Whether you're new to painting or upgrading your supplies, the choice between student and artist grade acrylic paint can feel confusing. Both offer rich colors and versatility, but they differ significantly in terms of quality, cost, and results. Knowing these differences helps artists of all levels make informed, budget-wise decisions that elevate their work.
In this article, we’ll explore how student and artist acrylics compare across key areas such as pigment strength, consistency, blending ability, and long-term durability.
Artist grade acrylics are professional-quality paints formulated with higher concentrations of pigment and fewer fillers. The result? More vibrant, long-lasting color with better coverage. These paints are designed for precision, offering consistent performance across techniques like glazing, layering, or dry brushing.
Key characteristics of artist grade acrylics include:
High pigment load for intense, true-to-tube color
Lightfastness (resistance to fading from light exposure)
Smooth consistency that enhances blending and detail
Greater transparency control for techniques like glazing
These qualities make artist grade acrylics ideal for projects where color accuracy, permanence, and subtlety matter most. Explore top-tier paints in our painting collection.
One of the biggest differences between student and artist acrylics is pigment concentration. Student paints use lower-grade pigments and more fillers like binders or extenders to reduce cost. This results in:
Muted colors that may not match expectations when dry
Weaker coverage, requiring more layers for opacity
Inconsistent results across brands or batches
Artist grade paints, in contrast, deliver bold saturation even when thinned with water or medium. This pigment strength allows for more efficient painting—fewer layers, more precision, and better outcomes.
Not all paints are created equal. For vibrant color and reliable performance, check out our curated art kits for artists ready to level up.
Student acrylics are perfect for beginners, hobbyists, or anyone experimenting with new techniques. They’re budget-friendly and often sold in sets that make exploring color combinations easy. Use them for:
Practice sketches or underpaintings
Decorative crafts or classroom settings
Experimenting with texture, tools, and surfaces
Just keep in mind that student-grade paints may not be ideal for gallery pieces or commissions due to potential fading or cracking over time. If you're exploring acrylics for the first time, starting with a student-grade set is a great way to get comfortable.
Browse affordable options in our painting collection that balance quality and price for everyday use.
While artist grade acrylics cost more upfront, they often last longer and deliver better results with less paint. Student acrylics, though cheaper, can lead to higher usage and more effort to achieve similar effects. Here's a quick breakdown:
|
Feature |
Student Grade |
Artist Grade |
|
Pigment Load |
Low |
High |
|
Coverage |
Fair |
Excellent |
|
Longevity |
Moderate |
High |
|
Blendability |
Basic |
Professional |
|
Price |
$ |
$$–$$$ |
In the long run, artist acrylics may be more cost-effective for serious work. But both types have a place depending on your goals and budget.
Want to try both? Many of our art kits offer hybrid bundles to help you compare.
If you're unsure which brands to try, here’s a simple breakdown:
Great for Beginners (Student Grade):
Mont Marte Studio Acrylics
Reeves Acrylic Colour
Royal & Langnickel Essentials
Professional-Level (Artist Grade):
Golden Heavy Body Acrylics
Liquitex Professional Series
Matisse Structure Acrylics
Many of these are available in our painting collection, where you can explore starter sets or build a custom palette that meets your level.
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