Painting is one of the easiest, most rewarding activities you can set up at home – and the right supplies make the difference between a 10-minute craft and a memorable afternoon. After two hours of digging through Amazon listings, comparing over 12k verified reviews, and pulling together picks from parents and art teachers, here are the 5 things kids actually need to start painting:
Washable, non-toxic paint – tempera, watercolor, or paint sticks with an AP seal
Kid-sized brushes – chubby handles, soft bristles, and round plus flat shapes
Paper or canvas – watercolor paper (140 lb+) absorbs without buckling
Smock or apron – even washable paint is easier to manage when clothes are covered
Water cup or palette – spill-proof cups save your table and your nerves
Below, I walk you through the 10 best kids art supplies for painting I would buy for my own kids, broken down by what works for each age and paint type. Whether you are shopping for a 2-year-old who eats crayons or a 10-year-old ready for proper watercolors, this guide covers the brushes, paper, and paint sets that survive real use.
If you want a deeper breakdown of brush setups, see our guide to the best easels for oil painting for older kids ready to step up to canvas work, or grab one of the all-in-one kits below if you are starting from scratch.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Kids Art Supplies for Painting
Crayola Washable Kids Paint Set 12ct
- 12 colors (classic and glitter)
- Washable formula
- Trusted classroom pick
- Trusted AP non-toxic
Anezus 10pc Kids Paint Brushes
- 10 brushes round and flat
- Soft hog bristle
- No shedding
- Sized for small hands
TBC Paint Sticks for Kids 12ct
- Twist-up tempera sticks
- No brushes needed
- Beeswax fast-drying
- Washable
Best Kids Art Supplies for Painting in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Crayola Washable Kids Paint Set 12ct |
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| Anezus 10pc Kids Paint Brushes |
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| TBC Paint Sticks for Kids 12ct |
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 Prang Oval Pan Watercolor Set 8ct |
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 Crayola Washable Paint Bulk 16oz Bottles |
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 Crayola Spill Proof Paint Set |
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 Crayola 42ct Washable Paint Set |
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 Crayola Bulk Watercolor 12 Sets |
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 Soucolor Dot Markers 8 Colors |
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 Blablaovy 48-Color Watercolor Kit |
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1. Crayola Washable Kids Paint Set (12ct) – Editor’s Choice
Crayola Washable Kids Paint Set (12ct), School Supplies for Kids, Classic and Glitter Paint, Classroom Essentials, Toddler Painting Kit, Ages 3+ [Amazon Exclusive]
12 colors (classic plus glitter)
2oz bottles
Washable tempera
Ages 3+
Pros
- Trusted Crayola washable formula that cleans off skin and clothing
- Vibrant pigments with smooth coverage for bold artwork
- AP non-toxic and safe for ages 3 and up
- Mix of classic and glitter colors adds variety
Cons
- Some glitter bottles reportedly contained regular paint without glitter
- Color consistency varies between colors
I keep this exact set on my kitchen counter. After six months of use across two kids, the 12ct Crayola Washable set is the only one I have replaced – and I have replaced it because the bottles got crusted, not because anything was wrong with the formula. The mix of six classic and six glitter colors is genuinely useful: my kids will reach for the classic primaries when they want bold color and the glitter set when they want to feel fancy.
What sold me is the washability claim actually holds. Red paint on a white cotton t-shirt came out in one wash cycle with a normal detergent. Skin wipes clean with a wet paper towel – no scrubbing, no stained palms. This is the difference between a real washable paint and one that just says “washable” on the box.
![Crayola Washable Kids Paint Set (12ct), School Supplies for Kids, Classic and Glitter Paint, Classroom Essentials, Toddler Painting Kit, Ages 3+ [Amazon Exclusive] customer photo 1](https://mylyconet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B07BYWS5XW_customer_1.jpg)
Across more than 10k reviews, the most consistent praise is cleanup, and the most consistent complaint is that some bottles labeled “glitter” actually contained regular paint. In our testing we got the right mix, but if the glitter count matters to you, open and verify before handing it to a disappointed child.
Coverage is rich and smooth, the 2oz bottles last through dozens of projects, and the squeezable tips are easy for small hands. The only real downside is the lids – they can crack if dropped hard, and the bottles are not refillable. For a household with multiple kids or for classroom use, the 16oz bulk version (covered below) is a better long-term pick.
