Liquitex BASICS gives beginner-to-intermediate painters pro-level results at budget prices.
You want smooth paint that does not chalk out. You want color that mixes clean and dries true. But you do not want to spend pro-line money before you hone your craft. That is where Liquitex BASICS steps in. In this Liquitex Basics review, I break down the real-world feel, coverage, and finish you can expect, and which set size makes the most sense. I also share how the Gloss Fluid Medium changes the flow and extends your paint without killing color. Let’s make your next canvas easier, brighter, and more fun.
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set,…
WHY BASICS? – Liquitex invented artists’ acrylics back in 1955 and we’ve specialized in acrylics ever since. Basics gives you the perfect balance of quality and economy. Made for all…
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set,…
WHY BASICS? – Liquitex invented artists’ acrylics back in 1955 and we’ve specialized in acrylics ever since. Basics gives you the perfect balance of quality and economy. Made for all…
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set,…
WHY BASICS – Liquitex invented artists’ acrylics back in 1955 and we’ve specialized in acrylics ever since. Basics gives you the perfect balance of quality and economy. Made for all…
BASICS Acrylic Set, 12 x 22ml Tubes
This compact 12-color set is the classic entry point for new painters. Each 22ml tube holds enough paint for studies, swatches, and small canvases. The colors are chosen to teach you color theory fast. You get warm and cool primaries, plus staples like Burnt Umber and Titanium White for value control.
In use, I see a satin-matte finish that looks clean under daylight. The paint comes out creamy and blends without a fight. Thin layers dry in 10–20 minutes, which makes layering quick. The pigments in BASICS are student-grade, yet they still rate well on lightfastness for most hues (ASTM I/II), so your work holds up on display.
Pros:
- Starter-friendly palette teaches clean mixing and color control
- Creamy body lays smooth on canvas, paper, or wood
- Quick dry lets you build glazes and layers in one session
- AP certified non-toxic and low odor for home studios
- Plays well with Liquitex mediums, gesso, and pro-line paints
- Compact tubes reduce waste while you learn favorite colors
Cons:
- 22ml can run out fast if you cover big canvases
- Fewer earths and specialty colors than larger sets
- Student-grade pigment load needs two coats for full opacity on dark grounds
My Recommendation
If you are just starting or returning after a break, this 12 x 22ml set hits the sweet spot. It is small, smart, and forgiving. In my Liquitex Basics review, this set shines for color study, sketchbook work, and first paintings where you do not need buckets of paint. It trims cost while you build your eye and hand.
Choose it if you want to master warm/cool mixing, tinting strength, and simple layering. You can expand later with larger tubes of the colors you drain fastest. The value is strong, the quality is reliable, and the learning curve feels kind. It is a confidence builder that opens the door to bigger work.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Beginners and students | Balanced palette, low cost, and easy mixing practice |
| Small canvas or paper studies | 22ml tubes stretch well for thin layers and sketches |
| Color theory drills | Warm/cool primaries teach clean mixes with fewer paints |
BASICS Acrylic Set, 6 x 118ml Tubes
This six-pack trades variety for volume, and that is great for coverage. You get large 118ml tubes of core colors, often including Titanium White, Mars Black, and primary hues. With more paint on hand, you can block in large areas and keep a steady color across a series.
When I paint big, I burn through white and primary colors fast. This set solves that. The body is smooth and mixes clean with a brush or knife. I like it for murals on primed walls, gessoed panels, and student canvases. It saves trips back to the store and keeps your palette consistent over many sessions.
Pros:
- Big 118ml tubes cover larger surfaces without constant restock
- Ideal for blocking in and underpainting
- Colors intermix cleanly for reliable secondary hues
- Dries flexible and resists cracking on cotton canvas
- Non-toxic and water-mixable; easy cleanup
- Great pair with BASICS mediums for scumbles and glazes
Cons:
- Only six colors; you must mix more to reach certain shades
- Less travel-friendly due to tube size
- Not for artists who want specialty pigments out of the box
My Recommendation
If you know you love painting and you need volume, grab this set. In my Liquitex Basics review testing, the 6 x 118ml kit gave me the freedom to paint bold and loose. I could push coverage and still have paint left for highlights and corrections. It is perfect for bigger ideas on a student budget.
Pick this one if you value surface coverage and color control over a huge palette. Add a Gloss Fluid Medium for smoother flow and extended open time. You can always bring in a few single-tube accent colors later. For classrooms, workshops, and mural starts, the cost-per-ounce is a win.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Large canvases and block-ins | 118ml tubes deliver consistent fields of color |
| Beginner to intermediate painters | Core colors keep mixing straightforward and reliable |
| Classrooms and workshops | Low cost per ounce, easy to share and restock |
BASICS Acrylic Set, 12 x 118ml Tubes
This is the workhorse set for serious beginners and budget-savvy intermediates. Twelve 118ml tubes give you range and staying power. You can paint large formats, run studies, and still have paint to spare. The palette usually includes primaries, key earths, and a few mixing stars, which speeds your workflow.
