If you’re serious about watercolor painting… or even just “slightly serious,” a.k. starting out and wondering what watercolor supplies you really need—this guide is for you. I’ll cut through the fluff and focus on the best watercolor tools and painting supplies that are actually worth it. Whether you’re shopping for budget watercolor brushes or upgrading to pro-level paints, this list will help you avoid frustration and save money long-term.
In college, I had very limited funds to go to my watercolor tools, and even though it’s been over a decade since I’ve graduated, I still keep that budget-conscious mindset when walking the aisles of Michael’s and Hobby Lobby.
However, there are a few items I’ll always splurge on, and I think you should, too.
Want the TL;DR? Here’s the full YouTube video where I walk through all of this step-by-step:
Best Watercolor Brushes for Beginners (and What to Avoid)
We’ve all seen those bulk brush sets labeled as “watercolor brush set” on Amazon or in the craft aisle: “Level 1 Artist” iykyk 👀 They’re cheap, colorful, and full of promise. But spoiler: they’re one of the biggest watercolor painting mistakes beginners make.
What to avoid:
- $5 brush packs with 10+ pieces
- Flimsy synthetic bristles that shed or stiffen after one use
These types of brushes might seem like a good deal, but they create more problems than they solve. Poor bristle quality means uneven application, frustrating paint control, and streaky washes. The synthetic materials used in cheap sets typically can’t hold water well, which defeats the purpose of watercolor painting altogether. You’ll spend more time trying to fix what the brush messes up than actually enjoying your painting.
Best watercolor brush setup:
- Buy 3 brushes: one size 4 (small), one size 8 (medium), and one size 12 or 14 (large)
- Choose synthetic first then upgrade to an animal hair once you feel comfortable and have a “favorite brush size”
- Preferred brush manufacturers: Grumbacher and Princeton
With just three well-chosen brushes in different sizes, you’ll cover everything from fine details to large washes. These quality brushes hold more water and pigment, allowing smoother, more intentional strokes. You’ll gain confidence faster and spend less time fighting your tools.
Watercolor Paper: How to Avoid Bending, Buckling, and Wrinkling
One of the most common beginner watercolor questions: What kind of paper should I use for watercolor painting? The answer is simple—not mixed media paper and definitely not 90lb paper.
Skip this:
- 90lb sketch pads or mixed media books
- Budget packs
Thin, low-quality paper is the fastest way to ruin a watercolor painting. It warps, buckles, and bends as soon as water hits it. Mixed media paper might sound versatile, but it simply can’t absorb water like proper watercolor paper. The result? Blotchy washes, bleeding lines, and a warped final product that won’t lay flat or frame well.
Best watercolor paper for beginners and pros:
- Minimum: 140lb cold-press watercolor paper
- Ideal: 300lb or 400lb for heavy washes and full-page color
- Top brands: Arches, Strathmore, Canson
Higher-quality paper helps your brushes perform better, your colors appear more vibrant, and it reduces warping—even with heavy water usage. Cold-press paper has a soft texture that holds pigment well, while heavier weights like 300lb resist buckling so you don’t need to tape or stretch it. Heavier weight paper is definitely more costly, but I promise you’ll see a difference in your painting. This is definitely where you want to splurge. Never settle for budget or light weight paper. You’ll always throw it away.
Best Watercolor Paints (Say No to Party Palettes and 8-Paint Trays)
Here’s the truth: those little dry paint cakes in the $1 aisle aren’t made for real painting. They’re barely made for kids’ birthday parties.
Avoid:
- Tray sets with plastic lids and pre-filled colors
- Paints labeled as “washable” or “craft”
It seems like a budget-friendly way to start, but your experience is going to be severely limited and frustrating—trust. These paints are packed with fillers and barely any pigment, which makes the colors dull, streaky, and hard to blend. They’re designed for fast cleanup, not actual creative work.
What to buy instead:
- Start with 5 professional watercolor paint tubes or pans
- Choose warm + cool primaries and a neutral (e.g. sap green, burnt sienna)
- Daniel Smith, Winsor & Newton, and Holbein are great choices
With just a few well-selected artist-grade paints, you’ll unlock endless color combinations. These paints are highly pigmented, mix beautifully, and react well with water—so you can actually enjoy watercolor’s signature flow and transparency. You’ll create richer artwork and build your own palette with colors that reflect your style.
Your first 5 watercolor paints:
Surprise! There is a Time when I Recommend Cheap Watercolor Supplies
There is a season to everything, and even though I avoid beginner, cheap, and multi-pack supplies… here are a few instances when I need some of those tools available:
- BUDGET BRUSHES: Keep these around if you work with gold leaf and adhesives. You don’t want to ruin your nice brushes. You can also trim the bristles and create a “new” brush if you’re feeling adventurous.
- BUDGET PAPER: Cheaper paper is best for swatching and mixing. You can also use this paper when you want to test a new brush.
- BUDGET PAINTS: Jk. There isn’t a time when I use “Paints in a tray” set, and you shouldn’t either 😉
The key is knowing when and why to use budget watercolor supplies—they shouldn’t be your default.
Free Watercolor Painting Supplies List
Want a supply list that takes out all the guesswork? Download my FREE watercolor supply kit. It includes:
- Best watercolor supplies for beginners
- Budget-friendly watercolor tools that still perform
- Pro-level brushes, paper, and paints that last
Download the free watercolor kit here.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re ready to paint confidently and stop second-guessing your tools, join Watercolor Foundations, a course designed to walk you through every essential watercolor technique and tool.
Now it’s your turn: What brush, paper, or paint do you swear by? Drop it in the comments or tag me on Instagram @mercycreates!
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