8 Best Water Mixable Oil Paints in 2026

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For artists who love oil paint but hate solvents, the Mont Marte Water-Soluble Oil Paint Set wins as best overall with its 36-color range and easy water cleanup. The Cobra Artist Oil Colour Value Pack offers professional-grade pigment for serious work, while the Lukas Berlin Pro set delivers a buttery, beeswax-rich consistency for smooth blending.

The real challenge with water mixable oils isn’t finding them, it’s choosing the right set for your painting style. Some painters need a broad palette for mixing, others demand high lightfastness for archival work, and beginners want affordable tubes that clean up with soap and water.

This guide is built from manufacturer specifications, expert round-ups, and patterns in owner feedback. We compare eight sets across color range, tube size, consistency, and lightfastness to help you match the paint to your practice.

Top 8 Water Mixable Oil Paints in the Market

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The Best Water Mixable Oil Paints, Reviewed

#1Best Overall

Mont Marte Water-Soluble Oil Paint Set

Mont Marte Water-Soluble Oil Paint Set
Number of colors36
Tube size18 ml (0.7 fl oz)
Dilution limitUp to 25% water
CleanupWater only
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What We Like

  • 36-color set for broad palette variety
  • Dilutes with water up to 25%
  • Cleans easily with water
  • Mixes with traditional oils and acrylics

Trade-offs

  • 18 ml tubes are smaller than some competitors
  • Requires water dilution up to 25% for best flow

Thirty-six colors in one box means you can start mixing and matching right away without buying extra tubes. Each 18 ml tube dilutes with water up to 25%, so you get the feel of oil paint without needing harsh solvents for cleanup. That makes this set a natural fit for artists who want a broad palette and easy handling, especially if you’re new to water-mixable oils or working in a shared space where fumes matter.

The trade-off is tube size. At 18 ml each, they hold less paint than the 20 ml tubes in the Holbein Duo Aqua set, so if you work on large canvases or use heavy impasto, you might run through colors faster. But for most studio practice, sketchbook work, and learning color theory, the sheer range of this set gives you more options per dollar than smaller starter packs. It earns its place as a versatile all-around choice.

Best for: Artists wanting a large color range and water cleanup in one affordable set. Not ideal for painters who need larger tube volumes for big canvases.

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#2Best Professional Grade

Cobra Artist Oil Colour Value Pack

Cobra Artist Oil Colour Value Pack
Tube count10
Tube size1.3 fl oz
Paint typeWater-mixable oil
PigmentationHigh
LightfastnessHigh
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What We Like

  • Professional-grade water-mixable oil paint
  • High pigmentation for rich color
  • High lightfastness for lasting artwork
  • Cleans easily with water, no solvents

Trade-offs

  • Only 10 colors in the set
  • Heavier than the Holbein Duo set at 1.0 pounds

Ten 1.3 fl oz tubes of professional-grade water-mixable oil paint with high pigmentation and high lightfastness make this set a serious step up for artists who want rich, lasting color without solvent fumes. The paint thins and cleans up with water, so you skip the harsh chemicals while keeping the creamy feel and smooth finish oil painters expect. This pack offers a compact tube format that works for studio sessions and on-the-go creativity.

Ten colors is a limited palette compared to the 36-color Mont Marte set, so you will need to mix more or buy extra tubes for certain subjects. However, each tube is professional-grade with high lightfastness, meaning the paint resists fading over time, important for finished artwork. The Mont Marte set offers more hues out of the box, but the Cobra pack focuses on quality per tube.

Best for: Artists who want professional-grade, high-pigment, lightfast water-mixable oils in a compact, solvent-free set. Not ideal for beginners needing a broad color range or budget-friendly starter palette.
#3Best Buttery Consistency

Lukas Berlin Pro Water Mixable Oil Paint Set

Lukas Berlin Pro Water Mixable Oil Paint Set
Size6 x 20mL tubes
Key ingredientBeeswax
LightfastYes
Non-toxicYes
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What We Like

  • Buttery consistency from added beeswax
  • Lightfast pigments for lasting color
  • Thins with water, no harsh solvents
  • Non-toxic, health-conscious formula

Trade-offs

  • Only 6 colors in starter set
  • 20mL tubes are small for large works

The addition of bleached beeswax gives this paint a buttery, smooth body that spreads easily and makes color films less brittle, ideal for artists who want the feel of traditional oil paint without the solvents. With lightfast pigments and a non-toxic, water-thinnable formula, this set suits painters who prioritize both quality and a safer studio environment. The six 20mL tubes offer a focused starter palette for learning or small-scale work.

