A 72‑color acrylic set isn’t just a bigger box—it changes how you paint. With a full spectrum at your fingertips, you stop wasting time mixing approximations and start applying the exact hue, tint, or tint that your composition demands. Choosing the wrong set, however, means fighting chalky coverage, fast drying that won’t lay down flat, or colors that look muddy the moment they touch the canvas.
I’m Min — the co-founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. I’ve spent countless hours comparing pigment loads, body thickness, and dry-time consistency across dozens of multi‑color acrylic sets so you can find the one that actually performs.
Whether you paint on canvas, rocks, wood, or fabric, the basics acrylic color set 72-color category has options that balance affordability with real artist‑grade behavior—but only if you know what to look for in the bottle, the tube, or the pen.
How To Choose The Best Basics Acrylic Color Set 72-Color
Picking a 72‑color acrylic set comes down to format, body thickness, and pigment quality. Tube paints give you mix‑control and heavy body texture; pens offer convenience and no‑mess deployment. Here is how to size up each variable before you click buy.
Paint Body: Heavy, Medium, or Liquid
Heavy‑body acrylics hold a stiff peak—ideal for impasto, knife work, and blends that need structure. Student‑grade heavy body often cuts pigment with more binder, so check reviews for opacity complaints. Liquid acrylics in bottles or pens flow flat and suit large color fills, but they layer less cleanly without bleed‑through. The right body depends on whether you sculpt paint or spread it.
Nib and Applicator Design
Marker‑format sets use either a bullet tip (consistent round line), a brush tip (variable width from 1 mm to 6 mm), or a dual‑tip (fine nib on one end, broad on the other). Brush tips give you line‑width control like a real brush, but cheaper brushes can fray. Dual tips offer the best versatility for detail outlining and background flooding in one pen. Tube sets rely on your own brush selection—the paint’s viscosity determines whether it loads well into a fine liner.
Opacity and Lightfastness
A transparent acrylic requires multiple passes to cover dark underlayers; an opaque one hides in one coat. Look for sets that label opacity or mention “high coverage” in the description. Lightfastness—the paint’s resistance to fading under UV—matters if your work hangs in a sunlit room. Student sets rarely publish lightfastness ratings, while premium lines like Liquitex Basics do. For rock art and crafts destined for outdoors, choose waterproof, fade‑resistant formulas.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liquitex Basics 72‑Tube Set | Premium | Serious student & pro work | 22 ml tubes, heavy body, high pigment density | Amazon |
| MyArtscape Heavy Body 72‑Color | Premium | Canvas & mixed media | 21 ml heavy body, 72 colors, 3 brushes included | Amazon |
| Shuttle Art 72‑Pack Bottles | Mid‑Range | High volume & craft projects | 60 ml bottles, 60 colors + 12 brushes | Amazon |
| MEEDEN Heavy Body 100‑Color | Mid‑Range | Hobbyists wanting metallics & fluorescents | 12 ml heavy body, 16 metallics + 8 fluorescents | Amazon |
| Guangna Brush‑Tip Pens | Mid‑Range | Detail painting & lettering | 1–6 mm brush tip, direct‑liquid ink system | Amazon |
| NICETY 72‑Color Pens | Budget | Rock painting & family crafts | 1–6 mm brush tip, waterproof, 72 colors | Amazon |
| Betem Dual‑Tip Pens | Budget | Fabric & DIY decorating | Dual tip (1 mm + 1–5 mm), 7 metallic colors | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set, 72 x 22ml Tubes
Liquitex invented artists’ acrylics, and this 72‑tube set distills that heritage into a student‑grade heavy‑body formula that behaves surprisingly close to pro lines. Each 22 ml tube delivers the same high‑quality pigment dispersion Liquitex uses in its professional range—ground with ceramic beads for fine color development and brightness. The heavy body holds a peak for palette‑knife work yet thins gracefully with water or medium without losing adhesion.
The 72‑color range covers every essential: clean primaries, earth tones, a wide selection of cool and warm versions of each hue, plus useful grays and black. Coverage varies by pigment—titanium white and carbon black are heavily opaque, while some organic reds and yellows need a second pass over dark underlayers. The paint dries to a satin matte finish and does not crack when layered thickly, a common failure in cheaper student sets.
Packaging is a sturdy cardboard box with four plastic dividers—not a plastic case, so plan your storage. Given the consistent viscosity and reliable lightfastness (published per tube on Liquitex’s site), this set is the benchmark for any artist who values predictable behavior over sheer volume. If you paint on canvas, board, or paper and want the closest thing to professional acrylics without the professional price, this is the one.
Why it’s great
- Heavy body with high pigment density—holds peaks and layers without cracking
- Proven color development from ceramic‑bead milling process
- Complete 72‑color spectrum with useful earth tones and grays
Good to know
- Box storage rather than a hinged case
- Some transparent pigments require two coats on dark surfaces
- 22 ml tubes go quickly for large‑format painting
2. MyArtscape Heavy Body Acrylic Paint Set — 72 Colors x 21ml
MyArtscape packs 72 heavy‑body colors into 21 ml tubes—each one containing about 75% more paint than the standard 12 ml mini‑tubes you find in most budget sets. The heavy body is stiff enough to hold palette‑knife ridges and brush texture on canvas, yet it thins to a smooth wash with a few drops of water. Painters who like to layer thick over thin will appreciate that these colors dry fast—about 30 minutes—allowing quick successive passes without waiting all day.
