Getting kids involved in art is a wonderful way to foster creativity, develop fine motor skills, and even boost confidence. And when it comes to vibrant, versatile art mediums, acrylic paint is a fantastic choice! It dries quickly, offers brilliant colors, and can stick to almost anything. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best acrylic paint for kids?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We know parents want safe, easy-to-use, and engaging art supplies. That’s why we’ve scoured the market to bring you a carefully curated list of the 10 best acrylic paint for kids, ensuring your little artists have everything they need for their next masterpiece. From complete kits to mini-packs, let’s dive in and find the perfect set for your budding Picasso!
What to Look For in Kids’ Acrylic Paint
Before we jump into our top picks, here are a few key things to consider when choosing acrylic craft paint for your little ones:
- Safety First: Always opt for non-toxic formulas. Look for ASTM D-4236 certification, which indicates the product has been reviewed by a toxicologist.
- Vibrancy & Pigmentation: Kids love bright, bold colors! Good pigmentation means rich, true colors that stand out.
- Ease of Use & Consistency: A creamy, smooth consistency is ideal for easy blending and application. Squeeze bottles can be great for younger kids.
- Drying Time: Acrylics dry quickly, which is a pro, but super-fast drying might be tricky for little hands still learning.
- Versatility: Can the paint be used on various surfaces like canvas, wood, rocks, or paper? More options mean more fun art projects.
- Cleanup: While acrylics are permanent when dry, easy cleanup with soap and water while wet is a huge plus for parents.
- Accessories: Does the set come with brushes, palettes, or even canvases? Sometimes a complete painting kit offers the best value.
Our Top 10 Picks for the Best Acrylic Paint for Kids
1. Benicci Complete Acrylic Paint Set – 12x Rich Pigment Colors
This Benicci set isn’t just about paint; it’s a complete art studio in a box! Perfect for beginners or kids who want to dive deep into painting, it comes with everything needed to get started right away. The 12 vivid colors are highly pigmented, ensuring every stroke is bright and solid, and their quick-dry, creamy texture makes mixing a breeze. It’s a fantastic all-in-one package for inspiring endless creative sessions.
Key Features:
– 12 highly pigmented, vibrant colors
– Quick-dry formula with a thick, creamy texture
– Non-toxic and safe for kids
– Includes 6 high-quality brushes, a palette knife, an art sponge, and 3 canvas panels
– Versatile for various surfaces like canvas, wood, ceramic, and fabric
– Ideal gift for all ages and occasions
Pros:
– Comprehensive kit – includes essential tools and canvases
– Vibrant colors that are easy to mix and layer
– Meticulously formulated to be safe for children
– Suitable for a wide range of surfaces
– Great value for a beginner artist
Cons:
– The included canvases are small, might be limiting for larger projects
– Brushes are basic, serious artists might want more variety
User Impressions:
Parents frequently praise this set for its completeness and quality. Many found it to be the perfect gift, sparking joy and creativity. Kids loved the bright colors and the ability to start painting right out of the box without needing extra supplies.
2. Acrylic Paint Set for Adults and Kids – 24 Pack
When it comes to sheer color variety, this 24-pack is a real winner! Designed for both adults and kids, this set brings out maximum brilliance and color clarity, allowing for beautiful, expressive artwork. The rich viscosity makes blending and layering an absolute dream, and the non-toxic formula ensures peace of mind while your little ones explore their artistic side. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want a broad spectrum of colors for diverse projects.
Key Features:
– 24 vivid, highly brilliant colors
– Rich viscosity for easy mixing and blending
– Non-toxic composition, safe for the whole family
– Premium consistency perfect for layering and texture
– Includes 3 professional brushes
– Multipurpose for various surfaces like canvas, ceramic, wood, and pumpkin painting
Pros:
– Extensive color palette encourages creativity
– Safe and non-toxic for all ages
– Good consistency for various techniques
– Comes with basic brushes
– Versatile for many craft projects
Cons:
– Only 3 brushes might not be enough for larger groups
– Doesn’t include canvases or a palette
User Impressions:
Customers were impressed by the range of vibrant colors and the smooth consistency of the paint. Many highlighted its versatility for different craft projects, from canvas art to holiday decorations. It was often mentioned as a great gift option for creative individuals.
3. Caliart 24 Colors Acrylic Paint Set with 12 Brushes
The Caliart 24-color set truly stands out with its generous offering of 24 vibrant acrylic paints and a whopping 12 brushes! This set provides a fantastic array of shades, ensuring kids can find just the right color for their artistic vision. The paints glide on smoothly, dry quickly, and are certified safe and non-toxic, making them a parent-approved choice. With its rich pigments and fast-dry formula, this kit is excellent for both large areas and fine details, making it a great pick for budding artists of all levels.
