Oil painting is a timeless art form that has been around for centuries. It is a medium that has been used by some of the most famous artists in the world to create masterpieces that have stood the test of time. If you are an artist, you know that the quality of the paint you use can make a significant impact on your final product. Oil paints are known for their rich colors and ability to blend, making them a favorite among artists. However, high-quality oil paints can be expensive, which is why we have compiled a list of the best cheap oil paints.
When it comes to purchasing oil paints, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The first is the quality of the paint. While it may be tempting to purchase the cheapest option available, low-quality paints can result in a subpar final product. The second is the color selection. Some brands may have a limited color range, which can be frustrating if you're looking for a specific shade. Lastly, the drying time can vary between brands, so it's essential to consider how long you have to work with the paint before it dries.
In this article, we will be discussing the best cheap oil paints available on the market. We have taken into consideration the quality of the paint, the color selection, and the drying time to create a list of paints that will not only save you money but also produce beautiful results. Whether you're a beginner or a professional artist, these paints are sure to impress.
Best Cheap Oil Paints
If you're an artist on a budget, finding quality oil paints that won't break the bank can be a challenge. Luckily, we've done the research for you and compiled a list of the best cheap oil paints on the market. These paints offer great color saturation, smooth application, and a variety of hues to choose from, all at an affordable price point. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, these paints are sure to impress.
Magicfly Oil Paint Set
If you're looking for a budget-friendly oil paint set, Magicfly Oil Paint Set is a great option to consider.
Pros
- With 40 rich and vibrant colors, this set offers a wide range of options for your painting needs.
- The high-quality and long-lasting pigments ensure that your paintings won't fade or dull over time.
- The smooth and creamy texture of the oil paints makes them easy to mix and apply on canvas.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the tubes can be difficult to open.
- The metallic finish may not be suitable for all types of paintings.
- The set comes with only two white color tubes, which may not be enough for some artists.
Magicfly Oil Paint Set is designed for artists of all levels, from hobby painters to professionals. The set comes in an exquisite colored box package, making it an ideal Christmas gift choice for art enthusiasts. The oil paint is perfect to use on canvas and other art media, bringing your creation to life in making wall art, abstracts, portrait paintings, and landscapes.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a budget-friendly oil paint set that offers a wide range of colors and high-quality pigments, Magicfly Oil Paint Set is definitely worth considering.
Ohuhu Oil Paint Set
If you're looking for an affordable oil paint set with a good range of colors, Ohuhu Oil Paint Set is a great option.
Pros
- The set includes 24 vibrant oil-based colors, providing a good range of options for your painting needs.
- It's a great value for your money, making it perfect for beginners or those on a budget.
- The portable tubes make it easy to paint wherever you go, whether it's the countryside, beach, garden, park, city, or indoors.
Cons
- The tubes are small, with only 12 ml of paint in each one.
- The paint doesn't dry quickly, which can be frustrating if you're trying to finish a painting quickly.
- The colors may not be as vibrant as more expensive oil paints.
If you're a beginner or on a budget, the Ohuhu Oil Paint Set is a great option. The set includes 24 vibrant oil-based colors, providing a good range of options for your painting needs. It's also a great value for your money, making it perfect for those just starting out or looking to save some cash. The portable tubes make it easy to paint wherever you go, whether it's the countryside, beach, garden, park, city, or indoors. However, the tubes are small, with only 12 ml of paint in each one, and the paint doesn't dry quickly, which can be frustrating if you're trying to finish a painting quickly. Additionally, the colors may not be as vibrant as more expensive oil paints.
RoseArt Premium Oil Paint - Set 12 Colors, Maximum Strength Pigmented Oil Paints for Professionals, Students
If you are looking for a cheap oil paint set, RoseArt Premium Oil Paints could be a great option for you. It is a premium quality artist grade paint that glides smoothly providing exceptional coverage on canvas, wood, and paper. The set comes with 12 .4oz tubes of acrylic paint in Mid Green, Sap Green, Lemon Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Vermilion, Cadmium White, Titanium White, Black, Burnt Umber, Violet, Cobalt Blue, and Ultramarine Blue.
Pros
- The set features maximum strength pigmented colors and a rich, smooth, buttery texture.
- The paints are the perfect consistency for blending, layering, and creating texture.
