Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the best Turner watercolor paint options available for artists. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your creative journey, choosing the right watercolors can significantly impact your artwork. Turner is renowned for its high-quality pigments and excellent performance, offering a range of paints that cater to various artistic needs and styles. We’ve meticulously reviewed several top Turner products to help you find the perfect set that enhances your artistic expression and delivers vibrant, lasting results.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Turner Watercolor Paint Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Turner Professional Watercolor Paint Set – 18 High Pigment, Concentrated Assorted Colors, 5ml Tubes
The Turner Professional Watercolor Paint Set with 18 concentrated, high-pigment 5ml tubes is an excellent choice for artists seeking quality and versatility. These watercolors are crafted with the finest pure pigments and gum arabic, delivering intense, vibrant colors and exceptional lightfastness. With a well-balanced range of shades, this set allows for beautifully clean color mixing, making it a reliable option for various painting techniques.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Exceptional quality with a high pigment load for brilliant colors.
- ✓ Concentrated formula ensures vivid results even with small amounts of paint.
- ✓ Features 18 assorted colors, offering a diverse palette for creativity.
- ✓ Made with pure pigments and gum arabic, ensuring professional-grade lightfastness.
- ✓ 5ml tubes are perfect for studio work and on-the-go sketching.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend this set for its impressive color intensity and professional-grade composition. The paints reactivate easily and provide smooth washes and delicate glazes. It’s a fantastic value for both aspiring and experienced artists looking for dependable and beautiful watercolors.
Best For
This set is best for artists who prioritize vibrant color, excellent lightfastness, and a versatile palette in a compact tube format, ideal for both studio and plein air painting.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Highly pigmented and vibrant colors.
- Excellent lightfastness for lasting artwork.
- Good selection of 18 essential colors for a starter or travel set.
- Smooth application and easy to mix for clean hues.
Cons:
- 5ml tubes may run out quickly for heavy users.
- Some colors might require slight layering for maximum opacity.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The size and color selection of these paints are great for beginning watercolor artists, such as myself. I can practice to my heart’s content and once I am more experienced, I will order the larger size paint kits. Great quality and price”
Customer Review: “Good choice of palette. The colors that you need the most.”
2. Turner Professional Watercolor Paint Set – 24 High Pigment, Concentrated Assorted Colors, 15ml Tubes
This Turner Professional Watercolor Paint Set features 24 high-pigment, concentrated assorted colors in generous 15ml tubes, making it an outstanding choice for serious artists. The larger tube size means more paint for extended projects, while the exceptional quality of Turner’s pigments ensures brilliant and professional results. With a wide array of vibrant colors, this set provides excellent mixing capabilities and lightfastness for lasting works of art.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Extensive palette of 24 concentrated colors for diverse artwork.
- ✓ Large 15ml tubes offer excellent value and longevity for frequent use.
- ✓ Features superior lightfastness, ensuring colors remain true over time.
- ✓ Formulated with pure pigments and gum arabic for intense vibrancy and transparency.
- ✓ Designed for professional artists, offering consistent quality and performance.
Why We Recommend It
We love this set for its expansive color range and the substantial amount of paint in each tube, which is perfect for artists who paint frequently. The exceptional pigment concentration means a little goes a long way, delivering rich, luminous results every time. It’s a reliable investment for artists serious about their craft.
Best For
This set is best for professional artists or dedicated hobbyists who require a broad spectrum of colors and larger quantities of paint for extensive projects and high-quality finished pieces.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Generous 15ml tubes offer great value and last longer.
- Wide range of 24 vibrant, professional-grade colors.
- Superior pigment load for intense, brilliant washes and layers.
- Excellent lightfastness helps preserve artwork over time.
Cons:
- Higher initial investment due to quantity and quality.
- The extensive color range might be overwhelming for absolute beginners.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “As an intermediate painter, I find the pigment density and color range of this Turner set truly inspiring. The 15ml tubes are fantastic, meaning I don’t have to repurchase constantly, and the colors are simply breathtaking.”
Customer Review: “I upgraded to this set from student-grade paints, and the difference is incredible. The colors rewet beautifully and mix so cleanly. It’s truly a joy to work with these professional watercolors.”
3. Turner Watercolor Masking Fluid – 40ml Jar for Precise Detail, Ideal for Professional Artists.
The Turner Watercolor Masking Fluid in a 40ml jar is an essential tool for watercolor artists who demand precision and control. This superior liquid masking fluid offers a fluid consistency that allows for intricate detail, making it indispensable for preserving white areas or specific elements in your painting. It’s a versatile product, comparable to top masking fluids on the market, ideal for students and professionals working with fine details.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Fluid consistency enables precise application for intricate details.
- ✓ Versatile liquid mask suitable for various watercolor techniques and skill levels.
