Gouache Painting

Ever feel stuck between watercolor and acrylic? Watercolor dries fast but can be hard to control. Acrylic is bold but not always easy to layer or fix. It’s frustrating when you just want something that works - something fun, forgiving, and easy to learn.

That’s where gouache comes in. It’s the best of both worlds - but most people don’t even know what it is. If you've heard of it, maybe it sounds fancy or too advanced. But the truth is, gouache is super beginner-friendly, super fun, and gives you tons of control.

As artist James Gurney says, 

“Gouache is an amazing medium because it gives you the speed and directness of watercolor, but with the body and opaqueness to layer and correct like an oil or acrylic.”

Here, we will find out what gouache is, what you need, how to use it, and why it might become your favorite art supply.

Key Takeaways

• Gouache is a water-based paint that gives you bold color and a smooth, matte finish.

• You can layer, blend, and even fix mistakes easily—perfect for beginners.

• Use thick paper, soft brushes, and just enough water to get a creamy texture.

• Let each layer dry before painting over it to avoid smudging.

• Gouache dries fast, but you can re-wet and reuse it—even on your palette.

• Finished gouache paintings should be stored flat and out of direct sunlight.

• Framing with a mat and glass helps protect your artwork long-term.

• Gouache is fun, forgiving, and a great medium to grow your painting skills.

What is Gouache Paint?

Gouache (pronounced "gwash") is a type of paint that looks a lot like watercolor - but acts more like acrylic. It’s water-based, dries fast, and you can re-wet it later to make changes. What makes gouache special art style is its opaque finish. That means it covers up what’s underneath, unlike watercolor, which is more see-through.

Gouache sits right in the middle between watercolor and acrylic. Like watercolor, you can thin it with water and use it on paper. Like acrylic, it gives you strong colors and lets you paint over your mistakes. It's perfect if you want to work fast but still be able to layer and fix things.

A Quick Look at the History of Gouache

Gouache has been around for centuries. Artists in ancient Egypt used early forms of it in their wall paintings. In the Middle Ages, it was used in illuminated manuscripts - tiny, detailed paintings in books.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, it became popular in Europe, especially among illustrators and poster artists. The bold colors and smooth finish were perfect for commercial art. Today, artists, illustrators, and designers still love it for its versatility and bold, flat color.

Gouache may sound fancy, but it’s been helping artists create beautiful, vibrant work for hundreds of years. And once you try it, you'll see why it's still going strong.

4 Reasons Why Artists Love Gouache

Gouache has been a favorite among artists for decades - and once you try it, it’s easy to see why. It gives you control, strong color, and room to experiment without the pressure of getting it perfect the first time. Here’s what makes gouache so lovable.

1. Rich, Opaque Color 

Unlike watercolor, gouache gives you bold, solid color with just one stroke. It can cover up mistakes or be used to layer over darker shades - something watercolor struggles with. That’s a huge win for artists who like working with flat color, vibrant shapes, or graphic-style painting. 

2. Matte Finish 

Gouache dries to a soft, velvety matte finish that looks great both on paper and in scans or photos. That’s one reason illustrators and designers love it - it reproduces well for prints, books, or digital work without any shine or glare. 

3. Fast Drying 

No long wait times here. Gouache dries quickly, so you can keep working without smudging. That makes it perfect for sketchbooks, studies, or any project where you want to move fast without losing quality. 

4. Easy Layering and Corrections 

Made a mistake? No problem. Once gouache dries, you can paint right over it - even with lighter colors. You can also reactivate dried areas with water and gently blend or adjust as needed. This makes gouache very beginner-friendly, since you don’t have to start over every time something goes wrong. 

Whether you're creating bold illustrations, testing color ideas, or just painting for fun, gouache gives you the freedom to explore without fear. It's flexible, fun, and seriously underrated.

Gouache vs. Watercolor vs. Acrylic: What’s the Difference?

All three are water-based paints, but they behave very differently. Here’s a quick side-by-side to help you understand what sets them apart.

4 Essential Supplies for Gouache Painting

Starting with gouache is easy - and you don’t need a ton of supplies. But having the right tools will make your painting experience smoother, more fun, and a lot less frustrating. Here’s what you’ll need.

Types of Gouache Paint

Not all gouaches are the same. There are a few main types, and it helps to know the difference before you buy.

• Traditional Gouache 

This is the classic type. It’s water-based, opaque, and reactivates with water even after drying. Great for layering and blending. 

• Designer Gouache 

Very similar to traditional gouache, but made for professional use. The colors are more pigmented and consistent. Often used in illustration and print work. 

