards provide useful safety information for buyers comparing sets. The compromise is tube volume: 21 ml is less generous than ZenART’s 50 ml tubes, and the set is not water resistant. I’d choose it for color variety and flexibility, not for large-scale, high-consumption work.
Pros:- Twenty-four colors offer more immediate variety than ZenART’s eight-color portrait palette.
- Creamy texture supports both blending and textured brush strokes.
- Listed for use on canvas, paper, boards, and panels.
- Formula meets ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 safety standards.
Cons:- 21 ml tubes hold less paint per color than the 50 ml ZenART and PHOENIX sets.
- Paint is listed as not water resistant.
- The 24-color range is less extensive than PHOENIX Studio’s 40-color selection.
Best for: Developing or established painters who want a 24-color working palette for canvas, paper, boards, and panels without oversized tubes.
Not ideal for: Artists who paint at high volume and need larger tubes, or anyone requiring water-resistant finished paint.
- Brand:MyArtscape
- Paint type:Oil
- Color count:24
- Tube volume:21 ml each
- Finish:Gloss
- Opacity:High opacity
- Recommended surfaces:Canvas, paper, boards, and panels
- Safety standards:ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3
Our verdict“Choose MyArtscape for a versatile 24-color palette and multiple surface options, but look elsewhere for large tubes or water resistance.”
Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Colour Introductory Set – Ten 21 ml Tubes
For artists who want a small, established-brand palette rather than a large assortment, this Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Colour set is the most compact professional-grade choice in this group. Its ten selected colors include useful mixing staples such as Titanium White, Ultramarine, Yellow Ochre, and Burnt Umber, with high-purity pigments and carefully selected drying oils specified for coverage and color stability. Compared with MyArtscape’s 24-color set, it offers fewer ready-made hues but a tighter selection that can suit painters building mixing skills or replenishing core colors. The 21 ml tubes also make it far less bulky than PHOENIX Studio’s 40 × 50 ml assortment. That compactness comes with a clear limit: only ten colors, and the listing says pack contents may vary. The stated 24-hour drying time will not suit every layered workflow.
Pros:- Ten selected colors include core pigments for mixing a range of hues.
- High-purity pigments and selected drying oils are specified for coverage and color stability.
- Compact 21 ml tubes are easier to store than PHOENIX Studio’s 50 ml tubes.
- Listed drying time is about 24 hours.
Cons:- Ten colors provide less immediate variety than MyArtscape’s 24-color set.
- The listing says actual color contents may vary between packs.
- The paint is not waterproof and finished work requires appropriate protection.
Best for: Artists starting a professional-grade oil palette or experienced painters who want a compact set of core colors for mixing.
Not ideal for: Painters who need a wide selection of ready-mixed hues, large quantities, or fixed color contents in every pack.
- Brand:Winsor & Newton
- Paint type:Oil
- Number of tubes:10
- Volume per tube:21 ml (0.71 fl oz)
- Total volume:210 ml (7.1 fl oz)
- Dry time:About 24 hours
- Colors included:Winsor Yellow, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine (Green Shade), Winsor Blue (Red Shade), Winsor Green, Yellow Ochre, Indian Red, Burnt Umber, Ivory Black, Titanium White
- Model number:1290139
Our verdict“Choose Winsor & Newton for a compact professional-grade core palette, but select a larger set if you need more colors or paint volume.”
How We Picked
I compared these sets by the factors that change how useful they are at the easel: stated tube size, palette breadth, likely fit for focused color mixing or direct color variety, and whether the set is positioned for artist or beginner use. I gave more weight to a practical studio palette and substantial tube volume than to a high color count alone. A set can contain many colors yet offer less value to a painter who prefers to mix from a smaller core selection.
The ranking favors sets that appear best suited to sustained studio work and clearly defined painting needs, then distinguishes them from broad-color, entry-level, or specialty options. Product names and descriptions provide limited information about individual pigment composition, lightfastness, and handling, so I do not treat those qualities as confirmed unless they are specified. Buyers should check the manufacturer’s color and safety information before choosing, especially when pigment permanence or handling precautions guide the purchase.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Professional Oil Paint Set For Artists
Choosing an oil paint set is less about finding the biggest box and more about matching its palette, quantity, and stated paint qualities to your actual painting habits. These factors can help you avoid paying for colors or tube volume you will not use.
Choose a palette for your mixing habits
A compact set can be more useful than a large assortment if it gives you the colors you rely on and leaves room to mix the rest. Before buying, check the listed colors against your usual subjects: landscape painters may want dependable greens or the ability to mix them, while portrait painters often need a range of warm and cool earth tones. A set with 40 or more colors may reduce early mixing, but it can also encourage you to reach for premixed hues instead of learning how pigments interact. If the maker lists pigment codes, use them to check whether two colors are close substitutes. Avoid assuming that a color name means the same pigment across brands. For a first professional set, a coherent palette often beats a larger but less purposeful assortment.
Compare tube volume with the amount of paint you use
Tube count can disguise how much paint a set actually supplies: a 40-color set of small tubes may contain less total paint than a smaller set with generous tubes. Estimate your use by painting scale and working method; broad, opaque applications consume paint faster than thin layers or small studies. Larger tubes are sensible for colors you use constantly, but they can sit unused if a color is only occasional. A mixed-size palette can be a better fit than choosing solely by the biggest stated volume. Also check whether the listed size applies to every tube, since assortment formats can differ. Comparing total quantity and color usefulness together gives a fairer picture than counting tubes.
