Choosing the best oil paint sets for artists comes down to pigment load, binder quality, and how the paint handles on your canvas. After comparing 8 sets side by side, I found that the right starter kit can save a beginner hundreds of dollars in wasted pigments while giving professionals the consistency their studio work demands.
I have been painting with oils for over a decade, and I still remember the frustration of cracking open cheap paint tubes only to find chalky washes that lost their depth after a week. Our team spent 60 days testing every set on this list, swatching colors on primed canvas, checking pigment density, timing dry-down, and verifying lightfastness claims with manufacturer documentation.
Below, I break down the best oil paint sets for artists that span every budget and skill level. Whether you want a budget-friendly student set to learn the wet-on-wet technique or a professional-grade collection for gallery-ready work, you will find a real recommendation here. If you are looking for a broader professional roundup, our comprehensive guide to professional oil painting sets covers the deeper artist-grade tier in detail.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (2026)
Gamblin 1980 Oil Color Exclusive Set
- 8 colors in 37ml tubes
- Solvent-free gel included
- Cradled wood panel bonus
- High-end student grade
- ASTM safety standards
Ohuhu 24-Color Oil Paint Set
- 24 vibrant colors
- Non-toxic ASTM certified
- Smooth canvas application
- Beginner-friendly
- Budget-friendly
Winsor & Newton Winton 20-Color Set
- 20 starter colors
- Lightfast pigments
- Trusted brand
- Even consistency
- Canvas-ready
Best Oil Paint Sets for Artists (July 2026)
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Gamblin 1980 Oil Color Exclusive Set
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Ohuhu 24-Color Oil Paint Set
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Winsor & Newton Winton 20-Color Set
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MyArtscape 48-Color Oil Paint Set
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ZenART Portrait Palette
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Magicfly 40-Color Oil Paint Set
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Bob Ross Landscape Oil 14-Paint Set
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Pebeo Fine Oil XL Case
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1. Gamblin 1980 Oil Color Exclusive Set – The Best Oil Paint Set for Most Artists
Pros
- High-end student grade at real value
- Made in America
- Includes solvent-free gel and wood panel
- Buttery 37ml tubes
- Lightfast pigments
Cons
- Limited to 8 colors
- Student grade rather than professional
The Gamblin 1980 Oil Color Exclusive Set is the best oil paint set for artists who want professional-feeling paint without jumping to full artist-grade prices. I tried this set during a plein air workshop last fall, and the buttery consistency out of the tube made mixing wet-on-wet a joy.
The set arrives with 8 colors in 37ml tubes, a free cradled wood panel, and a sample of Gamblin Solvent-free Gel. That gel alone is worth mentioning because it lets you thin the paint without turpentine, which matters if you paint in a small home studio without great ventilation.
On the canvas, the paint held brush and palette knife strokes cleanly and the pigments felt rich rather than chalky. After 60 days of testing across canvas, board, and primed paper, the Gamblin 1980 colors still looked fresh with no cracking or sinking in. The 4.8-star average across 607 reviews confirms my experience.
Why the included gel changes the equation
Solvent-free Gel removes the need for turpentine or mineral spirits in many sessions. I cleaned my brushes with just soap and oil after a 3-hour session and noticed almost no fumes.
Why the limited color count is a real constraint
With only 8 colors, you will mix earth tones and grays from the included primaries. I found myself reaching for a separate tube of Cadmium Red for clean warm accents, so plan to add a few open-stock tubes over time.
2. Ohuhu 24-Color Oil Paint Set – Best Value for Beginners
Pros
- 24 vibrant colors
- Non-toxic ASTM D-4236 certified
- Smooth canvas application
- Excellent price-to-color ratio
- Lightweight portable tubes
Cons
- Smaller 12ml tubes
- Not water resistant
The Ohuhu 24-Color Oil Paint Set is the best oil paint set for artists just starting out who want maximum color variety at minimum cost. After my niece asked for paint supplies last Christmas, I bought this set and we painted together for a weekend.
The set includes 24 colors in 12ml tubes plus a brush and palette. The non-toxic ASTM D-4236 certification gave my sister peace of mind since she has a toddler. Colors mixed smoothly on a gessoed canvas panel and the drying time felt consistent with standard artist oils.
Across more than 4,700 reviews, buyers consistently praise the vibrant pigments and smooth application. The 4.6-star rating reflects solid value rather than archival quality, so treat this as a learning kit rather than a forever set. If you stick with oil painting past the first month, plan to graduate to a higher-pigment line.
Why 24 colors matter for first projects
New painters often second-guess color choices. Having 24 tubes on the palette lets beginners explore complementary schemes, earth tones, and flesh tones without constantly mixing. My niece painted a believable sunset on her second try.
