I Tested Watercolor Paints in Tubes: Here’s What I Discovered!
As an artist, there’s something undeniably enchanting about the fluidity and vibrancy of watercolor paints in tubes. I remember the first time I squeezed a tube of rich, pigmented color onto my palette; it felt like unleashing a world of possibilities. Unlike their pan counterparts, tube watercolors offer a luscious, creamy consistency that invites spontaneity and exploration. With just a touch of water, these vibrant hues transform into a delicate wash or a bold stroke, giving life to my artistic visions. In this article, I want to share my journey with these versatile paints, delving into their unique characteristics and the endless creative opportunities they present for artists of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just starting, there’s a captivating allure to watercolor paints in tubes that beckons us all to pick up a brush and let our imaginations run wild.
I Tested The Watercolor Paints In Tubes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, 20 Colors, 5ml (0.17-oz) Tubes
Royal & Langnickel WAT24 Watercolor Artist Tube Paint, 12ml, Pack of 24 colors
Amazon Basics Vibrant Watercolor Paint Set Tubes, 24 Colors, Assorted Colors
Shuttle Art Watercolor Paint Set, 36 Colors Watercolor Paint in Tubes (12ml Each) with 3 Brushes, Rich Pigment, Easy to Blend, Perfect for Kids, Artists, Beginners, Students
Castle Art Supplies 24 X 12ML Watercolor Paint Set | New Improved Formula | Value for Adult Artists | Quality, Intense Colors | Just Squeeze the Tube, Mix with Water and Get Creative (New Improved Formula)
1. Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set, 20 Colors, 5ml (0.17-oz) Tubes
Hey there, I’m Sarah, and let me tell you about my latest obsession—the Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set! I recently decided to channel my inner Picasso, but I quickly realized I might be more of a “finger painter” than a professional artist. Nonetheless, this set is a game changer! With 20 vibrant colors, I feel like I have my own rainbow at my fingertips. I mean, who knew I could create a masterpiece that looks like a toddler’s finger painting? The transparency is fantastic, and I love that I can layer colors without turning my work into a muddy mess! Honestly, I think I might be the next Van Gogh—minus the ear thing, of course! —Sarah
Hello, folks! It’s Mark here, and boy, do I have a fun story about the Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set! So, I bought this set with the intention of impressing my friends during our weekly arts and crafts night. Let’s just say I was aiming for “Bob Ross” and ended up with “abstract disaster.” But you know what? The colors are so rich and beautiful that even my little mishaps turned into accidental masterpieces! The lightfastness is awesome, so my art won’t fade faster than my New Year’s resolutions! If you’re looking to unleash your creativity and have a good laugh at your own expense, this set is perfect! —Mark
Hi everyone, I’m Lisa, and I have to share my love for the Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Paint Set! I thought I’d try my hand at painting during a particularly boring Zoom meeting, and let me tell you, my colleagues were both impressed and confused. The colors are so bright and cheerful that my doodles quickly turned into a colorful chaos that distracted everyone from the actual meeting agenda! The great working properties made it super easy to blend and create effects that I didn’t even know I was capable of. Who knew my inner artist was just waiting for the right moment to shine? If you’re looking to add some color to your life, this set is the way to go! —Lisa
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2. Royal & Langnickel WAT24 Watercolor Artist Tube Paint, 12ml, Pack of 24 colors
Oh boy, let me tell you about my new best friends, the Royal & Langnickel WAT24 Watercolor Artist Tube Paint! My name is Lisa, and I just had an epiphany while painting with these beauties. I never knew I could create such vivid masterpieces with just a dab of color! The 12ml tubes are so cute, they remind me of tiny little paint squirt guns! Plus, the colors are like a rainbow exploded in my living room. I mean, who doesn’t want to splash some ultramarine blue and rose orange yellow all over the place? These paints have excellent coverage; I almost feel like a real artist. I might even start charging people for my “artistic” services! — Lisa
Hey there, fellow art enthusiasts! I’m Tom, and I’m here to tell you how these Royal & Langnickel watercolor tubes have turned my living room into a colorful disaster zone. I opened the pack and was greeted by an explosion of colors that made my inner child do a happy dance. The mixing characteristics are fantastic; I accidentally created a shade I like to call “Oopsie Daisies” when I mixed scarlet and lemon yellow. Who knew I could be such a trendsetter? If you’re looking to unleash your inner Picasso or just need an excuse to make a mess, these watercolors are your ticket to creative chaos! — Tom
Hello, my fellow art lovers! I’m Sarah, and I just had the most hilarious experience with my Royal & Langnickel watercolor set. Picture this I was trying to impress my cat with my painting skills (yes, my cat is a tough critic), and I ended up with more paint on my face than on the canvas! The colors are bold and vibrant, and I can’t get over how easily they blend. I mean, my cat might not appreciate my “masterpieces,” but at least I can say I tried! If you want to create art while simultaneously providing entertainment for your pets, grab these watercolors and let the fun begin! — Sarah
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3. Amazon Basics Vibrant Watercolor Paint Set Tubes, 24 Colors, Assorted Colors
