The best oil paint sets make it easier to start a palette, replace frequently used colors, or experiment with oil painting without buying every tube separately. The options below range from compact beginner assortments to larger artist-oriented sets with generous tube sizes.
We compared color selection, paint volume, brand reputation, intended user, and overall versatility so you can choose a set that fits your projects, budget, and experience level.
Best 10 Oil Paint Sets Picks for 2026
Best Value Starter
- 24-color palette with versatile mixing options
- Non-toxic formula with brush and palette included
- Portable 12 ml tubes for canvas or paper
Best For: Beginners and hobby painters seeking a broad, portable starter kit
Most Color Variety
Magicfly 40-Color Oil Paint Set
- 40 colors with metallic gold and silver
- 18 ml tubes plus two extra whites
- Thick, creamy texture for canvas mixing
Best For: Artists and students who prioritize palette breadth and larger tubes
Premium Artist Pick
- Nine pigment-rich colors in 37 ml tubes
- American-made and sustainably produced
- Includes a handcrafted birch wood panel
Best For: Adult artists seeking a focused, premium introductory palette
Reliable Classic
Winsor & Newton Winton Basic Set
- 10 assorted colors in 21 ml tubes
- Lightfast, permanent, and intermixable
- High-quality paints at a moderate price
Best For: Painters wanting a compact, dependable brand-name palette
Best High-Volume Set
- 20 colors in 50ml tubes
- Thick, creamy consistency for texture and blending
- Fade-resistant formula for multiple surfaces
Best For: Beginners, classes, and frequent painters needing larger tubes
Best Student Starter Set
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Set
- 10 assorted 37ml tubes
- Good covering power and tinting strength
- Designed for student and amateur artists
Best For: Oil painting practice and introductory study
Best Color Variety
MyArtscape 48-Color Oil Paint Set
- 48 vibrant colors in 12ml tubes
- Smooth application with rich pigments
- Suitable for multiple techniques and surfaces
Best For: Artists wanting broad color variety for classes, studios, and projects
Large-Tube Professional Pick
Paul Rubens 20-Color Oil Paint Set
- 20 highly pigmented colors in generous 50ml tubes
- Creamy texture blends smoothly and retains marks
- Lightfast, non-toxic formulation for varied oil painting projects
Best For: Artists who want substantial paint quantities for repeated canvas and panel work
Classic Starter Set
Winsor & Newton Winton 20-Color Oil Paints
- 20 essential colors for beginner and general studio use
- Stiff, uniform consistency preserves visible marks
- Lightfast pigments support a permanent paint film
Best For: Beginners building a traditional oil-painting color palette
Technique-Friendly Value Set
PHOENIX 24-Color Oil Paint Set
- 24 colors cover common mixing and painting needs
- Thick, creamy paint supports texture and blending
- Suitable for beginners, classes, and technique practice
Best For: Beginners and groups experimenting with oil-painting techniques
Best Value Starter – Ohuhu 24-Color Oil Paint Set
For shoppers comparing oil paint sets, the Ohuhu 24-color kit offers a broad palette in portable 12 ml tubes. It includes commonly used hues for landscapes, portraits, scenery, and abstract work, along with a brush and palette.
Best For: Beginners, hobby painters, and artists who want a versatile, non-toxic starter set for canvas or paper.
Pros:
- Includes 24 vibrant oil-based colors, including Titanium White, primary hues, earth tones, and black.
- Non-toxic formula conforms to ASTM D-4236 and EN71-3 (CE).
- Portable tubes, brush, and palette support painting at home or on the go.
- Colors are described as richly pigmented, smooth, and quick-drying.
Cons:
- Each tube contains 12 ml, less than some larger-format sets.
- Not water-resistant after drying.
Choose this set when color variety, portability, and beginner-friendly features matter more than large individual paint volumes.