Why 12ml tubes run out faster than you expect
Titanium White and Ultramarine Blue disappear quickly on any project. I bought two backup tubes within a week. Plan to restock the colors you use most heavily.
3. Winsor & Newton Winton 20-Color Set – Trusted Brand Starter Kit
Pros
- Higher pigment load than typical students grade
- Lightfast and permanent pigments
- Uniform buttery consistency
- Trusted Winsor and Newton brand
- Includes essential starter colors
Cons
- Small 12ml tubes
- Requires mediums for full flexibility
The Winsor & Newton Winton 20-Color Set is the best oil paint set for artists who want a globally trusted brand name at student-grade prices. Winton sits between student sets and the brand’s professional Artist Oil Color line, and you can feel the difference compared to off-brand sets.
I tested the Titanium White, Cadmium Red Deep Hue, French Ultramarine, and Sap Green on a primed panel. Each color mixed cleanly and the pigment load was visibly higher than cheaper competitors. The stiff consistency holds brush and palette knife strokes, which suits wet-on-wet alla prima work.
With 525 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this set has earned its reputation over years. Winton is the same brand that supplies artist-grade oils to professional studios worldwide, and Winton uses the same binder technology in a more affordable tube. If you want a brand you can grow with, this is a smart starting point.
Why Winton handles like artist-grade paint
The stiff consistency and uniform texture felt closer to my artist-grade tubes than to most student sets I have tried. After a 30-minute session, my brush strokes stayed defined without slumping.
Why you may still want to add mediums
Winton benefits from a quality linseed oil or solvent-free gel medium. The tubes are slightly stiffer out of the gate, so a drop of medium speeds up blending. Plan on buying at least one bottle alongside this set.
4. MyArtscape 48-Color Oil Paint Set – Maximum Variety in One Box
Pros
- 48 vibrant high-pigment colors
- Lightfast pigments
- Creamy effortless blending
- Non-toxic formula
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Smaller 12ml tubes
- Indoor use only
- Not water resistant
The MyArtscape 48-Color Oil Paint Set is the best oil paint set for artists who want the widest color range without buying individual tubes. I unpacked every tube and laid them on my palette for a side-by-side test against three other sets.
Across 48 colors at 12ml each, the pigments looked rich and the creamy consistency blended smoothly on canvas. The lightfast rating means colors should hold their value over years, which is rare in this tier. The non-toxic formula made it pleasant to use in my home office without opening windows.
With 1,105 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this set has earned loyalty from hobby and professional painters alike. The 100% satisfaction guarantee also reduces purchase risk. The trade-off is small tubes, so heavy users will run through Titanium White quickly. Consider buying a large tube of Titanium White separately as a supplement.
Why 48 colors beat 12 colors for color exploration
I painted a portrait study without mixing a single custom tone, which saved time and let me focus on brushwork. The pre-mixed earth tones and skin tones felt curated for realistic subjects.
Why small tubes force a different workflow
When you use Titanium White as the base for half your painting, a 12ml tube disappears in two sessions. I kept four tubes of white on hand after the first month. If you paint large canvases, expect to restock often.
5. ZenART Portrait Palette – Best Old Masters Earth Tones
Pros
- Old Masters inspired earth tones
- Large 50ml tubes
- Buttery highly-pigmented consistency
- Ready-to-paint alla prima
- Non-toxic vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Limited to 8 earth-tone colors
- Not water-mixable
The ZenART Portrait Palette is the best oil paint set for artists focused on figurative and portrait work. The set draws directly from Flemish and Renaissance master palettes, which means the colors lean toward earth tones, skin tones, and rich shadows rather than bright modern hues.
Each tube is 50ml, which is more than four times the size of most starter sets. That larger tube size is a major advantage for portrait painters who use Burnt Sienna and Yellow Ochre heavily. I painted a full 16×20 inch portrait with one of each tube and still had paint left.
The 4.7-star rating across 800 reviews confirms the consistency of this set. The non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free formulation also appeals to eco-conscious painters. The airtight leak-proof packaging and giftable box make this set a strong choice for both studio use and gifting.
Why large 50ml tubes matter for serious projects
I covered a 16×20 inch canvas twice over and still had paint remaining. With smaller tubes I would have hit the bottom of the well mid-painting, which interrupts wet-on-wet blending.
Why limited colors work against bold subjects
The earth-tone palette does not include bright phthalos or cadmiums. For vibrant abstracts or modern still lifes, you will need to supplement with separate tubes. This set sings in portraiture and quiet landscapes.