- RoseArt is celebrating 100 Years of Fine Art Quality – a family business dedicated to creating the highest quality art supplies.
Cons
- The tubes are not very big.
- Some users have reported that the paints take a few weeks to dry.
- The set is only recommended for use on paper.
If you are looking for a cheap oil paint set for art projects on paper, RoseArt Premium Oil Paints could be a great option for you. The set features maximum strength pigmented colors and a rich, smooth, buttery texture that makes it easy to use. However, the tubes are not very big, and the paints take a few weeks to dry.
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint, Starter Set
If you're looking for an affordable oil paint set that provides good coverage and tinting strength, the Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Starter Set may be worth considering.
Pros
- Ideal for those on a budget or beginners who want to experiment with oil painting.
- High level of pigmentation provides good covering power and tinting strength.
- Set includes ten 37ml tubes, offering a variety of colors to work with.
Cons
- Not as high quality as some other artists' quality ranges.
- Takes a long time to dry.
- May require additional coats to achieve desired opacity.
This introductory set is made from moderately priced pigments, formulated for student and amateur artists or more accomplished painters requiring large volumes of color within moderate cost limits. While it can't match the superior pigment load of Artists' Oil Color, the Winton range is much stronger than many other artists' quality ranges. Winton uses moderately priced pigments rather than lessening the pigment content to an unacceptable level. Winsor & Newton formulation, manufacture, and quality control ensure a product of absolute excellence.
The set contains ten 1.25 oz. (37 ml) tubes, including one each of Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue, Cadmium Red Deep Hue, French Ultramarine, Phthalo Blue, Viridian Hue, Permanent Green Light, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Ivory Black, and Titanium White. The colors are vibrant and can be mixed to create a wide range of hues.
One downside is that the paint takes a long time to dry, which can be frustrating for those who want to work quickly. Additionally, the coverage may not be as opaque as some other paints, and multiple coats may be required to achieve the desired result.
Overall, if you're on a budget or just starting out with oil painting, the Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint Starter Set is a solid choice. It provides good coverage and a variety of colors to work with, making it a great option for experimenting with different techniques and styles.
MozArt Supplies Oil Paint Set – 24 Oil Based Paints for Artists, Hobby Painters – Rich Pigment and Non Toxic Oil Painting Set for Artists - Ideal for Canvas, Wall Art, Landscape & Portrait Paintings
If you're looking for an affordable oil paint set to experiment with, MozArt Supplies Oil Paint Set could be a great option for you.
Pros
- The set includes 24 richly-pigmented oil colors, allowing you to create multiple layers and add wonderful texture to your artwork.
- The oil-based paints are lightfast and quick-drying, maintaining their vivid color once dried.
- The set is versatile, ideal for all kinds of DIY crafts: home wall art, window designs, clay work, portrait paintings, and abstract paintings.
Cons
- The oil does bleed when you first squeeze out paint.
- The paint has too much oil in the mix making it thin and runny, which is not a good consistency for mixing and blending.
- The tubes don't have a description in the package.
MozArt Supplies prides itself on the high quality of its oil color set and other products. The artist quality oil paints are 100% non-toxic and free of any heavy metals and harmful contaminants, making them safe for kids and adults alike. The paints conform to ASTM-DT4236.
In terms of performance, the oil paints offer vibrancy and smooth consistency for easy blending and mixing on both the paint palette and canvas. The set is ideal for canvas, wall art, landscape, and portrait paintings.
Overall, MozArt Supplies Oil Paint Set is an excellent value for the price. If you're a beginner or an intermediate artist looking for a cheap oil paint set to practice with, this set could be a great option for you.
AUREUO Oil Paint Set
If you are looking for a cheap oil paint set that is safe and suitable for beginners, AUREUO Oil Paint Set is a great option for you.
Pros
- The British formulation and craft of centuries ensure high color saturation, strong tinting strength, and great permanence.
- The excellent lightfastness or permanence makes sure that the oil colors won't fade easily over time and can be kept well for decades.
- The thick and creamy consistency of the paint can be used to paint directly to create wonderful texture or blend with the medium for various effects.
Cons
- The tubes are small, so you will go through this set quickly if you don’t use paints sparingly.
- The yellow is so light, and couldn't make it deeper by mixing.
- It doesn't cover the canvas very well, and it also doesn't mix well to make other colors.