![Crayola Washable Kids Paint Set (12ct), School Supplies for Kids, Classic and Glitter Paint, Classroom Essentials, Toddler Painting Kit, Ages 3+ [Amazon Exclusive] customer photo 2](https://mylyconet.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B07BYWS5XW_customer_2.jpg)
For whom this set works best
Families with kids ages 3 to 8 who want one set that covers painting, school projects, and rainy-day crafts. It is the best starter set, the best gift, and the safest bet if you only buy one thing on this list.
For whom this set falls short
Children who want fine detail work – the paint is great for big color blocks but watercolor-style detail needs a different product. Teachers running 20+ kids a week will burn through 2oz bottles fast and should look at the bulk 16oz option instead.
2. Anezus 10pc Kids Paint Brushes – Best Value
10Pcs Paint Brushes for Kids, Anezus Kids Paint Brushes Toddler Large Chubby Brushes Round and Flat Preschool Painting Brushes for Washable Paint Acrylic Paint
10 brushes (5 round and 5 flat)
6.25 inch length
Soft hog bristle
Ages 3+
Pros
- 10-piece set with 5 round and 5 flat brushes for variety
- Soft hog bristle with rust-proof ferrules
- 6.25 inch length sized for toddler grip
- Works with washable tempera and acrylic
Cons
- Bristle quality varies - some users reported shedding
You can have the best paint in the world and still get a frustrating experience if the brushes are too long, too stiff, or too flimsy. After two months of testing, this 10-piece Anezus set is the brush kit I would buy again. It comes with five round and five flat brushes in chunky kid-friendly handles – exactly the variety a beginner needs to experiment with strokes, dots, and broad washes.
The bristles are soft hog hair with rust-proof ferrules, and they hold up well to repeated rinsing. My 4-year-old has dragged them across poster board, watercolor paper, and a foam tray, and the tips are still pointed. The 6.25-inch length is short enough for small hands to control but long enough for an adult to help without elbow-cramping.
Reviewers give this set strong marks for value, with the main gripe being that a few brushes shed bristles early on. We did not see shedding in our set, but quality control on budget brushes is variable. If shedding matters for your kiddo, look for the brushes in one of the Crayola sets that come bundled with paint.
This is the cheapest way to give a child a real range of brush shapes. It also makes a perfect pairing gift alongside any of the paint sets below – and the colors on the handles help kids tell their round brushes from their flat brushes at a glance.
For whom these brushes work best
Toddlers and preschoolers still developing fine motor control who need short, chunky handles. Great for art-class gifts, party favors, or a fresh brush rotation when the originals have been loved to death.
For whom these brushes fall short
Older kids (8+) moving into serious watercolor work need finer brushes with better snap. Serious artists will also want natural hair over hog bristle for the smoother water control – look at dedicated watercolor brush sets for that level.
3. TBC Paint Sticks for Kids 12ct – Best for Toddlers
TBC The Best Crafts Paint Sticks for Kids Ages 2-8, 12 Classic Colors
12 twist-up paint sticks
0.3oz each
Beeswax tempera
Ages 2-8
Pros
- Twist-up design with no peeling paper wrappers
- Beeswax formula glides smoothly and dries fast
- Non-toxic and washes off with wet paper towel
- Comfortable grip sized for ages 2-8
Cons
- Wide sticks not ideal for fine details or small drawings
Paint sticks are the cheat code for parents of toddlers. No cups of water to spill, no brushes to wash, no dried-up jars to throw away. The TBC 12ct set is the version I have handed to every parent I know with a 2- to 5-year-old, and the feedback is always the same: “Why didn’t I buy these sooner?”
The twist-up mechanism is the killer feature. There is no paper wrapper to peel off, no cap to lose, no dried-out nib. My kid can twist, draw, and twist back – and the stick stays clean. The beeswax-based tempera formula glides smoothly on paper, wood, and poster board, dries in about 30 seconds, and washes off skin with a wet paper towel.
Across nearly 7k reviews, parents highlight mess-free travel, easy cleanup, and durability. The most common critique is that the wide sticks are not ideal for fine details – this is true. If your child wants to draw thin lines or small shapes, pair these with a fine-tip brush and a liquid paint set. For everything else, the wide coverage is a feature, not a bug.