The Lukas Berlin Pro set comes with just six 20 mL tubes, so you’ll want to grab extra colors or a larger set for big canvases. Compared to the Cobra Artist Oil Colour Value Pack, which gives you ten 1.3 fl oz tubes for more volume and variety, this set prioritizes texture and smoothness over quantity. It feels precise and premium, making it a great choice for detailed studies and mixing practice.

Best for: Artists who want a buttery, beeswax-rich water-mixable oil paint with a smooth feel and non-toxic, solvent-free cleanup. Not ideal for painters needing large volumes or a wide color range right out of the box.

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#4Best for Beginners

Daler Rowney Georgian Water Mixable Oil Paint Set

Daler Rowney Georgian Water Mixable Oil Paint Set
Paint volume10 x 37ml tubes
Colors includedTitanium White, Lemon Yellow, Cad Yellow Hue, Cad Red Hue, Alizarin Crimson Hue, Coeruleum Hue, French Ultramarine, Viridian Hue, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Umber
Drying time5-7 days
OriginMade in England
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What We Like

  • 10 highly mixable 37ml tubes
  • Fast drying in 5-7 days
  • Thins and cleans with water
  • Archival, water-soluble formula

Trade-offs

  • Limited to 10 colors in set
  • Hue replacements for some pigments

A 10-tube set with 37ml tubes gives you enough paint to explore water-mixable oils without committing to a huge investment. The colors are chosen for versatility. Titanium White, Lemon Yellow, French Ultramarine, and Burnt Umber cover the basics for landscapes, portraits, and still lifes. The paint dries in 5 to 7 days, which is a predictable window for layering or making adjustments. This set is built for beginners who want a real oil painting experience without needing solvents or a dedicated studio space. The buttery texture and consistent color wet or dry are noted in the product description.

The set includes hue replacements for some pigments, such as Cad Red Hue and Alizarin Crimson Hue, rather than the traditional single-pigment versions. If you need paints with high pigmentation and high lightfastness, the Cobra Artist set is an alternative to consider. For a first water-mixable oil set, this Daler Rowney pack offers a versatile palette and reliable performance.

Best for: New painters wanting a water-cleanable oil paint set with a versatile starter palette. Not ideal for professionals needing high-pigment, high-lightfastness paints.

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#5Best Stick Format

PHOENIX Water Soluble Oil Paint Stick Set

PHOENIX Water Soluble Oil Paint Stick Set
Color Count49
FormatSolid stick
Volume per Stick37ml
Included ToolsStainless steel scraping knife, Colorless Blender, Titanium White stick
Dry Time5-7 days
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What We Like

  • 49 vibrant colors cover every subject
  • Solid sticks mimic traditional oil paint texture
  • Water-soluble for watercolor effects
  • Includes blender, knife, and Titanium White

Trade-offs

  • Solid sticks require cutting before blending
  • Outer oil film must be removed before use
  • At 5.2 x 15.0 x 7.0 inches, set is large to store

Forty-nine 37ml sticks give you an enormous palette without needing to buy individual tubes, enough to paint portraits, landscapes, florals, or abstract work from one box. Because these are solid oil paints, you get the rich gloss and body of traditional oils, but you can also blend them with water for quick watercolor-like washes. The included stainless steel scraping knife and Colorless Blender expand your techniques further, letting you scrape textures or soften edges. This set suits artists who want a huge color range in a portable stick format that works both as oils and as water-soluble paints.

Sticks require a little prep: you cut off what you need with a knife and gently remove the outer solid oil film before painting. That extra step means it’s not as grab-and-go as tube paints that you squeeze directly onto a palette. If you love having every color at your fingertips and don’t mind the cutting step, this stick set offers unmatched variety in one purchase.