AUREUO Oil Paint Set is certified by EN 71 and ASTM-4236, making it safe for adults and perfect for beginners and amateurs to learn mixing color theory and try new techniques including wet-into-wet, layered painting, and glazing. The set includes 12 tubes of 12 ml oil paint, suitable for stretched canvas, canvas board, oil color pad, wood panels, or other painting surfaces.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a cheap and safe oil paint set to start with, AUREUO Oil Paint Set is a great option. However, keep in mind that the tubes are small, and the paint doesn't cover the canvas very well.
Elan Professional Oil Paint Set
If you are looking for an affordable oil paint set that is safe and easy to use, the Elan Professional Oil Paint Set is a great choice.
Pros
- The set includes 24 vibrant colors that deliver intense color coverage with every brush stroke, making it perfect for artists of all skill levels.
- All Elan artist paint kits for adults are made from non-toxic ingredients, ensuring a safe and careless painting experience for artists of all ages.
- The color coding provides quick and easy identification of the various premium oil paints for artists.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the tubes are smaller than they expected.
- The paints may take longer to dry than other oil paints.
- The set may not include all the colors that some artists need.
The Elan Professional Oil Paint Set is a great choice for artists who want a high-quality oil paint set that is affordable and easy to use. The set includes 24 vibrant colors that deliver intense color coverage with every brush stroke. All Elan artist paint kits for adults are made from non-toxic ingredients, ensuring a safe and careless painting experience for artists of all ages. Additionally, the color coding provides quick and easy identification of the various premium oil paints for artists.
However, some users have reported that the tubes are smaller than they expected, which may result in running out of paint more quickly. Additionally, the paints may take longer to dry than other oil paints, which may be a disadvantage for some artists. Finally, the set may not include all the colors that some artists need, so it may not be the best choice for those who need a wider range of colors.
Overall, the Elan Professional Oil Paint Set is a great choice for artists who are looking for an affordable and high-quality oil paint set that is easy to use and safe for all ages.
Zenacolor Oil Paint Set 48 x 12mL (0.4Oz)
If you're looking for a budget-friendly oil paint set that doesn't compromise on quality, the Zenacolor Oil Paint Set might be a great option for you.
Pros
- The set includes 48 vivid and bright colors that are easy to mix, allowing you to create an infinite number of different shades.
- The paints dry quickly and are easy to work with, making them suitable for both beginners and professionals.
- The Zenacolor Oil Paint Set is non-toxic, making it a safe choice for artists of all ages.
Cons
- Some reviewers have reported issues with the consistency of the paint, with some tubes being too thick or too thin.
- A few customers have received tubes of acrylic paint instead of oil paint, which can be frustrating.
- The set doesn't come with any additional supplies, such as brushes or canvases, so you'll need to purchase those separately.
If you're looking for a versatile and affordable oil paint set, the Zenacolor Oil Paint Set is definitely worth considering. The set includes 48 unique colors that are easy to mix, allowing you to create a wide variety of shades and hues. The paints are also non-toxic, making them a great choice for artists of all ages.
One potential downside of the Zenacolor Oil Paint Set is that some reviewers have reported issues with the consistency of the paint. Some tubes may be too thick or too thin, which can make it difficult to achieve the desired effect. Additionally, a few customers have received tubes of acrylic paint instead of oil paint, which can be frustrating.
Overall, however, the Zenacolor Oil Paint Set is a great option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly set of oil paints. The colors are bright and vibrant, and the paints are easy to work with and dry quickly. Just be sure to purchase any additional supplies you need, such as brushes and canvases, separately.
U.S. Art Supply Artists Oil Color Paint, Titanium White, 2 Extra-Large 100ml Tubes - Professional Grade, Excellent Tinting Strength, Mixable - Portrait Painting, Canvas, Wood Media - Student, Beginner
If you're looking for a high-quality, professional-grade titanium white oil paint, U.S. Art Supply has got you covered. With its excellent tinting strength and mixability, this paint is perfect for both professional artists and beginners alike.
Pros
- The extra-large 100ml tubes provide an excellent value for the price.
- The paint has a smooth consistency and long working time, making it easy to blend colors and create beautiful artwork.
- The lightfast and permanent oil paint can be used on canvas, wood, and most other art media.