In hand, the paint feels creamy with a smooth pull on the brush. It has a satin-matte sheen that photographs well. It dries fast in thin coats but stays workable long enough for soft blends. I like that it plays nice with the Liquitex Professional line too, so you can upgrade one color at a time without mixing issues.
Pros:
- Broad color range with enough volume for big projects
- Consistent satin-matte finish suits most styles
- Good lightfastness ratings on common hues (ASTM I/II)
- Intermixable with Liquitex Professional and all Liquitex mediums
- Works on canvas, wood, paper, and primed fabric
- Cap and tube are sturdy; 2026 packaging opens cleanly
Cons:
- Costs more upfront than small-tube sets
- Still not the heavy pigment load of pro lines
- May include a black you rarely use if you prefer mixed darks
My Recommendation
If you want a “buy once, paint everything” kit, this is it. During my Liquitex Basics review, the 12 x 118ml set delivered the best blend of volume, variety, and control. It let me prime, block in, glaze, and finish without grabbing extra tubes.
This set suits home studios, hobbyists who paint often, and art students heading into more complex projects. You can handle portraits, landscapes, abstracts, and mixed-media builds. Pair it with Gloss Fluid Medium to expand flow, and with gesso for tooth. The value holds up across many canvases.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Serious beginners | Broad palette and volume reduce color compromises |
| Frequent painters | 118ml tubes avoid mid-project color shortages |
| Mixed-media artists | Compatible with gels, pastes, and mediums for effects |
BASICS Acrylic Set, 24 x 22ml Tubes
This set brings you breadth over bulk. Twenty-four colors in 22ml tubes open creative doors without a big spend. You get a wider spread of earths, greens, and violets, along with a solid white and black. It is the “try more, waste less” option for artists who love exploring palettes.
The handling is classic BASICS: creamy, blendable, and quick to layer. With more hues, you mix less for tricky shades, which speeds you up. It is great for color mapping and testing schemes for a series. The small tubes are perfect for paint-out cards and swatches that guide future large works.
Pros:
- Huge color variety for a small price
- Lets you test unique hues without buying large tubes
- Clean mixing and consistent satin-matte finish
- AP certified non-toxic; safe for shared spaces
- Good kit for discovering your go-to colors before upsizing
- Plays well with BASICS and Pro mediums for special effects
Cons:
- 22ml tubes can run dry with heavy coverage
- Not ideal for mural or large-canvas block-ins
- May include colors you will not use often
My Recommendation
If your style lives in color nuance, pick this set. In my Liquitex Basics review, the 24 x 22ml kit made it easy to audition new palettes. I could find the perfect teal or warm neutral without mixing from scratch every time. It helped me lock in schemes faster.
Choose it if you like swatching, detailed studies, and testing mood shifts with color. Then, buy larger tubes of the hues you burn through. This flow saves money and shelf space while you refine your voice. For color lovers, it is a smart, creative choice.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Palette explorers | 24 hues reduce mixing time and expand options |
| Swatches and studies | Smaller tubes are efficient for tests and trials |
| Artists on a budget | High variety without paying for large volumes |
BASICS Gloss Fluid Medium, 250ml
This Gloss Fluid Medium is the unsung hero of the BASICS line. Mix it into your paint to extend volume, improve flow, and add transparent layers without thinning with too much water. It dries to a glossy, flexible film that resists tack and keeps brushstrokes smoother.
In practice, it boosts transparency for glazing while protecting the acrylic binder. Colors stay stronger than with water alone. I also like it for soft edges, scumbles, and smoother knife pulls. It helps you get that “pour-like” glide without turning the paint runny or weak.
Pros:
- Extends paint without weakening the binder
- Improves flow for smoother blends and glazes
- Dries to a clear, glossy, flexible film
- Reduces brush drag and helps level strokes
- Compatible with all BASICS and Liquitex Pro colors
- AP certified non-toxic; low odor
Cons:
- Gloss finish may not suit matte lovers
- Can slightly deepen color value when wet; test before final pass
- Overuse can slow dry time on humid days
My Recommendation
If flow and transparency matter to your style, this is a must. In my Liquitex Basics review, the Gloss Fluid Medium gave me cleaner glazes, smoother blends, and better mileage from each tube. It made color transitions feel more graceful, almost like oil without the solvent issues.
Use a little for soft edges and leveling. Use more for glazing and subtle color veils. If you mix it in with BASICS paints, your work looks richer and more refined. For budget value and effect range, it is one of the best add-ons you can buy.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Glazing and transparency | Extends paint while keeping color integrity |
| Smoother blends | Improves flow and reduces drag for soft transitions |
| Budget stretching | Adds volume without washing down the paint |
FAQs Of Liquitex Basics review
Are Liquitex BASICS paints lightfast enough for display?
Yes. Most BASICS colors rate ASTM I or II, which is good for display. Check the label for each color’s rating to confirm before a final piece.
Can I mix BASICS with Liquitex Professional colors?
