Beginner watercolor supplies list — everything for your first painting
You don't need a full studio to start painting; in watercolor a few well-chosen supplies do more than a bag full of extras. This list centers on watercolor and sets apart what to add later if you move on to acrylics, and with a room code you can sort out the shopping with friends or anyone looking for a gift idea. No sign-up needed.
In short
To start watercolor painting you need a paint set, two or three round brushes, 300 g/m² watercolor paper, a palette and a water jar. Masking tape, a pencil, an eraser and a sponge or cloth round out the kit. Acrylic paints, canvas and a flat brush can be bought later; at the start, good paper changes the result more than anything else.
12 items go straight into your new room; delete what you don't need, add what's missing. No account needed.
What's on the list
- Watercolor paint set12 colors are enough
- Round watercolor brush2-3 different sizes
- Watercolor paper300 g/m²
- Paletteceramic or plastic
- Water jar
- Masking tapeholds the paper down
- PencilHB or 2B
- Eraserkneaded eraser is gentler
- Sponge and clothto blot extra water
- Acrylic paint setbuy later
- Canvasbuy later
- Flat brushbuy later · wide washes
Tips
Paper is the most important investment: watercolor paper around 300 gsm (g/m²) buckles less when wet and holds the paint better.
Tape the paper down along its edges to a table or board; it stays flat as it dries.
In watercolor the light tones come from the white of the paper, so leave light areas untouched and save the darks for last.
Rinse the brush and dab it on a cloth before changing color, and refresh the water often so your colors don't turn muddy.
How it works
1. Open your room
Tap the button and the items land in a fresh room. No account, no email, nothing to install.
2. Share the code
Send the room code or the link to the group; everyone's on the same list in seconds.
3. Finish it together
Who's buying what shows up instantly; bought items get ticked, so nobody buys the same thing twice.
Frequently asked questions
What weight should watercolor paper be?
300 g/m² is a good start because it buckles less when wet. Paper around 200 g/m² can be used too, but you need to tape it down well.
How many brushes do you need to start?
Two or three round brushes are enough: the larger one for wide areas, the smaller for details. One good brush that keeps its point beats a pile of cheap ones.
Is watercolor or acrylic better for beginners?
Watercolor starts with fewer supplies, but it's transparent, so mistakes are hard to cover. Acrylic is opaque and you can paint over it, but it needs canvas and extra brushes; both work, so it comes down to what you enjoy.
Can I change the list?
Of course. The ready-made list is just a starting point: delete, add, move items between categories.
Do I need an account?
No. A room code is all it takes — no email, password or signup.
How long is the list kept?
As long as you use it. A list is only deleted after a month without any activity; even opening the room resets the clock.
Can I install it on my phone?
Yes. With the room open, tap "Save Room" to add it to your home screen and open it with one tap.