Best for: Artists who want a huge all-in-one color selection in a solid stick format that can be used like traditional oils or thinned with water. Not ideal for painters who prefer squeezing paint directly from a tube without any prep.
#6Best Budget Study Set

Cobra Study Set Water Mixable Oil Paint

Cobra Study Set Water Mixable Oil Paint
Number of colors10
Tube size40 ml
Weight1.4 pounds
Dimensions10.4 x 5.3 x 1.6 in
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What We Like

  • Same brush stroke as traditional oils
  • No solvents needed for thinning or cleaning
  • Easy to mix and clean with water
  • Affordable price for study or practice

Trade-offs

  • Less pigment than the Cobra Artist series
  • Only basic colors included in set

This set includes ten 40 ml tubes of water-mixable oil paint, giving you a range of basic colors for practice and study. The paint handles like traditional oil paint, same brush stroke and minimal color shift over time, but you thin and clean up with water, no solvents needed. Because Cobra Study uses less pigment than the Cobra Artist series, the price stays affordable, making it a practical choice for learning oil techniques without a big investment.

The lower pigment load means the colors are less intense than professional-grade lines like the Cobra Artist set, which has higher pigmentation and lightfastness. If you need maximum vibrancy from the tube, that step up is worth considering. But for daily practice, color mixing exercises, or learning the feel of oil paint without solvent hassle, this set offers good performance at a reasonable cost.

Best for: Painters who want a solvent-free oil paint set for regular practice at a reasonable cost. Not ideal for those who need maximum pigment density and color intensity from the tube.

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#7Best Small Starter Set

Mont Marte Water Mixable Oil Paint Set

Mont Marte Water Mixable Oil Paint Set
Colors includedTitanium White, Mid Yellow, Orange, Cadmium Red, Phthalo Green, Cobalt Blue, Ultramarine Violet, Ivory Black
Water dilution max25%
Mixable withTraditional oil paint, linseed mediums, turpentine, acrylic, gouache
CleanupWashes up with water
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What We Like

  • Mixes with traditional oil paint and acrylics
  • Non-taxic formula for safe use

Trade-offs

  • 18ml tubes are small for large-scale projects
  • Heavy 220.5-pound set is impractical to move

Compared to the Cobra Study Set that gives you 40ml tubes, these 18ml tubes are better suited for sampling or travel than for covering large canvases. The manufacturer recommends diluting with water up to a maximum of 25%, so if you like thin washes you will need to work within that limit. For someone wanting a small, simple oil paint introduction, this set fits the bill.

Best for: Beginners, students, and casual artists who want a non-toxic, water-cleanup oil paint starter set for small projects or travel. Not ideal for professionals needing large volumes or extensive color ranges.
#8Best Large Tube White

Winsor & Newton Artisan Titanium White 200ml

Winsor & Newton Artisan Titanium White 200ml
Volume200 ml
OpacityOpaque
PermanenceAA
CleanupWater; no solvents needed
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What We Like

  • 200 ml tube for large-scale work
  • Opaque coverage with Titanium White
  • AA lightfastness for lasting art
  • Cleans up with water, no solvents

Trade-offs

  • Only one color in this size
  • No set variety for beginners

A 200 ml tube of Titanium White means you can cover big canvases without running out mid-stroke. This is the go-to white for artists who mix their own tints or prime large surfaces, because its opaque body and AA permanence keep your highlights bright and stable over time. It cleans up with water and skips harsh solvents while keeping the same color depth and lightfastness as traditional oils. That makes it a practical pick for anyone who works through white paint quickly and wants a reliable, large-format option.

You get only one color in this tube, so if you are just starting out or want a range of hues, a set like the Cobra Artist Oil Colour Value Pack gives you more variety for the same money. But for artists who already have a palette and burn through white paint, this 200 ml tube saves you from buying multiple smaller tubes. It is a straightforward, no-fuss choice for the painter who values quantity and quality in their most-used color.

Best for: Artists who use large amounts of Titanium White regularly and want water-cleanup convenience. Not ideal for beginners needing a full color range in one purchase.

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How We Evaluated Water Mixable Oil Paints

We started by examining each set’s published specifications: the number of colors, tube volume in milliliters, and the manufacturer’s claims for water dilution, drying time, and lightfastness ratings. For consistency and body, we looked at whether the paint included wax, oil, or other modifiers.

Our criteria centered on three factors that matter most for water-mixable oils. Color range determines how many tubes you need to buy separately. Tube size affects whether the set is practical for large canvases or small studies. Lightfastness and pigment load determine whether finished work will hold up over time.

A research-led evaluation like this cannot replace the feel of paint on a brush. We recommend reading owner reviews and, if possible, trying a single tube before committing to a full set.

What To Look For In Water Mixable Oil Paints

Choosing water mixable oils means balancing convenience with performance. The best set for you depends on your experience level, typical canvas size, and how much you value archival quality.

