The art book list line reads "paint brush, No. 16", and the shelf has brushes labelled with every number from 2 to 24. Another line says "visual art diary", and the shop has both scrapbooks and visual diaries sitting side by side, which look similar but are not the same thing. Art supply requirements can be confusing because school booklists often use specific terms, brush numbers and product names that are not always explained. 

This guide walks through the core categories of classroom art supplies, what the common booklist terms actually mean, and how to buy with confidence. It is the pillar guide for our wider art supplies content, and each section links to a deeper guide on that specific topic.

Quick answer

Australian school art supplies commonly include drawing and colouring tools, paint brushes, art paper or visual diaries, and general equipment such as glue and scissors. The school booklist determines which items, sizes and brands are required, including brush numbers and whether a scrapbook or visual art diary is needed. Choose age-appropriate materials, check product labels and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Consumable supplies may need replacing during the year, while reusable equipment can last longer with proper care.

How Australian Art Booklists Are Usually Structured

Art supply requirements vary widely between Australian schools, year levels and art subjects. Some schools ask for a fully stocked individual art kit. Others supply shared classroom materials and only ask families for a visual diary or a smock. Primary schools often list broad categories like "crayons" or "coloured pencils". Secondary art electives, by contrast, can list specific brush numbers, paper weights and brands.

A few patterns are common across Australian schools:

• Drawing and colouring tools are usually requested every year, since they wear down or run out.
• Paint and brushes may appear on primary school booklists, while some secondary art programs provide shared materials for particular projects. Requirements depend on the school and subject. 
• Visual diaries and scrapbooks may be requested from upper primary onward. Some secondary art electives also require a visual diary for ongoing work or assessment, so check the subject booklist before buying. 
• General equipment, such as glue, scissors and an apron, usually appears once and is expected to last multiple years.

Key note: If a booklist item is unclear, such as a brush number or a specific paper type, a quick check with the school avoids buying the wrong product. Our guide to paint brush sizes explained breaks down exactly what a number like No. 16 or No. 22 means.

Drawing and Colouring Tools Compared

Most art kits start with a core set of drawing and colouring tools. Each one suits different ages and tasks. The age ranges below are general guidance rather than fixed requirements. Follow the school book list and consider the student's age, experience and the activity. 

Each of these tools has strengths and weaknesses that matter more at certain ages than others. Our guide on crayons vs oil pastels vs textas goes through this in detail, including which tool suits which year level.

Coloured pencils are a reliable, flexible choice across most ages. Our 24 Mini Coloured Pencils set is a compact option that suits travel and smaller pencil cases, while the STAPLES Coloured Triangular Pencils, Pack of 24 uses an ergonomic triangular shape that can help younger students with grip and control. For bulk classroom or multi-child orders, the Itsi Bitsi Mini Coloured Pencils, sold in multiples of 12, is a practical option.

Key note: Our current Art & Craft range includes coloured pencil sets for different school needs. Crayons, oil pastels and textas are not currently listed in our range, so check the booklist carefully and source those items separately if required.

Paint, Brushes and Brush Sizes

Paint brushes are sized by number, and this numbering system confuses many parents every year. A higher number generally means a larger brush, but the exact sizing is not perfectly standardised across every brand. Brush numbering and actual bristle width can vary between brands, so the ranges below are a general guide rather than exact measurements. 

Our EXP 577 No. 16 Paint Brushes are a mid-range option suited to general classroom painting, while the EXP Paint Brushes No. 22 are a broader brush suited to larger painted areas. Both are sold in packs of 12, which suits a classroom or a family buying for more than one child.

If your booklist lists a specific brush number, buy that number rather than guessing based on the brush's appearance on the shelf, since the actual bristle width can vary between brands at the same stated number. Our dedicated guide on paint brush sizes explains this in more depth, including how No. 16 and No. 22 compare in practice.

Key note: This site currently stocks paint brushes but not paint itself. If your booklist asks for a specific paint type, such as poster paint or acrylic, source that separately while using this site for your brush and drawing tool needs.

Paper, Visual Diaries and Scrapbooks

Art paper and visual diaries are a separate category from the notebooks and copy paper most families are familiar with. A few terms are worth understanding before you buy.

• A scrapbook is typically plain or lightly structured, often used for pasting in worksheets, photos or simple craft projects in earlier primary years.
• A visual art diary is a dedicated art journal used for sketches, experiments, artwork and reflections on the creative process. Its paper and binding are designed for particular types of art activity, with specifications varying by product. In secondary school, a visual diary may also be used to document work for assessment.

These two are easy to confuse, and a booklist asking for one is not necessarily satisfied by the other. Our guide to scrapbook vs visual art diary explains the difference and which one your school's booklist is likely asking for.

For general writing paper and exercise books used alongside art subjects, our notebooks and paper for school guide covers ruling, size and paper weight in detail, since many art classes also require a general notebook for theory or written reflection.

General Classroom Art Equipment

Beyond drawing tools, paint and paper, most art booklists also ask for a small set of general equipment:

• Glue, in stick or liquid form, depending on the task.
• Scissors, often child-safe for younger students.
• An apron or old shirt, to protect uniforms during messy tasks.
• A pencil case or art supply pouch, to keep smaller items organised.

Reusable items such as scissors, aprons and pencil cases can last for several school years with proper care. Consumables and frequently used drawing tools may need replacing as they wear down or run out.  Our guide to making classroom art supplies last a whole year covers practical care habits that extend the life of both consumable and reusable art items.

Safety and Non-Toxic Standards

Art material safety requirements depend on the product and its intended use. For example, the ACCC's mandatory standard for toys containing lead and other elements covers toys and finger paints intended for children up to six years old. Other art materials may be subject to different requirements, so do not assume that one standard applies to every product.