• Acrylic Gouache 

Has the matte look of gouache but dries permanent like acrylic. Once it’s dry, you can’t re-wet or change it. Good for painting on surfaces like wood or canvas.

For beginners, traditional gouache is the most forgiving and easiest to work with.

Best Paper Types and Why

Gouache works best on thick, textured paper - the kind that can handle a bit of water without buckling.

• Watercolor paper

Cold press has a bit more texture, while hot press is smoother. Both are great for gouache.

• Mixed media paper 

A good budget option for practice and sketches.

• Illustration board or heavyweight cardstock 

Good for finished pieces if you want a smooth, flat look.

Thin or low-quality paper can warp or tear when wet, so go for paper that’s at least 200 gsm (90 lb) or higher.

Brushes That Work Well with Gouache

You don’t need fancy brushes, but the right kind helps you stay in control.

• Soft synthetic brushes hold paint well and are easy to clean.
• Round brushes are great for details and curved lines.
• Flat brushes are best for bold strokes, shapes, and filling large areas.

Avoid stiff brushes made for oils - they can scrape the paint instead of spreading it smoothly.

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These extras aren’t required, but they can make the process easier and more fun.

• Palette, for mixing your paint. Plastic, ceramic, or even a plate works.
• Palette knife, Helpful for mixing paint or adding texture.
• Masking tape, to tape down edges or create clean borders.
• Water jar for rinsing brushes.
• Paper towels or a rag, to blot brushes or lift paint.

With just a few quality tools, you can dive right into gouache painting style and start exploring. No need to buy everything at once - start simple and build as you go.

How to Use Gouache

Gouache is super fun to use once you get the hang of it. It’s like a mix of watercolor and acrylic, so it gives you a lot of flexibility. Here are some easy techniques to help you get started:

Mixing and Thinning Gouache

Gouache comes thick out of the tube - almost like toothpaste. To use it, you’ll need to add water to get the right consistency.

• Thicker paint (less water) gives you bold, flat color.
• Thinner paint (more water) acts more like watercolor, great for washes and soft layers.

Start with a small amount of paint and mix in water a little at a time. You want a creamy texture, like melted ice cream. Too much water, and it’ll behave like watercolor; too little, and it might crack when dry.

Layering and Reactivating Dried Paint

One of gouache’s superpowers is layering.

• Wait until your first layer is completely dry, then paint over it. It won’t smudge unless you use too much water.
• Want to blend or soften edges after it’s dry? Just add a bit of water and gently brush it in.

You can even reactivate dried paint on your palette - just spray or drop a bit of water and mix it up again. No waste!

Blending and Texture Tricks

Gouache can go super smooth - or you can use it to create fun textures.

• For blending, work while the paint is still wet. You can mix colors right on the paper using soft brushes and light strokes.
• For dry brush texture, use a small amount of thick paint and drag your brush across dry paper.
• Try lifting some paint with a damp brush or sponge if you want to lighten areas or add highlights.

It’s a very forgiving medium. You can experiment without worrying about ruining your painting.

How to Fix Mistakes

Made a wrong stroke? No big deal.

• Let the mistake dry, then paint over it with a thicker layer of gouache.
• If it’s still wet, blot gently with a paper towel or lift it with a damp brush.
• For small errors, just re-wet the area, wipe it off, and try again.

Unlike many other paints, gouache lets you fix and rework things - even after it’s dry. That’s what makes it perfect for beginners and pros alike.

Once you get comfortable with these basic techniques, you’ll see just how creative you can get with gouache.

Beginner-Friendly Gouache Painting Tips

Starting with gouache doesn’t have to be hard - you just need a few smart tips to get better results and enjoy the process. Here’s what every beginner should know.

3 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Using too much water 

Gouache isn’t watercolor. If you add too much water, it’ll turn transparent and won’t layer well. Use just enough to make it creamy - not runny.

2. Overworking the same area

Going over the same spot again and again while it’s wet can tear the paper or make muddy colors. Let layers dry before adding more paint.

3. Not testing colors first

Gouache dries a little darker than it looks when wet. Test your colors on a scrap piece of paper before applying them to your artwork.

How to Plan Your Painting

You don’t need a full sketchbook of prep work, but a little planning helps.

• Lightly sketch your design with a pencil first.
• Think about your color palette ahead of time. Gouache works best when you're not constantly remixing on the fly.
• Work from background to foreground, and from light to dark or dark to light - depending on your style.

Having a basic roadmap makes the painting process smoother and more fun.

Keeping Colors Vibrant

• Use pure colors straight from the tube when you want bold results.
• Don’t over-mix. Mixing too many colors together can lead to dull, muddy tones.
• Paint in layers, letting each one dry fully. This helps each color stand out without blending into the others.

