Best Gouache Paint

Best Gouache Paint US


Gouache paint is a popular water-based paint for beginners and professionals alike because of its ease of use. Finding the appropriate gouache paint that strikes a nice balance between economic price and quality is the only thing about gouache paint that is more difficult than pronouncing its name. If you are looking to get more detailed information on this type of paint or gouache paint sets in general, you have come to the right place. Over this article, we will be going over things that will help you in making your purchasing decision. We will also be sharing our reviews and talking about gouache brands and how they compare with watercolor paints.

What are Gouache Paints And How do They Work?

If you have had the experience to work with art supplies or paints in general then you will know that there is a wide variety of paints available out there; all in their different qualities and characteristics. The entry of so many brands in the market has made it a bit difficult for the regular customer to identify the one with the high-quality pigments. In addition, if you are looking for the best gouache paint then the job becomes even tougher as not all brands produce this highly pigmented paint.

Coming back to the discussion of what gouache paints are, it is a variant of water-based paint. However, it has more pigments than watercolor paints. This high pigment load gives it the ability to provide an opaque watercolor finish. This means that when your paint dries down, you won’t be able to see anything beneath the paper. There is another sort of paint that provides such a finish and it is acrylic paint. The differentiating factor is that gouache paints provide a matte finish while acrylic will leave you a shiny surface.

Regardless, there is acrylic gouache as well if that suits your needs. This acrylic gouache paint dries faster than typical paints and is waterproof too thanks to the synthetic additions.

But we’re here to specifically look at just gouache paint today so let’s take a look at the best paints available.

Why You Should Use Gouache Paints?

Selecting The Best Gouache Paint On The Market:

Quality, quality, and quality:

As we mentioned before, there is an increasing supply of paint in the market. In the midst of so many options, there are low-quality paints widespread in the market. You will have to completely ignore those and get something like designer gouache. Do not get anything from an unknown brand. Check out the ones we talk about and we can ensure you it won’t disappoint.

Packaging:

This might come off as something minuscule. But trust me, good packaging on your paints will make the world of difference in choosing the best gouache paints. The reason behind it is that it is directly linked to the accessibility of the paint.

Most gouache paint is sold in pans of many colors or as single hues. Some individuals choose small tubes over pans because particular colors may be swapped more readily. Some tubes, on the other hand, make squeezing difficult. Select the type of packaging that suits your needs the best and purchase accordingly.

Drying time:

Gouache paint is the fastest drying paint that provides a matte finish. However, it will still vary from brand to brand. Some might take hours to dry, while high-quality other brands might not take long. The shade of color mixes will be a contributing issue as well.

Different color shades will need different times to dry down.

Type Of Tool You Are Using:

Most new artists tend to be overly nervous whenever using a new type of paint. We want to clarify that in order to do gouache painting you do not need to use any specific type of brush. The ones you might have used on watercolor paint will work fine as gouache paints are water-based paints. However, if you are looking for different effects then you can take the help of sponges and a toothbrush. It won’t damage the paint in any way.

When it comes to the use of paper, we recommend using watercolor paper because of its absorbent abilities. If you do not have the option of watercolor paper then you can use canvas as well.


01) Schmincke Horadam Aquarell Half-Pan Paint Metal Set

Set of 48 Colors

Schmincke Horadam Aquarell Half-Pan Paint Metal Set main image

Features:

• High-quality paint.

• Traditional formula that tracks back to 1881.

• Used by famous artists all around the world.

• Inclusion of ox gall ensures the paint does not become runny.

• 48 color shades included.

Description:

Schmincke is an art supplies brand that has been there since the ages. They do not sacrifice when it comes to quality and this ensures the best product possible.

Review:

Each color shade comes individually wrapped, so the paint stays secured at all times. You will just need to go through the initial process of unwrapping them all the first time. The packing has texts of information on each of the colors to keep the user well informed.

The colors do every bit of justice to the brand’s name and what they stand for. The shades are bright and vigorous whilst still keeping the matte finish intact. The consistency is thick but still keeps the paint weight to a minimum. If you are someone who likes to paint occasionally but wants a wide variety of shade options and also a high pigment load on your paints then this is the one you should go for.


02) Holbein Artist Gouache Set of 24

24 x 15ml tubes

Holbein Artist Gouache main image

Features:

• Nontoxic options available.

• Wide range of colors available.

• Made from finely grounded pigments.

• Not chalky like student grade gouache.

• From a high-quality brand.

Description:

The artist gouache collection from Holbein provides a nice combination of color charts that can be used by a hobbyist and professional artists as well.

Review:

Each and every color holds the same pigments in order to ensure the best quality outcome. The paints are designed in such a way that makes color mixing easier than ever.

The paints have a thick consistency and will make the paper look completely opaque. You will be getting a velvety matte finish from it. However, the paints can be mixed with paint thinner to get a semi-transparency finish as well. Rest assured, you will be able to enjoy your painting process a great deal with the Holbein artist’s gouache set.


03) Montmar Art Artists Special Watercolor Paint

15ml Tubes 34 Color Set

Montmar Art Artists Special Watercolor Paint main image

Features:

• Bright and vivid colors.