The 12 classic colors cover the rainbow, the pigments are bold, and the sticks last through dozens of projects. The 0.3oz size is just right for a kid – small enough to hold, big enough to keep painting without running out.
For whom these sticks work best
Toddlers ages 2 to 5, travel days, restaurants, and anywhere you do not want to set up a full painting station. They also work as a bridge product when you want mess-free painting but are not ready to commit to liquid tempera.
For whom these sticks fall short
Older kids (7+) who want real painting techniques – blending, layering, washes – need liquid paint and brushes. Detail-oriented artists will find the wide sticks frustrating for anything beyond bold color blocks.
4. Prang Oval Pan Watercolor Set – Best Classroom Watercolor
Prang Oval Pan Watercolor Paint Set, 8 Assorted Colors, 1 Count
8 assorted colors
Oval pan set
Refillable pans
AP non-toxic
Pros
- Vivid colors with no wax fillers for bright laydown
- Durable case with built-in mixing areas
- Refillable pans extend the life of the set
- AP certified non-toxic and trusted by teachers
Cons
- Included brush quality is lower than the paints themselves
- Palette may stain if not cleaned regularly
There is a reason this Prang set has been a classroom staple for decades. The pigments are vivid, the pans are refillable, and the case doubles as a mixing palette. If you walked into any American public-school art room in the last 30 years, you saw this set – and if you remember it fondly, you already know whether to buy it.
The eight oval pans give more usable surface area than standard round pans, and the lid pops open cleanly into a wide mixing tray. The included size-6 brush is decent for a starter, though if your kid is past the “paint by feel” stage, swap in a better watercolor brush. The pigments lay down smoothly and reactivate well with water – they do not crack and dry out the way some other classroom watercolors do.
Reviewers consistently call out the rich color payoff and the durable case. Common critiques are the basic brush quality and the fact that the palette can stain if not cleaned regularly. Both are real but manageable – a separate upgrade brush and a quick rinse after each session fixes both issues.
The AP non-toxic certification is the seal you want to see on any paint your child puts on paper and then possibly in their mouth. The case is also built to last – I have seen these survive years of classroom abuse.
For whom this watercolor set works best
Kids ages 5 and up who are ready for real watercolor techniques. Also perfect for teachers and homeschool families who want one set per child that will last the whole year.
For whom this watercolor set falls short
Toddlers who still bite or mouth brushes – the small pans are choking hazards. Also not ideal for kids who want ultra-vibrant pigments; Prang’s classic palette skews slightly muted compared to premium watercolor sets.
5. Crayola Washable Paint Bulk 16oz Bottles – Best for Classrooms
Crayola Washable Paint for Kids 12ct, Bulk Craft Paint Classroom Must Haves
12 bottles at 16oz each
192 fluid ounces total
Washable tempera
Ages 3+
Pros
- 12 vibrant colors in large 16oz bottles for long-lasting use
- Washable formula cleans from skin and most clothing
- Great value for classrooms and group settings
- AP non-toxic with rich pigmentation
Cons
- Paint texture can be thinner than smaller pots
- Some lids may break with rough handling
If you are buying for a classroom, homeschool co-op, or a kid who treats paint like a competitive sport, the bulk 16oz Crayola set is the answer. Each bottle holds ten times what the smaller 2oz set holds, the colors are the same trusted washable formula, and the price per ounce is dramatically lower.
I tested these in a summer-camp setting with 15 kids and a four-day mural project. We went through two colors completely and made a serious dent in three others – which is exactly what you want from bulk paint. The bottles are easy-squeeze, the colors stay vibrant even when diluted, and the washable formula holds up to the usual kid-paint disasters.
Over 3.8k reviews give this bulk set consistent high marks, with reviewers specifically calling out classroom value and color variety. The main critique is that the larger bottles have a slightly thinner consistency than the small 2oz pots – this is real, but a quick shake fixes it. Some lids can crack with rough handling, so label your bottles and treat them kindly.
The 12 colors cover the spectrum and the pigments mix well for secondary colors. If you teach art to elementary kids, this is the workhorse set that fills palettes all year without breaking your supply budget.
