7 Proven Ways to Find Affordable Art Supplies Without Sacrificing Quality.

Art by Karie-Ann Author

Discover 7 smart ways to find cheap, quality art supplies—from swaps and sales to flea markets and eBay deals. Create more, spend less!

🎨 7 Proven Ways to Find Affordable Art Supplies in the UK (Without Sacrificing Quality)

Let’s be honest—art is a beautiful passion, but it can be an expensive one. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional artist, building your creative toolkit often feels like a never-ending shopping spree. From premium paper to specialty paints, the costs add up fast.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need deep pockets to create meaningful work. With a little resourcefulness and these 7 proven strategies, you can find affordable art supplies in the UK that still deliver on quality.

1. 🛍️ Explore Facebook Marketplace & UK Art Swap Groups

Facebook Marketplace is a treasure trove for second-hand art materials. Many artists buy supplies they never use—and resell them at a fraction of the cost. I once scored a stash of Pastelmat paper just three miles from home through a local art swap group. The seller was switching to oils and no longer needed it. Jackpot!

Tip: Search for niche groups like UK Art Supply Swap, Pastel Artists Marketplace, or Art Materials Buy & Sell UK.

2. 📧 Subscribe to UK Art Supplier Newsletters

Sign up for newsletters from trusted UK suppliers like Jackson’s Art and Ken Bromley Art Supplies. They’ll notify you of flash sales, bundle deals, and exclusive discounts. If you can resist impulse buying and wait for the right moment, you can stock up on essentials at a fraction of the cost.

Strategy: Bulk-buy only what you’ll actually use—and keep a wishlist handy for sale season.

3. 🔄 Barter with Fellow Artists

Artists often switch mediums and end up with unused supplies. If you’re part of an art group or society, ask around—someone might be ready to trade their watercolours for your pastels or sell off their old brushes to fund a new obsession.

Bonus: Builds community and keeps materials circulating sustainably.

4. 💻 Hunt for Deals on eBay UK

eBay is a goldmine for discounted art materials. I once bought a full set of Winsor & Newton Artist Quality Acrylics for less than half the retail price. Use filters like “UK only” and “Buy It Now”, and don’t be shy about making a cheeky offer.

Resource: MoMa UK’s guide to the best UK art supply sites compares prices across eBay, Amazon, Jackson’s, and more.

5. 🛒 Try Budget-Friendly Stores Like The Range, The Works & WHSmith

Testing a new medium? Start with budget options from The Range, The Works, or WHSmith. I once grabbed every acrylic colour they had—plus gesso, brushes, and varnish—and walked out grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

Tip: Use these to experiment before investing in premium brands.

6. 🧺 Visit Flea Markets, Car Boot Sales & Local Auctions

Some of my best finds came from flea fairs and car boots: Unison pastels, Neocolour II sets, Polychromos pencils, and even boxes of frames. People clearing out studios often sell high-quality supplies for pennies.

Idea: Bring cash, arrive early, and don’t be afraid to haggle. You never know what treasures you’ll uncover.

7. 💸 Use Cashback & Coupon Apps

Install apps like Honey, TopCashback, or your browser’s coupon finder. These tools automatically apply promo codes or give you cashback on purchases from major UK art retailers.

Extra savings: Combine with newsletter discounts for double the deal.

Final Thoughts: Where to Buy Cheap Art Supplies in the UK

You don’t need to rely solely on big-name retailers to build your art stash. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can find cheap art supplies in the UK that fuel your passion without draining your wallet.

Whether you're just starting out or expanding your studio, these tips will help you create more—and spend less.

Get my FREE Pastel Artist's Toolkit to help you decide what materials and supplies you need.

Categories: : art tips