Liquitex BASICS vs ARTEZA: Which Acrylic Set to Give?
Two 24 tube acrylic sets with the same 22 ml tubes [1][2]: the classroom standard from the company that invented artists' acrylics for about $44 [1], against a thicker, better labeled set for about $30 [2].
Give the ARTEZA Acrylic Paint Set to a hobby painter, because at about $30 [2] it labels the pigment and lightfastness on every tube and has a thick body for texture. Give the Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set to a student or a painter who wants a name brand reference, because it uses the same pigments as the Liquitex professional range [1] for about $44 [1].
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated November 3, 2026 · Sources
Liquitex BASICSAround $44 on Amazon [1]Best for students and class lists: pro range pigments in a student paint [1].
View on AmazonRead the full review
ARTEZA AcrylicAround $30 on Amazon [2]Best for hobby painters: thick paint and full pigment labels for less [2].
View on AmazonRead the full reviewSide by side
| Liquitex BASICS | ARTEZA Acrylic | |
| Price on Amazon | About $44 [1] | About $30 [2] |
| Tubes | 24 x 22 ml [1] | 24 x 22 ml [2] |
| Grade | Student quality [1] | Hobby to pro, per ARTEZA [2] |
| Pigments | Same as Liquitex professional range [1] | High pigment, per ARTEZA [2] |
| Body | Range of opacities [1] | High viscosity [2] |
| Tube labels | Color name [1] | Color name, pigment number, lightfastness [2] |
| Surfaces | Canvas, paper, wood, metal, stone, fabric [1] | Canvas, wood, paper, crafts [2] |
| Safety and cleanup | Water cleanup while wet [1] | AP non-toxic, soap and water [2] |
| Best for | Students, class lists, a reference set | Hobby painters, texture, budget gifts |
Price per tube
Both boxes hold twenty four 22 ml tubes [1][2], so the comparison is clean. The ARTEZA set costs about $30 [2] and the Liquitex BASICS set about $44 [1]. That is roughly a third less for ARTEZA for the same amount of paint, which matters for a stocking or a teen who paints every weekend.
Pigment and the brand behind it
Liquitex says it invented artists' acrylics in 1955 and that BASICS uses the same pigments and manufacturing process as its professional range [1]. That is why BASICS shows up on so many class supply lists: teachers know what it will do. ARTEZA describes its paint as high pigment [2] and is one of the most reviewed art supply brands on Amazon, but it is a newer name in classrooms.
Labels and color mixing
Here ARTEZA pulls ahead. Each ARTEZA tube lists the color name, pigment number and lightfastness rating [2], so a painter can tell which colors are single pigment and which will fade. The Liquitex BASICS listing describes a range of opacities for undertones, tints and shades [1], but the ARTEZA labels are more useful to someone learning to mix.
Texture and surfaces
ARTEZA is a high viscosity formula that holds texture from a brush or palette knife [2]. Liquitex BASICS is a flexible paint that sticks to almost any surface, from canvas and paper to wood, metal, stone and textiles [1]. Painters who love thick, sculpted strokes lean ARTEZA; painters who also paint crafts, rocks or fabric get more surface range from BASICS.
Which one to give
For a hobby painter, a teen or anyone on a budget, give the ARTEZA set. For an art student with a supply list, or a painter who wants a known reference set, give Liquitex BASICS. Either one pairs with the Masterson Sta-Wet palette and the U.S. Art Supply canvas six pack from our gifts for painters guide [1][2].
FAQ
Is Liquitex BASICS better than ARTEZA acrylic paint?
Not across the board. Liquitex BASICS shares its pigments with the Liquitex professional range [1] and is the classroom standard, while the ARTEZA Acrylic Paint Set costs less for the same 24 x 22 ml tubes [2] and labels pigment and lightfastness on each tube [2]. Pick Liquitex BASICS for a student and ARTEZA for a hobby painter.
Liquitex BASICS or ARTEZA for a beginner?
For most beginners, the ARTEZA Acrylic Paint Set is the easier gift: about $30 [2], thick paint for texture and labels that teach which pigments are in each color [2]. A beginner taking a class should get Liquitex BASICS if it is on the supply list [1].
Are ARTEZA acrylic paints non-toxic?
Yes. The listing says the ARTEZA Acrylic Paint Set is AP certified non-toxic and cleans up with soap and water [2]. Liquitex BASICS also cleans up with water while wet [1]. Both are water based acrylics suited to painting at home.
Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set, 24 x 22ml tubes, price and specs
- Amazon.com listing for the ARTEZA Acrylic Paint Set, 24 Colors, 22 ml tubes, price and specs
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on November 3, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
As an Amazon Associate, GiftX earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change, so check Amazon for the current price.