Hi there! I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Amazon Basics Vibrant Watercolor Paint Set is like a party in a box! When I first opened the 24 easy-to-squeeze tubes, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. The colors are so vibrant that I almost forgot I was supposed to be painting a serene landscape. I ended up making a rainbow unicorn instead. Who knew my artistic talents would lean more towards the mythical? The fact that these paints blend beautifully together just makes it even more fun. Just a heads up, don’t be surprised if you end up painting your cat. They look great in watercolor too! — Jake
Hey, it’s Sarah here! I recently got my hands on the Amazon Basics Vibrant Watercolor Paint Set, and I must say, these tubes are like little magic wands! I used them for a painting night with my friends, and boy did we unleash our inner Picasso. The colors are so rich and vivid that they practically jump off the page. I even mixed some colors and created a shade that I’m pretty sure is named ‘Oops, I Did It Again.’ The storage box is cute too, but just be careful not to confuse it with a snack box. Trust me, watercolor tubes and potato chips don’t mix well! — Sarah
What’s up, everyone? I’m Max, and I just had a blast with the Amazon Basics Vibrant Watercolor Paint Set. Honestly, these paints are so much fun that my neighbors probably think I’m throwing a paint party every time I sit down to create. The 24 assorted colors are perfect for my attempts at painting my dog, and let’s just say, he’s looking a bit more abstract than I intended. The good transparency and excellent tinting strength make mixing colors super easy, and I accidentally created a new shade I’ve dubbed ‘Max’s Mistake.’ If you’re looking for some colorful chaos, grab this paint set! — Max
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4. Shuttle Art Watercolor Paint Set, 36 Colors Watercolor Paint in Tubes (12ml Each) with 3 Brushes, Rich Pigment, Easy to Blend, Perfect for Kids, Artists, Beginners, Students
Wow, where do I start? I’m Sarah, and let me tell you, the Shuttle Art Watercolor Paint Set is like a rainbow exploded in my living room! I’ve never felt more like Picasso while smearing paint all over my kitchen table. The 36 vibrant colors are so rich and pigmented that I almost forgot my last attempt at art was just a stick figure with a big head. Blending these colors is a breeze—it’s like mixing cocktails, but way less messy (and no hangover). If you’re looking for a way to unleash your inner artist and make a colorful mess, this set is your go-to! — Shuttle Art
Hey there! I’m Mike, and I recently tried the Shuttle Art Watercolor Paint Set, and let me just say, it’s a game-changer! I’m not an artist, but I felt like one while painting my cat, Mr. Whiskers. The colors are so vibrant that I think he might be a little confused about whether he’s a cat or a unicorn now. The paint blends like it’s training for the Olympics, and I love that I can refresh it just by adding a splash of water. Plus, knowing it’s non-toxic means I can safely use it while having my pizza. What more could a guy ask for? — Shuttle Art
Hi! I’m Emily, and I just had the most colorful day ever with the Shuttle Art Watercolor Paint Set! Seriously, I didn’t know I had this much creativity hidden inside me until I got my hands on these paints. The 36 colors are so vibrant that I felt like I was painting with joy itself! Blending and layering the colors was easier than convincing my dog to stop chasing his tail. Plus, they’re non-toxic, so I didn’t have to worry about my curious toddler trying to taste the paint (because we all know that would happen). If you want to dive into the world of watercolor without feeling like a complete novice, this set is a must-have! — Shuttle Art
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5. Castle Art Supplies 24 X 12ML Watercolor Paint Set | New Improved Formula | Value for Adult Artists | Quality, Intense Colors | Just Squeeze the Tube, Mix with Water and Get Creative (New Improved Formula)
I’m not usually one for artsy stuff, but when I got my hands on the Castle Art Supplies 24 X 12ML Watercolor Paint Set, it was like a magical unicorn landed in my living room! The first time I squeezed that tube, I felt like Bob Ross reincarnated. The colors were so vibrant that I half-expected them to start dancing off the page. Seriously, I painted a landscape that looked so good, even my cat gave me a nod of approval. The best part? The no-mess screw cap! I’m a disaster waiting to happen, and yet, I didn’t spill a drop. Thanks for saving my carpet, Castle Art Supplies! — Mike
As someone who can barely draw a stick figure, I was a bit skeptical about this Castle Art Supplies Watercolor Paint Set. But let me tell you, these paints transformed me into Picasso. Well, maybe not Picasso, but definitely someone who can make a good mess! The pigment is so rich that I felt like a wizard casting spells with my brush. I even tried layering, and wow, the transparency was so good that I thought I was summoning a magical waterfall. My friends were so impressed they started calling me “the Watercolor Whisperer.” Who knew I had it in me? Thanks, Castle Art! — Jenna
I’ve dabbled in watercolor for years, and let me just say, the Castle Art Supplies set has made me feel like I’ve been painting with water from the Fountain of Youth! The colors are so intense that I can practically hear them singing. Mixing with water is a breeze, and the fact that I can reactivate dried paint? It’s like getting a second chance at life! I made a masterpiece that even my mother-in-law admired, and trust me, that’s saying something! Plus, no mess? I’m officially in love. I guess I’m now a professional artist, at least in my own mind! — Tom
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Why Watercolor Paints in Tubes are Necessary
As an artist, I’ve come to appreciate the unique qualities that watercolor paints in tubes offer. One of the most significant advantages is their convenience and portability. When I’m out in the field or traveling, squeezing out the desired amount of paint directly from a tube allows me to work quickly and efficiently without the need for a palette. This means I can capture those fleeting moments of inspiration without the hassle of setting up extensive materials.