When choosing supplies for children, check the age recommendations, safety warnings and instructions on the packaging. Prefer products clearly intended for children's use, follow the manufacturer's directions, and supervise younger children during activities involving paint or small components. The ACCC's guidance on toys containing lead and other elements explains the relevant requirements for covered products.

In practical terms, this means:

• Look for products labelled non-toxic or AP (Approved Product) certified, particularly for younger children.
• Check packaging for an age recommendation, especially for small or detachable parts.
• Be cautious with any art material not clearly labelled for children's use, including adult-oriented craft or hobby products.

Our dedicated guide on non-toxic art supplies and Australian safety standards goes into this in full detail, including how to read labels and what the relevant standards actually require.

How Art Supplies Can Change by School Stage

Art supply needs shift noticeably as students move from primary into secondary school.

This pattern is general, and individual schools vary. Our guide to art supplies for primary vs high school covers this shift in more detail, including what tends to change and why.

Making Supplies Last the Year

Art supplies wear out faster than most other school stationery, since they are consumed through use rather than simply handled. A few general habits help:

• Store coloured pencils and crayons in a container that prevents breakage, rather than loose in a bag.
• Cap textas immediately after use to prevent drying out.
• Rinse paint brushes properly after each use to preserve the bristles, which is especially relevant for brushes like our No. 16 and No. 22 options.
• Keep a visual art diary in a protective sleeve or cover if it needs to last a full year of handling.

Our full guide on making classroom art supplies last a whole year expands on each of these habits with more detail.

Keeping Uniforms and Surfaces Clean

Paint and texta on a school uniform is one of the most common minor frustrations of art class. Acting quickly and using the right method for the specific stain type makes a real difference to whether it comes out.

• Remove excess fresh paint gently without rubbing it deeper into the fabric. Check the paint label and garment care instructions before choosing a cleaning method. 
• Texta marks often respond differently depending on whether the ink is water-based or permanent.
• Dried stains are harder to shift than fresh ones, so acting before the uniform goes through a full wash cycle helps.

Our dedicated guide on how to get paint and texta out of school uniforms covers specific, tested methods for different stain and fabric types.

A Simple Shopping Checklist by Stage

Early primary

• Crayons or chunky coloured pencils
• A simple scrapbook
• Glue stick
• Child-safe scissors

Upper primary

• Coloured pencils, such as our STAPLES Coloured Triangular Pencils
• A visual diary or scrapbook, per the booklist
• A mid-range paint brush, such as a No. 16
• Textas and oil pastels, if listed

Secondary general art

• A visual art diary
• A fuller set of drawing tools, including textas and pastels
• Specific brush sizes as listed, potentially including a broader option like a No. 22

Secondary art elective

• Follow the specific subject booklist closely, including any brand or brush size requirements
• A visual art diary suited to assessment use

Art Supplies at School Stationery Supplies

The products below are available through our Art & Craft collection. Confirm current stock on each product page before ordering.

This site does not currently stock crayons, oil pastels, textas, paint itself, or visual art diaries. If your booklist requires any of these specifically, source them from another supplier alongside what you buy here.

Common Mistakes When Buying Art Supplies

• Guessing brush size instead of checking the booklist number. A No. 16 and a No. 22 serve different purposes.
• Confusing a scrapbook with a visual art diary. They are not interchangeable on most booklists.
• Buying adult or hobby-grade art materials for a young child. Always check for a non-toxic or age-appropriate label.
• Assuming art supplies last as long as other stationery. Crayons, textas and paint are consumed through use and typically need replacing more often.
• Overlooking uniform protection. An apron or old shirt is a small cost compared to a stained school uniform.

Frequently Asked Questions

What art supplies does my child need for Australian school?

This depends heavily on the specific booklist and year level, but common items include coloured pencils, crayons or textas, a scrapbook or visual art diary, paint brushes in a specific size, and general equipment like glue and scissors.

What does a paint brush number like No. 16 mean?

Brush numbers indicate size, with higher numbers generally meaning a larger brush, though exact sizing can vary slightly between brands. Our guide to paint brush sizes explains this in detail.

Is a scrapbook the same as a visual art diary?

No. A scrapbook is typically simpler and used for pasting and basic craft work, while a visual art diary usually has more durable paper suited to drawing, painting and ongoing art process work, and is often used for assessment in secondary school.

Are children's art supplies safe in Australia?

Art material safety requirements vary by product and intended use. Check age recommendations, warnings and instructions on the packaging, and choose supplies intended for children. Certain products, including finger paints intended for young children, are covered by specific Australian mandatory standards. Consult the ACCC's product safety guidance for details. 

How do I get paint or texta out of a school uniform?

The right method depends on the stain type and fabric. Acting quickly, before the stain dries or goes through a wash cycle, significantly improves the result. Our guide on removing paint and texta from school uniforms covers specific methods.

Building a Reliable Art Kit for the Whole Year

Australian school art supplies span a wide range of tools, from drawing and colouring supplies through to paint, brushes, paper and general equipment. The specific booklist always takes priority, but understanding the common terms, brush sizing, and the difference between a scrapbook and a visual art diary makes shopping far less confusing.

Browse our Art & Craft collection for coloured pencils and paint brushes, and explore the supporting guides throughout this article for more detailed advice on brush sizes, visual diaries, product safety and making classroom supplies last. 

About the Author: 

The School Stationery Supplies Team publishes practical buying guides for Australian students, parents and teachers. Visit School Stationery Supplies for notebooks, paper, pens and school essentials.

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