Paul Rubens Oil Paint 18 Bright Colors - Fast Drying Tubes

In this review we look at the Paul Rubens Oil Paint 18-color set and who will get the most from it. The bottom line: this kit is best for artists, students, and hobbyists who want a wide, vivid palette in large 50ml tubes and a paint that moves smoothly yet dries quicker than traditional oils. The reviewer found the paints have a creamy texture that holds brush and knife marks well, plus strong covering power from high-pigment formulas, making it a practical choice for a range of projects from canvas painting to model work.

Key Features

• 18 bright colors: A broad selection of hues gives artists the ability to mix a wide range of tones without immediately needing additional pigments.
• 50ml large capacity tubes: Larger tubes reduce the need to repurchase frequently and are convenient for students or studio use where more paint is used.
• High saturation pigments: The concentrated pigments deliver strong covering power and vivid color that holds up after drying.
• Delicate, creamy texture: Paints glide smoothly on canvas and wood panels, retaining brush strokes and palette knife detail for textured work.
• Faster drying time: Compared with traditional oils this set allows quicker reworking and application of thicker layers without disturbing underpaintings.
• Long shelf life: The high material purity in the formulation helps the tubes stay usable over time without washing out.

Who It's For

The set suits art students, beginner and intermediate painters, and hobbyists who want immediate access to a varied, vivid palette and appreciate a paint that blends easily while holding texture. Painters working on canvas, painted wood panels, and small model projects will find the 50ml tubes practical and cost effective.

Those who prefer traditional, very slow-drying oils for extensive glazing or long wet-on-wet sessions might look elsewhere, since several users report the faster drying formulation behaves differently from classic slow oils. Professionals requiring single-pigment artist-grade tubes for archival conservation may also prefer a specialist range.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Vivid, high-saturation colors that mix well and cover efficiently.
• Large 50ml tubes offer good value for students and frequent painters.
• Creamy consistency allows smooth application and retains brush and knife marks.
• Faster drying time speeds up layering and reduces waiting between passes.

Cons

• Feedback on thickness and oil content is mixed, so consistency may vary between colors.
• Faster drying may not suit artists who rely on long working time for blending and glazing.

Specifications

Brand	Paul Rubens
Colors	18 bright oil colors
Tube size	50ml per tube
Texture	Delicate, creamy consistency
Pigmentation	High saturation fine art pigments
Drying	Faster drying time than traditional oils
Suitable surfaces	Canvas and painted wood panels

Our Verdict

The Paul Rubens 18-color oil set is a strong value for students and hobby painters who want vivid pigments in larger 50ml tubes and a paint that balances smooth application with quicker drying. It is especially useful for projects that need faster layering, but those seeking classic slow-working oils should consider alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these paints suitable for canvas?
Yes. The creamy texture and strong pigmentation make them well suited to canvas and painted wood panels.

Do these oils dry faster than traditional oil paint?
Yes. The formulation is described as faster drying, which helps when applying thicker layers quickly.

Is the color range good for mixing?
Yes. The 18 bright colors with high saturation provide a wide mixing range and good tinting strength.