Mandala Painting for Beginners – What You Really Need
When you first fall in love with mandala art, it’s tempting to buy every single tool and color that flashes across your screen. I know—because I did exactly that. A week later I was staring at a pile of expensive supplies I barely touched. So here’s my honest advice: start small. Try the hobby first, see how it feels in your hands and in your heart, and only then build your collection.
Start with a Simple Beginner’s Set
You don’t need a studio full of gear to make beautiful mandalas. An affordable starter set—whether from me or any other source—can save you both money and frustration. It gives you just enough to explore without overwhelming you with choices or unnecessary expenses.
Surfaces: Smooth and Forgiving
From my own experience, ready-made plaster stones and a well-primed wooden board are the easiest way to begin. You can find perfectly shaped, pre-cast stones on Etsy—no need to buy molds and plaster yet. Their smooth surface is ideal for learning how the paint behaves and for practicing smaller swipes and patterns without fighting rough textures.
Paint: Reliable and Easy to Use
I recommend the Marabu 80-color set (3.5 ml each). It’s not too thick, not too runny, and it doesn’t dry out quickly. You can get it on Amazon, and it will give you enough shades to experiment without breaking the bank.
Tools: Everything in One Starter Kit
A basic dotting set is really all you need at first—and the good news is that many Amazon kits include dotting tools, a stencil for circles and lines, and even some extras in one package. This way you don’t have to hunt for separate items. Add a white erasable pencil for sketching guidelines (press lightly!), and you’re ready to go.
Protective Finish
For sealing your work, I recommend DecoArt DuraClear Matte Varnish. Despite the “matte” label, it has a subtle satin sheen, dries quickly, and offers excellent protection when applied with a soft, wide brush. A spray varnish can also work. I don’t suggest using boat varnish—it tends to yellow over time.
Priming
Any acrylic paint will do for priming your surface. I usually apply two coats for a solid base before starting to paint.
This isn’t a sponsored post or a paid promotion
I don’t get any money for recommending these products—these are simply the things I’ve tried and loved, and they’ve worked well for me.
Starting this way keeps your investment small, your learning curve gentle, and your enthusiasm high. Later, when you’re sure mandala painting has captured your heart, you can happily explore more colors, molds, and advanced tools—without the regret of having spent too much too soon.