Walk into any art supply store and you'll find paints at vastly different price points. Understanding what separates student grade from artist grade helps you make informed purchasing decisions.
What Determines Paint Quality?
Pigment Load
The amount of pure pigment in the paint:
- Artist grade: High pigment concentration
- Student grade: More filler, less pigment
- Higher pigment = more intense colour
- Less paint needed for coverage
Pigment Quality
- Artist grade: Pure, single pigments
- Student grade: Often pigment mixtures (hues)
- Single pigments mix more cleanly
- Hues can create muddy mixtures
Lightfastness
Resistance to fading:
- Artist grade: Rated for permanence
- Student grade: May fade over time
- Important for work you want to last
- Check ASTM ratings on tubes
Student Grade Paints
Advantages
- Affordable for learning
- Good for practice and experimentation
- Wide colour range available
- Less pressure when making mistakes
Disadvantages
- Less vibrant colours
- May not mix as cleanly
- Can fade over time
- Need more paint for coverage
Artist Grade Paints
Advantages
- Intense, vibrant colours
- Excellent lightfastness
- Clean colour mixing
- Superior handling properties
- Professional results
Making Smart Choices
Hybrid Approach
Many artists use both grades strategically:
- Artist grade for key colours (primaries, frequently used)
- Student grade for large areas, underpainting
- Artist grade for final layers and details
Explore our oil paints, acrylics, and watercolours guides for detailed brand comparisons.
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