Cons
- The paint may be too thin and oily for some artists' preferences.
- The plastic tubes may leak oil when first opened, so be sure to mix the paint thoroughly before using.
- While the paint is non-toxic and safe for children, it may still be best to supervise young artists during use.
Overall, U.S. Art Supply's titanium white oil paint is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, affordable paint for their artwork. With its superior performance and lifetime satisfaction guarantee, you can't go wrong with this product.
Williamsburg Oil Landscape Colors Set
If you're looking for high-quality oil paints for your landscape paintings, the Williamsburg Oil Landscape Colors Set is worth considering.
Pros
- The set includes a variety of colors ideal for capturing the hues, shades, and tints found in nature.
- These oil paints are hand-crafted and made from the best raw materials, ensuring high quality.
- The tube sizes are small, making it easier to experiment with new colors without committing to a large amount.
Cons
- The set is on the expensive side compared to other cheap oil paints.
- The packaging is not as durable as some other brands, which can lead to tubes becoming damaged during shipping.
- Some users have reported that the paint has a strong odor, which may be bothersome to some.
The Williamsburg Oil Landscape Colors Set is a great option for artists looking to create realistic landscape paintings. The set includes nine colors that are carefully crafted from high-quality raw materials, ensuring that each color is vibrant and luminous. The set is perfect for capturing the wide variety of hues, shades, and tints encountered in nature.
One of the biggest advantages of this set is that it includes a variety of colors that are perfect for landscape painting. The set includes Permanent Yellow Light, Cadmium Red Light, Quinacridone Magenta, Ultramarine Blue, Sevres Blue, Sap Green, Italian Lemon Ochre, Burnt Sienna, and a 37 ml tube of Titanium White. Each color is carefully ground to enhance its beauty and luminosity.
However, the set is on the expensive side compared to other cheap oil paints. Additionally, some users have reported that the packaging is not as durable as other brands, which can lead to tubes becoming damaged during shipping. Finally, some users have reported that the paint has a strong odor, which may be bothersome to some.
Overall, if you're looking for high-quality oil paints for your landscape paintings, the Williamsburg Oil Landscape Colors Set is worth considering. The set includes a variety of colors that are perfect for capturing the beauty of nature, and the high-quality raw materials ensure that each color is vibrant and luminous.
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint, Basic Set
If you're on a budget, the Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint, Basic Set is a great option for you.
Pros
- The set contains ten different colors, providing a range of options for your artwork.
- The paint is lightfast, permanent, and intermixable with other brands, allowing for versatility in your creations.
- The 21ml tubes are convenient and easy to use.
Cons
- The paint is formulated for student and amateur artists, so professional artists may find the quality lacking.
- The drying time is longer than some other oil paints, so patience is required.
- The tubes may not contain as much paint as some other brands.
If you're just starting out with oil painting or looking for an affordable option, the Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color Paint, Basic Set is a great choice. The set contains ten different colors, providing a range of options for your artwork. Additionally, the paint is lightfast, permanent, and intermixable with other brands, allowing for versatility in your creations. The 21ml tubes are convenient and easy to use, making them perfect for beginners. However, the paint is formulated for student and amateur artists, so professional artists may find the quality lacking. Additionally, the drying time is longer than some other oil paints, so patience is required. Finally, the tubes may not contain as much paint as some other brands, which could be an issue for those who use a lot of paint in their work.
ZenART Oil Paints for Artists - Impressionist Palette
If you're looking for high-quality oil paints that offer exceptional pigment load, you should consider ZenART Oil Paints for Artists - Impressionist Palette.
Pros
- The set includes 8 vibrant colors, which are perfect for painting landscapes and seascapes.
- ZenART oil paints are ready-to-paint alla-prima (wet-on-wet), so you can experience easy-to-mix, richly soft, and buttery consistency right out of the tube.
- These oil paints are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and vegan.
Cons
- The tubes are larger than standard sizes, which might be difficult to handle for beginners.
- The set doesn't include black, which might be a deal-breaker for some artists.
- The price is higher than other cheap oil paints in the market.