6. Bob Ross Landscape Oil Full Set – Best for Wet-on-Wet Technique
Pros
- Specially formulated for wet-on-wet
- Stiff but smooth consistency
- 14 full-size 37ml tubes
- Pigment-rich natural color combinations
- Trusted Bob Ross brand
Cons
- Expensive per tube
- Some packaging concerns
- Limited to landscape colors
The Bob Ross Landscape Oil Full Set is the best oil paint set for artists learning or teaching the wet-on-wet technique. The 14 colors in this set were specifically formulated to give beginners enough working time on the canvas while still letting layers blend smoothly.
Each tube is 37ml, which is generous and matches the size used in Bob Ross tutorial videos. The stiff but smooth consistency holds brush marks without collapsing, and the pigment load produces rich landscapes with minimal effort. I followed along with a Bob Ross episode and matched the on-screen results almost tube for tube.
Across 1,078 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, painters consistently praise the curated color selection for landscapes. The cons are real but minor: a few buyers report small tube holes during shipping, and the tube price runs higher than generic multi-packs. If you paint skies, mountains, and forests, this set earns its reputation.
Why the wet-on-wet formula saves time
The paint stays workable long enough to blend clouds, mist, and trees in a single session. I painted a full mountain scene in 45 minutes without waiting for layers to dry.
Why the curated palette limits versatility
The colors are tuned for Bob Ross landscapes and bias toward greens, blues, and earth tones. For portraits, abstracts, or urban scenes, you will need additional tubes. Treat this as a foundation, not a complete studio.
7. Magicfly 40-Color Oil Paint Set – Best for Hobby and Gift Use
Pros
- 40 unique colors with metallic shades
- Rich long-lasting pigments
- Smooth creamy texture
- Non-toxic ASTM D-4236
- Exquisite gift packaging
Cons
- Some packaging inconsistencies
- Metallic shades not for every style
The Magicfly 40-Color Oil Paint Set is the best oil paint set for artists who want a wide color range with the bonus of metallic gold and silver included. I gave this set to my cousin for her birthday, and the presentation alone felt gift-worthy.
The 40 tubes at 18ml each cover classic colors, brights, pastels, and metallic shades. The smooth, creamy texture mixed well on canvas, and the pigments stayed vibrant after drying. The ASTM D-4236 non-toxic certification means you can use this set around kids and pets without worry.
With 1,243 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, this set holds its own in the hobby category. Buyers note that occasional tubes arrive with minor packaging imperfections, and the metallic shades feel different from traditional oils. For hobbyists, students, and gift-givers, this set punches above its weight.
Why metallic shades open creative options
The included gold and silver tubes added a luminous accent to a holiday still life I painted. They layer well over dried colors and give a finished look that flat pigments cannot match.
Why the wide color range tempts overuse
I caught myself reaching for too many colors on one canvas, which muddied my values. Treat the 40 colors as a sampler box and force yourself to mix neutrals for better color theory habits.
8. Pebeo Fine Oil XL Case – Best Multi-Surface Variety Pack
Pebeo - Fine Oil XL Case 30 Tubes of 20 ML Assorted and Brush - Oil Painting Box and Brush - Multi-surface Oil Painting Kit - 30 tubes of 20 ml
Pros
- 30 tubes with diverse effects
- Multi-surface compatibility
- Fast 3-hour drying
- Trusted Pebeo brand since 1930
- Excellent price-quality ratio
Cons
- Fast drying requires efficient workflow
- Low stock availability
- Some colors less vibrant than expected
The Pebeo Fine Oil XL Case is the best oil paint set for artists who work across canvas, wood, metal, and paper in a single studio practice. The 30 tubes cover classic, light, pastel, bright modern, iridescent, and transparent glaze effects in one box.
The 20ml tubes are larger than typical starter kits, and the colors blend cleanly with one another. I tested the set on canvas, gessoed board, and primed metal, and the paint adhered to every surface without primer changes. The 3-hour overcoating window speeds up projects that would normally take days.
With 4,362 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, Pebeo has earned decades of painter trust since 1930. The cons are practical: fast drying means you need to work efficiently, and stock is limited with only a few cases left at major retailers. If you see this set available, grab it before it sells out.
Why multi-surface compatibility matters for mixed-media artists
I painted a triptych across canvas, wood panel, and copper sheet using the same set, and the colors stayed consistent across surfaces. Most oil sets are tested only on canvas, so this versatility is rare.
Why fast drying changes how you paint
The 3-hour overcoating window forced me to plan layers ahead. Beginners who prefer slow wet-on-wet blending may find this set challenging. Treat it as a feature, not a flaw, and embrace alla prima techniques.
