Do We Really Need 52 colors? Meiliang 52 Watercolor Kit

[@MaryYoungblood-xy8vg]

There's cat hair in my paint palette as well but it's because Pita likes to "help" me paint! I have a heck of a time keeping him from laying on my paints or drinking the paint water.

[@PucKitt]

I have to use jars with covers to keep my cats from drinking the dirty paint water 😂

[@kathyhackney7950]

My cat Itty has convinced me that paint water must be delicious because she drinks it every chance she gets. Shell dip her paw in and slurp it repeatedly lol😂

[@vickimerritt2832]

​@@kathyhackney7950I gave my 13 outdoor cats, which are all gone now from age, fresh water every day and they clearly preferred puddles and the pond. Go figure. Maybe they knew to avoid chlorine and floride for algae and natural minerals.

[@lisathaviu1154]

It seems to me that the paper strips that were sent are an ideal thing to make your own swatch sheet, but you will need to use 2 pieces of that paper and laminate it with a tape hinge. With 52 pans, the paint set should last long enough to make this worth it. Honestly, 52 colors would just confuse me since I try to keep my colors to 4-6 in one painting.

[@margiepoulos1028]

Try adding a little vinegar to the water. It will clean your brushes better, too.

[@Neelloc83]

Thank you so much for doing this review. I have the 36 set, and I still love it, as I continue to build up my professional artist watercolor palettes. I have learned the hard way that too many colors do indeed muddy the pot!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@starshinesoldier]

The Pretty Excellent sets are always so tempting, but I already have artist grade paints, and student grade paints that I love. I don’t think I will ever buy them. It’s so fun to watch your reviews of them.

[@hiddenshadow2105]

@starshinesoldier Out of curiosity, which student grade paints you use/love?

[@lenimagrove8517]

@@hiddenshadow2105 Oui, ce serait intéressant de connaître vos marques, parce que j'ai essayé Schmincke Akademie et Van Gogh (les deux laissent des traces malgré tous nos soins) et les Meiliang sont pour moi les meilleures : fluidité, transparence, souples pour toutes les techniques d'aquarelles, et accrochées aux murs loin des fenêtres elles se conservent.

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Lindsay. I'll stick with the 36 set . I have many professional paints now in tubes and pallets but these are such fun to use on batches of cards . Plus there's sentimental value as it was my very first metal pallet.😍

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You can't beat it!

[@Babyjohn8170]

This is my favorite paint to use. It’s so rich in pigment & creamy smooth.

[@wanderingstar5673]

The large sets were so appealing when getting started . Things changed the more I understood about color theory and color mixing even though I still have a lot to learn. The color strip on the pan is a great idea! Nice review 😊

[@viveroisabelia3872]

I bought the 52 color set because I loooooove the pastels. Thank you for your review.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@jimflack9462]

Love the 36 set. Using the 9 colors you chose for our class. Loving the class, by the way!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@berolinastrassmann]

You are a compelling reviewer! I knew I would not buy this set (as I have more paint than I will ever need! 😂) but I knoew I would enjoy watching and listening to you go through this set. Afterbuying lots of oaints over the years, I tend to put together sets of 24 colours maximum -all single pigments, to avoid mixing mud (and feeling overwhelmed!. Thanks ever so much for yiur research and your review.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad I could help!

[@claychick100]

I’m the first to watch this! That’s a first for me!😲. I have used sticky Command type stuff on the bottom of my pans to keep them in place instead of magnets. It just works better for me. Thanks for the review. I love how objective you always are!

[@susanfontaine5214]

Congrats 🎈🎊🎉

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good tip, I used magnets because I think I want to be able to pull certain colors out for limited palette work.

[@claychick100]

That makes good sense!

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Lindsay, I have no plans to purchase paints of this quality, I believe these are definitely for stampers and crafters! You have given us an excellent review and uses for this collection of paints. I am only getting professional grade paints and I can simply not understand why an artist would want cheaper quality paints! 6 or 12 good quality paints are all a beginner needs and 12 might be to many as you gotta learn how to mix your own colors! I started with just 6 professional grade paints and my Grans firm opinions on how to paint with watercolors! With all of that said: I have a 40 well studio palette! I do not use every color in a painting or would even try, but some colors are just to have right there at hand for when I want them! You have a large diverse audience and creating content that keeps everyone watching is hard, yet you continue to create wonderful videos and ideas for everyone to glean from your videos, thank you.