ZenART Oil Paints for Artists - Impressionist Palette is an excellent option for both beginners and professionals who want to create vibrant and lightfast paintings. The set includes 8 vibrant colors that are perfect for painting landscapes and seascapes. ZenART oil paints are ready-to-paint alla-prima (wet-on-wet), which means you can experience easy-to-mix, richly soft, and buttery consistency right out of the tube. Additionally, these oil paints are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and vegan, making them a safe and ethical choice for artists.
While the tubes are larger than standard sizes, which might be difficult to handle for beginners, the set doesn't include black, which might be a deal-breaker for some artists. Finally, the price is higher than other cheap oil paints in the market.
Overall, ZenART Oil Paints for Artists - Impressionist Palette is a high-quality product that offers exceptional pigment load and is perfect for those who want to create vibrant and lightfast paintings.
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color
If you're looking for an affordable oil paint option that doesn't compromise on quality, Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color is a great choice.
Pros
- Trusted performance at an affordable price point
- Extremely permanent with excellent lightfastness
- Chip-resistant and suitable for use on canvas, paper, or wood
Cons
- Limited color options in the series
- May require additional layers for opacity
- Tube size may not be ideal for larger projects
Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color is a reliable option for artists who want high-quality oil paints without breaking the bank. With a permanence rating of AA and excellent lightfastness, you can trust that your artwork will last for years to come. The chip-resistant formula also ensures that your paintings will look great even after years of handling.
One potential downside of this product is the limited color options in the series. While the titanium white option is a popular choice, artists looking for a wider range of colors may need to look elsewhere. Additionally, the opacity of some colors may require additional layers to achieve the desired effect.
Overall, Winsor & Newton Winton Oil Color is a solid choice for artists who want to create beautiful, long-lasting paintings without overspending.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best cheap oil paints, there are a few features you should consider to ensure you get the most value for your money. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Pigment Quality
The quality of the pigment used in oil paints is a crucial factor to consider. Higher quality pigments produce more vibrant colors and have better lightfastness, which means they won't fade over time. Look for paints made with high-quality pigments to ensure your artwork lasts for years to come.
Consistency
The consistency of oil paints can vary greatly between brands and even within the same brand. Some paints are thick and buttery, while others are thin and runny. Consider the type of artwork you plan to create and choose a consistency that suits your style.
Drying Time
Oil paints can take a long time to dry, which can be frustrating if you're working on a tight deadline. Look for paints that dry relatively quickly, or consider using mediums to speed up the drying process.
Price
Of course, price is also an important factor to consider when choosing cheap oil paints. While you don't want to sacrifice quality for affordability, there are plenty of great options available at reasonable prices. Look for sales, discounts, and bulk buying options to get the best value for your money.
By considering these factors and doing your research, you can find the best cheap oil paints for your needs and create stunning artwork without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most cost-effective oil paints suitable for beginners?
As a beginner, it's important to choose oil paints that are both affordable and of good quality. Some of the most cost-effective oil paints suitable for beginners include Winsor & Newton Winton, Grumbacher Academy, and Daler Rowney Georgian.
Which affordable oil paint brands are recommended for use on canvas?
There are several affordable oil paint brands that are recommended for use on canvas, such as Winsor & Newton Winton, Grumbacher Academy, and Daler Rowney Georgian. These brands offer a range of colors and have good consistency, making them suitable for use on canvas.
How does the quality of inexpensive oil paints compare to more expensive brands?
Inexpensive oil paints can vary in quality, but many affordable brands offer good quality paints that are suitable for artists of all levels. While more expensive brands may offer higher quality pigments and consistency, it's possible to achieve high-quality results with less expensive oil paints.
What should I look for when choosing oil paints on a budget?
When choosing oil paints on a budget, it's important to consider factors such as pigment quality, consistency, and color range. Look for brands that offer a good balance of quality and affordability, and consider investing in a few higher quality paints for important areas of your artwork.
Can professional artists achieve high-quality results with less expensive oil paints?
Yes, professional artists can achieve high-quality results with less expensive oil paints. While more expensive brands may offer higher quality pigments and consistency, it's possible to achieve similar results with less expensive paints with the right techniques and application.
Are there any hidden costs associated with buying cheaper oil paint sets?
When buying cheaper oil paint sets, it's important to consider any additional costs that may be associated with the purchase. For example, some cheaper sets may not include brushes or other necessary tools, which can add to the overall cost. Additionally, cheaper paints may require more layers or touch-ups, which can increase the amount of paint needed over time.