• Characterized by color softness.

• Durable.

• Ideal for hobby painters.

• Recommended by artists.

Description:

If you are looking to gift someone a paint set as a gift and you are confused about what to get, then just close your eyes and get them this. While other paints might cause confusion, gouache paints are straightforward and provide exactly what a painter needs.

Review:

The Montmartre watercolor comes in a premium box filled with tubes of beautiful colors. Each tube has 15ml of color and each of these are of great quality, giving a clear and vivid outcome. It has rare colors too like titanium white, burnt umber, and many more.

This watercolor set is crafted with the highest quality pigments and the finest high-grade gum arabic. It is durable and has less discoloration, and even if mixed, its color is clear. Other brands don’t offer such well-curated boxes. Give it a try if you are looking for some awesome watercolors.


04) Pébéo Case with Gouache Paint

12 Tubes of 20 ml Assorted Colours

Pébéo Case with Gouache Paint main image

Features:

• Affordable.

• Straightforward performance.

• Unique color finishes.

• Good quality.

• Good packaging.

Description:

Pébéo is well known for providing high-quality pigment paint at affordable prices. This case that comes in a pack of 12 tubes is no different.

Review:

Say what you will, but paint tubes are the best type of packaging that gouache paint can come in. It just makes the overall process of using the paint easier. Talking about this paint, it provides a rich creamy finish and once you see the dried paint, you will be left in awe as to the fantastic medium matte finish it provides.

You can use the colors on any surface you want. Be it painting small and delicate pieces or on watercolor boards. It handles challenges with ease.

It is definitely an artist-quality paint.


05) Windsor & Newton Artist Gouache, Watercolor

5ml 24 Color Set

Windsor & Newton Artist Gouache main image

Features:

• Very high quality.

• Value for money.

• Easy to use.

• Paint sticks to the surface well.

• Used by professional artists all around the world.

Description:

Windsor and Newton are one of the top brands when it comes to painting supplies. They are the pioneers of gouache paint and Newton gouache is one of the best in the world.

Review:

Despite being the best of the best, their products are affordable. This might come off as a shock to many. Do not judge by its price tag, but rather the performance it provides. And it aces in that. If you are tired of your paint set underperforming every time then simply close your eyes and get this.

There are no additional unnecessary features attached to this. All you will be getting is high-quality pigment paint whose paint will last a long time. Even if you paint medium coats, it holds the paint to the surface immensely well.


General Information About Best Gouache Paint

If used properly with the right tricks you can bring the best out of gouache paints. Here is a bit of information and a few tips that will help you to use the paint.

Keep In Mind Of The Consistency:

Painting too many layers can cause cracking as well as the formation of “mud,” which may confuse and trouble beginner artists. You may avoid this by making sure your paint doesn’t have an excessively thick consistency.

Take Care Of Your Paint and Tools:

This shouldn’t come off as a surprise. Always make sure to keep your paint nice and clean and do not mix it with anything else. Always prevent gouache paint from sticking on your brush as it will ruin the paint and also cost you more in the long run.

Layering Them Up:

Here is a tip that is backed off by professional artists. When you are layering and mixing your paint, always keep in mind to keep the base thin by adding more water than paint.

When you apply increasing layers of paint, the earlier layers will be reactivated; watery layers will have less pigment in them, so there will be less risk of breaking or the paint turning into mud when you apply the later layers.

Conclusion / Roundup

Gouache is one of the most versatile types of paints that are available out there on the market. It can provide a matte finish, opaque finish, acrylic, and even a watercolor finish. It all depends on the way you use it. However, if not used properly then it will cause you nightmares you never wanted.

To get the most out of this paint, you must first acquire the correct paint and then learn the tactics that will help you master this medium. It is nothing out of the ordinary. Just go try to experiment as much as you can and with plenty of practice you’ll soon get the hang of them.

FAQ’s

What is the best brand for gouache paints?

As we had mentioned before, the market has been saturated with different paint brands. However, not all of them are of good quality. As you will be spending your hard-earned money on a gouache paint set then you should be getting something from the best brands out there. Brands like Newton designers gouache, Schmincke, Reeves gouache paint, and Holbein sell some of the best gouache paint available. You can keep an eye out for Graham Artists’ gouache and Arteza gouache paint as they are hard to miss.

Do professional artists use gouache?

Yes, professional artists do use gouache due to its versatility. It has the abilities and appearance of both acrylics and watercolor paints. It even has similarities to oil paints as well.

Which gouache paint is best for beginners?

If you are starting off as a beginner in using gouache then you will need something that is simple yet has all the qualities present in high-quality gouache paint. Check beginner options from Miya Himi, Arteza, and Winsor & Newton. They will be the ideal options.


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Written By Adam Rushton

Adam has made a name for himself in the illustration industry and is a passionate blogger and writer on the subject of art, illustration and graphic design.

His artwork has been featured in countless publications and used for very well-known media projects. As a professional illustrator for over 20 years, Adams media outlets, a wealth of knowledge, and experience enable him to consult and advise artists and illustrators in this country (from York and Manchester to Southampton and London) and all over the world.


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