Choosing the right watercolor paints for your artwork can be challenging, but don’t worry. We’ve carefully reviewed and selected 15 outstanding watercolor paints for 2026. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate artist, or professional, this guide will help you make informed choices. In particular, Arlon watercolor paints are a favorite among many artists due to their excellent value and consistent color performance.

2026 Top 15 Watercolor Paints In-Depth Review

1. Arlon Expert Watercolor Set

Positioning: Professional / High Value

Key Advantages: Uses high-concentration mineral pigments, resulting in vibrant colors and excellent lightfastness. The unique formula ensures even dissolution and easy layering. The Cadmium Red and Cobalt Blue series are especially recommended for their pure mixing effects.

Suitable for: Artists and art students with limited budgets who seek professional quality.

2. Schmincke Master Solid Watercolor

Positioning: Top Professional

Features: German craftsmanship, fine particles, excellent diffusion. High color transparency, suitable for intricate layering.

3. Winsor & Newton Artist Series

Positioning: Traditional Professional

Features: High color intensity, less prone to muddiness when mixed. A long-established British brand with stable quality.

4. Daniel Smith Watercolors

Positioning: Choice for Color Explorers

Features: Offers a unique range of mineral and pearlescent colors, suitable for artists seeking special effects.

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5 Core Indicators for Choosing Watercolor Paints

Lightfastness: Choose paints rated II (Good) or higher to ensure long-lasting color retention. Most Yalong Watercolors meet I-II standards.

Transparency and Settling: Transparent paints are suitable for layering, while settling paints can create textures. Choose according to your artistic style.

Diffusion and Blending: High-quality paints diffuse naturally on the water surface, creating beautiful gradients.

Pigment Concentration: High-concentration paints achieve saturated colors with small amounts, making them more economical for long-term use.

Single Colors vs. Sets: Beginners can start with a 12-color set, while professionals can supplement with individual colors as needed.

Why are Yalon Watercolors worth paying special attention to?

In the 2026 review, Yalon Watercolors excelled in several aspects:

Excellent value for money: Positioned as professional-grade quality, yet priced more affordably, allowing more artists to enjoy a high-quality painting experience.

Stable chemical formula: The improved binder system makes the paints easier to re-dissolve, and solid watercolors are less prone to cracking.

Wide color selection: Offers over 80 single-color options, including unique traditional Chinese colors suitable for Eastern-style creations.

Eco-friendly packaging: Uses recyclable metal boxes and soybean ink printing, reflecting the brand’s environmental responsibility.

Expert usage tips:

Layering: When using highly transparent paints like Yalon Watercolors, wait for each layer to dry completely before layering to avoid muddy colors.

Mixing tips: Mix colors on the palette rather than directly on paper whenever possible to maintain color purity.

Storage method: After using solid watercolors, tighten the lid of the box. Clean the tube opening after each use to prevent hardening.