Key Features:
– 24 rich, highly pigmented, and vibrant colors
– Includes 12 brushes for varied painting techniques
– Certified safe and non-toxic (water-based)
– Creamy consistency for great covering power
– Fast-dry formula for quick layering
– Versatile for canvas, wood, rocks, fabrics, and more
– Comes in a sturdy box for organization
Pros:
– Large number of colors and brushes offers great value
– Safe and easy to clean with soap and water
– Excellent coverage and blendability
– Quick-drying, which is great for impatient little artists
– Money-back guarantee for peace of mind
Cons:
– Brushes might be basic quality, not for professional use
– Bottles are 2oz (59ml), which might run out quickly for very frequent use
User Impressions:
Reviewers loved the wide color selection and the inclusion of so many brushes. They found the paints easy to work with, vibrant, and quick-drying. The safety certification was a big plus for parents, who appreciated the peace of mind.
4. BLUEBIRD Studio Acrylic Paints, Primary Colors, 6-Pack 3.4 oz
Sometimes, simplicity is key, especially for younger artists. The BLUEBIRD Studio 6-pack focuses on vibrant primary colors, giving kids a solid foundation for color mixing and experimentation. What really makes these shine for kids are the flip-top squeeze bottles, making it incredibly easy to control the flow of paint and minimize mess – a huge win for parents! These paints are rich in pigment, creamy, and non-toxic, providing a safe and enjoyable introduction to acrylic painting.
Key Features:
– 6 vibrant primary colors for foundational learning
– Flip-top squeeze bottles for easy flow control and less mess
– Rich pigment, creamy, non-toxic, and safe for all ages
– Multifunctional for painting on canvas, wood, glass, ceramic, and more
– Comes in a sturdy cardboard box for easy storage
Pros:
– Squeeze bottles are excellent for young children to manage
– Good primary color selection for mixing
– Non-toxic and high-quality pigment
– Easy to store and keep organized
– Versatile for many surfaces
Cons:
– Only 6 colors, which limits direct color choice (though encourages mixing)
– Doesn’t include brushes or other accessories
User Impressions:
Parents raved about the squeeze bottles, noting how much easier they made painting for their kids and how they helped reduce waste. The vibrant colors were also a hit, and many appreciated the focus on primary colors for educational value.
5. ESSENSON Acrylic Paint, 12 Colors Acrylic Paint Set
The ESSENSON 12-color acrylic paint set is a fantastic option for kids who want a good range of colors without being overwhelmed. These paints boast rich and vibrant hues that blend effortlessly, allowing little artists to create their unique shades and tones. With a creamy consistency and high pigmentation, they offer excellent coverage for both broad strokes and fine details. Plus, the easy-to-use flip-top bottles minimize mess, and the fast-drying, waterproof finish ensures their artwork lasts.
Key Features:
– 12 carefully selected rich and vibrant colors
– Premium quality with smooth, consistent application
– Creamy consistency and high pigments for excellent coverage
– Multi-purpose for glass, rocks, canvas, wood, ceramic, and more
– Easy-to-use flip-top 2oz/59ml bottles for minimal mess
– Fast drying and waterproof once dry
Pros:
– Good selection of colors for various projects
– Easy-to-dispense bottles are kid-friendly
– Dries quickly and is waterproof, making artwork durable
– Versatile for a wide array of surfaces
– Smooth consistency makes it enjoyable to use
Cons:
– No brushes or other accessories included
– Some users might prefer larger bottles for extensive projects
User Impressions:
Customers appreciated the vibrant colors and the smooth texture of these paints, noting how easy they were to blend. The flip-top bottles were a big hit for making cleanup and dispensing much simpler, and the quick-drying nature meant less waiting time for kids.
6. Crayola Acrylic Paint – Assorted Colors (6ct), Kids Paint
You can’t go wrong with Crayola when it comes to kids’ art supplies, and their acrylic paint is no exception! This 6-count assorted color set comes in generous 16-ounce easy-squeeze bottles, perfect for school art projects or DIY fun at home. Crayola acrylic paints are known for their multi-surface adhesion, vibrant colors, and thick, consistent viscosity, making them blendable and easy to work with. Plus, true to Crayola’s reputation, they’re safe, non-toxic, and offer easy cleanup with soap and water while wet.
