Watercolour Paint Sets Compared: Tubes vs Pans for Artists

Introduction: Why Choosing the Right Watercolour Set Matters in 2025

Watercolour painting has never been more popular. From professional artists working on large-scale pieces to hobbyists creating relaxing sketches at home, watercolour’s versatility continues to inspire. But with so many watercolour paint sets available in 2025, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Should you choose tubes or pans? Do you need student-grade or professional-quality paints?

Finding the best watercolour paints is about more than price—it’s about choosing colours that suit your style, last for years, and make painting more enjoyable. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from beginner-friendly watercolour kits to professional-grade sets, and finally answer the big question: tubes vs pans— which is right for you?

What to Look for in a Watercolour Paint Set

Before you invest in a new paint kit, keep these factors in mind:

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Quality & Pigments – Look for rich, highly pigmented colours. Professional paints often use single pigments, which blend more cleanly.
Lightfastness – This measures how well colours resist fading over time. Artists who want their work to last should prioritise high lightfast ratings.
Portability – Do you paint outdoors or travel often? Pan watercolour sets are lightweight and compact, while tubes can be messier but versatile.
Price – Student-grade sets are affordable but may have weaker pigments. Professional sets cost more but deliver unmatched vibrancy.
Ease of Use – Beginners may prefer pre-filled pans, while experienced artists enjoy the flexibility of squeezing fresh paint from tubes.

Best Watercolour Paint Sets for Beginners

If you’re just starting your watercolour journey, these sets balance quality and affordability:

Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Pan Set – A trusted choice for beginners, offering vibrant colours at a reasonable price. Compact and portable, perfect for sketching on the go.
Arteza Watercolour Tubes Set – Affordable with a wide range of colours. Great for experimenting without a big investment.
Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolour Set – Known for its smooth texture and slightly opaque finish, ideal for beginners who love bold strokes.
Prang Watercolour Set (Student Grade) – Extremely budget-friendly, great for classrooms and younger artists.

Best Watercolour Paint Sets for Professionals

Professional artists need paints that offer maximum pigment strength and longevity. Here are some of the top professional watercolour paints in 2025:

Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolours (Tubes & Pans) – Highly respected for their massive colour range and single-pigment options. A go-to for serious artists.
Schmincke Horadam Aquarell Pans – Luxurious paints with excellent lightfastness and consistency. Perfect for fine detail and professional projects.
M. Graham Watercolours (Tubes) – Honey-based formula that keeps paints moist and easy to rewet. Rich, buttery consistency.
Sennelier Watercolour Set – Another honey-based paint with beautifully transparent pigments and a smooth flow.

Student vs Professional-Grade Watercolours

The main difference lies in pigment concentration and filler content.

Student-Grade Watercolours: Cheaper, easier to learn with, but less vibrant. Colours may fade faster.
Professional-Grade Watercolours: More expensive, but packed with pigment, offering better blending, intensity, and longevity.

If you’re a beginner, start with student sets. As you improve, upgrading to professional paints will take your work to the next level.

Tubes vs Pans: Which is Better?

This is the classic debate in the watercolour world. Let’s break it down:

Tubes

✅ Great for large washes and bold strokes.
✅ Easy to mix large amounts of colour.
❌ Less portable, can dry out if not capped properly.

Pans

✅ Compact and travel-friendly.
✅ Long-lasting and convenient—just add water.
❌ Harder to mix large quantities of paint.

Verdict: If you paint mostly at home and like mixing colours, tubes might be best. If you’re a sketchbook artist or love painting outdoors, pans are a lifesaver. Many artists actually keep both on hand for flexibility.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Paint Set

Invest in good brushes – Quality brushes will elevate even budget paints.
Use proper paper – Watercolour paper (300gsm or more) makes colours pop and prevents warping.
Mix on a palette – This allows for cleaner blends and more creative control.
Keep pans clean – Wipe excess pigment after painting to avoid muddy colours.
Experiment with layering – Watercolour shines in transparent washes.

FAQs About Watercolour Paint Sets in 2025

Q: Can I mix tubes and pans in the same set?
Yes! Many artists carry pans for travel and squeeze tube paint into empty pans for a custom hybrid set.

Q: How long do watercolour paints last?
If stored properly, pans can last for years. Tubes may dry out but can often be reactivated with water.

Q: Are beginner watercolour sets worth buying?
Absolutely. They’re cost-effective, great for practice, and help you decide if you want to commit to professional paints later.

Conclusion: Find the Watercolour Paint Set That Suits You

Whether you’re a student, hobbyist, or professional, the right watercolour paint set will inspire your creativity in 2025 and beyond. Beginners may love the simplicity of pans, while professionals often prefer the flexibility of tubes—but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

The best approach? Try both. Experiment with different brands, compare how they feel, and choose what makes painting the most enjoyable for you.