- ✓ Preserves light areas by resisting watercolor washes applied over it.
- ✓ Dries quickly and is easy to remove without damaging paper.
- ✓ Artist-quality masking fluid offering professional performance.
Why We Recommend It
This masking fluid is a must-have for anyone looking to achieve crisp edges and controlled whites in their watercolor paintings. Its smooth application and clean removal make it a joy to use, saving time and frustration. It allows for a more spontaneous approach to painting while protecting crucial areas of your artwork.
Best For
This masking fluid is best for watercolor artists of all levels who want to create sharp details, preserve highlights, or execute complex layering techniques with ease and confidence.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent for achieving fine, precise lines and details.
- Removes cleanly without tearing paper or leaving residue.
- Dries at a reasonable pace, allowing for timely painting.
- Good value in a 40ml jar for extended use.
Cons:
- Can be difficult to clean from brushes if not rinsed immediately.
- May require a dedicated brush or tool for application.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I am learning to paint watercolors. I had a practice painting that required use of the masking fluid. I used my favorite brush. The masking fluid applied well and was easy to remove when dried – just rub it away with your finger. However, not so easy to get out of my good paint brush. I tried everything, but it was still hard to clean.”
Customer Review: “Good product. Works well. Use old brush with it.”
4. Turner Design Gouache Premier Opaque Watercolor Paint Set – 18 Assorted Colors, 25ml Tubes
The Turner Design Gouache Premier Opaque Watercolor Paint Set offers 18 assorted colors in generous 25ml tubes, standing out as one of the world’s premier opaque watercolors. These brilliant paints boast a unique non-bleeding feature and dry to a stunning, velvety matte finish, allowing for impressive layering. Crafted with pure gum arabic binder and employing the Munsell System, these colors are exceptionally brilliant and versatile, perfect for designers and illustrators.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Premier opaque watercolors known for their rich, solid coverage.
- ✓ Dries to a beautiful, velvety matte finish, ideal for scanning and reproduction.
- ✓ Unique non-bleeding characteristic allows for crisp layering of colors.
- ✓ Large 25ml tubes provide ample paint for extensive design projects.
- ✓ Colors employ the Munsell System, ensuring remarkable brilliance and consistency.
Why We Recommend It
For artists and designers who require vibrant, opaque colors with a flat, matte finish, this gouache set is a game-changer. Its non-bleeding properties open up new possibilities for layering and detail work that traditional watercolors can’t achieve. The large tubes offer excellent value, making it a professional’s staple.
Best For
This gouache set is best for illustrators, graphic designers, and fine artists who need opaque, flat colors for detailed work, high contrast, and a unique matte aesthetic in their paintings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Delivers incredibly rich, opaque colors with a matte finish.
- Excellent for layering due to its non-bleeding formulation.
- Generous 25ml tubes provide significant longevity.
- Colors are vibrant and highly concentrated, offering strong coverage.
Cons:
- Can be less forgiving than transparent watercolors for blending large washes.
- Requires a slightly different approach than traditional watercolor painting.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I’ll start by saying this: the first time I ever tried gouache was a random pick up from five below. I ended up thinking gouache is not for me (DIFFICULTY LAYERING WITH IT) and was not open to buying more expensive gouache as I thought it might’ve been because my water control skill was low. Then I purchased this set and was surprised by how much I loved it!”
Customer Review: “Turner gouache has a lovely velvet finish. Most of the colors can be either transparent to fully opaque depending on how applied. It plays nicely with regular watercolors. You can paint light over dark. The colors re-hydrate nicely. They are very intense and lovely. The colors included in the 18-color set are superb.”
5. Turner’s WT00524C Transparent Watercolor Paint, Set of 24 Colors, 0.16 fl oz
The Turner’s WT00524C Transparent Watercolor Paint Set features 24 vibrant colors in convenient 0.16 fl oz tubes, offering exceptional transparency and brilliance. These paints are formulated with high-quality gum arabic and pigments, ensuring smooth application and beautiful layering. With a hand drying time of 30-60 minutes, they allow for comfortable working periods, making them suitable for both detailed work and expansive washes. This set is a fantastic option for those seeking a broad transparent palette.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Comprehensive set of 24 transparent colors for luminous effects.
- ✓ Excellent transparency allows for beautiful layering and glazing techniques.
- ✓ Crafted with quality gum arabic and pigments for smooth consistency.
- ✓ Dries relatively quickly (30-60 minutes hand dry) for efficient workflow.
- ✓ Versatile for various artistic styles, from botanical to landscape painting.
Why We Recommend It
This set is highly recommended for its clear, transparent colors that bring light and depth to watercolor art. The range of 24 colors provides ample choice for mixing and creating stunning gradients. It’s a joy to use for artists who appreciate the subtle nuances and glowing effects that only true transparent watercolors can provide.
