Liquitex acrylics deliver bright color, smooth flow, and solid lightfastness.
You pick up a brush. The color on your palette looks dull. You add water, but it turns streaky. Your canvas fights you at every stroke. I have been there. That is why I wrote this hands-on Liquitex acrylic paint review. I cover how these paints behave in real use. I share what mixes well, what covers fast, and what tubes give you the best value. If you want clear answers in plain words, you are in the right place.
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint, 250ml…
Thick, creamy with satin finish; Good pigment load Retains peaks and brush strokes; Ideal for learning color theory and color mixing Includes 8.45-ounce / 250 millilitre tube of acrylic paint…
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 250ml Tube – Titanium White
Titanium White is the workhorse of every acrylic kit. This 250ml BASICS tube gives you the volume you need for daily mixing and clean highlights. The body is creamy, not runny, with an easy, even pull from the brush. It dries to a satin-matte film that stays flexible on canvas, paper, and wood.
I reach for this white to make tints that look fresh, not chalky. It gives solid coverage over mid and light tones. Over deep black, you may need a second pass, which is normal for student-grade paint. Lightfastness is strong, and the film resists yellowing when stored well.
Pros:
- Big 250ml tube offers strong value for daily use
- Opaque, smooth white that mixes clean tints
- Creamy body lays flat with fewer brush marks
- Consistent color from tube to tube
- AP non-toxic and conforms to ASTM D-4236
- Works on canvas, wood, paper, and primed walls
- Pairs well with gels and mediums for body and sheen
Cons:
- Lower pigment load than Liquitex Professional lines
- May need two coats over very dark grounds
- Cap can clog if you do not wipe the tip
My Recommendation
If you mix a lot of color, this 250ml Titanium White is a smart buy. It is great for students, hobbyists, and mural base coats. It helps you keep a steady white for tints without breaking the bank. In my Liquitex acrylic paint review tests, this tube held up with clean mixes and strong cover.
Use it for underpainting, highlights, and color balance. Add a gel medium if you want a thicker, knife-ready peak. For a glossy finish, blend in gloss medium. For slower drying, add a small drop of retarder. That tip cuts drag in warm rooms.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Daily mixing and tints | Large volume and clean, opaque white |
| Student and hobby budgets | Great cost per ounce without big trade-offs |
| Underpainting and base coats | Satin-matte film levels well and dries fast |
BASICS Set: 12 x 118ml Acrylic Tubes
This 12-piece set with 118ml tubes is a sweet spot for beginners and busy makers. You get a wide mixable range without tiny, short-lived tubes. The paint has a soft, buttery body that spreads well by brush or knife. Colors feel bright and clear, and most hold strong lightfast ratings.
I used this set for lesson demos and quick studio studies. It covers large surfaces at a fair cost per ounce. The palette supports color theory training with warm and cool shifts. It also pairs well with pouring and gel mediums for texture and sheen play.
Pros:
- Great value per ounce for a full starter palette
- 12 mixable hues for strong color range
- Soft, creamy body for brush and knife work
- Consistent satin-matte finish across colors
- Intermixable with all Liquitex paints and mediums
- AP non-toxic; good for classrooms and workshops
- Reliable lightfastness for most colors (ASTM I/II)
Cons:
- Not as dense as Liquitex Professional Heavy Body
- Set may not include metallic or specialty colors
- Cardboard box can scuff in transit
My Recommendation
If you want a “buy once and paint” kit, pick this one. It gives you big tubes, bright color, and a smooth feel. It suits students, crafters, and new muralists who need more paint on hand. In my Liquitex acrylic paint review notes, this was the best balance of volume and range.
Plan to add a larger Titanium White later, as that runs out first. Keep a spray bottle to mist your palette during long sessions. For glazing, add gloss medium for a brighter, deeper look. For knife peaks, add heavy gel to keep ridges crisp.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Beginners building a core kit | 12 key colors in generous 118ml tubes |
| Workshops and classrooms | AP non-toxic and cost-effective for many users |
| Mural base coats and studies | Solid coverage, smooth flow, and fast dry |
BASICS Set: 12 x 22ml Acrylic Tubes
This compact 12-color set is made for test runs and travel. The 22ml tubes let you sample a full palette without a big spend. The texture matches the BASICS line: soft, creamy, and easy to mix. It is great for small canvases, sketchbooks, and quick color studies.
I like this set for trying new hues and learning mixes. It helps you find your go-to colors before you buy in bulk. The tubes store well and do not hog space on the desk. It is also a nice gift for a new painter who wants to start light.
