How we score supplies

9-10Exceptional

A rare score. Reserved for supplies that stand out on specification, range and value in a way little else in the category does. Not every product needs a 10 to be worth your money.

8-8.9Strong recommendation

Standout craft, value, or range. A clear recommendation for anyone shopping in that category. Minor issues don't hold it back in any meaningful way.

6-7.9Worth buying

Solid. Worth buying if it fits how you paint, with real caveats called out in the review text. A 7 isn't a back-handed compliment. It means the product does its job well.

4-5.9Mixed

Has something to offer but is held back by real problems. Read the full review before buying. Not a recommendation, but not a dismissal either. It depends on what you value.

Below 4Weak or deeply flawed

Significant issues with pigment content, permanence, or value that we can't overlook. The review explains exactly what is wrong. We avoid going this low unless the problems are fundamental.

A score is not a mathematical average of sub-categories. We don't score pigment load, handling, lightfastness and price separately and add them up. The number is an overall editorial judgment, informed by the maker's published specifications, how painters report the product behaving on paper, and its price.

A review covers the formulation and packaging named on its review card. If a manufacturer reformulates, we update the review. A score for one formulation isn't a prediction of the next.

We don't review supplies we haven't been able to research properly, and we don't adjust scores for manufacturer or retailer relationships.

Scores are set by the editors and are never influenced by manufacturers or retailers. We do not publish sponsored reviews. Manufacturers may offer samples through the contact page; a sample does not guarantee coverage or affect the score, and a review based on one says so.

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