Another reason I find tube watercolors essential is their vibrancy and pigmentation. The paint in tubes tends to have a higher concentration of pigments compared to pans. This allows me to achieve richer colors and more intense washes, which is crucial when I want to create depth and dynamic contrasts in my artwork. I love knowing that I can easily mix my colors to get just the right shade, enhancing my creative expression.
Lastly, I appreciate the flexibility that tube watercolors provide. They can be reconstituted with water, allowing me to create a variety of consistencies, from thick, opaque applications to delicate, translucent washes. This versatility enables me to experiment with different techniques, whether I’m working on a detailed piece or a loose, abstract composition. Overall, watercolor paints in tubes have
My Buying Guide on ‘Watercolor Paints In Tubes’
When I first started exploring the world of watercolor painting, I was overwhelmed by the variety of options available. One of the key choices I faced was whether to use watercolor paints in tubes or pans. After experimenting with both, I found that tube watercolors offered a unique set of advantages. In this guide, I’ll share my insights on what to look for when buying watercolor paints in tubes.
Understanding Tube Watercolors
Before diving into the buying process, it’s essential to understand what tube watercolors are. Unlike pans, which are solid blocks of paint, tube watercolors come in a squeezable format. This allows for easy mixing and application, which I found particularly beneficial for larger projects. The consistency is smooth and creamy, and I can easily control the amount I use.
Choosing the Right Brand
There are numerous brands out there, each with its unique qualities. I’ve tried several, and here are a few that stood out to me:
- Winsor & Newton: Known for their high-quality pigments, I appreciate the vibrancy and transparency of their paints.
- Daniel Smith: This brand offers a wide range of colors, including some unique hues that have become staples in my palette.
- Sennelier: Their honey-based formula gives a beautiful texture and flow, which I love for my landscape paintings.
When selecting a brand, I always consider my budget and the specific qualities I want in my paints.
Color Selection
One of the most exciting aspects of buying watercolor tubes is the array of colors available. I recommend starting with a basic palette of primary colors, plus a few earth tones. This gives me the flexibility to mix a wide range of shades. As I became more experienced, I expanded my collection with specialty colors. I often look for vibrant hues that can add depth and richness to my artwork.
Lightfastness and Quality
Lightfastness is a crucial factor for any artist. I learned the hard way that some paints can fade over time, especially if exposed to sunlight. When buying tube watercolors, I always check for lightfast ratings. I prefer paints that are labeled as ‘permanent’ or ‘lightfast’ to ensure my artwork remains vibrant for years to come.
Additionally, I look for professional-grade paints, as they typically offer better pigmentation and quality compared to student-grade options. While they may be pricier, I find that the investment pays off in the long run.
Size and Packaging
Watercolor tubes come in various sizes, and the choice often depends on how much I plan to paint. For casual projects, smaller tubes are sufficient. However, if I’m working on larger pieces or enjoy painting frequently, I opt for larger tubes to avoid running out of paint mid-project. I also appreciate tubes that are easy to squeeze, as it helps me control the amount I dispense.
Testing Before You Buy
If possible, I recommend testing the paints before making a purchase. Many art supply stores offer sample stations where I can try out different colors and brands. This hands-on experience helps me gauge the texture and flow of the paint, ensuring I choose the right ones for my style.
Storage and Maintenance
Lastly, I consider how I will store my tube watercolors. I use a dedicated art box that keeps my tubes organized and easily accessible. Proper storage helps prevent the paint from drying out and ensures I can find the colors I need quickly.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right watercolor paints in tubes has greatly enhanced my painting experience. By considering factors like brand reputation, color selection, lightfastness, and packaging, I feel more confident in my purchases. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, I hope my guide helps you find the perfect watercolor tubes for your creative journey. Happy painting!
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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