10 Best Watercolor Paints in the Philippines 2026 | Faber-Castell, SeamiArt, and More
There is this popular notion that painting is an expensive hobby. While you will certainly need a set of materials ranging from brushes to papers and paint, there are also affordable alternatives that you can choose, especially if you're still a beginner. One of these is watercolor paint, which is already a popular medium among artists and students alike.
Since watercolors are very accessible, there are a lot of variations that you can find on the market. They come in different types of packaging and are available in a spectrum of colors. To make sure that you purchase the best watercolor paint for you, feel free to read our buying guide and check out our curated list of the top 10 best watercolor paints that you can buy online.
Quick List - Top Watercolor Paints
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How to Choose a Watercolor Paint – Buying Guide
Choosing the perfect watercolor paint means knowing what to look for in terms of its qualities. This might be overwhelming for those who are not familiar with art materials, but fret not, because this buying guide aims to guide you through the different factors to consider when buying watercolor paints.
Consider Your Skill Level
Are you already a pro or are you still starting out? Before buying watercolor paints, assess your skill level first and buy the ones that match your expertise. If there is a kind of paint for professional artists, there's also a certain type of paint that is ideal for students.
For Beginners, Settle for Student-Grade Paint
If you're still practicing with watercolor painting, then it would be best to get familiar with student-quality paints first. They are the less expensive option, so you won't have to worry about spending too much on a hobby that you're still unsure about.
With that in mind, also manage your expectations when buying student-grade paints. This is because they are usually not as pigmented and they don't mix well with other colors.
For Professionals, Go for Artist-Quality Paint
On the other hand, if you are a professional painter, it might be worth investing in artist-grade watercolor paints. Artist-quality paints have richer colors and higher permanence ratings because of their high pigment concentration. This is their advantage compared to inexpensive watercolors that contain fillers and extenders in their formula.
Also, artist-quality paints are more vibrant and they include a wider range of colors that blend well. However, because of their excellent quality, they are a bit pricier, especially if they're from well-known brands.
Pan, Tube or Jars: Select a Watercolor Paint Based on the Packaging
Watercolor paints come in different types of packaging or container. You can find one that's stored in a pan, a tube, and bottles. This depends on whether they come in a powdered or cream-like form. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages- which you can find out by reading further.
Watercolors in Pans Are Portable and Easy to Use
Watercolor paints in pans are common, affordable, and easy to use. In fact, most of us are already familiar with them because we usually use this type of packaging in school. Each pan consists of compressed, dry pigments, also known as rectangular or circular cakes, that are "activated" when brushed with water.
Since it already comes with a built-in palette, watercolor paints in pans are easy to bring almost anywhere. Keep in mind, however, that due to their affordability, their pigments usually don’t really mix well. The watercolor pan is also prone to getting dirty or smudgy because the colors are so close to each other.
Watercolors in Tubes Are More Pigmented
Watercolors in tubes use a cream-like formula that is highly-concentrated with pigment. This is the reason why compared to watercolors in pans, watercolor in tubes have a more vibrant color. Another advantage is that they usually contain more paint than the former, which can save you money in the long run.
The downside with watercolor paints in tubes is that they don't come with a palette. This means that you have to shell out money to buy a separate pan so that you can use your paints. Aside from that, they also dry out quickly and can't be reactivated with water again, so you can't really maximize the excess paint left on your palette.
Watercolors in Jars Come With a Dropper
Lastly, watercolors in glass jars are dye-based liquid formulas that are ready to be used right away. They are stored in jars or small glass bottles and come with a dropper, so you can easily transfer the liquid watercolor onto your palette. In terms of purpose, liquid watercolors are perfect for illustrations and calligraphy writing.
The only downside with this kind of watercolor is that the color fades over time due to weak permanence. Also, the colors tend to be duller especially when you combine them because they do not reflect light as regular watercolors do.
Know How Many Colors You Need
Aside from knowing the amount of paint you need, you should also decide on how many colors or which specific set of colors would you need. Whether you're buying them in pans, in tubes, or in jars, watercolor paints can come in individual colors or in sets.
If you're choosing pans, opt for those that have as many colors as possible. This is because powdered pigments don't really blend well and it's a hassle going back and forth and smudging your pan. On the other hand, if you'll go for cream or liquid formulas, then you can be practical and buy only the primary set of colors where you can mix and create other colors as you like.