[@colouringchemist]

Hey Lindsay! I haven't read all the comments so someone may have posted this info but I have the 48 set of Meiliang paints and it does come with a plastic overlay that has printed swatch colours along with colour names and pigment info. I just trimmed the overlay down and then taped it to the outer cover of the paint tin. It also comes with the paint in actual half-pans that are then placed into a plastic "ice cube tray" kind of inset - you can take the half-pans out individually and move them around or put them into a traditional tin. I think (although I'm SO not an expert :)) that it has a good, well-rounded set of 36 colours with a nice range of 12 metallic/pearl colours. Thanks so much for your review of the largest set! :)

[@Sandy-yd6ot]

I have the 36 set. I carefully cut off the plastic part where the brush fit, added 11 empty half pans and filled most of them with favorite colors from my collection of tube paints. I currently don't have space for my pro paint palette, so this little Mei Liang set has become my go-to palette.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great tip!

[@melissaaldosari8024]

Those tins come in such pretty and tempting colors!😍

[@lanahughes5254]

I love the 36 set that you recommended a few years ago and I will stick with it. I have plenty of student grade paints so I don't need another, however, I use my 36 Mei Liang set more than the other student grade paints I have. You always give us great info and I have never been disappointed with anything I have purchased based on your recommendation. Thank you!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@lynnephelps2370]

You are spot-on when you said this set would be perfect for stampers! No mixing needed so no fear of mud.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Exactly!

[@Bugiddle]

I have the Meilang 36 set. Mine has the metal/aluminum pans, though, and came with a waterbrush (which I don't use). I really like it. It has a lot of reds and blues, and several nice greens. My favorite blues are the sky blue, and the turkey blue, which is gorgeous. I feel like this is an ideal set for landscapes, and would make lovely autumn scenes, in particular, due to all the reds which you could mix with the yellows to get a range of pretty golds and oranges.

[@manettle]

Swatching on the side of the pan is absolutely brilliant. I will definitely copy.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Yay!

[@Skittl1321]

I love the 48 color set. I use the metallic and flash colors a lot.

[@lauriegranstrand4018]

Love the brush that came with the set. Wish I could buy a set of that brush

[@sueallen1945]

I use the 36 set as the primary watercolors I use. Thanks for the comprehensive review!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@monica-NJ-123]

Thank you Lindsay for the review , as always very in depth and I appreciate that so much 😊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@lynncooper1781]

Always great reviews,thank you Lindsay.❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@geriprior751]

I have professional watercolours so wouldn’t buy these sets for myself. I watch your reviews to keep up to speed on what is out there and I think they would make a great gift for someone who wants to try watercolours or for my grandkids when they are a bit older. So thanks Lindsay. Always appreciate you sharing your thoughts.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you like them!

[@susanbaker3078]

Love the 36 set, hard to improve on it & great value, imo!! Great idea to put a color swatch strip around individual half pans! I've put color names on the pans in some of my sets - a bit difficult to read, but I think I got that from watching you, as well. Thanks, Lindsey, always love your work! Btw, what a beautiful plaid flannel (?) shirt! Cheers!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks!

[@drbettyschueler3235]

I just received and swatched this set. The colors are gorgeous and went on easily and smoothly. Right now, (early April, '24) Amazon is selling it for $20. It is an absolute steal. Btw, I took out the top insert, with the pencil, brush, etc., and replaced it with a Ziplock bag filled with a sea sponge, Washi tape, spray bottle the set's brush and sponge, a kneaded eraser, a mechanical pencil, a water pen, the black marker, a white Uni pen, the swatch card (cut and taped to show the paints in order), the watercolor pad, and the plastic liner. There was space left for a couple of compressed washcloths.

