Funcils
Funcils Watercolour Paint Set, 24 Colours, 12 ml Tubes – Professional Artist Watercolours with Brush
Pickly Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
Certifications
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Customer Rating
Best for
Budget-conscious hobbyists and students wanting vegan, large colour range
AI Score Review
Funcils Watercolour Paint Set offers 24 vibrant, vegan colours at a mid-range price, making it a solid entry-level to intermediate choice for UK artists wanting plant-based quality without the premium cost.
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Score Breakdown
Each pillar is independently scored from public certifications, ingredient/material sourcing, and brand disclosures, then averaged into the composite Pickly Score above.
In-Depth Review
Direct answer: Yes, the Funcils Watercolour Paint Set is worth buying for artists seeking a large, budget-friendly palette of vegan watercolours that still deliver good opacity and mixing capability.
Funcils Watercolour Paint Set is a plant-based watercolour paint set made by Funcils, a UK-based brand focused on affordable art materials, sold on Amazon.co.uk from £24.99.
Key facts
- 24 vibrant colours in 12 ml tubes plus a free synthetic brush
- Manufactured in the EU (Germany), distributed from UK warehouses
- Vegan and cruelty-free certified by PETA
- Pigments derived from plant and mineral sources, no cadmium or cobalt
- Packaging uses recycled cardboard with minimal plastic
- Lightfastness rating of ** to *** (fair to good)
- Includes colour chart and mixing guide inside the box
Who it's for
This set is ideal for the enthusiastic hobbyist or art student who wants a wide range of colours without spending £50+. It also works for families with young artists who need a safe, non-toxic option. Budget-conscious beginners will appreciate the mix of affordability and ethical credentials, though professionals may find the pigment strength slightly less intense than premium brands.
How it compares
| Feature | This product | Typical alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Number of colours | 24 | 12–18 |
| Price per ml | £0.09/ml (24 x 12 ml) | £0.15–0.30/ml for student grade |
| Pigment source | Plant and mineral | Synthetic or unknown |
| Vegan certified | Yes (PETA) | Often not |
| Free brush included | Yes, synthetic | Usually no |
How to use it
- Choose your colours and squeeze a pea-sized amount onto a palette or mixing tray.
- Dip the included synthetic brush in water and blend into the paint until smooth.
- Apply washes from light to dark, letting each layer dry before adding the next.
- For vibrant tints, use minimal water; for translucent effects, add more water.
- Clean brushes thoroughly after each session to maintain shape and longevity.
- Store tubes horizontally in a cool, dry place to prevent clogging.
Pro tip
For a more professional finish, invest in a few high-quality synthetic brushes (like ZenArt Supplies or Pro Arte). The included brush is fine for practice but upgrading makes a noticeable difference in control and wash consistency.
Funcils is a relatively new brand but has gained traction on Amazon UK, with over 1,200 ratings. Ethical reviews on Trustpilot (2025) highlight the brand’s commitment to vegan materials, though it lacks third-party sustainability certifications like FSC or B Corp. Which? (2026) recommends Funcils as a good-value vegan option for hobbyists.
FAQ
Is the Funcils watercolour set suitable for professional use?
It depends on your standards. For serious professionals, the pigment strength and lightfastness are slightly lower than Schmincke or Winsor & Newton. However, for studies, sketching, or teaching, it performs very well given the price.
Are these watercolours safe for children?
Yes, the set is non-toxic and conforms to UK safety standards (EN71). The vegan formula contains no harmful chemicals, making it safe for children aged 8 and above under supervision.
Can I buy refill tubes for individual colours?
Currently, Funcils only sells the full 24-colour set. Individual replacement tubes are not available on Amazon UK. You may need to repurchase the set or supplement with similar vegan brands.
Where is Funcils based and how are ethics measured?
Funcils is a UK-registered company with products made in the EU. It has a vegan policy and uses recycled packaging, but lacks formal B Corp or Fair Trade certifications. The brand scores moderately on transparency.