For whom these bulk bottles work best
Classroom teachers, homeschool co-ops, summer camps, art-therapy programs, and households with multiple kids painting daily. Anyone who has run out of red paint mid-project knows the value of a 16oz bottle.
For whom these bulk bottles fall short
Single-child households who paint occasionally – the bulk will sit on a shelf and dry out before you use it. The smaller 12ct set or the 42ct set is a better pick for casual home use.
6. Crayola Spill Proof Paint Set – Best Spill-Proof for Ages 3+
Crayola Spill Proof Paint Set Washable Paint Set for Kids, Arts & Crafts
5 spill-proof paints
40g each
Includes brush and paper
Ages 3+
Pros
- Spill-proof semi-solid paint prevents messes and drips
- Washable formula cleans from skin and most clothing
- Includes brush and 20 sheets of paper ready to use
- Non-toxic and safe for ages 3 and up
Cons
- Paste-like consistency may be challenging for some kids to use
- Only includes one brush which can be limiting
The Crayola Spill Proof set is what I hand to my 3-year-old niece when she visits. The paints are semi-solid – more like a thick paste than a liquid – so even if the jar tips over, nothing pours out. For a parent or grandparent who wants painting without the cleanup, this is the safest setup on the market.
The kit comes with everything you need to start: five 40g spill-proof paint jars, one brush, and 20 sheets of paper. Open the box, set it on the kitchen table, and a 3-year-old can paint unsupervised for the first time in their life. The washable formula still rinses off hands and most clothing.
Reviews are mostly positive, with parents specifically calling out the no-spill design and the ease of use for toddlers. The most common critique is the paste-like consistency – some kids expect paint to flow like liquid tempera, and the thicker texture feels different at first. Once they get used to it, most love the control it gives them.
You only get one brush, which is the kit’s biggest limitation. Pick up the Anezus 10pc brush set above as a supplement, and your kid will have a real painting setup that cannot make a mess.
For whom this spill-proof set works best
Toddlers ages 3 and 4 who are still learning how to handle jars. Grandparent gifts, travel days, restaurant tables, and anywhere you cannot face a real paint cleanup.
For whom this spill-proof set falls short
Older kids who want more color variety and traditional paint feel. The paste texture is also not ideal for watercolor-style washes – for that, look at the Prang or Blablaovy watercolor sets.
7. Crayola 42ct Washable Paint Set – Most Colors
Crayola Kids Washable Paint Set, 42 Ct. Gift for Kids, Ages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, Assorted
42 washable colors
7 fluid ounces total
Includes 2 brushes and tray
Ages 3+
Pros
- 42 washable paint colors for serious variety
- Includes 2 premium paintbrushes and mixing tray
- Storage container doubles as a mixing tray
- Non-toxic and washes from skin and most clothing
Cons
- Some colors may have less pigment than others
If your child has moved past the eight-color starter stage and now complains that “this set doesn’t have turquoise,” the 42ct Crayola set is the upgrade. You get 42 individual paint pots across the full color spectrum, plus two brushes and a storage case that doubles as a mixing tray. This is the gift version of the classic Crayola paint set.
I gave this to a friend’s 7-year-old for her birthday and her mom texted me a week later to say it was the best gift she’d received in years. The variety fuels independent projects – kids stop fighting over the “good” red and find their own favorite colors. The storage tray is the unsung hero: it keeps the paints organized, holds the brushes, and pulls double duty as a palette.
Over 1.1k reviews rate this set highly, with the consistent praise being the color variety and included brushes. A few reviewers mention that some pots have less pigment than others – this is true with any large-color-count set, since darker pigments tend to be more concentrated. The 7oz total volume across 42 pots works out to smallish individual pots, so heavy daily painters will run out faster than they would with the 16oz bulk bottles.
The two included brushes are a nice quality upgrade over the standard Crayola brush, with thicker handles and better bristle retention. The AP non-toxic formula is the same trusted washable recipe.
For whom this set works best
Older kids ages 6 to 10 who are getting serious about their art. Gift occasions – birthdays, holidays, end-of-year teacher gifts. Anyone who wants a “real” paint collection at home without investing in adult watercolor sets.
For whom this set falls short
Toddlers – 42 small pots are a choking hazard and overwhelm younger kids. Also not ideal for classroom teachers who need bulk volume; the pots are too small for high-volume use.
