What’s The Best Acrylic Paint Brand?

Buying art supplies isn’t that easy. You can’t try them on like clothes. Even if you swatch them in-store, you don’t know how they’ll dry, how long they’ll last, or how they’ll look once they’re on your actual canvas. And you’re definitely not going to drop hundreds of dollars testing a bunch of brands just to end up liking only one of them.

Luckily, other painters already went through all that. So instead of guessing, we can just learn from their experience.

If you’re a beginner, Liquitex Basics or Winsor & Newton Galeria are solid options — affordable, easy to use, and good enough to practice with. If you care more about color vibrancy and texture, Golden Heavy Body or Liquitex Professional will give you that buttery consistency and rich pigment. And if you want smooth flow and great layering, Amsterdam Standard Series or Sennelier Abstract are worth checking out.

So let’s break them down and see which acrylic paint actually suits your style (and budget).

Types of Acrylic Paint (And Which One You Need)

Not all acrylic paint is the same. Some are thick and buttery, others are runny and smooth. Some are made for layering and blending, others are better for flat, opaque coverage. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right one for how you paint — or how you want to paint.

Heavy Body Acrylics

These are thick, rich, and hold brushstrokes really well. Perfect if you like working with texture or using a palette knife.

Best for: Impasto, bold strokes, texture-heavy pieces.

Try: Golden Heavy Body, Liquitex Professional Heavy Body, Matisse Structure.

Soft Body Acrylics

Smoother and creamier than heavy body. They still have strong pigment but flow better, so they’re ideal for blending and layering.

Best for: Detail work, glazing, smooth transitions.

Try: Liquitex Soft Body, Golden Fluid, Sennelier Abstract.

Fluid Acrylics

Runny and intense. They’re highly pigmented but have a thin consistency — kind of like ink. Great for pouring, fine lines, and airbrushing.

Best for: Pouring art, mixed media, fine details.

Try: Golden Fluid Acrylics, Daler-Rowney FW Acrylic Ink.

Acrylic Gouache

Matte, opaque, and super flat. Dries without shine, so it’s perfect for graphic, illustrative work. No brushstrokes, no glare.

Best for: Illustration, solid color blocks, flat finishes.

Try: Holbein Acryla Gouache, Liquitex Acrylic Gouache.

“One of the reasons people historically didn’t work with acrylics … they were really chalky, really matte, and weren’t loaded with a lot of pigment. But that has changed.” - Rhéni Tauchid.

Student Grade vs Artist Grade

Student-grade paints (like Liquitex Basics or Amsterdam Standard Series) are cheaper and a bit less pigmented — fine for practice or casual use.

Artist-grade paints (like Golden or Winsor & Newton Professional) have more pigment, better texture, and longer-lasting results.

Best Acrylic Paint Brands (Ranked + Reviewed)

Now that you know the different types of acrylic paint, let’s talk brands.

There are a lot of options out there, but they’re not all equal. Some are rich and vibrant, others are chalky or fade fast. I’ve picked out the best acrylic paint brands based on pigment quality, consistency, packaging, and overall value — whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been painting for years.

1. Best Overall: Golden Heavy Body Acrylics

If you want high-quality acrylic paint that delivers on every front, Golden Heavy Body is hard to beat.

The colors are insanely rich, the texture is smooth and buttery, and the pigment load is top-tier. These paints hold brushstrokes well, making them ideal for artists who want visible texture or are experimenting with different acrylic techniques. They also dry to a flexible, durable finish that doesn't crack — ideal for layering or painting thick. 

Golden doesn’t mess around with fillers or cheap binders, so what you get is pure, professional-grade color. They're also super consistent across the line, which makes color mixing feel really reliable.

It’s not the cheapest, but if you're looking for paints that perform every time and make your colors pop, this is the one. Great for serious artists or anyone ready to upgrade.

2. Best Budget: Plaid FolkArt Acrylics

If you’re just starting out or painting on a budget, Plaid FolkArt Acrylics are surprisingly solid for the price.

