In-Depth Review: Camel Artists' Oil Colour 12 Assorted Colours Set (20ml Tubes)
If you are browsing online markets, you have likely encountered the Camel 12-shade oil color set. Priced as an entry-level option, this Indian-manufactured set promises "professional-grade" quality at a fraction of the cost of European brands. But does the performance justify the low price point, or will you be fighting the paint to get decent results?
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the Camel Artists' Oil Colour 12 x 20ml Set based on user experiences and technical specs.
First Impressions and Packaging
The set arrives in a standard plastic box. It contains 12 tubes of 20ml paint. Unlike premium brands like Holbein or Charvin which often come in wooden boxes, the Camel packaging is purely functional—lightweight plastic designed to keep the tubes organized .
A quick note on the size: 20ml is a "studio" size. It is larger than the "trial" sizes (like 9ml or 12ml) but smaller than the standard "professional" tube (37ml-40ml). This is a generous amount for learning or practicing, but serious artists finishing large canvases may find they run out of white or earth tones quickly .
Color Selection and Pigment Quality
The "Assorted" 12-shade set aims to provide a basic palette for a beginner. However, the specific shades can vary, and this is where the set shows its limitations.
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The Good (Blues and Reds): Users report that the blues and reds in this set are surprisingly bright and mix well to produce decent secondary colors. They have a reasonable pigment load for the price .
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The Problematic (Yellows): A consistent critique from users is the lack of a true primary yellow (like Cadmium Yellow). The set tends to include "Lime Yellow" and "Chrome Yellow," which lean toward green or orange. Consequently, if you try to mix green or orange with these yellows, you often get "muddy" or brownish results rather than vibrant secondaries. This is a significant frustration for beginners trying to learn color theory .
Consistency and Texture
Camel advertises these paints as having a "smooth, matte finish" with a "unique plasticizer" to prevent cracking .
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The Feel: When compared to high-end paints like Holbein (which is ground up to ten times for uniform viscosity) or Charvin (which uses poppy oil for a creamy texture), Camel feels noticeably stiffer right out of the tube .
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The "Old Stock" Risk: Several customer reviews warn that the product can sometimes arrive "dry" or as "old stock." Because oil paint has a shelf life, buying this specific set from third-party sellers without high turnover can result in gritty, separated paint that is difficult to revive .
Safety and Composition
Camel holds an ASTM-AP Certification. This is crucial because it means the paints are non-toxic and safe for artists aged 12 and up. They do not contain hazardous heavy metals in dangerous levels, making them safer for home studios or young artists compared to some unbranded cheap oil paints .
The binder is a mix of non-yellowing oils, and the set is marketed as 100% vegan, which is a specific ethical plus for some artists .
The Verdict: Who is this for?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional Price: Extremely affordable barrier to entry. | Poor Yellows: Lacks true primary yellow, leads to muddy mixes. |
| ASTM-AP Certified: Safe, non-toxic materials. | Plastic Packaging: Case feels cheap; tubes can tear over time . |
| Good Primary Reds/Blues: Bright pigments where it counts. | Inconsistent Freshness: Risk of receiving dry/old tubes. |
| 100% Vegan Friendly. | Stiff Texture: Lacks the buttery feel of professional brands. |
Final Score: 3.5/5
Skip this set if: You are a color theory purist or a professional working on archival pieces. The lack of a proper yellow spectrum and the stiff texture will frustrate you, and the longevity of the paint film is not documented to the standard of professional lines like Holbein or Charvin .
Buy this set if: You are a student or hobbyist who wants to learn the mechanics of oil painting (mixing, fat-over-lean, cleaning) without spending $100+. It is excellent for practicing value studies, underpaintings, or painting exercises where the color is going to be painted over anyway. Just buy a separate, single tube of Cadmium Yellow Hue to supplement the set, and you will solve its biggest flaw.
| Barnd | Camel |
|---|---|
| Category | Stationery & Craft / Art Supplies / Colouring & Copic Art Range |
| Weight | 0.2 KG - / + |
| Dimensions (CM) | 35 X 20 X 10 |
| Stock Keeping Unit Code / Barcode | 8901425023204 |
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