Art Supplies

Professional & Hobbyist Art Tools for Less

The art community on AliExpress has exploded, offering professional-grade pigments and precision tools at a fraction of retail costs. Modern manufacturing has bridged the gap between student-grade and gallery-quality materials, making premium mediums accessible to everyone. From alcohol markers to cold-press watercolor paper, discover why artists worldwide are switching to these high-value alternatives for their studios.

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Subcategories

Calligraphy Drawing Drawing Tablet Easel Gel Painting Paint Painting Canva Palette Pastel Pigment Stand Water Color

Related keywords

Use these keywords to refine your search and find exactly what you're looking for.

alcohol brush markers solid watercolor pan synthetic squirrel brush heavy body acrylics cold press sketchbook mechanical pencil set oil pastel crayons portable easel stand washi tape set

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Art Supplies: FAQ

How do I ensure the paints are professional quality?

Look for 'lightfast' ratings and specific pigment codes (e.g., PB29) in the product specifications. Professional grades emphasize pigment load and longevity, whereas student grades use more fillers.

Will the sketchbook paper handle heavy water washes?

Always check the GSM (grams per square meter) rating; 300gsm or higher is standard for watercolor to prevent buckling. Verify dimensions (A4 vs A5) carefully, as photos can be misleading.

Are the brushes made of real animal hair or synthetic fibers?

Listings mentioning 'Kolinsky' or 'Sable' usually imply natural hair, while 'Synthetic Squirrel' offers a cruelty-free, durable alternative. Check reviews to confirm if the bristles hold a sharp point over time.

How are fragile items like canvases or pastels shipped?

Reputable sellers use air-column packaging or rigid tubes for papers and rolled canvases. For soft pastels, look for listings that explicitly show foam-padded packaging to prevent breakage during transit.

Recommendations for buyers

✓
Check Pigment vs. Dye
For markers and inks, distinguish between alcohol-based dyes (vibrant, blendable, not lightfast) and pigment-based inks (permanent, lightfast, archival). Choose based on whether your work needs to last for decades.
✓
Verify Paper Weight (GSM)
Paper thickness is critical. Use <100gsm for sketching, 150-200gsm for mixed media, and strictly 300gsm+ for heavy watercolor or acrylic applications to avoid warping.
✓
Inspect Ferrule Construction
On brushes, the metal ferrule should be double-crimped to the handle. This prevents the brush head from wobbling or detaching after repeated exposure to water and solvents.
✓
Safety Certifications
Look for AP or CE safety markings, especially for paints and solvents. This ensures the materials are non-toxic and safe for use in enclosed studio environments.