Verify pigment and permanence details
For work intended to last, look beyond a general claim such as professional or artist-grade. Check whether the product information identifies pigments and provides lightfastness ratings, since these details help you judge how a color may behave over time. The same hue name can be made with different pigments, and those pigments can differ in tinting strength, opacity, and permanence. A set description may not provide enough information for every color, so consult the manufacturer’s individual color listings when archival work matters. Do not assume that a higher tube count signals better pigment information. If those details are unavailable, choose a set with transparent product documentation or buy key colors individually from a line that lists them.
Match the paint range to your painting stage
Artists still building confidence may benefit from a moderate, varied set that supports color-mixing practice without requiring a large initial palette. Experienced painters often get more from a smaller set that fits a known working method, then add individual colors as needed. A beginner-oriented label can indicate accessible positioning, but it does not tell you everything about pigment composition or handling. Likewise, a professional label should not replace checking the colors and specifications. If you are changing from student paints, consider buying a few key artist colors first rather than replacing every tube at once. This lets you learn how the new paint behaves before committing to a full set.
Treat safety claims as a starting point
Non-toxic labeling does not mean every pigment is harmless in every form or that routine studio precautions are unnecessary. Read the product’s safety information and pigment labels, particularly if you work around children, have sensitivities, or use solvents and mediums. Avoid eating or drinking near your painting area, keep paint off your skin, and follow the maker’s disposal instructions. Remember that paint and solvent safety are separate issues: a paint set labeled non-toxic does not make every accompanying medium safe to handle casually. If you need a specific safety profile, confirm it for each color rather than relying on a broad front-of-box claim. Ventilation and careful cleanup remain useful habits in any oil-painting workspace.
Decide whether a specialty palette beats a general set
A specialized palette can save time when your subjects and color choices are consistent, but it may leave gaps if you switch between portraiture, still life, and landscape. A portrait-focused eight-color set, for example, can suit painters who want a concentrated range and already know how to mix, but it is less flexible as a sole set for varied subjects. General assortments offer wider immediate coverage, though some included colors may see little use. Consider the next several paintings you expect to make, not every possible project. If a specialty set fits your main work, you can fill gaps with individual tubes later. That approach can be more efficient than buying a broad assortment for hypothetical needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a set with 40 or more colors a better choice for professional painting?
Not by itself. A larger assortment can make it easier to reach a particular hue quickly, but color count does not establish pigment quality, permanence, or consistency. Painters who mix their own colors may get more use from a smaller, well-planned palette, while artists who need varied colors on hand may value the extra options. Compare pigment details and tube sizes along with the number of colors. Choose the broader set only if its added colors match the work you actually make.
Should I choose large tubes or more colors if I paint regularly?
Start with the colors you use most and how quickly you go through them. Large tubes make sense for frequent-use colors and larger paintings, while a broader assortment is helpful when you regularly change subjects or want to test many hues. Sets such as Paul Rubens and PHOENIX Studio list 50 ml tubes, whereas several other options have smaller tubes; that difference affects replenishment as well as variety. A set’s total volume is not enough to decide if much of it consists of colors you rarely use. For a steady practice, a focused palette with larger quantities of core colors can be a better fit than maximum color count.
Can I use a beginner-oriented oil paint set for serious artwork?
Possibly, but the label alone cannot tell you whether a set meets your needs for permanence, pigment strength, or handling. Check individual color information, including pigment identification and lightfastness, if you plan to sell or archive finished paintings. A beginner-oriented set can still support studies and skill-building, particularly when it offers useful colors and workable tube sizes. For long-term projects, you may prefer a line with more detailed manufacturer specifications. You can also keep a starter set for practice and buy documented artist colors for the pigments you rely on most.
Is a portrait-specific set enough as my only oil paint set?
It can be enough if portraiture is your main subject and the listed palette supports the way you mix skin tones, shadows, and background colors. ZenART’s eight-color portrait set is designed around a narrower palette and larger tubes, rather than broad coverage. That focus can be helpful for a painter who already understands mixing, but it may feel limiting for landscapes, bright still lifes, or projects that need a wider range of hues. Check the included colors before purchase and identify any gaps you would need to fill. If your subject matter varies, a general set or a few supplementary tubes may serve you better.
What should I check before relying on a non-toxic claim?
Read the manufacturer’s safety information for the set and, where available, each pigment. A broad non-toxic description does not provide a full account of every color’s ingredients or remove the need for safe handling. Keep paint away from food, avoid skin contact, and follow instructions for cleanup and disposal. Also check the safety of solvents or mediums separately, since those products are not covered by the paint’s label. If a particular pigment or exposure is a concern, choose products with clear documentation rather than relying on a short marketing description.
Conclusion
For the best overall fit, I recommend Gamblin Artist Oil Colors Introductory Set for artists seeking a focused artist-color assortment with 37 ml tubes. For a value-minded broad palette, compare Paul Rubens or PHOENIX Studio, both listed with 40 colors in 50 ml tubes; choose based on the color range and product details that suit your work, not tube count alone. For a premium-focused compact palette, Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Colour Introductory Set is a sensible choice for painters who prefer a recognized artist-color line and ten 21 ml tubes. For beginners, Castle Art Supplies or PHOENIX’s 24-color set offers a manageable color count, though I would check the pigment information before using either for work that needs documented permanence. For portrait specialists, ZenART’s eight-color set is the most targeted option; for painters who want the broadest assortment, MyArtscape’s 48-color set gives the most listed colors, with smaller 12 ml tubes. Match the set to your subject, mixing style, and paint consumption, then add individual colors where your palette needs them.
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