The color lineup is comprehensive, including multiple earth tones like Raw Umber, Burnt Sienna, and Yellow Ochre alongside the expected primaries and secondaries. Pearl Copper, Gold, and Silver extend the metallic options beyond the typical bronze. Opacity is strong across most of the range—the Titanium White and Cadmium‑hue equivalents cover black lines in one coat, while the lighter pinks and lemon yellow may need a second pass.
Three artist brushes are included, but they are basic synthetic fibers—adequate for practice, not precision. The paint is ASTM D4236 certified non‑toxic and has no strong odor. A few users report that the caps on smaller tubes can crack if over‑tightened, so handle them gently. For artists who want maximum paint volume per dollar in a heavy‑body format with a wide chromatic range, MyArtscape delivers exceptional value.
Why it’s great
- 75% more paint per tube than standard 12 ml sets—excellent value
- Rich heavy body suitable for impasto and textured techniques
- 72 colors include useful metallics and earth tones
Good to know
- Included brushes are basic quality
- Tube caps can be brittle on smaller sizes
- No published lightfastness ratings per color
3. Shuttle Art 72 Pack Acrylic Paint Set, 60 Colors + 12 Brushes
Shuttle Art takes a different approach from tube sets: 60 ml bottles of liquid acrylic, giving you a generous 120 ml of total paint per paired bottle. The liquid consistency flows freely from the bottle’s twist‑cap nozzle, making it ideal for canvas flooding, paint‑by‑numbers, and large craft surfaces. The set includes 58 unique colors plus two whites and two blacks, along with 12 synthetic brushes ranging from flat to round.
The pigment load is moderate—this is a student‑grade liquid, not a heavy body—so coverage on dark surfaces can be transparent with some colors. Adding a bit of Titanium White or a light gray increases opacity. The metallics (silver, gold, copper) have decent shimmer but lean toward translucent unless applied thickly. The included insert caps inside each bottle help prevent drying out between sessions, a thoughtful feature for casual use.
The 12 brushes cover the basics: several filberts, a liner, and a small flat. They shed a bristle or two initially, so wash them before first use. This set is ASTM D4236 and EN71‑3 certified non‑toxic. For family craft nights, classroom projects, or anyone who goes through paint fast on large surfaces, the bottle format eliminates the constant tube‑refill hassle—just squeeze and go.
Why it’s great
- Large 60 ml bottles—much more paint than tube equivalents
- Includes 12 brushes and insert caps to reduce drying
- Non‑toxic with ASTM D4236 and EN71‑3 certifications
Good to know
- Liquid consistency not suited for impasto or heavy texture
- Some colors are semi‑transparent; may need multiple coats
- Brushes shed initially and are basic quality
4. MEEDEN Heavy Body Acrylic Paint Sets, 100 Colors
MEEDEN’s 100‑color set blows past the 72‑color standard by adding 16 metallics and 8 fluorescents without sacrificing the heavy body consistency. Each 12 ml tube is thick enough to hold a knife stroke, yet the paint blends smoothly on the palette. The regular serial includes 76 colors that cover an unusually broad range—multiple greens for landscapes, nuanced grays for portraits, and separate versions of Indian Yellow, Naples Yellow, and Yellow Ochre for warm‐bias mixing.
The metallics—Gold, Silver, Copper, plus deeper tones like Pearl Copper and Pearl Copper Gold—maintain a buttery body rather than turning runny, a common problem with metallic student acrylics. The fluorescents are punchy under blacklight but somewhat transparent over dark backgrounds; layering over white gives them the best pop. Coverage across the standard colors is good—Titanium White and the Cadmium‑hue equivalents provide full opacity in one coat, while the organic reds and violets may need a second pass.
A basic brush and palette are included, but they are utilitarian. The set comes in a cardboard box with foam inserts—serviceable but not travel‑friendly. No lightfastness information is provided, so this set is best suited for craft, decorative, and practice work rather than archival gallery pieces. For painters who want the widest chromatic range in a heavy body formula, exploring both standard and specialty finishes, MEEDEN’s 100‑color set is hard to beat.
Why it’s great
- 100 colors—the most chromatic variety in this roundup
- 16 well‑behaved metallics and 8 bright fluorescents included
- Consistent heavy body holds texture and blends cleanly
Good to know
- No lightfastness ratings published
- Fluorescents need white underlayer for full effect
- 12 ml tubes are smaller than premium competitors
5. Guangna Acrylic Paint Markers Brush Tip, 72 Vivid Colors
Guangna uses what it calls a Direct‑Liquid Ink Control System—a fully enclosed barrel that feeds acrylic ink directly to a soft brush tip without requiring shaking or pressing. The tip flexes from a fine 1 mm point up to a 6 mm broad stroke depending on angle and pressure, giving you line‑width versatility in a single pen. The ink flows consistently from the first mark to the last, without the sputtering or dry gaps that plague cheaper valve‑type pens.