Decide Between Staining and Non-Staining Watercolors
Staining refers to the ability of the watercolor paint to penetrate or seep through the fibers of the paper. Non-staining means that the pigment can easily be scraped or scrubbed off from the paper using a sponge. Sadly, this feature is not indicated on the label and you would need to test out your watercolor paint to know which category it belongs to.
If you're a beginner, there's really no need yet to know the difference between staining and non-staining pigments. This specific feature can only come in handy later, especially when you want to apply watercolor techniques such as layering and lifting.
Take Note of Transparency and Lightfastness
Watercolor is known for its transparency- or its ability to let light pass through the paint and reflect back. Watercolor paints can either be transparent or opaque.
Meanwhile, lightfastness refers to the ability of the dye or pigment to withstand exposure to light and humidity and retain its original color. Both of these features are important if you want to apply certain techniques, or preserve your artworK.
Transparency and lightfastness are usually indicated on the label. A white square denotes transparent pigments while a black square indicates opaque pigments. For lightfastness, you can look for the ASTM rating of the watercolor, which ranges from Very Poor (1) to Excellent (8).
10 Best Watercolor Paints to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Level | Type of Packaging | Staining | Transparent | Lightfastness | Quantity | |||||
1 | Faber-Castell Solid Watercolor 24 Colors | | Vibrant Blending for Smooth, Layered Washes | Student-Grade | Pan | 3 | 24 | |||
2 | Dong-A Water Color Cake 12 Colors | | Gentle Vibrancy Safe for Young Artists | Student-Grade | Pan | 2 | 12 | |||
3 | Faber-Castell Watercolor Tube 12 Colors｜12-Color Set | | Creamy Flow for Beginner Transparent Layers | Student-Grade | Tube | 3 | 12 | |||
4 | Deli Solid Watercolor Paint Set | | Luminous Pigments for Easy Gradient Blends | Student-Grade | Pan | 2 | 24 | |||
5 | SeamiArt Solid Watercolor Pan Set | | Intense Shades for Affordable Half-Pan Practice | Student-Grade | Pan | 1 | 24 | |||
6 | Tokyo Finds Bento Picasso Classic Watercolor Set | | Portable Intensity for Travel Sketching | Student-Grade | Pan | 3 | 12 | |||
7 | Prang Watercolor Oval 8 | | Vibrant Basics With Protective Brush Cover | Student-Grade | Pan | 2 | 8 | |||
8 | Simbalion Watercolor Cake 24 Colors | | Convenient Cakes for Quick Color Pops | Student-Grade | Pan | 2 | 24 | |||
9 | ArtMaker Watercolour Masterclass Complete Starter Kit | | Guided Techniques for New Painters | Student-Grade | Pan | 2 | 12 | |||
10 | Berkeley Watercolor Tube 18 Colors | | Rich Concentration for Creamy Blending | Student-Grade | Tube | 3 | 18 | |||
Faber-CastellSolid Watercolor 24 Colors
Vibrant Blending for Smooth, Layered Washes
- Delivers bright, intense colors that blend and overlay smoothly
- Provides a removable palette cover for easy mixing and cleaning
- Includes a water brush and sponge for on-the-go painting
- Offers 24 shades in a compact, portable case
Reviews mention:
Many find the colors pretty and easy to mix like magic for art projects. People appreciate the vibrant pigments and superb blending for beginners. Several note that the included brush makes it convenient for quick sketches.
| Level | Student-Grade |
|---|---|
| Type of Packaging | Pan |
| Staining | |
| Transparent | |
| Lightfastness | 3 |
| Quantity | 24 |
Dong-AWater Color Cake 12 Colors
Gentle Vibrancy Safe for Young Artists
- Offers rich, vibrant colors in non-toxic pans
- Provides a natural, gentle formula suitable for children
- Delivers 12 watercolor cakes for basic painting practice
Reviews mention:
People note the safe, non-toxic build keeps kids worry-free during play. Many appreciate the vibrant shades for simple school projects.
| Level | Student-Grade |
|---|---|
| Type of Packaging | Pan |
| Staining | |
| Transparent | |
| Lightfastness | 2 |
| Quantity | 12 |
Faber-CastellWatercolor Tube 12 Colors ｜ 12-Color Set
Creamy Flow for Beginner Transparent Layers
Features and benefits:
- Supplies 12 vibrant, mostly transparent colors in 5 mL tubes
- Enables smooth blending and lively intensity for learning
- Supports inexpensive practice without quality compromise
Reviews mention:
Many recommend it for grade school students due to affordability and decent intensity. Buyers like how the colors stay vibrant and flow well for basics.
