A Guide to Using the Best Watercolor Paints Effectively
I’ve watched countless artists struggle with muddy colors and paint that just won’t behave the way they want it to.
But here’s what most people don’t realize the problem isn’t your technique. It’s often the quality and type of watercolor paints you’re using.
Good watercolor paints can make the difference between frustrating painting sessions and creating artwork that flows beautifully on paper. When you understand how to choose and use quality paints, your colors stay vibrant, your blending becomes smoother, and your confidence grows with every brushstroke.
I’m going to show you exactly how to pick the right watercolor paints for your needs and use them effectively, so you can stop fighting with your materials and start enjoying the painting process.
What to Look for in Watercolor Paints?
Choosing the right watercolor paints can feel overwhelming when you’re staring at shelves full of options. I’ve been there, and I know how confusing it gets when every brand promises the best results.
The truth is, not all watercolor paints are created equal. Some will give you brilliant, lasting colors while others fade quickly or create muddy mixes. Understanding what makes quality paint will save you money and frustration in the long run.
Types of watercolor paints you’ll encounter:
- Pans – Solid, dried paint cakes that activate with water
- Tubes – Moist paint in squeezable containers
- Liquid – Pre-mixed, ready-to-use watercolors
Key factors that determine paint quality:
- Pigment quality – Higher pigment concentration means richer colors
- Lightfastness – How well colors resist fading over time
- Transparency – Affects layering and mixing capabilities
- Mixability – How cleanly colors blend without getting muddy
- Price and value – Balancing cost with quality for your needs
Affordable Watercolors with Vibrant Florals
Looking for the best watercolor paints for florals on a budget? Let’s have a look.
1. PWC Shinhan (Korean Brand)
This Korean brand offers excellent value for money with vibrant colors that perform well in painting. The permanent rose is particularly outstanding, providing lovely coral tones that work beautifully for floral paintings.
Budget: $3-7 USD per 15ml tube
Tips:
- Permanent rose is the standout color – perfect for stocking up
- Avoid the lemon yellow as it’s too chalky for mixing
- Great for beginners due to affordable pricing
- Scarlet Lake and Shadow Green are reliable choices
2. Holbein (Japanese Brand)
A well-established Japanese brand known for consistent performance and reasonable pricing. The paints offer good pigment concentration and work well across different painting techniques.
Budget: $8-15 USD per 15ml tube
Tips:
- Prussian Blue is an excellent first choice for this pigment
- Burnt Umber is reliable and widely used
- Available at many local art stores
- Sap Green performs well but may appear washed out in some applications
3. M Graham (American Brand)
Uses honey as a binder, making paints stay moist longer on the palette. This brand works particularly well in dry climates and offers a beautiful, buttery consistency.
Budget: $9-15 USD per 15ml tube
Tips:
- Perfect for dry climates – stays workable longer
- Avoid if you live in tropical areas (too runny)
- Skip the olive green and sap green – they’re chalky
- Quinacridone Rose and Gamboge are standout colors
4. Rembrandt (Dutch Brand)
Professional-level paints from the makers of Van Gogh student grade. Offers consistent quality with strong pigmentation and reliable performance.
Budget: $9-15 USD per 14ml tube
Tips:
- Indigo is one of the best available in any brand
- Permanent Rose (Quinacridone Rose) is excellent
- Comes in slightly smaller tubes (14ml vs 15ml)
- Good consistency that doesn’t cake up excessively
5. Maimeri Blu (Italian Brand)
Italian brand known for transparent qualities, though some users find the consistency unusual. Good for artists who prefer very transparent watercolors.
Budget: $12-18 USD per 15ml tube
Tips:
- Very transparent – good for layering techniques
- May create bubbly effects when scrubbing
- Dragon’s Blood is a unique and usable color
- Not ideal if you need punchy, intense colors
6. Daniel Smith (American Brand)
Highly regarded professional brand with extensive color range, though expensive in many markets. Known for quality pigments and unique color formulations.
