Not all watercolors are created equal. Depending on the types of pigments used and how they are processed and formulated, the quality of watercolors can range from paints designed for children to those ideal for discerning artists. Professional-grade paints use high-quality pigments and use little to no fillers or extenders; It should also provide superior lightfastness. Although available in pan form, watercolor paints in tubes are a convenient way to build a painting and have more control over your application. Try one or all of our favorite brands, and review below.
1. Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Set
If you’re happy with a classic European color palette, the Winsor & Newton line is a studio staple. This highly reliable, professional series is made with finely milled pigments to give remarkably uniform smoothness across its 108 shades, 79 of which are mono-pigmented. The resulting strokes are bright, clean and do not display granulation. Paints carry a high pigment load and can be easily diluted with water for wet-on-wet techniques. This set contains 24 5-milliliter tubes in colors such as Payne’s Gray, French Ultramarine, and Burnt Sienna.
2. Holbein Watercolor Collection
Made in Japan and cheaper than our top pick, Holbein Watercolors are generally the most saturated of the brands listed here. The paints are buttery and thick, and like Winsor & Newton’s, they are milled to be grain-free. The colors are strikingly vibrant and can be toned without stippling, instead spreading evenly. Because these paints lack bitterness (a wetting agent), they lift easily and are among the most forgiving of professional paints. Holbein offers plenty of colors—108 in total—but only half of them are single-pigment paints. This set of 24 is a thoughtful mix of monochromatic and mixed colours.
3. Sakura Koi Assorted Watercolor Tubes Set
Even if you’re a professional, it can be a good idea to have a set of watercolors that you shouldn’t feel overpriced for. For a more affordable selection of paints that still use trusted, carefully selected pigments, we love this one from Sakura. Although the paints are not lightweight, they are highly concentrated. You only need a small amount to create a vivid color, and it displays beautiful transparency. This set of 18 tubes provides a useful range of colors for the novice watercolor painter.
4. Daniel Smith Basics Mixing Kit
The competition is tough when it comes to professional aquatic brands, and Daniel Smith outshines other competitors for the top spot here. The main reason: With 260 shades, this Seattle-based brand offers not only the most comprehensive but also the most interesting range of pigments, from Quinacridone Gold to Luminous Moonglow. Of these, 206 are made with single pigments. After being carefully obtained, the pigments are finely hand-milled into the paints using granules that vary by color to bring out the unique properties of the particles. These watercolors move freely without diminishing color or separating the car, and can be easily refilled. (Note, however, that some may find these highly-grained pigments more difficult to blend and control.) This set of six shades in five millimeter tubes plus a one-ounce bottle of ground titanium white makes a thoughtful introduction to the brand.
5. Sennelier French Watercolor Tube Set
Sennelier Watercolors are formulated with honey to produce smooth, glossy paints that are easy to reshape. The French company’s recipe results in a finer paint, and while the pigments are ground to a very fine consistency, they don’t have the best dispersion and aren’t ideal for wet applications. However, if you don’t frequently make big washes and like to paint in the air, these are great paints that display a saturated cream color. This travel set comes with 12 tubes of 10ml in primary colors, a box with two mixing areas, and a brush.
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