They’re not professional-grade, but for crafts, practice, or experimenting with new ideas, they get the job done. The texture is smooth and creamy, and the colors are more vibrant than you’d expect at this range. They also have a huge color selection — including metallics and specialty finishes — which is fun if you like to play around.

They're slower-drying than most artist paints, which can actually be helpful if you’re still getting used to blending. Just don’t expect super rich pigment or the same permanence as higher-end brands.

For everyday acrylic painting, crafts, or anyone testing the waters without spending much, FolkArt is a very solid pick.

3. Best for Beginners: Liquitex Basics

Liquitex Basics is one of the most recommended acrylic paint lines for beginners — and for good reason.

You get quality that’s way better than your average student-grade paint, but without the intimidating price tag. The texture is smooth and easy to work with, and the colors are vibrant enough to make your work stand out. They’re also very forgiving if you’re still learning how to layer or mix.

Liquitex Basics gives you a solid intro to what acrylic paint should feel like — not too watery, not too thick. Plus, since it’s made by the same brand that makes professional-grade Liquitex Heavy Body, you’re getting decent pigments with reliable performance.

If you’re just getting into acrylic painting and want something that feels good right away (without blowing your budget), this is the safest place to start.

4. Best for Artists: Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylics

If you’re looking for professional-level performance, Winsor & Newton Professional Acrylics are seriously impressive.

The pigments are rich, intense, and lightfast — so your colors stay vibrant over time. The texture is buttery and consistent, making it great for fine detail work or layering with a palette knife. It dries quickly but still gives you enough open time to blend smoothly, which is something not every pro-grade acrylic manages well.

One standout feature: the color shift from wet to dry is minimal. What you see is pretty much what you get, which is a huge plus for precise work.

These paints are definitely on the pricier side, but if you’re selling your art, working on commissions, or just want a premium feel, Winsor & Newton delivers.

5. Best Craft Paint: Apple Barrel Acrylics

If you’re looking for well-priced, easy-to-use paint for decorations, classrooms, or creative projects, Apple Barrel Acrylics are a dependable go-to.

These paints are widely available, come in larger bottles than typical artist tubes, and offer consistent coverage with a solid finish. They’re less richly pigmented than professional-grade brands, but that’s perfectly fine for craftwork, beginner projects, or teaching environments.

There’s a huge color range—including metallics, neons, and seasonal shades—making Apple Barrel a favorite for DIYers and decorators who want variety without breaking the bank. They’re great for large-scale or repetitive projects where pigment intensity isn’t the priority.

In short: simplicity, affordability, and accessibility make Apple Barrel a smart choice for anyone painting non-archival pieces—or for anyone just experimenting without commitment.

Honorable Mentions

Not every great acrylic paint made the top list, but a few still deserve a shoutout. These are solid picks depending on what you're after—whether it’s bulk sets, unusual packaging, or reliable performance at a student-friendly price.

6. Arteza Premium

A solid mid-range option with plenty of bundle sets to choose from. Arteza Premium paints offer good pigmentation, smooth consistency, and are a popular pick for hobbyists or those transitioning from beginner to intermediate. Plus, the price-per-tube value is hard to beat in bulk.

7. Sennelier Abstract

These come in uniquely shaped pouches that are surprisingly practical—less mess and easier to squeeze every last drop. Sennelier Abstract is artist-grade, made with high-quality pigments and a thick, buttery texture that’s ideal for palette knife work and bold strokes.

8. Amsterdam Standard Series

A reliable student-grade acrylic with excellent coverage and strong color payoff for the price. Amsterdam’s Standard Series is widely loved for classroom use and large projects where quality still matters but budget is a factor. Also mixes well with mediums.

“One important element has to be color. It’s what painting is all about. The right color makes the difference between a good painting and a great one.” - Eric Francis.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're just starting out or upgrading to pro-grade paints, the right acrylics can make a big difference in your work. From budget-friendly sets to high-end artist colors, there’s something out there for every style and skill level.

Want to see what professional acrylic painting can look like? Check out Photo2Painting for beautiful examples of custom acrylic portraits created by real artists.