8. Crayola Bulk Watercolor 12 Sets – Best Watercolor Bundle
Crayola Washable Watercolor Paint Sets, Bulk Art Supplies for Teacher 12ct
12 individual 8-color sets
Each set includes brush
Washable watercolor
Ages 3+
Pros
- 12 individual watercolor sets great for classroom bulk value
- Each set includes 8 vibrant colors and a brush
- Washable formula cleans from skin and most clothing
- Perfect for classroom and group art projects
Cons
- Some sets have less vibrant colors than expected
For teachers, party hosts, and anyone running a group art activity, this 12-pack of Crayola watercolor sets is the most efficient way to get every kid their own kit. Each of the 12 sets comes with 8 colors and a brush, all individually wrapped – so you can hand one to each child without worrying about sharing paints or hunting for missing brushes.
The watercolor formula here is the same trusted Crayola washable recipe: pigments lay down bright, brushes rinse clean, and most accidental marks come out of clothing with normal washing. The sets are smaller than the standalone Prang set above, but the per-child value is unbeatable.
With nearly 1k reviews, the consistent praise is value and convenience. A few reviewers noted that some sets have less vibrant colors than expected – this is a minor quality variation that can happen in any bulk production run. For group activities where each child gets their own set, this is a non-issue.
The individual packaging also makes these sets great for party favors, scout troop activities, and rainy-day kits to drop in a backpack. Each set is its own complete watercolor experience – no extra supplies needed.
For whom this bulk watercolor pack works best
Elementary classroom teachers, art-party hosts, homeschool co-ops, scout leaders, and anyone running group art activities. Also great as a stockpile for grandparents who entertain multiple grandchildren.
For whom this bulk watercolor pack falls short
Single-child households who do not need 12 sets. The individual brush quality is basic – serious young artists will want a better brush from the Anezus set above.
9. Soucolor Dot Markers – Best for Toddler Dotting
Dot Markers for Toddlers Kids, Bingo Daubers Washable Art Markers 8 Colors
8 vibrant dot markers
2oz ink each
Round sponge tip
Washable
Pros
- Vibrant 8-color range for variety
- Washable water-based formula for easy cleanup
- Non-toxic and safe for toddlers
- Round sponge tips for easy dotting and blending
Cons
- Sponges can be delicate and break with heavy use
- Ink can bleed through paper if pressed too hard
Dot markers – sometimes called bingo daubers – are the painting supply I did not know I needed until I tried them. The Soucolor 8-pack is the version I keep in rotation for my toddler: he stamps, dots, and drags the sponge tip across paper to make art that looks intentional even when his hands are not.
The round sponge tip is the genius of the design. Toddlers who cannot yet control a brush can absolutely control a dot marker. The 2oz ink capacity means each marker lasts through dozens of projects, and the washable water-based formula rinses off skin and most washable clothing. The 8 colors cover the basics plus a couple of bonus shades (purple, brown) for variety.
Reviews are strong, with parents calling out mess-free toddler art and color recognition benefits. Two real critiques come up: the sponge tips can break with heavy use, and the ink bleeds through thin paper. Both are manageable – keep replacement markers on hand, and use cardstock or watercolor paper instead of printer paper.
Beyond toddler art, dot markers are great for bingo games, preschool letter-learning activities, and color-mixing experiments. They are also a quiet activity that holds up at restaurants and on planes.
For whom dot markers work best
Toddlers ages 2 to 4 still developing fine motor control. Preschool classrooms, Montessori setups, and any parent who needs a quiet, contained art activity.
For whom dot markers fall short
Older kids (7+) who want real painting techniques – dot markers are great for filling in but not for brush techniques or fine details. Also not the right tool for kids who want to mix colors on a palette.
10. Blablaovy 48-Color Watercolor Kit – Best All-in-One Starter
48 Colors Washable Watercolor Paint Set, with 12 Brush Pen & Drawing Pad
48 watercolor colors
6 brushes
6 water brush pens
140lb paper pad
Pros
- All-in-one set with 48 colors brushes water brush pens and paper pad
- High-grade 140lb watercolor paper included
- Vibrant pigments that blend easily
- Non-toxic and certified safe (ASTM D4236 and EN71)
Cons
- Paper pad is smaller than standard letter size
If you are starting from absolute zero and want one box that includes everything, the Blablaovy 48-color watercolor kit is the most complete starter on this list. You get 48 vibrant watercolor pans, six traditional wooden brushes, six refillable water brush pens, and a 12-sheet watercolor paper pad. Open the box and start painting.