[@ginabadeaux9319]

i have these i love them ,i just love all my Paul rubens paints ,i got 2 of the tube sets ,i am glad i got them when they were on sale,have a beautiful trip

[@KJayPlays]

Leave it to Lindsay to find a way to improve an already good product 😊 You always have a great tip or idea for us, thank you 🤍

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@olderendirt]

Nice review and interesting tips, too. Thanks, Lindsay.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SallyMoore1000]

Thanks Lindsay, I bought the set which arrived today. I have the other 2 sets but was tempted by the convenience of having the pastels ready-mixed. I had looked at pigment information when I bought the glitter set and so was aware there are lightfastness issues. Today I swatched the new set and yes, the layout of the colours and the swatch sheet are confusing. Would be better if the pastels were kept together separate from the others. Then I looked carefully at the pigment information and checked lightfastness and as far as I understand (and counting PY3 as potentially fugitive), there are at least 22 fugitive colours in the set. I know it's a budget set and the colours are lovely, but I can't take it seriously. It's only for sketchbooking. I don't think I can even be bothered to prise the pans out of the plastic to rearrange them, but if I did, it would be to separate the lightfast from the fugitives!

[@michellerainwaters3608]

Yes, yes we do! I need a hundred colors

[@tabbylynn4130]

I love the 36 set. Anymore than that it is just too many colors. Love this review and your channel.

[@melissaaldosari8024]

Thank you for your always honest and thorough review! They look like a lot of fun! I love my 36 set!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you like them!

[@אושריתלסרי]

Thanks for this short escapism! from Israel.

[@natalierice6528]

I think this set is the one I sent my grandson for his birthday last year. I have purchased the 36 set twice. And there are differences between them in color names etc. I took my original set to leave at my mom's. Makes air travel there easier not to haul paints back and forth.

[@Linda-qq5mg]

Thanks for a wonderful review. Have a great week Lindsay!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you! You too!

[@cbond007]

Your videos are great! Before I buy something I always check to see if you have reviewed it😊. I love having as many colors as possible because I don’t want to mix colors.

[@joymiller9668]

I got these yesterday and I have to say I was pretty impressed with the brush and I found them to have less of a sheen in them and I think they have ox gall where I don’t think the original does not, and I was rather impressed that they had pigment br25 which I had just purchased a tube of in mission gold and I really thought it was a vibrant brown that would be brilliant for skin tones and to mix with granulating colors, another thing I wanted to mention is that the 48 pan set does actually come in plastic half pans and the two metallic color in the 52ct are not in the 58 set. The 48ct. And 52ct Together I think you’d be able to combine them into 1 tin and you would really have a all around palette that would have your pastels, metallic, and transparent colors. If you get them at the sale price that is. I got the 52ct. For $28 and the 48 for 20 on prime day sales. In my opinion the 48ct on sale is a much better option than just the 36. Because you do get a clear overlay with pigment info, half pans in pans, that’s really valuable to me and I would think to a beginner who would be interested in learning pigment information. Idk the metallic colors are actually really pretty and a couple of them are in their professional range. I also thought that some may be interested that they did use actual cadmium’s in the pastel colors.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good to know!

[@IvyPearl-CleverSwirl]

Great video! Thanks for the information.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You’re welcome!

[@dennybean4009]

Great info! I took some time recently and used magnets to organize my 36 PE set. I love it. I also have the 48 set which I took apart as well. I put my metallics in a separate palette and took out the half pans to save for backups. I'm going to use that palette for a hodge podge of paints. Gouache too. I like the idea of having different grades, brands and paints in one. Great review. It's a nice palette, but I don't need it. And that's good to know. Much thanks!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@janawright1715]

I ordered both sets (great deals on Amazon), lol! It was my birthday and I’m hopeless. I also ordered some of Mashas handmade watercolors…. I have a large quantity of DS an other professional brands, just can’t stop the madness, Just bring on all the pretty colors. Thanks for the review!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Have fun!

[@DieterPrivate]

I love my 36 set, but not good at mixing and the "new" colours are a nice addition, as I love the pinks/purples and blue-green ones 😍. If only they were in a better palette. Maybe they will revise it someday like the original set. So it goes on my wish list and we'll see. Thx for the review!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I totally agree!

[@suearcher8708]

Thanks for the info. I have the 36 colors. The pans are plastic and loose, I was going to use double sided sticky tape, but I like the magnet idea better.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad I could help!

[@angieallen7363]

I’m loving my 36 set that I bought for your latest class! I don’t feel that I would ever need this large set because I’m enjoying learning how to mix them for myself. Thank you for your review.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I totally agree!

[@charlottepierce6483]

Reviews are always worth watching thank you.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Glad you like them!

