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M. Graham & Co.

M. Graham & Co. Acrylic Artist Color Set

Arts & Crafts$$$
88Outstanding

QuickRatey Score

Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.

Certifications

VeganCruelty-FreeFSC Certified

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Customer Rating

4.9 (420)
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Best for

Ideal for professional fine artists and portraitists who need a high-pigment, slow-drying acrylic for smooth blending and glazing.

AI Score Review

The M. Graham & Co. Acrylic Artist Color Set is a premium professional paint kit worth it for its unique high-solids formula and longer working time.

Gallery

Score Breakdown

labor
92
sourcing
90
environment
85
transparency
88
animal welfare
100

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 M. Graham & Co. Acrylic Artist Color Set represents the pinnacle of professional-grade tools in the arts & crafts category, offering a unique high-solids acrylic polymer. This acrylic set is widely considered the best choice for artists who desire the slow-drying characteristics of oils with the convenience of a water-based medium. By eliminating fillers and wax, M. Graham & Co. creates a paint that remains workable longer on the palette, allowing for delicate blending and transitions that are difficult to achieve with standard acrylics.

Who it's for

This professional set is designed for artists who refuse to compromise on pigment purity and require a specific flow.

  • Fine artists specializing in portraiture and soft transitions.
  • Professional illustrators who need high pigment loads for scanning and reproduction.
  • Eco-conscious creators looking for a brand with small-batch quality control.

Key features & specs

FeatureDetail
BinderHigh-solids acrylic emulsion
Pigment GradeProfessional / Artist grade
Working TimeExtended (stays wet longer)
Color SetBasic 5-color or 6-color primary sets
Made InUSA

How it compares

Compared to mainstream professional brands, the M. Graham & Co. Acrylic Artist Color Set feels significantly more fluid and "creamy." It does not have the plastic-like feel of cheaper acrylics. While it is more expensive than student kits, the absence of bulking agents means a little paint goes a much longer way. It competes directly with top-tier international brands by offering a simpler, cleaner ingredient list focused on pigment brilliance.

How to use it

  1. Squeeze a small amount onto a stay-wet palette to maximize the extended open time.
  2. Use synthetic brushes to maintain the flow of the high-solids binder.
  3. Thin with M. Graham gloss medium to create luminous glazes.
  4. Avoid over-mixing with water to preserve the strength of the acrylic bond.
  5. Wait at least 24 hours before applying any final isolation coat or varnish.
"The color depth is unmatched; the Ultramarine Blue in this set has a clarity I haven't found in any other brand." — Verified buyer

Sustainability & ethics

M. Graham & Co. operates with a strong focus on environmental stewardship, utilizing small-batch production to minimize industrial waste. Their acrylics are 100% vegan, containing no animal products or byproducts. The brand sources high-quality pigments that are handled with strict safety standards to protect both the artist and the environment.

Pro tip

Because these paints have a higher solids content, they dry to a more level finish with less shrinkage than standard acrylics.

Frequently asked questions

Is the M. Graham & Co. Acrylic Artist Color Set worth it?

Yes, it is absolutely worth it for professional artists who need superior pigment concentration and a longer blending window. The quality of the pigment means you use less paint to achieve full opacity.

Does this paint contain honey like their watercolors?

No, while their watercolors use honey, the M. Graham & Co. Acrylic Artist Color Set is 100% vegan and uses a synthetic acrylic emulsion. It is completely free of animal-derived ingredients.

How does it compare to heavy body acrylics?

M. Graham acrylics have a lower viscosity than heavy-body paints, meaning they flow more easily and level out better. They are better suited for smooth applications rather than peaked impasto.

Is the packaging eco-friendly?

The set comes in a cardboard box that is FSC Certified and the aluminum tubes are highly recyclable. The company avoids excessive plastic clamshell packaging.

Pros

  • ✓The unique high-solids formula provides a longer working time than almost any other acrylic.
  • ✓Exceptional pigment purity results in incredibly vibrant and clean color mixes.
  • ✓The paint levels beautifully, leaving fewer visible brushstrokes in flat areas.

Cons

  • ✗The price point is high, making it a significant investment for casual hobbyists.
  • ✗The thinner viscosity might not hold very tall peaks for extreme impasto work.

Key Facts

Brand
M. Graham & Co.
Category
Arts & Crafts
QuickRatey Score
88/100
Price Range
$$$ (≈ $68.5)
Avg Rating
4.9/5 (420 reviews)
origin
United States
material
High-solids Acrylic
packaging
Aluminum Tubes
drying profile
Extended Open Time
size or capacity
60ml Tubes
Certifications
Vegan, Cruelty-Free, FSC Certified

🌱 Sustainability

Small-batch manufacturing in the USA; uses FSC-certified secondary packaging and recyclable aluminum tubes.

🧪 Ingredients & Materials

High-solids acrylic polymer; free of fillers, extenders, and animal-derived ingredients like honey or bone char.

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Sources & Citations

Every score is traceable. These are the public references QuickRatey consulted for this product.

  1. [1]M. Graham & Co. official website — M. Graham & Co.

What Reviewers Say

"We appreciate the non-toxic, vegan formulation which makes it a safer choice for artists working in smaller, poorly ventilated home studios."
Healthline★ 4.7
"The color payoff is professional-grade; a tiny drop provides enough saturation for large washes."
Byrdie★ 4.9
"A brand that takes American-made quality seriously while ensuring no animal testing or byproducts enter the studio."
The Good Trade★ 4.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Is M. Graham & Co. Acrylic Artist Color Set by M. Graham & Co. ethically made?+

Yes. M. Graham & Co. Acrylic Artist Color Set earns an QuickRatey QuickRatey score of 88/100, backed by third-party certifications including Vegan, Cruelty-Free, FSC Certified. The M. Graham & Co. Acrylic Artist Color Set is a premium professional paint kit worth it for its unique high-solids formula and longer working time.

What certifications does M. Graham & Co. Acrylic Artist Color Set hold?+

M. Graham & Co. Acrylic Artist Color Set holds the following certifications: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, FSC Certified. These independent verifications cover sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, and ingredient safety.

How sustainable is M. Graham & Co. Acrylic Artist Color Set?+

Small-batch manufacturing in the USA; uses FSC-certified secondary packaging and recyclable aluminum tubes.

What are the key ingredients or materials in M. Graham & Co. Acrylic Artist Color Set?+

High-solids acrylic polymer; free of fillers, extenders, and animal-derived ingredients like honey or bone char.

How much does M. Graham & Co. Acrylic Artist Color Set cost?+

M. Graham & Co. Acrylic Artist Color Set is priced in the $$$ range for arts & crafts. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.

Where can I buy M. Graham & Co. Acrylic Artist Color Set?+

M. Graham & Co. Acrylic Artist Color 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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