Key Features:
– 6 assorted vibrant colors in large 16-ounce easy-squeeze bottles
– Multi-surface adhesion for paper, wood, fabric, and clay
– Thick, consistent viscosity for easy color mixing
– Easy cleanup with soap and water while wet
– Safe and non-toxic formula
– Ideal for school projects, DIY, and everyday crafts
Pros:
– Large bottles offer great value and last longer
– Trusted Crayola brand known for safety and quality
– Easy-squeeze bottles are excellent for kids
– Very versatile for different surfaces and blending
– Easy to clean before it dries
Cons:
– Limited color selection (only 6 colors)
– No additional accessories included
User Impressions:
Parents consistently praise the large bottle size and the reliability of the Crayola brand. They found the paints easy for kids to use and clean up, and appreciated the non-toxic formulation. The vibrant colors were a definite hit for various craft projects.
7. Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set, 15 x 12ml Tubes Artist
The Shuttle Art 15-color acrylic paint set offers a fantastic balance of quality and quantity for young aspiring artists. This set includes 15 vibrant, assorted colors in 12ml tubes, along with a bonus of 3 free paint brushes, making it a ready-to-go kit for creative exploration. These professional artist-quality paints boast rich, thick pigments that provide superior coverage and maintain smoothness. They dry quickly, are durable, permanent, waterproof, and fade-proof – ensuring your child’s masterpieces last a lifetime!
Key Features:
– 15 vibrant assorted colors with rich pigments
– Bonus 3 free paint brushes
– Versatile for various surfaces like canvas, ceramic, wood, fabric, and more
– Durable, permanent, waterproof, and fade-proof once dry
– High-quality thick pigments for superior coverage
– Conforms to ASTM-D4236, non-toxic and safe for kids
Pros:
– Good range of vibrant colors
– Includes brushes, adding value
– Paints are high quality with excellent coverage
– Durable and long-lasting artwork
– Safe and non-toxic for children
Cons:
– Tubes might be a bit small for very large projects (12ml each)
– Brushes are basic, not professional grade
User Impressions:
Customers were very pleased with the vibrant colors and the smooth application of these paints. Many appreciated the inclusion of brushes and noted the good quality for the price. The quick-drying and durable nature of the paint was a frequent highlight.
8. GODLIY Mini Acrylic Paint Set for Kids, 5 Pack 12 Colors
If you’re looking to minimize waste and maximize individual creative experiences, the GODLIY Mini Acrylic Paint Set is a brilliant choice. This unique offering provides 5 packs, each with 12 vibrant colors and 2 brushes, allowing you to give one full set for each painting session or to multiple children. The mini sets are economical and designed to avoid the waste that often happens with kids mixing paints in large quantities. These artist-quality paints feature vivid, high-quality pigments and are incredibly versatile across many surfaces.
Key Features:
– 5 individual packs, each with 12 vibrant colors and 2 brushes
– Mini sets designed to avoid paint waste
– High-quality pigment formula for vivid colors
– Versatile for canvases, paper, wood, rocks, fabrics, and more
– Economical price with high performance
– Great for parties, holidays, or multiple kids
Pros:
– Significantly reduces paint waste
– Excellent for multiple users or separate projects
– Vibrant, artist-quality colors
– Highly versatile for different craft materials
– Economical and great for gifting
Cons:
– Individual paint pots are quite small (good for reducing waste, but limited for big projects)
– Brushes are basic and small
User Impressions:
Reviewers loved the concept of the mini sets for minimizing waste and for use at kids’ parties or art classes. They found the colors to be bright and the paint quality good for children’s projects. The economical nature and versatility were also highly praised.
9. Chalkola 40 Acrylic Paint Set for Adults & Kids with
Chalkola goes above and beyond with this comprehensive 40-piece set, making it a one-stop shop for all your kids’ painting needs! This professional acrylic paint set includes 24 richly pigmented acrylic paint tubes, 10 painting brushes, a palette, and even 5 canvas painting sets. This means your child can start creating masterpieces immediately! The paints are artist-quality, easy to use, and certified non-toxic, making them a safe and high-performing choice for beginners, students, or even seasoned artists in the family.
Key Features:
– Complete set: 24 acrylic paint tubes, 10 brushes, 1 palette, 5 canvas panels
– Artist-quality premium paints with rich pigmentation
– Easy to use for artists of any age or skill level
– Multi-surface use (ceramic, clay, rock, glass, wood, canvas, plastic)
– Easy to use and store in individually labeled aluminum tubes
– ASTM D 4236 & EN71 certified non-toxic and safe
Pros:
– All-inclusive kit provides everything needed to start
– High-quality, richly pigmented paints
– Generous selection of brushes and canvases
– Safe and non-toxic for peace of mind
– Versatile for a huge range of craft projects
Cons:
– The canvases are likely small, limiting larger-scale artwork
– Aluminum tubes might be a bit tricky for very young children to squeeze evenly
User Impressions:
Customers consistently highlighted the incredible value and completeness of this set. They loved that it included canvases and brushes, making it an instant art studio. The paint quality was praised for its vibrancy and ease of use, and the safety certifications were a major selling point for parents.
10. Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set, 16 x 12ml Tubes Artist
The Shuttle Art 16-color acrylic paint set is an expanded version of its popular sibling, offering 16 vibrant, assorted colors in 12ml tubes, along with 3 bonus paint brushes. This set is perfect for teens, beginners, or any artist looking for a broad palette of high-quality paints. The paints boast thick pigments for superior coverage and a creamy texture that lays down smoothly. Once dry, they are durable, permanent, waterproof, and fade-proof, ensuring the longevity of your child’s artistic endeavors. Plus, they’re non-toxic and safe, meeting ASTM-D4236 standards.
Key Features:
– 16 vibrant assorted colors with rich pigments
– Bonus 3 free paint brushes
– Versatile for a wide range of surfaces including canvas, ceramic, wood, fabric, and more
– Durable, permanent, waterproof, and fade-proof finish
– High-quality thick pigments for excellent coverage and smooth application
– Conforms to ASTM-D4236, non-toxic and safe for kids
Pros:
– Expanded color range compared to typical smaller sets
– Includes brushes for immediate use
– Professional artist quality pigments that are thick and smooth
– Artwork will be durable and long-lasting
– Guaranteed safe for children’s use
Cons:
– Tubes are 12ml, which can be small for prolific painters
– No canvas or palette included, just paints and brushes
User Impressions:
Users found the 16 colors to be an excellent palette for various projects, and many commented on the impressive vibrancy and smooth application of the paint. The included brushes were a nice bonus, and the quick-drying, durable finish was a consistent positive feedback point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are acrylic paints safe for kids?
A: Yes, most acrylic paints marketed for kids or general craft use are formulated to be non-toxic. Always look for “non-toxic” on the label or certifications like ASTM D-4236 to ensure they are safe for children to use.
Q2: How do I clean acrylic paint off clothes or surfaces?
A: The key to cleaning acrylic paint is to act fast! While the paint is still wet, you can usually clean it up with just soap and warm water. Once dry, acrylic paint becomes permanent and water-resistant, making it very difficult to remove from fabric. For surfaces, wipe immediately with a damp cloth.
Q3: What surfaces can kids paint on with acrylics?
A: Acrylic paints are incredibly versatile! Kids can use them on a wide range of surfaces, including paper, canvas, wood, rocks, stones, ceramic, glass, plastic, fabric, clay, and even metal. This versatility makes them perfect for diverse craft projects.
Q4: What’s the best age to introduce kids to acrylic paint?
A: While there’s no strict age, many parents introduce acrylic paints to children aged 4 and up, especially when they’ve mastered basic control with crayons or washable paints. Supervision is always recommended, especially with younger kids, to ensure proper use and to help with cleanup.
Q5: What’s the difference between washable paint and acrylic paint for kids?
A: The main difference is permanence. Washable paints are designed to wash out of clothes and off skin easily, even after drying. Acrylic paints, however, are permanent once dry and water-resistant. Acrylics also typically offer more vibrant, opaque colors and can be used on a wider variety of surfaces.
Q6: Do I need special brushes for acrylic paint?
A: Not necessarily for kids’ use. Most acrylic paint sets for kids come with basic synthetic brushes that work perfectly well. Synthetic brushes are generally preferred for acrylics because they hold up better to the paint’s texture and are easier to clean than natural hair brushes.
Q7: How should I store acrylic paints?
A: To keep acrylic paints fresh and prevent them from drying out, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ensure all caps and lids are tightly sealed after each use. Storing tubes or bottles upright can also help prevent leaks.
Q8: Can kids mix acrylic paints to create new colors?
A: Absolutely! Mixing colors is a fantastic part of the creative process and helps kids learn about color theory. Acrylics blend beautifully, allowing children to create an endless array of new shades and tones from a basic set of primary colors.
Ready to Get Creative?
There you have it – our top picks for the best acrylic paint for kids! Whether your child is just starting their artistic journey or already a seasoned little painter, there’s a perfect set on this list to spark their imagination. Investing in quality, safe art supplies like these not only provides hours of fun but also encourages essential developmental skills. So go ahead, pick a set, lay down some newspaper, and let your kids unleash their inner artists. Happy painting!