[@PhoenyxAshe]

On modifying the palette: I've never liked the majority of thin plastic inserts like these have, and show up in many other budget sets. I like what you did wit the pans as it also allows you to add personal choice colors as well. For the upper insert, I'd probably take a piece of heavy chip board or mat board, sturdy enough to not bend easily, then attach three small elastic loops for the pen, pencil, and brush, and a larger loop for the magnet. Then magnet strips/tape to the back, and either make finger holes or add a ribbon loop for easy lift up. If the magnets are strong enough and the set is being held in the hand while in use (instead of sitting on a table), you might be able to "hang" the board off the side of the palette. If you don't have elastic or a non-bendy material, cereal/cracker/snack food cardboard could also work - instead of elastic, make parallel cuts for each item, probably about a half inch or less apart, and long enough that the item (say the pencil) will fit snugly over the main piece and under the "strap" that was made from those cuts. Finish as before. This one... I'm not sure how well it would manage stuck to the side, even with strong magnets. It might also have to be a bit longer or wider than the heavier board, so that the magnet connection isn't weakened by the curves. I may play with both options, even if I don't have the set myself... it would probably be helpful in other sets. Cheers!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Awesome idea! I might try it!

[@TheGardenKitten]

I have an truly enjoy the 36 set. And the colours last so long. I use for my sketch book. Thank you for the review.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

You are so welcome!

[@amortlepsg]

I'm a firm believer in a good 24 color set. I think this is usually a good compromise between mixing and convenience colors. I use the 48 for low pressure works and it already takes a lot of desk space. I can't imagine how much more bulky this one is. I don't like the configuration and sure, chest box and metal pans are nice but it's more expensive. To me the main point of Meiliang is to have decent watercolors for cheap and to avoid being precious about it so it kinda defeat the purpose. Nice lilac box though.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It's still pretty cheap as far as watercolors go, but I think the original set is more useful.

[@amortlepsg]

I agree @@thefrugalcrafter

[@nicoleleckner7902]

I love sets that include a lot of purples and pinks😍💖💜

[@Craftaartissaurus]

Lovely review.

[@barbararichards7202]

Painting for me is colour therapy as I have CPTSD. These palettes of jewels, they're kind of good for my soul. I'm often too emotionally battered to paint as an artist, so playing with colour is what I want to do. I don't have this set, mine has 128 colours. Far too many, but they're like a box of jewels and playing with them is fun!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Play with those colors and enjoy:)

[@SwedePotato314]

I bought this, I certainly didn’t need it. I have wayyy too many paints and nearly every Paul Rubens paint palette and set included. But I recently went on vacation and I didn’t have any travel sets that I was willing to bring on a plane with me. I have some plein air palettes I’ve made but I didn’t feel comfortable bringing them in checked luggage as I’d be devastated if I lost them. This set was super cheap and comes with everything I need for a quick and dirty painting for fun, great for sketchbooks, great for backgrounds and backgrounds in coloring books. And mostly, it’s super pretty inside and out. My 4 year old daughter is starting to show a lot more interest in my art making and I thought this would be a good step up set for her in a year or 2 or when her little sets don’t hold her interest when seeing my paints. The semi moist wider pans reminded me of White Nights, Rosa and Gansai Tambi all of which I adore. They’re pretty opaque so for comic, illustration and character work it’s perfect for me. I really like the convenience colors. I’m genuinely jealous of new painters now with all the very affordable art supplies that are actually good quality. Of course there’s some not so good ones to wade through but there’s great gems out there. This was a total “want” and not “need” for me but I regret nothing. I appreciate your idea with removing the pans from that plastic platform and sticking them in as it would give me room to remove some colors and add some of my own extras from white nights etc.

[@barbiewarner530]

im just now waiting 4 my 2nd box of them..i think its 48 set..gave my last set to my daughter to learn watercolor n she loved them so much i never got them bk..cant wait to play with them again,its like xmas again..im excited

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That is awesome!

[@clikchicdesigns]

I have the 36 set and think it is super cute although kinda wish I got the ones with the half pans. But the two other tins alone make it very tempting for me t9 buy one of each of the 56 set. 😆 If money wasn’t tight right now I probably would!

[@hiddenshadow2105]

I paint a lot on a go with very little space for mixing, so my palette has my most useful 68 colours, sometimes in very close hues, so I don't have to mix too much and can simply go from one paint to another. But it is very tailored to my preferences. For example, I rarely use browns, so I only have four (five if you count quinacridone gold), and no blacks, but two different shades of indigo. Palette such as as in this video won't work for me well.