Best For
This transparent watercolor set is best for artists who specialize in light-filled landscapes, delicate portraits, or any work where layering and luminosity are key to the artistic vision.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional transparency and luminosity in all colors.
- Wide array of 24 colors offers a versatile palette.
- Good rewetability and smooth flow on paper.
- Suitable for creating intricate washes and subtle blends.
Cons:
- Smaller 0.16 fl oz tubes may not last as long for frequent painters.
- Less suitable for opaque techniques where strong coverage is needed.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “It exceeded my expectations altogether and now is my favorite grab-and-go set and even for at home art. I was looking for a set to replace my White Nights (which tripled in price since the war). I wanted transparency, granulation, high quality, excellent lightfastness, strong pigments, and a very wide range of colors.”
Customer Review: “These paints are really quite nice at a great price. They compare well to my other professional Japanese paints at a fraction of the cost. I loved the gouache from this brand and was not disappointed by this watercolor set.”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Turner Watercolor Paint
Essential Factors We Consider
When searching for the best Turner watercolor paint, several critical factors come into play that can influence your artistic process and the longevity of your artwork. First, consider the pigment load. High-pigment paints offer more vibrant and concentrated colors, meaning a little goes a long way and your colors will pop. Next, lightfastness is crucial; this refers to how well the paint resists fading over time when exposed to light. Professional-grade Turner paints typically have excellent lightfastness ratings, ensuring your artwork endures. You’ll also want to think about transparency versus opacity. Traditional watercolors are transparent, allowing for luminous layers, while gouache (which Turner also excels at) is opaque, creating flat, matte finishes suitable for design work. Finally, rewetability is important for tube paints; good quality watercolors should reactivate easily with water, even after drying on a palette, for effortless working.
Budget Planning
Investing in Turner watercolor paint is a commitment to quality, but it’s important to align your purchase with your budget. While professional-grade paints typically have a higher upfront cost, their superior pigment load often means you use less paint, making them more cost-effective in the long run. Student-grade paints might seem cheaper, but they often lack the intensity and lightfastness, potentially leading to frustration and less vibrant results. Consider starting with a smaller, curated set of professional Turner colors, like the 18-tube option, and then expand your palette as your skills grow and your budget allows. Masking fluid, while not paint, is a valuable accessory that’s relatively inexpensive and can significantly enhance your watercolor techniques.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Turner watercolor paint depends largely on your specific artistic needs and aspirations. Whether you prioritize brilliant transparency for delicate washes or rich opacity for bold designs, Turner offers a quality solution. Always consider the pigment quality, lightfastness, and the specific characteristics of the paint type (watercolor vs. gouache) to ensure it aligns with your vision. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sets to discover what truly resonates with your creative style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Turner watercolors professional grade?
A: Yes, many Turner watercolor lines, particularly those labeled “Professional” or “Artists’ Watercolors,” are considered professional grade. They are made with high-quality pigments, excellent lightfastness, and a pure gum arabic binder, meeting the standards expected by professional artists.
Q: What is the difference between Turner watercolor and gouache?
A: The main difference lies in their opacity. Turner watercolors are transparent, designed to be layered to create luminous effects and allow the white of the paper to show through. Turner gouache (like the Design Gouache Premier) is opaque, meaning it provides solid, matte coverage that can be layered light over dark, similar to acrylic or oil paint.
Q: How does Turner watercolor compare to other brands?
A: Turner watercolors are often praised for their vibrant colors, high pigment concentration, and good lightfastness, making them comparable to other reputable professional brands. Many artists find them to be a great value for the quality, especially the Japanese-made Turner lines.
Q: Are Turner watercolors lightfast?
A: The professional ranges of Turner watercolor paint boast excellent lightfastness ratings. This means the colors are highly resistant to fading when exposed to light over time, ensuring the longevity and vibrancy of your artwork. Always check individual color charts for specific lightfastness ratings.
Q: Can beginners use Turner watercolor paints?
A: Absolutely! While professional-grade, Turner watercolors are user-friendly and offer a fantastic experience for beginners. Their high pigment load makes mixing easier, and the quality encourages good habits. Starting with a smaller set of professional paints can prevent the frustration often associated with lower-quality student-grade alternatives.
Ultimately, selecting the best Turner watercolor paint is a personal journey, but we hope this detailed roundup and buying guide have illuminated your path. Turner offers a versatile range, from vibrant transparent watercolors to rich opaque gouache, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every artist’s vision. Don’t hesitate to explore the unique characteristics of each product. Ready to add a splash of professional color to your palette? Click on the “Check Price on Amazon” buttons above to find your ideal Turner watercolor set and elevate your artistic creations today!