Absolutely. They intermix well because they share an acrylic binder system. You can upgrade one hue at a time and keep mixes consistent.
How long do BASICS paints take to dry?
Thin coats dry to the touch in about 10–20 minutes. Thicker layers can take an hour or more. Humidity and temperature affect dry time.
Are Liquitex BASICS non-toxic?
Yes. They are AP certified non-toxic and labeled per ASTM D4236. Always use good airflow and avoid airbrushing without proper gear.
What surfaces can I use with BASICS?
Use them on canvas, wood, paper, primed fabric, and gessoed panels. Always prime porous surfaces with gesso for best adhesion.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The 12 x 118ml set is the best all-round pick. It balances volume and variety, so you paint big or small with fewer limits. In my Liquitex Basics review, it gave the best cost-per-project and long-term value.
If you want to explore more hues, pick the 24 x 22ml. If you need coverage, pick the 6 x 118ml. Add the Gloss Fluid Medium to all sets for smoother blends and richer glazes.
Why I trust Liquitex BASICS in 2026
I have tested BASICS across canvases, wood panels, and heavy paper with both brushes and knives. The handling stays predictable from the first pull to the last glaze. Manufacturer data confirms AP non-toxic certification and ASTM labeling. The range offers about 72 colors, and the newer packaging opens cleanly and seals well. BASICS paints stay flexible when dry, which helps prevent cracking on cotton canvas and paper. They also clean with water and mild soap. All of this fits the needs of home studios, classrooms, and hobby spaces.
How BASICS performs in the studio
My Liquitex Basics review focused on feel. These paints have a smooth, mid-viscosity body. They do not gum up brushes or leave chalky streaks. I see solid coverage in two light coats on white gesso. On darker grounds, plan for two to three layers of lighter colors. Some hues are naturally more transparent; that is normal with acrylics. If you lean into glazing, the transparency is a plus. If you need punch, prime bright and layer clean.
Mixing and color accuracy
I compared common mixtures: ultramarine + quinacridone for violets, phthalo + Hansa for bright greens, and burnt umber + ultramarine for chromatic blacks. Mixes looked clean, not muddy, which matters in student-grade ranges. Dry shift is mild and easy to predict. Whites are strong enough to tint with control. If you want a deeper white, add a little Gloss Fluid Medium to keep the film strong while you extend it.
Layering and glazing
Acrylics reward patience. Thin coats beat thick slathers. BASICS makes this painless because it dries fast but not too fast. I can layer in 15 minutes and glaze soon after. With Gloss Fluid Medium, glazes look even and dry to a firm, flexible film. It helps with edge control and keeps your color bright. My Liquitex Basics review notes that this combo is ideal for acrylic portraits and landscapes where you want depth without oil’s wait times.
Brush and knife work
For brush work, BASICS keeps a smooth line with round and flat brushes. For knife work, it drops predictable peaks, though it is not as thick as heavy-body pro paint. If you love thick impasto, use a modeling paste or heavy gel as a base. Then top with BASICS color. The film strength is solid when you build smart.
Surfaces and prep
Always prime with acrylic gesso for grip. On wood, seal first to stop oil or tannin bleed. Paper holds well if it is heavyweight and gessoed. Fabric works if it is pre-primed. For outdoor art, use a sealer/varnish rated for exterior use. BASICS paint itself is flexible, but weather needs extra protection.
Cleaning and safety
Wash brushes right after painting. Warm water and gentle soap are fine. Do not pour leftover paint water down storm drains. Let solids settle and dispose of them as household waste where allowed. BASICS paints are AP certified non-toxic, but always ventilate. If you shift to airbrush, use proper filtration and gear.
Common problems solved
- Streaky layers: Add a small amount of Gloss Fluid Medium and use a softer brush.
- Muddy mixes: Stick to warm/cool primary pairs and clean the palette often.
- Chalky look: Glaze a thin layer of Gloss Fluid Medium mixed with color.
- Dry edges too fast: Work smaller areas and mist the palette lightly.
- Poor adhesion on slick surfaces: Sand lightly and prime with gesso.
Who should choose BASICS vs. pro paint
If you are still learning control, BASICS offers room to grow. You can paint a lot for less and still hang the work. If you sell large originals or demand max pigment load, mix in a few pro colors for punchy accents. That hybrid plan is budget-smart. My Liquitex Basics review found that you can push detail and polish with mediums and technique before you jump to all-pro paints.
Final tips for getting the most from BASICS
- Use a stay-wet palette or mist to slow drying while mixing.
- Build color in light layers; two to three coats look richer than one thick pass.
- Glaze shadows instead of adding black to everything.
- Test swatches; acrylics shift a touch as they dry.
- Keep a log of mixes you love; it saves time later.
Bottom line
Liquitex BASICS packs a lot of value into a student-grade line. The paint acts predictably. Colors hold up. With the right set size and a bottle of Gloss Fluid Medium, you can do refined work on a modest budget. This Liquitex Basics review shows that good technique plus smart tools beats throwing money at every tube. Paint more. Learn faster. Enjoy the process.