[@judygrandstrand9784]

I recently bought 24 of the 36 set for my classroom! I bought the 52 set to see what it was like but I think I prefer the 36 set better. Thanks for the review!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@benamisai-kham5892]

I just had to see their performance. I have plenty of tubes and pans but i love the purple variety! Im also a sucker for a set including paynes grey. I like having tins like this around to just play with, but i dont want to dislike it. I had no clue they're in the same company as Paul Reuben! I've only ever really disliked the miya watercolor tin, sakura koi watercolors and a wooden set i got from target (but mostly wanted the wood casing to rehouse my own colors in)

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I've bot paint for the box it came in before (more than once 😆)

[@nadeaner.cowley513]

Great review! Thanks for sharing ❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks for watching!

[@yelsyels]

I have the 36 set and happy with that set, so don't feel the need to buy a larger set. ❤❤❤

[@creeksidehomeschoolers]

I went ahead a brought this set when you did the mini review during the paint demo. I just love the pretty excellent paints, I guess they are my first ture love in watercolor paints. I have almost completely used up one set and brought another for backup when I run out of a color. I have 2 high grade professional sets of tube paints: paul rubens 4th gen tubes and 48 pan set and mission gold 34 pure pigments tubs set, but I just keep grabbing and using pretty excellent. Maybe it's the price, so there is no pressure if I use it up or maybe it's the old friend quality. I do know for sure I don't like cotman or Phoenix brand paints, way to sticky for me. Maybe I need to go back through 30 days to better watercolor with Mission gold and see if we can become friends. I do always feel tempted to buy pretty excellent palette every time I see it go on sale...! I get what you mean about a paint palette being like and old friend! The new set was just fun and spare parts for me. Do you think the "115 manganese blue nova PB15" could be used as the cool blue in place of the "intense blue"? They look kind of similar, but I'm still learning the warm and cool undertones with blues. Thanks for your reviews they are always spot on!! I have never been disappointed with anything I purchased after one of your reviews!!

[@creeksidehomeschoolers]

Ps I love the purple tin color, but I also wish they had the same small tin as the teal!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Sure

[@lindalorenz6740]

sticking with the 36 set!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good idea!

[@marytesta3003]

@LINDSAY The 36 set is under 17.00 on prime day.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Yes! Sweet deal!

[@deborahbloom4624]

I would use the included watercolor paper as a swatch card. It looks like it would fit perfectly in the palette.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I painted my swatches on the included paper originally.

[@GinaBadeaux]

thank you i have the 48 ,i did get the art whale 24 pan set i have been creating my own palettes with them ,the price was so good ,23.99

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That is awesome!

[@TheDaisytails]

I have inktense pencils 100 set. I rub them onto a cutting board and use brush to wet and then paint. I am new to color theory and mixing. I don't know if it would be advantagous to me or not to buy a student palette of trays of color. I am watching, learning to figure it out. Thanks for the review.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That's a great idea!

[@madhabitz]

Ooohhh.... your timing is impeccable. At least the title was. No, you do not need all 52 colors, but which ones do you drop? I am currently in a 3-day loop to drop eleven colors from the 51 I have in my artist quality combined colors. Oh man, it's so hard to let even one of them go. I have SEVEN FREAKING ORANGES! I love them all. I *know* I can get along with only one of them, though two is better. But but but...... Meanwhile, back on topic..... Good to know: my set of 36 Pretty Excellent watercolors are in separate pans, not poured into the plastic insert. Too, like you showed in this video, but not the last review, the 36 set tin is not flat like the larger set, but has the raised dividers for paint mixing. I already had this set in my cart, because I was jonesing for the tin -- the size is exactly what I've been looking for, so I pushed the button. It's such a shame that they stayed with the plastic insert rather than the metal tray that you can lift out. Maybe that would have upp'd the price point..... but it would be the only one of it's size/quality on Amazon that I can see. Perfect. Size. For what it's worth, I actually like the paints -- I just kept using them after puttering with them a bit. I think it'll end up being one of my go-to set when I just want to sit down for a few to sling some paint around. Overall it's a fantastic buy.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I don't think it's a problem to have a lot of colors but I stick to 5 or 6 in a painting. I like to pull a few colors and mix from that. It can make for some interesting combos when you use odd primaries or combos.