Budget: $8-12 USD per 5ml tube ($20-35 USD per 15ml equivalent)
Tips:
- Dries very hard and can crack on the palette
- Difficult to reactivate once dried
- Consider pan sets over tubes for better performance
- Queen Gold and Rose of Ultramarine are beautiful colors
7. Winsor & Newton Professional (UK Brand)
Traditional, well-established brand with excellent color range and quality. Professional level offers superior performance compared to the student grade Cotman line.
Budget: $15-25 USD per 15ml tube
Tips:
- Lemon Yellow is exceptionally consistent and reliable
- Avoid Cotman student grade – not vibrant enough
- Professional level cracks slightly on the palette
- Good traditional color range, but limited innovation
8. Mission Gold (Korean Brand)
Another Korean brand offering vibrant, punchy colors at affordable prices. Some colors can be inconsistent, but overall provide good value.
Budget: $4-15 USD per 50ml tube – excellent value
Tips:
- Green Gold and Olive Green are standout performers
- Some colors have too much pigment, making them chalky when mixed
- Indigo version is of poor quality – avoid
- Great option for budget-conscious artists seeking professional results
Special thanks to Crystal Tan Art for providing valuable insights in their video, which I referenced while creating this guide.
Comparison Table of Colours
| Brand | Origin | Price (USD) | Best For | Paint Behavior / Texture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PWC Shinhan | Korean | $3-7/15ml | Beginners | Smooth, vibrant; some colors chalky |
| Mission Gold | Korean | $4-15/50ml | Budget Artists | Highly pigmented, sometimes overly strong |
| Holbein | Japanese | $8-15/15ml | Intermediate | Creamy, mixes well, dries evenly |
| M Graham | American | $9-15/15ml | Dry Climate | Stays moist longer; honey-based |
| Rembrandt | Dutch | $9-15/14ml | Professional | Balanced transparency and pigmentation |
| Daniel Smith | American | $20-35/15ml | Color Variety | Granulating, hard-drying, premium pigments |
| Winsor & Newton | UK | $15-25/15ml | Traditional |
Reliable, solid texture, slightly cracking |
Best for Beginners
PWC Shinhan Permanent Rose – $3-7 USD
- Most versatile color for all painting styles
- Works beautifully for florals, portraits, and landscapes
- Affordable enough to use freely without worry
- Mixes well with other colors
Best for Professionals
M Graham Quinacridone Rose – $9-15 USD
- Superior pigment quality and consistency
- Honey binder keeps paint workable longer
- Professional-grade performance and vibrancy
- Perfect for serious artists who demand quality
Why These Two Stand Out: Both are variations of the same essential rose/pink pigment, but at different quality and price points – making them perfect stepping stones as artists develop their skills and budget.
Conclusion
Finding the right watercolor paints doesn’t have to drain your wallet or leave you confused. Start with PWC Shinhan’s permanent rose if you’re beginning it’s affordable and works beautifully for most painting styles. As your skills grow, M Graham’s quinacridone rose offers that professional quality worth investing in.
Remember, expensive doesn’t always mean better. Korean brands like PwC, Shinhan, and Mission Gold prove that quality paints can be budget-friendly. Focus on pigment quality, lightfastness, and how the paint behaves with your technique rather than just the brand name.
Your painting success depends more on understanding your materials than on having the most expensive supplies. Choose paints that match your skill level and budget, then practice consistently.
What’s your experience with different watercolor brands? Share your favorite colors in the comments below I’d love to hear which paints work best for your style!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Professional-Grade Watercolors?
Professional-grade watercolors contain higher pigment concentrations, better lightfastness, and superior quality ingredients compared to student-grade paints, resulting in richer colors and better performance.
How Can You Tell if Watercolor Is of Good Quality?
Good watercolor paints have vibrant colors, mix cleanly without muddiness, reactivate easily with water, and maintain their brightness when dry on paper.