| Level | Student-Grade |
|---|---|
| Type of Packaging | Tube |
| Staining | |
| Transparent | |
| Lightfastness | 3 |
| Quantity | 12 |
Luminous Pigments for Easy Gradient Blends
- Delivers highly pigmented, vibrant colors for depth
- Provides blendable solid pans for smooth transitions
- Offers a user-friendly format without tubes or mess
- Includes a refillable brush for convenient use
Reviews mention:
People appreciate the rich hues that make artwork come to life. Many find it straightforward for both new and experienced painters.
| Level | Student-Grade |
|---|---|
| Type of Packaging | Pan |
| Staining | |
| Transparent | |
| Lightfastness | 2 |
| Quantity | 24 |
Intense Shades for Affordable Half-Pan Practice
- Supplies vibrant, non-chalky colors in metal pans
- Provides a flat brush and a water brush for versatile mixing
- Enables good blending in various transparencies
Reviews mention:
Many praise the value at a low price per pan for non-professional use. Users note the colors mix well and stay intense without mess. Several like the included tools for immediate painting.
| Level | Student-Grade |
|---|---|
| Type of Packaging | Pan |
| Staining | |
| Transparent | |
| Lightfastness | 1 |
| Quantity | 24 |
Portable Intensity for Travel Sketching
- Delivers bright, smooth colors in a buckle metal box
- Provides 12 artist-approved shades for mixed media
- Supports long-lasting pigments for on-the-go art
Reviews mention:
People appreciate the near-artist-grade quality at a budget price. Many find it perfect for beginners traveling or crafting.
| Level | Student-Grade |
|---|---|
| Type of Packaging | Pan |
| Staining | |
| Transparent | |
| Lightfastness | 3 |
| Quantity | 12 |
Vibrant Basics With Protective Brush Cover
- Offers 8 metallic, washable colors for kids
- Provides a protective layer to secure the included brush
- Delivers strong pigmentation for busy painting sessions
Reviews mention:
Many find the colors vibrant and engaging for young children. People note that it keeps kids occupied and mention ease of cleanup.
| Level | Student-Grade |
|---|---|
| Type of Packaging | Pan |
| Staining | |
| Transparent | |
| Lightfastness | 2 |
| Quantity | 8 |
SimbalionWatercolor Cake 24 Colors
Convenient Cakes for Quick Color Pops
- Supplies 24 vibrant shades in easy pans
- Enables straightforward application for crafts
- Provides compact convenience for everyday use
Reviews mention:
People like the vibrant options for adding color to projects. Many appreciate the convenience without fuss.
| Level | Student-Grade |
|---|---|
| Type of Packaging | Pan |
| Staining | |
| Transparent | |
| Lightfastness | 2 |
| Quantity | 24 |
ArtMakerWatercolour Masterclass Complete Starter Kit
Guided Techniques for New Painters
- Includes a 48-page book with step-by-step skills
- Provides high-quality paints, brushes, and paper
- Supports blending, textures, and subject practice
- Encourages experimentation for skill-building
Reviews mention:
Many value the instructional guide for immediate learning. Buyers note that it develops coordination through fun activities.
| Level | Student-Grade |
|---|---|
| Type of Packaging | Pan |
| Staining | |
| Transparent | |
| Lightfastness | 2 |
| Quantity | 12 |
Rich Concentration for Creamy Blending
- Delivers highly pigmented, smooth tubes
- Offers easy flow and vibrant results
- Provides lightfast ratings on labels
- Enables precise control for detailed work
Reviews mention:
People praise the creamy texture and rich blending. Several find the pigments intense for quality paintings.
| Level | Student-Grade |
|---|---|
| Type of Packaging | Tube |
| Staining | |
| Transparent | |
| Lightfastness | 3 |
| Quantity | 18 |
Complete Your Art Materials
Trying out different tools and kinds of paint for your artworks is advantageous- you can explore new techniques and be able to practice with more color combinations. Check out the links below for more buying guides and product recommendations about other art essentials that you might find useful.
Author: Katrina Balingit
Top 5 Watercolor Paints
No. 1: Faber-Castell｜Solid Watercolor 24 Colors
No. 2: Dong-A｜Water Color Cake 12 Colors
No. 3: Faber-Castell｜Watercolor Tube 12 Colors｜12-Color Set
No. 4: Deli｜Solid Watercolor Paint Set
No. 5: SeamiArt｜Solid Watercolor Pan Set
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.