Most Color Variety – Magicfly 40-Color Oil Paint Set
Among oil paint sets, the Magicfly kit stands out for its 40-color selection and generous 18 ml tubes. The palette includes primary colors plus metallic gold and silver, while the thick consistency is designed for smooth coverage and mixing on canvas.
Best For: Artists, students, teachers, and hobby painters who want maximum color variety and larger tubes for canvas projects.
Pros:
- Provides 40 rich, vibrant oil-based colors, including metallic gold and silver.
- Includes two extra white tubes for frequent mixing and highlights.
- Thick, creamy paint is designed to glide smoothly and provide strong coverage.
- ASTM D-4236-conforming, non-toxic formula comes in an attractive gift box.
Cons:
- The set is specified for indoor use and canvas applications.
- It does not include painting accessories such as a brush or palette.
This is a practical pick when having many ready-to-use colors and 18 ml tubes is more important than including accessories.
Premium Artist Pick – Gamblin Artist Oil Colors Set
For painters seeking artist-focused oil paint sets, the Gamblin introductory set emphasizes intense, pigment-rich colors and American-made production. The nine-color set uses 37 ml tubes and includes a handcrafted North American birch wood panel.
Best For: Adult artists who value pigment-rich colors, sustainable production, and a premium introductory collection.
Pros:
- Uses luscious, intense, pigment-rich colors designed for lasting results.
- Made in the United States with sustainably produced materials.
- Includes larger 37 ml tubes compared with many starter kits.
- Comes with a handcrafted birch wood panel from sustainable North American forests.
Cons:
- Offers nine colors, fewer than the 24- and 40-color sets in this roundup.
- The supplied details identify a wood panel rather than a broad accessory bundle.
Gamblin is the stronger fit for experienced painters who prefer a focused, premium palette and larger tubes over maximum color count.
Reliable Classic – Winsor & Newton Winton Basic Set
The Winsor & Newton Winton set is a straightforward option for shoppers comparing oil paint sets from an established art brand. It contains 10 individually formulated colors in convenient 21 ml tubes, with lightfast, permanent, and intermixable paints at a moderate price.
Best For: Adult beginners and hobby painters who want a compact, dependable assortment for paper, canvas, and indoor or outdoor projects.
Pros:
- Includes 10 assorted colors in convenient 21 ml tubes.
- Colors are lightfast, permanent, and intermixable with other brands.
- Offers high-quality oil colors at a moderate price.
- Individually formulated, pigmented colors provide a dependable basic palette.
Cons:
- Has fewer colors than the Ohuhu and Magicfly sets.
- The set does not list included brushes, palettes, or other accessories.
Select this set if you want a compact brand-name palette with standard-size tubes and straightforward mixing flexibility.
Best High-Volume Set – PHOENIX Studio Oil Paint Set
If you want an oil paint set with generous tube sizes, the PHOENIX Studio set offers 20 colors in 50ml tubes. Its saturated, finely ground pigments, thick consistency, and slow-drying formula make it practical for blending, texture work, and regular painting sessions.
Best For: Beginners, amateurs, classes, paint parties, and artists who want larger quantities for canvas, wood, paper, or other surfaces.
Pros:
- Includes 20 colors in relatively large 50ml tubes.
- Thick, creamy paint can be used directly for texture or mixed with medium.
- Designed for strong tinting strength, high saturation, and fade resistance.
- Certified to EN 71 and ASTM-4236 standards for adult use.
Cons:
- Offers fewer colors than some larger assortment sets.
- The thick consistency and slow drying time may not suit artists seeking quick-drying paint.
Choose this oil paint set when tube volume and a substantial, buttery consistency matter more than having the widest possible color range. It is a particularly practical option for learning color mixing or painting frequently.
Best Student Starter Set – Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Set
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint, Starter Set, 10 x 37ml Tubes, 1.25 Fl Oz (Pack of 10)
Check Price On AmazonFor artists comparing oil paint sets for study or introductory work, the Winsor & Newton Winton set provides 10 assorted 37ml tubes. It is formulated for student and amateur artists, with a relatively high level of pigmentation for useful covering power and tinting strength.