Pros
- ✓Wide colour range (24)
- ✓Very affordable per tube
- ✓Vegan and cruelty-free certified
- ✓Includes brush and colour guide
Cons
- ✗Lightfastness could be better
- ✗No refill singles available
- ✗Brand transparency limited
Key Facts
- Brand
- Funcils
- Category
- Arts & Crafts
- Pickly Score
- 72/100
- Price Range
- ££ (≈ £24.99)
- Avg Rating
- 4.4/5 (1200 reviews)
- Size
- 24 x 12 ml tubes
- Origin
- Made in EU (Germany)
- Includes
- 1 synthetic brush, colour chart
- Material
- Plant and mineral pigments with gum arabic
- Packaging
- Recycled cardboard box with some plastic caps
- Lightfastness
- ** to *** (fair to good)
- Certifications
- Vegan, Cruelty-Free
🌱 Sustainability
Made in EU; packaging includes recycled cardboard; minimal plastic; brand is vegan-certified but lacks full supply chain audit.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
Plant and mineral pigments; gum arabic binder; no animal-derived ingredients; non-toxic formula.
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What Reviewers Say
"A good-value option for vegan watercolours, though not as pigment-dense as premium lines."
"Customers frequently praise the colour selection and ethical stance. Some request stronger pigment load."
"A solid mid-range set for those who want vegan paints without breaking the bank."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Funcils Watercolour Paint Set, 24 Colours, 12 ml Tubes – Professional Artist Watercolours with Brush by Funcils ethically made?+
Funcils Watercolour Paint Set, 24 Colours, 12 ml Tubes – Professional Artist Watercolours with Brush has a recorded Pickly score of 72/100, with catalogue labels including Vegan, Cruelty-Free. Funcils Watercolour Paint Set offers 24 vibrant, vegan colours at a mid-range price, making it a solid entry-level to intermediate choice for UK artists wanting plant-based quality without the premium cost.
What certifications does Funcils Watercolour Paint Set, 24 Colours, 12 ml Tubes – Professional Artist Watercolours with Brush hold?+
The catalogue records these labels for Funcils Watercolour Paint Set, 24 Colours, 12 ml Tubes – Professional Artist Watercolours with Brush: Vegan, Cruelty-Free. Check the named certifier and scope for this exact item; the labels do not establish every sourcing, safety or environmental claim.
How sustainable is Funcils Watercolour Paint Set, 24 Colours, 12 ml Tubes – Professional Artist Watercolours with Brush?+
Made in EU; packaging includes recycled cardboard; minimal plastic; brand is vegan-certified but lacks full supply chain audit.
What are the key ingredients or materials in Funcils Watercolour Paint Set, 24 Colours, 12 ml Tubes – Professional Artist Watercolours with Brush?+
Plant and mineral pigments; gum arabic binder; no animal-derived ingredients; non-toxic formula.
How much does Funcils Watercolour Paint Set, 24 Colours, 12 ml Tubes – Professional Artist Watercolours with Brush cost?+
Funcils Watercolour Paint Set, 24 Colours, 12 ml Tubes – Professional Artist Watercolours with Brush is priced in the $$ range for arts & crafts. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy Funcils Watercolour Paint Set, 24 Colours, 12 ml Tubes – Professional Artist Watercolours with Brush?+
Use the retailer links on this page to check current availability, delivery and the exact variant of Funcils Watercolour Paint Set, 24 Colours, 12 ml Tubes – Professional Artist Watercolours with Brush. A catalogue entry does not guarantee stock or a direct sale by the manufacturer.
Customer Reviews
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Questions & Answers
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How to choose arts & crafts
Match materials to your technique, skill level and workspace. Buy enough to test a medium before committing to a large set, and check ventilation and cleanup requirements.
| Check before buying | Why it matters | Trade-off or limit |
|---|---|---|
| Medium and surface compatibility | Check whether supplies suit fabric, paper, clay or the finish you want. | An all-purpose material may perform less well for a specialist technique. |
| Safety and cleanup | Read hazard labels, age restrictions and ventilation instructions. | Water-based or natural wording does not mean safe for every use. |
| Refills and usable quantities | Check individual colour replacements and whether a starter set contains what you need. | A large colour range can leave many supplies unused. |
Common mistake: Do not assume craft products are suitable for skin, food contact or children's use without explicit instructions.
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