[@madhabitz]

@@thefrugalcrafter That makes sense. I love the odd combo for sure I think I'm just obsessing over something even though I know better. It's likely that I'm just procrastinating over actually learning how to use them. :)

[@amyx231]

I went through my palettes this morning…more than half of my watercolors I bought because of your reviews 😅. I’m done now. I just got a tube of Cotman Diox Purple cause somehow I didn’t have PV23 yet. But besides that, I’m done. No more paints 😂.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Stay strong!

[@yaghobshojaei]

Very beautiful my dear friend and artist ❤❤❤❤❤ I subscribed to your channel

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@CreativePhenomenonArt]

Don’t need the paints but I got them anyway 😅 You had mentioned a sale and it was a darn good one. So I took advantage. I haven’t played with them yet but definitely looking forward to it 🤗

[@thefrugalcrafter]

That is awesome!

[@juleeahlman]

I just bought this set. There are about 20 colors that I love. But I think it's time for me to make a custom palette. I find myself using 4 different palettes to paint one painting!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I totally agree!

[@Julia94549]

I have the 48 set, and I love how vivid the colors are in that set. I bought this set because it was on sale for a really good price. The colors are still bright and vivid. I can't say that I love the new pastels. My biggest disappointment is that my ultramarine looks nothing like the one in your swatch or like any other ultramarine I've ever seen. Mine looks like a cross between the marine blue (which is very green to me) and the indigo blue. Considering ultramarine is one of my favorite colors, I wouldn't purchase this set again. I think I'd stick to one of the other two smaller sets.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Oh how weird, do you think you got two of another blue and no ultramarine?

[@Julia94549]

@thefrugalcrafter I think it's possible, but it doesn't look like any of the other blues I've swatched in the set either either. I'm positive I didn't cross contaminate with another color. It's a pretty blue, but it's definitely not any ultramarine I've seen. The only color in the set to come close to ultramarine is the cobalt blue.

[@NanaBeth1]

Fantastic sale right now. Your link is 17.99 another one is 15.99. I'm tempted just for the palette box.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Wow! Great deal!

[@NanaBeth1]

@@thefrugalcrafter Youngest son ordered for Mother's Day present. So cheap it's a win win!

[@Jlalode]

Thanks for the review. I still use the 36 set that I got after your initial review. I wouldn't buy the 52 because of their arrangement (or I would have to re-arrange them the way you did).

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Good choice!

[@twizzle1710]

Lindsay, where is the pen and ink derwent carnation video that you did at Micheals on May 2023? I am supposed to do it with the ladies at church and I cannot find the video. Help!!!!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/roDRpnRmeK9mgsUsi=k4dq6riB6PwSvxSH

[@nelliestribling2186]

Thanks Lindsay! Question: Does the pallet rust? How does one pre treat with rust oleum?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

No, it's fully enameled.

[@nelliestribling2186]

Thanks for reply!

[@paulaarmstrong3036]

This was great but, please help me find your "how to revive old wc paper SIZING" video.😊❤

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I don't have one but parka logs did a video on it.

[@Katubes]

Hi, maybe I missed it but I'd like to know what is the difference between Paul Rubens vs Meilang watercolors. I know that they are from the same company. Thanks.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Meileing is student grade, the Paul rubens is artist grade.

[@brendawalsh8254]

I’m just keeping the pretty excellent 36.

[@nerdywatercolorist6551]

Honestly, they prolly need to release a 8/12 color pallete. I'd totally spend my money on less colors in the name of minimalism lol. 🙊

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'd just go for the Paul rubens 12 set. It's quite affordable and their pro version of this paint.

[@debhalld9794]

Agree, go for the 6 main colors in quality paints... like Winsor and Newton, Daniel Smith, etc. You can mix your own colors from them. One can always add another color as they wish.

[@susanfisher9751]

36 set on sale for Amazon prime day … even better deal!

[@goldenhourss]

I’m really unsure wheter to buy the meilian 36 set or the winsor and newton 12 set😭 Quality wise I’d say the second one but there aren’t as many colors

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I think it depends on what's in the 12 set.

[@sonyaoart]

there is always cat hair in my paint even without upending a palette. It gets everywhere… 🐈 Thanks for the review!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

So true!