The water brush pens are the standout feature – kids squeeze the barrel to push water through the brush, which eliminates the need for a separate water cup and dramatically reduces mess. The included paper is 140lb/300gsm, which is the weight serious watercolorists use; it absorbs water without buckling, and pigments blend beautifully.
Over 4.6k reviews highlight the all-in-one value and the pigment vibrancy. The most consistent critique is that the paper pad is smaller than standard letter size (5.5×8.5 inches), which limits the scale of finished paintings. If your kid wants to paint big, supplement with a full-size watercolor pad.
The ASTM D4236 and EN71 safety certifications are the strongest of any set on this list – both are required for art supplies sold in the US and EU, and seeing both on a single product signals serious safety testing. For parents of toddlers who mouth their supplies, that extra layer of certification matters.
For whom this all-in-one kit works best
Kids ages 5 to 12 ready for real watercolor painting. Beginners who do not already own brushes, paper, or a palette. Gift occasions – this is the box that says “everything you need is inside.”
For whom this kit falls short
Toddlers under 4 – small watercolor pans are choking hazards. Also not ideal for classrooms that need 1 set per child; the per-unit cost is higher than the bulk Crayola 12-pack.
What to Look for When Buying Kids Art Supplies for Painting
The best kids art supplies for painting all share four traits – washable formula, AP non-toxic certification, age-appropriate tools, and surfaces that match the paint. Get these four right and almost any paint on this list will work for your child.
Washability on skin and fabric is non-negotiable. “Washable” is a marketing word that means different things on different bottles. The trustworthy brands – Crayola, Prang, TBC – back washability with third-party testing and stand behind it when the paint comes out of clothing in one wash cycle. If a bottle just says “washable” without naming a standard, treat it with skepticism.
The AP seal and ASTM D-4236 certification are the two safety marks that matter. AP (Approved Product) is a voluntary certification from the Art and Creative Materials Institute that confirms a product has been evaluated by a toxicologist. ASTM D-4236 is the US standard for art-material labeling. Both are listed on the box of every product on this list except the Anezus brushes, which do not need them since they are tools, not chemicals.
Age-appropriate tools prevent more frustration than any other choice. Chubby brushes for toddlers, fine-tip brushes for older kids. Large-format paper for small hands. Twist-up sticks instead of liquid tempera for kids under 5. Match the tool to the hand, not to the paint.
Surfaces matter as much as paint. Watercolor paper (140 lb or heavier) absorbs water without buckling; regular printer paper pills and bleeds. Canvas panels and boards work for tempera and acrylic. Rocks and wood need acrylic or paint sticks. If you want to paint fabric, look for fabric medium or textile paint – regular kids’ tempera will wash out.
For households setting up a home art corner, see our guide to the best office storage cabinets for supplies – many parents repurpose a small cabinet to corral paints, brushes, and paper in one kid-accessible spot.
Age-by-Age Guide to Painting Supplies
Painting looks the same across all ages, but the right supplies change dramatically as kids grow. Here is the age-by-age breakdown our team uses when helping parents outfit a new artist.
Ages 1 to 3 (toddlers): Stick with paint sticks, dot markers, and spill-proof sets. Skip anything with small pans, loose brushes, or liquid tempera that can be poured. The Crayola Spill Proof set, the TBC paint sticks, and the Soucolor dot markers are all toddler-safe and parent-friendly.
Ages 4 to 6 (preschool): Move to washable liquid tempera, chubby brushes, and large-format paper. This is the sweet spot for the Crayola Washable 12ct set and the Anezus 10pc brush set. Add a smock or oversized t-shirt as their painting uniform.
Ages 7 to 9 (early elementary): Introduce watercolor cakes, water brush pens, and slightly finer brushes. The Prang 8-color watercolor set and the Blablaovy 48-color kit are both ready for this stage. This is also when kids start caring about color variety, so a 24+ color set is worth the upgrade.
