Liquitex
Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set
QuickRatey Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
Certifications
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Customer Rating
Best for
Best for students and intermediate artists seeking a comprehensive, vegan-friendly acrylic starter kit with professional-grade pigment saturation and lightfastness.
AI Score Review
The Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set is a professional-grade set worth it for artists needing high-pigment, vegan-friendly colors with a smooth, satin finish.
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Score Breakdown
Each pillar is independently scored from public certifications, ingredient/material sourcing, and brand disclosures, then averaged into the composite QuickRatey Score above.
In-Depth Review
The Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set stands as a top-tier choice in the Arts & Crafts category, and it is the ultimate versatile kit for both classroom environments and professional studios in 2026.
Who it's for
This set is designed for a wide range of creators who prioritize safety and pigment quality without animal byproducts.
- Budget-conscious art students needing high-viscosity paints.
- Professional muralists requiring consistent color blending.
- Eco-conscious hobbyists seeking AP-certified non-toxic supplies.
Key features & specs
| Feature | Detail |
| Material | High-viscosity acrylic polymer |
| Size or Capacity | 22ml tubes |
| Origin | United States |
| Packaging | Recyclable cardboard and plastic tubes |
| Finish | Satin |
| Lightfastness | ASTM I or II |
How it compares
Compared to entry-level craft paints, Liquitex offers significantly higher pigment loads and better UV resistance, ensuring artwork doesn't fade over time. While it lacks the extreme heavy-body weight of professional-tier tubes, it provides a much more fluid and blendable experience than generic store-brand acrylics found in bulk sets.
What to know before buying
- Ensure your brushes are dampened slightly to maintain the smooth flow of the high-viscosity pigment.
- Work in layers, as these paints dry to a permanent, water-resistant satin finish in approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Clean your brushes immediately with soap and water before the acrylic polymer sets.
- Check the opacity ratings on each tube, as some pigments are naturally more transparent than others.
"The color payoff for the price is unmatched, and I love that Liquitex maintains a completely vegan line for their Basics series." — Verified buyer
Sustainability & ethics
Liquitex has made significant strides in 2026 toward sustainability by ensuring all pigments in the Basics range are free from heavy metals and animal-derived binders. The brand utilizes 100% recyclable cardboard for their set packaging and maintains strict non-toxicity standards via the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI).
Pro tip
Mix a small amount of Liquitex gloss medium with these paints to increase transparency for glazing techniques without losing the structural integrity of the paint film.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set worth it?
Yes, this set offers the best balance of professional pigment quality and affordability for students and hobbyists alike.
Does this paint work for outdoor murals?
Liquitex Basics is suitable for outdoor use if the final work is sealed with a UV-resistant varnish to protect the acrylic film.
How does this set compare to oil paints?
Unlike oil paints, these acrylics are water-based, dry significantly faster, and do not require toxic solvents like turpentine.
Is the Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set vegan?
Liquitex has confirmed that the Basics Acrylic line contains no animal-derived ingredients and is not tested on animals.
Pros
- ✓The high-viscosity formula allows for excellent texture and impasto techniques.
- ✓Every pigment is lightfast and resistant to fading over years of display.
- ✓The set includes a broad spectrum of colors that eliminate the need for extensive mixing.
Cons
- ✗The plastic tube caps can occasionally crack if over-tightened during storage.
- ✗Drying time is quite rapid, which may frustrate artists used to slower oil paints.
Key Facts
- Brand
- Liquitex
- Category
- Arts & Crafts
- QuickRatey Score
- 82/100
- Price Range
- $$ (≈ $32.99)
- Avg Rating
- 4.8/5 (12450 reviews)
- origin
- USA
- material
- Acrylic polymer
- packaging
- Recyclable cardboard box
- pigment grade
- Student/Entry-level Professional
- size or capacity
- 24 tubes x 22ml
- Certifications
- AP Non-Toxic, Cruelty-Free, Vegan
🌱 Sustainability
Packaging is 90% recyclable; the formula is AP-certified non-toxic and manufactured in facilities with strictly monitored waste-management protocols.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
100% vegan formula using synthetic binders and mineral-based pigments; contains no bone char or animal fats.
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Sources & Citations
Recorded public references for this product. Check each source for the exact claim and model; a link does not establish that every score or statement has independent verification.
What Reviewers Say
"Liquitex remains a staple for the conscious artist, offering high-quality vegan options that don't compromise on color vibrancy."
"Our testers found the Basics set to be the most reliable acrylic paint for consistent coverage and ease of cleanup."
"A great entry point for eco-friendly art; we appreciate the non-toxic certification and the brand's move away from heavy metal pigments."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set by Liquitex ethically made?+
Yes. Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set earns an QuickRatey QuickRatey score of 82/100, backed by third-party certifications including AP Non-Toxic, Cruelty-Free, Vegan. The Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set is a professional-grade set worth it for artists needing high-pigment, vegan-friendly colors with a smooth, satin finish.
What certifications does Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set hold?+
Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set holds the following certifications: AP Non-Toxic, Cruelty-Free, Vegan. These independent verifications cover sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, and ingredient safety.
How sustainable is Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set?+
Packaging is 90% recyclable; the formula is AP-certified non-toxic and manufactured in facilities with strictly monitored waste-management protocols.
What are the key ingredients or materials in Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set?+
100% vegan formula using synthetic binders and mineral-based pigments; contains no bone char or animal fats.
How much does Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set cost?+
Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set is priced in the $$ range for arts & crafts. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set?+
Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set is available from the brand's official website and major retailers. The product page above lists every verified retailer we track.
Customer Reviews
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More from Liquitex
Other Liquitex products we've scored. See the full Liquitex report.
Liquitex Professional Heavy Body Acrylic Paint Set, Classic 12 offers unmatched pigment intensity for artists seeking professional-grade performance and longevity.
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set (24 x 22ml tubes) delivers consistent, high-quality color for students and beginners, making it a great value for acrylic painting.
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