[@StephanieLMedina89]

Is the paper hot or cold press?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Cold press

[@PcakeTheMadDoodler]

Lindsay, can you find out if these are vegean/vegetarian or use animal products? When I asked Lightwish a few years ago, they said they thought they had oxgall but didn't seem sure - they actually told me that all watercolors have oxgall, but as I said, they weren't sure.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I'll ask but I'm not sure if my rep will know and there is a little language barrier.

[@PcakeTheMadDoodler]

@@thefrugalcrafter Thanks. I am guessing that was the case when I asked, as well.

[@ArtBrain]

Yes, the 36 set is a far better choice. If they make an offer I can't refuse, I'll need the 36, for the sake of sentimentality for this era in internet watercoloring. But the 52 set is kind of ridiculous, if you ask me. Even for a child, it's just overwhelming and confusing, and really not as pretty, honestly. As usual, your little doodle paintings are adorable.

[@LaraCroft2169]

I actually think this is worth the purchase since its currently less than 20 bucks. I like the pastels enough I would pay to get those.

[@jennw6809]

It wouldn't be a Paul Rubens if there weren't typos in the information 🤣 I always picture them doing the charts in a burning building, trying to hurredly finish before evacuating LOL

[@ChantelleArts]

thats fantastic, its not cat hair for me, its my own hair thats the issue 😂😂😂

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Lol

[@beckyb4074]

Lindsay, I'm kinda off topic, but I have a question - I'm planning on professional grade watercolor paints research and you'd told me I could search websites by pigment numbers. My question - do all paint brands use the same pigment numbers? I know they don't all use the same paint names. Anyone can answer because I know there are a bunch here that's been subscribed to Lindsay alot longer than I have. Take care and God bless you and yours. Sincerely Becky B from Arkansas

[@lynnephelps2370]

The pigment number themselves are universal, all paint companies reference the same pigment identification system. However, different paint companies may have different pigment recipes for the same color. For example, burnt sienna has many different recipes from company to company. I prefer the ones that are Pbr7 only and not a mix of pigments, as I use burnt sienna all the time in mixes.

[@beckyb4074]

@@lynnephelps2370 thank you very much. Love your kitty cat's face. I still miss my sweet girl Annie (thumbnail pic) even though it's been a year and a half. Anyway, thanks again. Yes, I plan on searching for single pigment colors instead of mixes, even though I am a total beginner. God bless you. Becky B

[@berolinastrassmann]

Dr Oto Kano (see her You Tube Channel) has excellent videos reviewing brands and pays lots of attentions n to pigment numbers, properties, etc. She also has compiled a super complete database of all brands and all pigment numbers. It might be useful to check it out if you are doing research. Good luck in your search ch!

[@beckyb4074]

@@berolinastrassmann Yes I've checked out her channel and research, plus Kimberly Crick as well. I've really got my homework cut out for me, whew 😥. Thanks for sharing. God bless!!

[@angellove2911]

I got my 36 set from aliexpress and it has regular half pans.....do you think they are fakes?

[@thefrugalcrafter]

No, they recently switched to using half pans on the 46 and 48 sets.

[@glowycloey]

THIS IS GOOD PAINT! I don't know that you have time to read all your reviews, but here goes: When I first started my art journey, I watched a LOT of videos and found yours to be perfect for me. I saw the review kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHe1gGmLhdatjaM (WOW Cheap Paint from 4 years ago.) I've moved on with paint, to Qor, but I still keep these in my collection. They are superb paint! I appreciate all you do, and I think of you when I pull out these. Thumbs up, and thank you for so many years of friendly and quality teaching!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Thanks so much!

[@SilentC0sm0s]

Are they vegan and non toxic?

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

Yes we need all the colors...but make mine da Vinci, M Graham or Daniel Green...got more than 60 of all. Will never use them all.

[@tisaloewen7051]

its dropped everybody!!

[@debhalld9794]

No, no we don't need 52 colors in a palette. We/I need a limited number of quality paints and learn how to use them, blend them. I'm having buyers regret for purchasing prefilled paint pellets... now buying tubes.

[@sushanart]

😇🩵🙏🙌

[@sketchshinaver2137]

Lol need??? No one needs more money than 6. Now that bids the question how many colors do they have how much money do I have it the real question lol

[@karenirving7088]

Don’t like these paints at all. Cheap and chalky. I suppose you get what you pay for.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

This is not my favorite iteration of the et because of all the posters but the 36 set and new 52 set have more saturated single pigment colors. Not chalky at all on those.