Watercolour Sets
Our range of watercolour sets is perfect for artists of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Available in a variety of sizes and formats, they are ideal whether you are working in the studio or painting en plein air when travelling.
Explore classic watercolour sets from A. Gallo, Daniel Smith, Holbein, Roman Szmal, and Schmincke, as well as the popular Japanese watercolour Kuretake Gansai Tambi. Whether you're buying your first watercolour paint set or expanding an existing palette, there's something to suit every artist. For individual colours, shop single tubes and pans of watercolour paint.
Watercolour Sets: Popular Questions from Artists
Whether you're just starting out or expanding your colour palette, Jackson’s offers one of the widest ranges of watercolour sets for every level and budget. Choose from sets of watercolour pans, tubes, or sticks in a variety of colours and formats.
What is a Watercolour Set?
A watercolour set is a collection of watercolour paints in half pan, full pan, or tube formats. Artists' watercolour sets can also contain brushes, palettes, and other sundries. Sets often come in protective metal or plastic cases. Many watercolour sets include integrated mixing palettes.
Artists use watercolour paper because it can absorb water without buckling and it supports the transparency and luminosity of watercolour paints. The surface allows colours to remain crisp and vivid while allowing for subtle transitions and delicate brushwork. Its absorbency and strength make it popular with both beginners and professionals.
‘I would recommend a set of pans for a beginner as they are easier to use, allowing you to apply colour lightly and build it up in layers.
An eight pan set of watercolours is considered small but will offer enough colours to get started painting any subject matter, from still life, landscape, figure paintings or abstract. However most will have 12 or 24 colours.’
- Lisa Takahashi, ‘Watercolour Painting for Beginners’, Jackson’s Art Blog
At Jackson’s, we stock watercolour sets to suit every artist, from student-friendly starter kits to professional painting sets. With 1000s of five-star reviews and free delivery options, you can rely on fast, reliable service at Jackson’s. Read our reviews →
Shop Watercolour Paint Sets
Ready to find your next watercolour set? Explore our range of the finest brands, with compact travel tins, deluxe wooden box sets, and much more.
Need help? Visit our Help & Advice or Contact Us pages.
What Types of Watercolour Sets are Available?
You can choose from sets of watercolour pans, tubes, and sticks. Pans are great for travel, tubes offer more paint for larger works, and sticks can be used wet or dry.
Do You Sell Watercolour Sets With a Mixing Palette?
Yes, many watercolour sets include built-in mixing areas. You can find these in ranges from the most popular brands such as Daniel Smith, Schmincke, Jackson’s, and more.
Should I Pick Pans or Tubes?
Pans are portable and convenient for on-the-go painting; tubes are great for studio artists and those who use a lot of colour. Tubes are also useful for creating your own palette with empty pans and cases. Learn more in ‘Is Watercolour Better in Pans or Tubes?’
What are the Differences Between Student and Professional Quality Sets?
Professional paints have higher pigment loads and use fewer or no fillers. They often have better lightfastness and more colour options. Student sets are cheaper and great for learning.
Learn more in ‘Why Choose Artist Quality Watercolour Paint over Student Grade?’
How Can I Keep My Watercolour Set Clean?
Let paint dry before closing, rinse your brush between colours, and occasionally wipe the mixing wells with a damp cloth.
Do You Sell Vegan Watercolour Sets?
Yes, several of our sets are 100% vegan-friendly. Use our Vegan Filter to refine your search.