The 72 colors cover a full rainbow plus pastels and earth tones. The paint is opaque and water‑based, drying to a waterproof, fade‑resistant finish that holds up on rock, ceramic, glass, wood, and canvas. Coverage is strong on light surfaces; darker substrates may need two passes for yellows and pinks. The brush tip is elastic and resists fraying—one user reported it outlasted the included replacement tips through multiple projects.
Guangna includes five replacement tips in the box, a welcome hedge against the brush degrading over heavy use. The water‑based ink is low‑odor and safe for ages 6 and up. One caveat: store the pens horizontally to keep the tip wet; storing tip‑down can flood the nib. For artists who want a brush‑feel in a marker format—particularly for lettering, rock art, and ceramic detailing—this set pairs flexibility with reliable flow.
Why it’s great
- Direct‑Liquid system delivers consistent, skip‑free ink flow
- Elastic brush tip offers 1–6 mm variable stroke width
- Waterproof and fade‑resistant once cured
Good to know
- Lighter colors need two coats on dark backgrounds
- Must store horizontally to prevent tip flooding
- Ink runs out faster than tube acrylics for large fills
6. NICETY 72 Colors Acrylic Paint Markers for Rock Painting
NICETY’s 72‑color pen set is purpose‑built for the rock‑painting community, though it performs equally well on wood, canvas, fabric, glass, and ceramic. Each marker has a flexible brush tip (1 mm to 6 mm) and an automatic ink control system that needs no shaking or pumping—just uncap and draw. The water‑based acrylic ink is opaque, dries to a waterproof finish, and stays vibrant on outdoor projects like garden rocks or trail markers.
The color range is broad, but the cap colors don’t perfectly match the actual ink—several reviewers recommend creating a swatch card to avoid surprises. The opaque coverage is good but not perfect: on dark rocks, lighter shades like pastel pink or lemon yellow need a second coat for full opacity. The brush tip holds shape well for fine details like eyes and tiny lettering, and the nib resists fraying through extended use.
NICETY follows ASTM D4236 and EN71 safety standards, so the set is safe for kids’ art classes and family craft sessions. The markers should be shaken gently before first use and stored horizontally to keep the tip hydrated. While the paint volume per marker is smaller than a tube set, the convenience of grab‑and‑go markers makes this a top pick for rock hounds, DIY decorators, and anyone who wants a full palette without brush cleanup.
Why it’s great
- Automatic ink control—no shaking or pressing required
- Waterproof and fade‑resistant for outdoor rock art
- Flexible brush tip from 1 mm fine line to 6 mm broad stroke
Good to know
- Cap colors don’t perfectly match ink—swatch before using
- Lighter colors need multiple coats on dark surfaces
- Tips require horizontal storage to avoid drying out
7. Betem 72 Colors Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Markers
Betem’s 72‑color set uses an upgraded cotton nib design that eliminates the need to shake or press—just uncap and draw. Each marker carries two tips: a 1 mm fine nib on one end for outlines and crisp details, and a 1–5 mm round bullet nib on the other for filling and broader strokes. This dual‑tip layout makes it a strong all‑in‑one tool for fabric decoration, rock painting, wood signs, and ceramic projects.
The water‑based ink flows smoothly and dries quickly with a matte finish. Coverage is creamy and opaque—dark colors like black and ultramarine cover underlying marks in a single pass, while yellows and pinks may need two applications on black fabric. The set includes 7 metallic colors (silver, gold, copper, plus pearl variants) that have good shimmer without being runny. The included zippered carrying case keeps all 72 markers organized and portable.
One note: the ink performs well on fabrics but is not labeled as waterproof, so wash painted garments inside out on a gentle cycle. A few users noted that the fine nib can shed fibers over heavy use, similar to other cotton‑nib markers. For crafters who split their time between fabric decoration (tote bags, T‑shirts, sneakers) and hard surfaces like glass or ceramics, Betem’s dual‑tip format saves you from switching between pen types mid‑project.
Why it’s great
- Dual‑tip design—1 mm fine nib for details, 1–5 mm bullet for fills
- Cotton nib works immediately without shaking or pumping
- Includes 7 metallic colors and a sturdy zippered case
Good to know
- Not labeled as waterproof—wash fabric items carefully
- Fine nib may shed fibers with heavy use
- Lighter colors need two coats on dark surfaces
FAQ
Can I use a 72‑color acrylic pen set on fabric and wash it?
Why do some 72‑color sets include only 58 unique colors with duplicates of white and black?
How do I restore a dried‑out acrylic paint marker tip?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the basics acrylic color set 72-color winner is the Liquitex Basics 72‑Tube Set because it offers predictable heavy‑body behavior, published lightfastness data, and industry‑trusted pigment milling at a price that undercuts pro lines. If you want the convenience of markers for rock art and detailed crafts, grab the Guangna Brush‑Tip Pens. And for high‑volume bottle painting with a broad color range, nothing beats the Shuttle Art 72‑Pack.