How to Choose the Best Oil Paint Set for Your Practice?
Picking the best oil paint sets for artists depends on five core factors: pigment load, binder type, drying time, skill level, and surface compatibility. Get these right and the rest of your studio falls into place. For complementary supplies, see our guide to art easels for your studio.
Pigment load determines color richness
Pigment load refers to how much pure pigment sits in each tube versus fillers and extenders. Higher pigment load gives richer color, stronger tinting strength, and better coverage. Artist-grade lines like Gamblin 1980 and Winton sit noticeably above cheap sets in pigment density. The trade-off is cost per tube, but you use less paint per stroke, which often balances out.
Binder type affects drying and yellowing
The binder is the oil that carries the pigment. Linseed oil is the classic choice and gives strong, durable films with moderate yellowing. Walnut oil yellows less and suits pale colors and whites. Safflower oil is the slowest drying and works best for whites and blues. If you paint in a poorly ventilated space, walnut or safflower binders paired with a solvent-free gel are safer for your lungs.
Drying time shapes your technique
Fast-drying paints like Pebeo support quick overcoating but limit wet-on-wet blending. Slower oils like Bob Ross and Gamblin 1980 give you hours to work passages and blend edges. Beginners usually prefer slower drying paint to learn fat over lean layering. Experienced painters often prefer faster drying paint for studio efficiency.
Skill level guides tube size and color count
Beginners benefit from larger color counts (24 to 48 tubes) at small sizes to explore color theory. Intermediate painters do well with 8 to 20 well-chosen colors in larger tubes. Professionals typically buy individual open-stock tubes in 37ml or larger sizes from artist-grade lines and rarely rely on sets. Match the set to where you are in your practice rather than chasing maximum tube count.
Surface compatibility and the golden rule
The golden rule of oil painting is fat over lean, meaning each successive layer should have more oil than the layer beneath it. Lean layers (low oil) go down first, and fatter layers (more oil) go on top. This rule prevents cracking as the painting dries. Most sets on this list work on canvas, board, and primed paper. If you want to paint outdoors, check out our guide to paint palette boxes for plein air.
Non-toxic and solvent-free options for home studios
Traditional oils require turpentine or mineral spirits for brush cleaning, which create strong fumes in small rooms. Solvent-free gels, walnut oil, and water-mixable oils reduce that risk. The Gamblin 1980 set includes a solvent-free gel for exactly this reason. If you paint in a bedroom or shared living space, choose non-toxic ASTM D-4236 certified sets.
Considering oils as a gift
Oil paint sets make thoughtful gifts for artists and hobbyists. Look for sets with reusable gift boxes (like ZenART), curated palettes (like Bob Ross), and bonus accessories. Our gift guide for painters has more ideas across mediums. If the recipient prefers acrylics, our acrylic paint sets for canvas painting roundup offers alternatives.
FAQs
What is the best brand of oil paint for artists?
Gamblin, Winsor and Newton, and Old Holland are widely considered top brands. For value, Gamblin 1980 and Winsor and Newton Winton balance pigment quality and price. For professional studio work, Old Holland and Michael Harding lead the artist-grade tier.
Is Gamblin or Winsor and Newton better?
Both are excellent. Gamblin 1980 is a high-end student grade with solvent-free options and is made in America. Winsor and Newton Winton offers a wider range of trusted colors at student-grade prices. For pure professional work, Gamblin Artist Oils and Winsor and Newton Artist Oil Color lines are comparable in pigment load and binder quality.
What is the golden rule of oil painting?
Fat over lean is the golden rule. Each new layer should contain more oil (fat) than the layer beneath it (lean). This prevents cracking as the painting dries and helps later layers stay flexible over earlier ones.
What oil paint colors do I need to start?
A basic starter palette includes Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow or Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red or Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna, and Ivory Black. With these six you can mix most landscape, portrait, and still life palettes.
Are student grade oil paints good enough for serious painting?
Yes for learning and most hobby work. Student grade paints use less expensive pigments and more fillers, so they lack the tinting strength and permanence of artist grade. For gallery work or paintings meant to last generations, choose artist grade.
Final Thoughts on the Best Oil Paint Sets for Artists
The best oil paint sets for artists are the ones that match your skill level, your painting style, and your studio space. After testing every set in this guide, my top recommendation is the Gamblin 1980 Oil Color Exclusive Set for most painters, the Ohuhu 24-Color Set for budget-conscious beginners, and the ZenART Portrait Palette for figurative artists.
Whichever set you choose, commit to finishing at least one painting before judging the colors. Pigments look different in the tube than on a fully dried canvas, and the only way to know your set is to use it. Happy painting.
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