Pros:
- Low-cost way to try many colors
- Perfect size for travel and small desks
- Less waste if you paint small works
- Same smooth BASICS feel and finish
- Works well with Liquitex mediums and other acrylics
- AP non-toxic for safe studio use
Cons:
- 22ml tubes run out fast on large pieces
- Some opaque colors may still need two coats
- No extras like brushes or palette included
My Recommendation
Pick this if you want to test colors or paint small. It is a smart bridge set before buying 118ml or 250ml tubes. In my Liquitex acrylic paint review, it stood out as a sampler that still feels pro. You get the same handling and film strength in a tiny kit.
Use it for postcards, mini canvases, and color charts. Write the mix ratios as you blend to repeat hits later. If you scale up, rebuy your top colors in larger tubes. Keep a wet palette to stretch open time and reduce waste.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Color testing and studies | Small tubes, big range, low cost |
| Travel kits and plein air | Compact size and easy packing |
| Gift for new painters | Full palette without the big spend |
BASICS Primary Set: 6 x 22ml
This 6-color primary set is a tight, teaching-ready kit. You get the core primaries plus black and white for value control. The goal is simple: learn to mix. Warm and cool bias exercises are easy and clear with this set.
I use this for color wheels and quick demos. The smaller tubes push good habits. You learn to mix, not to hunt for the perfect tube hue. The paint handles like all BASICS: creamy, bright, and fast to dry.
Pros:
- Simple, focused palette for color theory
- Ideal for students and first-time painters
- Clean mixes for a wide range of hues
- Fast dry for class pace and quick layers
- AP non-toxic; safe for art rooms and home
- Compact and easy to store
Cons:
- 22ml tubes are small for large works
- No earth tones or specialty colors
- Not the best pick for heavy texture work
My Recommendation
Choose this if you want to master mixing with less fuss. It is perfect for beginners, teachers, and test labs. In my Liquitex acrylic paint review, this set gave the clearest path to skill growth. You learn fast because the choices are lean and clear.
Build a color wheel on day one. Make value scales with black and white. Add a single earth tone later when you need it. Keep notes on ratios so you repeat wins without guesswork.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Learning color theory | Core primaries plus value control |
| Short classes and workshops | Fast dry and easy setup |
| Budget starter kits | Low cost, no extra clutter |
BASICS Set: 6 x 118ml Acrylic Tubes
Think of this as the “bigger-bite” primary kit. You get six core colors in 118ml tubes. That size is right for studies, class packs, and small murals. The paints spread smooth, layer fast, and hold a stable satin-matte film.
I like this as a base for a long-term kit. You can add extra hues over time. It is also a solid pairing with pouring and gel mediums. The larger tubes mean fewer runs to the store and more time painting.
Pros:
- Large 118ml tubes keep you painting longer
- Simple set for clean mixes and quick learning
- Good cost per ounce for core colors
- Consistent handling across the six hues
- AP non-toxic and classroom-friendly
- Dries fast yet stays flexible
Cons:
- Still student-grade; pigment load is moderate
- Limited palette; add earths and brights later
- Box may not include mixing guide
My Recommendation
Get this if you love a lean kit but want real volume. It is ideal for beginners who commit to practice and for teachers who need stock. In my Liquitex acrylic paint review, this set hit the sweet spot of size and focus. It puts skill first and keeps cost in check.
Plan your upgrades as you grow. Add a larger Titanium White and a warm earth tone. Try gloss medium for glazing and heavy gel for texture. Keep lids clean to prevent dry rings and clogs.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Beginners who paint often | 118ml tubes last longer with steady use |
| Class sets with tight budgets | Core colors, safe, and cost-effective |
| Practice and studies | Simple palette drives fast growth |
FAQs Of Liquitex acrylic paint review
Are Liquitex BASICS paints lightfast?
Yes. Most colors rate ASTM I or II for lightfastness. They hold color well when dry.
How do BASICS compare to Liquitex Professional?
BASICS have a lower pigment load and a softer body. They are great for learning and studies.
Are Liquitex acrylics safe to use at home?
Yes. They are AP non-toxic and meet ASTM D-4236. Use normal studio safety and ventilation.
Can I use BASICS on fabric?
Yes. Mix with a fabric medium. Heat set per the medium’s directions for best wash hold.
Do Liquitex paints dry glossy or matte?
They dry satin-matte. Add gloss or matte medium to change the finish.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The 12 x 118ml BASICS set offers the best value and range. You get bright color, generous tubes, and easy mixing. It fits most goals from practice to decor.
This Liquitex acrylic paint review shows strong results across sets. Pick by volume and palette size. You will get smooth flow, safe use, and steady color.