If your painting starts to look faded, try going back over key areas with a thicker layer of fresh gouache.

Storing and Reviving Dried Gouache

Gouache dries fast - on paper and on your palette. But the good news is, you can bring it back to life easily.

• Store leftover paint in a palette with a lid or airtight container.
• When you're ready to paint again, just add water and stir to revive it.
• If it’s too crusty, spray with water and wait a few minutes before mixing.

Some artists even pre-fill palettes with their favorite colors and just reactivate them whenever they paint.

With a little care, your gouache supplies can last a long time - and your paintings will keep looking fresh and vibrant.

Best Brands for Beginners and Pros

Not all gouache paints are created equal. Some are buttery smooth and full of pigment, while others are chalky or hard to work with. Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade, here’s a quick guide to the most reliable brands out there.

Top Trusted Brands

These brands are known for quality, consistency, and strong color payoff. They’re favorites among professionals and serious hobbyists.

• Winsor & Newton Designers Gouache 

A classic. Rich, smooth, and easy to work with. Great for layering and clean color. 

• Holbein Artists' Gouache 

Creamy texture, vibrant color, and doesn’t crack when dry. A favorite for illustration and design. 

• Schmincke Horadam Gouache 

Super high-quality, fine pigments, and smooth application. A bit pricey, but top-tier. 

• Turner Design Gouache 

Intense color and matte finish. Often used by illustrators.

Budget-Friendly Options

If you're just starting and want good quality without spending too much, these are great beginner picks,

• Himi / Miya Gouache (Jelly Cups) 

Fun and affordable. Comes in a big set with lots of colors. Not pro-grade, but great for learning. 

• Arteza Gouache

Easy to find online, good value for the price. Not as smooth as pro brands, but works well for practice. 

• Royal & Langnickel 

Basic student-grade paint. Good for experimenting, but not ideal for final work.

What to Avoid

• Chalky or cheap student brands 

Some low-cost sets look good at first but feel dry, crack easily, and don’t blend well. 

• No-name kits from unknown sellers 

These might have weak pigment, strange texture, or even dry out fast. 

When possible, start with a few primary colors from a trusted brand instead of buying a big, cheap set. Even just red, blue, yellow, black, and white can go a long way.

Quality gouache can make a big difference - not just in your results, but in how much you enjoy painting.

Caring for Your Gouache Artwork

You’ve finished your painting - now what? Gouache may dry quickly, but it still needs a little care to stay in good shape. Here’s how to protect and preserve your work so it lasts.

How to Protect and Store Finished Pieces

Gouache dries to a matte finish, but it stays water-soluble, meaning it can smudge or reactivate if it gets wet.

1. Store flat in a portfolio or folder, especially if you're keeping multiple pieces together.
2. Place a sheet of tracing paper or glassine between artworks to prevent sticking or rubbing.
3. Avoid stacking heavy objects on top - gouache can crack if pressed too hard.

If you're making professional work or selling pieces, consider scanning them soon after finishing, in case the original gets damaged.

Framing Tips

Framing gouache artwork helps protect it - and makes it display-ready.

1. Always use a mat board to keep the painting from touching the glass. This avoids smudging or sticking over time.
2. Use a sealed frame with UV-protective glass if possible. It protects against light damage and moisture.
3. For extra protection, some artists lightly spray their finished work with a fixative made for water-based paints - but test first. Some sprays can change the color or texture.

Lightfastness and Longevity

Not all gouache colors are created equal when it comes to fading.

• Professional brands usually label their paints with a lightfastness rating. Look for “excellent” or “very good” ratings for long-lasting results.
• Store away from direct sunlight to avoid fading, especially for cheaper or student-grade paints.
• Acrylic gouache is more durable and lightfast overall, since it dries permanently.

With a little care, your gouache pieces can stay vibrant and beautiful for years. Whether you're framing them for your wall or tucking them into a sketchbook, taking the time to protect your work is always worth it.

Conclusion

Gouache might seem like a hidden gem in the art world, but once you try it, you’ll see why so many artists keep coming back to it. It’s bold, flexible, easy to fix, and perfect for experimenting - whether you're making simple sketches or full, detailed pieces.

You don’t need expensive supplies or years of experience to get started. Just a few colors, the right paper, and a bit of curiosity can take you a long way.

As artist Mary Whyte put it, 

“Gouache teaches you to think in layers, from dark to light, or light to dark, with a surprising amount of forgiveness. It’s like watercolor, but you get to use white!”

So go ahead - grab a brush, squeeze out some color, and see what gouache can do. You might just find your new favorite medium.