10 Best Watercolor Sets 2025 in the UK

The Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour Studio Set offers a diverse range of 45 half pans, making it a versatile choice for artists who like to experiment with different colors. The set includes extra pans of their five most popular colors, ensuring you have plenty of the hues you’ll use most often. The pigments are of fine art quality, though with a slightly reduced load compared to their professional range, which makes them more accessible without compromising too much on quality. This makes it ideal for both beginners and intermediate artists.

The paints are also rated highly for lightfastness, meaning your artwork will maintain its vibrancy over time. The transparent quality of the colors helps in achieving delicate washes and layering, a desirable feature for those new to watercolors. Portability is another strength, as the half pans are convenient for travel and can be left unused for long periods without deteriorating in quality.

Some users might find the lack of a brush in the older version of the product a bit inconvenient. Additionally, international buyers should be aware that the product may come with different labeling and instructions than expected. Despite these minor downsides, many users appreciate its blendability and long-lasting nature.

The Kuretake ZIG GANSAI TAMBI 24 Colour Metallic set offers a vibrant and rich palette inspired by traditional Japanese watercolors, ideal for those who enjoy bright and slightly opaque metallic tones. Its 24 carefully chosen colors provide a balanced range suited for creating diverse illustrations, especially with the unique metallic sheen that adds a special touch to artwork. The pigment quality is high; the paints are smooth, not grainy, and dry with a subtle shine, which can give paintings a nice finish.

One notable advantage is that the pans are larger than typical watercolor sets, making it easier to use both small and larger brushes comfortably, and individual pans can be replaced, which adds convenience and longevity. The paint can be used with varying water amounts, allowing for flexibility between a watercolor look and a more gouache-like, opaque effect. However, because the colors lean toward opacity and metallic effects, they might not offer the classic transparent washes some watercolor artists prefer.

The set comes in a simple yet elegant box with a washi overlay, making it a good gift option but not the most compact for travel. This set is best suited for hobbyists or artists looking for vivid, slightly opaque metallic watercolors with good mixing potential and durability, rather than those seeking ultra-transparent or strictly traditional watercolor effects.

The Kuretake ZIG GANSAI TAMBI watercolor set offers a vibrant selection of 36 colors inspired by nature, aiming to provide vivid and opaque finishes. The pigment quality stands out, as it uses unique technology for flat washes and easy blending. This flexibility allows users to adjust the intensity, making it suitable for creating watercolor-like images or opaque designs akin to gauche. The larger pan size is a practical feature, accommodating both small and large brushes with ease, which is beneficial for artists who like to experiment with different brush techniques.

Transparency is a bit more challenging with this set, as the colors tend to dry with a slight sheen, which might not appeal to those seeking traditional transparent watercolor finishes. However, the ability to dilute the ink to a more transparent form adds versatility.

In terms of packaging, the set is elegantly presented in a cardboard box with a green washi overlay, making it an appealing gift option. While the packaging is simple, it adds a touch of sophistication, although it might not be the most durable for frequent transport. Mixing and blending capabilities are enhanced by the smoothness of the paint, avoiding granulation and allowing seamless color transitions. This set is especially suitable for arts and crafts enthusiasts who appreciate traditional Japanese art aesthetics and enjoy experimenting with color. However, artists looking for standard watercolor transparency might need to adjust their technique to meet their preferences.