Grabie Watercolor Review: The Best Budget Set for Beginners? (2024 Hands-On Test)
I’ve been using the Grabie watercolor 100 paint set for the past year, and I’m actually quite impressed with what it offers. My husband purchased the set as a birthday gift and I was a bit skeptical at first. I wasn’t sure how the quality of paints would match up. But a year later, I still find myself using the Grabie watercolor set and regularly recommending it to friends.
After spending 30+ hours testing the Grabie 100-color watercolor set against premium brands like Daniel Smith and Winsor & Newton, I can confidently say these affordable paints pack some surprising quality for their budget-friendly price point. While they won’t replace professional-grade watercolors, they offer excellent value for beginners and casual artists.
In this hands-on review, I’ll share everything you need to know about Grabie watercolors – from pigmentation and lightfastness to real-world performance – to help you decide if they’re right for your artistic journey.
Quick Verdict
Best for: Beginners, students, and casual artists looking for an affordable way to explore watercolor painting without a huge upfront investment.
Not ideal for: Professional artists or those seeking archival-quality work.
Pros
- Exceptional value – 100 colors for under $30
- Good pigmentation for the price point
- Colors rewet easily
- Minimal color shifting when dry
- Convenient half-pan size
- Sturdy metal tin with mixing areas
Cons
- Some colors lack vibrancy compared to professional brands
- Inconsistent performance across different colors
- Limited lightfastness information
- No individual color names/numbers
- Some chalky textures in certain shades
Hands-On Testing Experience
The moment I opened the sleek metal tin, I was impressed by the thoughtful organization of the 100 half-pans. The colors are arranged in a logical spectrum that makes selecting shades intuitive, though I wish they included color names or numbers for easier reference.
Color Performance
After creating several test swatches, I noticed:
- Pigmentation: Most colors show good initial saturation, though you’ll need 2-3 layers for deep tones
- Blending: Colors mix well without getting muddy
- Consistency: Some colors activate quickly with water, while others need more coaxing
- Transparency: Generally good transparency, though some earth tones appear slightly chalky
Real-World Applications
I created several complete paintings to test how these perform in actual projects:
- Landscapes: Great for loose, atmospheric work where perfect color control isn’t critical
- Botanical: Decent for basic florals, though you may miss the vibrancy of professional brands
- Urban Sketching: Perfect for quick studies where portability matters more than precise color matching
Value Proposition
At roughly $0.30 per color, Grabie watercolors offer exceptional value compared to professional sets that can cost $10+ per pan. While they don’t match the quality of premium brands, they provide a fantastic introduction to watercolor painting without breaking the bank.
Comparison to Other Budget Brands
Compared to similar budget sets I’ve tested:
- Better pigmentation than Arteza
- More consistent than Melofy
- Similar quality to Paul Rubens, but more colors for the price
Who Should Buy Grabie Watercolors?
Perfect for:
- Complete Beginners: Ideal for learning color theory and basic techniques
- Students: Durable enough for regular practice without financial stress
- Urban Sketchers: Great portable option for on-location work
- Journal Artists: Perfect for adding color to bullet journals or travel diaries
- Casual Painters: Good quality for occasional creative projects
Consider alternatives if:
- You’re selling your artwork
- You need precise color matching
- Lightfastness is crucial
- You prefer working with professional-grade materials
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Grabie Watercolors
- Test Each Color: Create a swatch card to understand individual color properties
- Layer Strategically: Build up colors gradually for best results
- Keep It Clean: Wipe pans after use to prevent cross-contamination
- Mix Smart: Combine similar colors for more nuanced shades
- Stay Patient: Some colors need extra activation time – don’t rush it
Final Thoughts
After extensive testing, I believe Grabie watercolors offer remarkable value for beginners and casual artists. While they won’t replace professional-grade paints, they provide an accessible entry point to explore watercolor painting without feeling overwhelmed by the investment.
The broad color selection encourages experimentation, and the decent pigmentation allows for satisfying results – especially important when you’re just starting out. Yes, there are some inconsistencies across the range, but the overall quality far exceeds what you might expect at this price point.
My Recommendation
If you’re new to watercolor or looking for an affordable travel set, give Grabie watercolors a try. They’re an excellent learning tool that won’t make you feel guilty about using lots of paint while practicing. Just remember – as your skills advance, you may want to gradually transition to professional-grade paints for more serious work.
Remember: The best watercolors are the ones you’ll actually use. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of getting started.
Where to Buy
You can find Grabie 100 watercolors on Amazon or through their official website. Watch for sales around major holidays when prices often drop below $25.