Best For: Student artists, amateurs, and more accomplished painters who want moderate-cost colors in larger-than-sample-size tubes.
Pros:
- Includes 10 assorted colors in 37ml tubes.
- Offers good covering power and tinting strength.
- Suitable for student and amateur artists.
- Can provide larger volumes of color within a moderate cost range.
Cons:
- Its 10-color selection is less extensive than 48-color sets.
- Listed drying time is up to 168 hours, so it may not suit quick-turnaround projects.
- It is not waterproof.
This is a sensible oil paint set for building foundational skills without jumping straight to a large professional assortment. The 37ml tubes also make it more suitable for repeated practice than very small introductory tubes.
Best Color Variety – MyArtscape 48-Color Oil Paint Set
Among oil paint sets, the MyArtscape kit stands out for its broad 48-color selection. The 12ml tubes contain richly pigmented colors with a smooth application and traditional high-sheen finish, making the set flexible for canvas, paper, wood, classes, and home art projects.
Best For: Beginners, professionals, art classes, studios, and artists who prioritize color variety for landscapes, portraits, impasto, and wet-on-wet techniques.
Pros:
- Provides 48 colors for extensive mixing and project variety.
- Smooth, rich pigment application in convenient 12ml tubes.
- Suitable for canvas, paper, wood, and other listed art projects.
- Lightfast colors are designed for vivid, fade-resistant paintings.
Cons:
- The 12ml tubes contain less paint than the larger PHOENIX and Winton tubes.
- Its listed finish is gloss, which may not suit artists seeking a matte appearance.
- It is not waterproof.
Select this oil paint set when having many color options is more important than maximum paint volume per tube. It is a versatile choice for experimenting with techniques and covering a wide range of subjects.
Large-Tube Professional Pick – Paul Rubens 20-Color Oil Paint Set
For artists comparing oil paint sets, the Paul Rubens collection stands out for its unusually generous 50ml tubes. Its 20 highly pigmented colors have a creamy, buttery consistency that blends smoothly while retaining visible brushstrokes and palette-knife marks.
Best For: Artists, adults, students, and beginners who want ample paint for canvas, painted wood panels, landscapes, portraits, seascapes, or still life work.
Pros:
- Large 50ml tubes provide more paint per color for extended projects.
- High pigmentation offers strong covering power and tinting strength.
- Creamy texture blends easily while preserving brush and knife marks.
- Includes 20 versatile colors with stated lightfastness and a non-toxic formulation.
Cons:
- The paint is intended for indoor use and is not waterproof.
- Its approximately 7–14 day drying period may not suit artists seeking quick-drying paint.
If you use oil paint regularly, the larger tubes make this a practical option for reducing replacements. It is especially appealing when color volume and a smooth, expressive consistency matter more than a compact starter kit.
Classic Starter Set – Winsor & Newton Winton 20-Color Oil Paints
Among oil paint sets for learning and general studio work, Winsor & Newton Winton offers 20 essential colors in a familiar artist-brand range. The paint has a slightly stiff, uniform consistency that holds brush and palette-knife strokes well.
Best For: Beginners and artists seeking a permanent, general-purpose set for canvas, primed board, or gesso-primed paper.
Pros:
- Provides 20 essential starter colors for learning color mixing.
- Higher pigment load than many artists’ ranges, according to the supplied notes.
- Stiffer consistency helps retain brush and palette-knife marks.
- Uses lightfast, permanent pigments selected for a stable paint film.
Cons:
- The 12ml tubes contain less paint than larger-tube alternatives.
- Best used with compatible solvents, mediums, and oils, which may require additional supplies.
- The stated drying time is about seven days, so it is not a fast-drying option.