Look for sets with at least 10 colors for mixing versatility, 37ml or larger tubes for serious work, and lightfastness ratings of I or II for artwork you want to last.

Color Range and Mixing Potential

A set with more colors gives you a wider palette straight from the tube, which is helpful for beginners learning color theory. Sets with 6 to 12 colors force you to mix, which builds skill but requires confidence. Professional sets often use single-pigment colors for cleaner mixes, while student-grade sets may use hue replacements that can look muddy.

Tube Size and Value

Standard tube sizes range from 18ml to 37ml, with larger 200ml tubes available for workhorse colors like Titanium White. Smaller tubes are fine for studies and travel, but painters working on larger canvases will burn through them quickly. Compare the total milliliters in the set, not just the tube count.

Lightfastness and Pigment Quality

Lightfastness ratings (I = excellent, II = good, III = poor) tell you how well the paint resists fading over time. Professional-grade paints typically carry I or AA ratings. Student-grade paints may have lower lightfastness, which matters if you sell or exhibit your work. Pigment load affects opacity and coverage, higher load means you need less paint to achieve vibrant color.

  • Check the lightfastness rating on each tube before buying a set
  • Compare tube volume, not just number of colors
  • Look for single-pigment colors if you mix custom hues
  • Read whether the paint contains wax or oil modifiers for texture
  • Confirm the set includes Titanium White, the most-used color

A 10-color set with 37ml tubes and good lightfastness is the practical sweet spot for most painters.

Water Mixable Oil Paints Compared

The table below compares each set’s color count, tube size, key features, and best use case, so you can see at a glance which water mixable oil paint fits your studio.

ProductNumber of ColorsTube SizeCleanup
Mont Marte Water-Soluble Oil Paint Set3618 mlWater only
Cobra Artist Oil Colour Value Pack101.3 fl ozWater
Lukas Berlin Pro Water Mixable Oil Paint Set620mLWater
Daler Rowney Georgian Water Mixable Oil Paint Set1037mlWater
PHOENIX Water Soluble Oil Paint Stick Set4937mlWater
Cobra Study Set Water Mixable Oil Paint1040 mlWater
Mont Marte Water Mixable Oil Paint Set8N/AWater
Winsor & Newton Artisan Titanium White 200mlN/A200 mlWater

Frequently Asked Questions

Are water mixable oil paints the same as regular oil paints?

Water mixable oils contain modified oils that allow them to thin and clean up with water instead of solvents. The feel, drying time, and final appearance are very similar to traditional oils, and many brands can be mixed with conventional oil paints on the palette.

How do you clean brushes after using water mixable oil paints?

Clean brushes with warm water and mild soap immediately after painting. For dried paint, use a gentle brush cleaner or a small amount of vegetable oil before washing with soap. Avoid letting paint dry on the brush, as water mixable oils become water-resistant once cured.

Can you mix water mixable oils with traditional oil paints?

Yes, most brands allow mixing with traditional oils and acrylics on the palette. Mixing changes the water-mixable properties, the more traditional oil you add, the less water-soluble the paint becomes. Cleanup may require solvent if you mix heavily.

How long do water mixable oil paints take to dry?

Drying time varies by brand, pigment, and thickness, but most water mixable oils dry within several days for a thin layer. Thicker impasto applications can take several weeks. Some brands, like Daler Rowney Georgian, dry faster at 5 to 7 days.

What is the best brand of water mixable oil paint for beginners?

The Daler Rowney Georgian Water Mixable Oil Paint Set is a strong choice for beginners, with 10 large 37ml tubes, fast drying time, and easy water cleanup. The Mont Marte Water-Soluble Oil Paint Set also works well for new painters who want a broad color range at an accessible price.

The Bottom Line

The Mont Marte Water-Soluble Oil Paint Set earns our best overall pick for its 36-color range and water-based cleanup, making it ideal for artists who want variety without buying individual tubes. If you need professional-grade pigment and lightfastness for archival work, the Cobra Artist Oil Colour Value Pack is worth paying more for.

Budget-conscious painters should look at the Cobra Study Set for affordable practice, while those who prefer a solid stick format will appreciate the PHOENIX Water Soluble Oil Paint Stick Set. Beginners can start confidently with the Daler Rowney Georgian set and its forgiving 37ml tubes.

The single most important factor is matching the set to your typical canvas size and color needs. A small set of large tubes beats a large set of tiny tubes if you work on big surfaces.