Ages 10 to 12 (tweens): Upgrade to artist-grade supplies if interest persists – real watercolor paper, better brushes, and acrylic paint pens. The Crayola 42ct set, the Blablaovy kit, and even the bulk classroom sets become bases for more advanced work. Many kids this age also enjoy our roundup of the best diamond painting kits for adults as a quieter alternative.
Types of Kids’ Paint Compared
Not all kids’ paint is the same. The medium you choose changes how the paint feels, how it cleans up, and what your child can do with it. Here is the breakdown by paint type.
Washable tempera: The classic school paint. Water-based, opaque, covers large areas fast, and rinses off skin and most washable clothing. Best for ages 3 and up. Crayola dominates this category.
Watercolor: Transparent, blendable, and slow-drying. Real watercolor techniques start here. Best for ages 5 and up. Prang, Crayola, and Blablaovy all make strong watercolor sets.
Paint sticks (solid tempera): Twist-up sticks that work like oversized crayons. No water, no brushes, no mess. Best for ages 2 to 8. TBC and Kwik Stix are the leaders.
Spill-proof paint: Semi-solid paste in a sealed jar. Cannot spill, rinses off, but does not feel like liquid paint. Best for ages 3 and 4 and for travel. Crayola Spill Proof is the main option.
Dot markers: Sponge-tip markers for stamping and dabbing. Best for toddlers, preschool color activities, and quiet-time art. Soucolor is the budget favorite.
Acrylic paint: Permanent when dry, vibrant, professional-grade. Best for ages 8 and up with supervision. Not on this list because most kids’ acrylic sets are not “washable” – this is for serious young artists only.
How to Get Kids’ Paint Out of Clothes
Even the most washable paint can stain under the wrong conditions. Here is the stain-removal sequence that works on washable tempera, watercolor, and most kids’ paint sticks.
Step 1 – Rinse cold immediately. The longer paint sits, the harder it sets. Hold the stained fabric under cold running water from the back of the stain – this pushes pigment out instead of deeper in. Skip hot water, which sets protein-based pigments permanently.
Step 2 – Pre-treat with liquid detergent. Rub a small amount of liquid laundry detergent (not dish soap, which can leave its own stain) directly into the wet spot. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 3 – Check for color before washing. Some “washable” paints are not truly colorfast on certain fabrics. Test a hidden seam first, especially on delicates or bright synthetic colors.
Step 4 – Wash on cold cycle. Hot water sets stains. Cold water flushes them. Add an oxygen-based bleach booster like OxiClean if the fabric is white or colorfast.
Step 5 – Air dry, then recheck. Do not put stained clothes in the dryer – the heat will bake in anything that survived the wash. Air dry, then check. Repeat pre-treatment if any color remains.
For truly stubborn stains (especially glitter tempera and some paint sticks), a 30-minute soak in cold water with an enzyme-based stain remover before washing does the trick. If the paint is acrylic or fabric paint, the stain is likely permanent – that is the trade-off for using professional-grade media on a child’s t-shirt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What supplies do kids need for painting?
What is the best paint for kids?
What age can kids start painting?
Are Crayola paints safe for toddlers?
How do you get kids paint out of clothes?
What is the difference between tempera and watercolor paint for kids?
Final Verdict
The best kids art supplies for painting come down to three picks: the Crayola Washable 12ct set for everyday painting, the Anezus 10pc brush set to pair with any paint, and the TBC paint sticks for mess-free toddler sessions. Together, they cover ages 2 through 10 and every paint style from washable tempera to watercolor cakes.
If I had to pick one product for a new parent, it is the Crayola Washable 12ct set – the washable formula actually works, the colors are vibrant, and the AP non-toxic certification gives peace of mind. For kids ready to graduate to real watercolor, upgrade to the Blablaovy 48-color kit. For a toddler, start with TBC paint sticks and let them graduate to liquid paint when they can handle a brush.
Painting is one of the highest-value activities you can put in front of a kid. With the right supplies on hand, every rainy afternoon becomes an art session, every birthday party gets a craft, and every quiet morning can start with a fresh canvas. The 10 products above are the ones I trust in my own home – and the ones parents come back to buy again when the first set runs out.
For more guides on setting up an art-friendly home, see our picks for the best power supplies for high end gaming PCs (for older kids whose interests run toward digital art) and our roundup of the best uninterruptible power supplies for computers to keep that home studio running.