Winton is a sensible choice if you want a structured introduction to oil painting from an established range. Its firm handling suits artists who prefer defined marks, though beginners may need mediums or solvents to adjust the working feel.
Technique-Friendly Value Set – PHOENIX 24-Color Oil Paint Set
For shoppers seeking versatile oil paint sets, the PHOENIX kit combines 24 colors with a thick, creamy consistency. The paint can be applied directly for texture or blended with medium for techniques such as wet-into-wet, layering, and glazing.
Best For: Adults, beginners, amateurs, classes, paint parties, and artists practicing color theory on canvas, oil paper, wood panels, or similar surfaces.
Pros:
- Offers 24 colors, including multiple blues, greens, earth tones, and reds.
- Thick consistency supports textured application and controlled blending.
- Strong saturation and tinting strength provide vivid color.
- Certified to EN 71 and ASTM-4236, with stated permanence and lightfastness.
Cons:
- Each tube is a relatively small 12ml size.
- The supplied details describe coverage as moderate.
- It is not water-resistant, so finished work requires appropriate care.
PHOENIX offers broad color coverage in a beginner-friendly format without sacrificing options for experimentation. Choose it when you value a larger selection of hues and a thick texture for learning techniques, rather than larger quantities of each color.
How We Picked the Best Oil Paint Sets
We evaluated these Oil Paint Sets by looking at the factors that matter most in real studio use: the number and usefulness of included colors, tube size, stated paint quality, brand reputation, portability, and value. We also considered whether each set is better suited to casual crafts, student practice, structured palette building, or more serious painting.
Because set sizes vary considerably, a larger color count was not automatically treated as better. A thoughtfully selected range of foundational colors can be more useful than a crowded assortment of similar hues, while larger tubes generally offer better value for artists who paint often.
Quick Comparison
| Best for | What to prioritize |
|---|---|
| Beginners | Balanced colors, manageable tube sizes, and clear labeling |
| Students | Reliable consistency, broad palette, and reasonable replacement cost |
| Frequent painters | Larger tubes, strong pigment load, and dependable color mixing |
| Travel or workshops | Compact packaging and smaller tubes |
| Budget-conscious buyers | Useful color range and low cost per tube, not just maximum color count |
Key Buying Factors for Oil Paint Sets
Color Range and Pigment Usefulness
Look for a practical foundation that includes white, black or a dark neutral, warm and cool primaries, earth tones, and a few useful secondary colors. A versatile palette helps you mix more shades and reduces waste from rarely used colors.
Tube Size and Coverage
Small 12ml tubes are convenient for sampling colors and occasional painting. Tubes around 18ml to 21ml suit many beginners and students, while 37ml or 50ml tubes are more appropriate for frequent use or large canvases. Compare the total paint volume rather than judging only by the number of tubes.
Artist Quality Versus Student Quality
Artist-grade paints typically offer stronger pigmentation, more consistent handling, and better tinting strength, but they cost more. Student-grade sets can be a sensible starting point, especially when learning color mixing, brushwork, and solvent-free cleanup practices.
Safety and Compatibility
Check the manufacturer’s labeling for non-toxic claims, drying behavior, and any recommended mediums or solvents. “Non-toxic” does not mean every painting material is risk-free, so use ventilation, avoid skin contact, and follow the product instructions.
Who Should Buy Which Oil Paint Sets?
New painters should choose a balanced, reasonably priced set with enough colors to practice mixing without a major upfront investment. Students may benefit from established student lines that are easy to replace individually. Experienced artists should favor professional-grade pigments or larger tubes when they already know which colors they use most. Artists who paint frequently or on larger canvases will usually save more with high-volume sets, while casual crafters and travelers may prefer compact assortments that are easy to store and carry.
Before buying, confirm the exact tube count, volume, and included colors on the retailer’s current listing. Packaging and set formulations can change, and the best value is the set that matches your painting habits rather than simply having the most colors.