Winsor & Newton
Holbein Artists
ShinHan
When looking for art mediums that give unique results, the first one that comes to mind is gouache. There’s simply nothing like the velvety texture, vibrant colors and the matte finish that gouache paint offers. It stands out as a favorite among illustrators, designers, and fine artists who bridge the gap between acrylics and watercolors.
In this article, we’re going to learn more about gouache, from their characteristics to all we need to consider before buying our first gouache set. We’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding this beautiful medium and we’re also going to explore some of the best sets and brands that the market has to offer to help you make an informed decision for your next art project. Let’s get started!
What is Gouache Paint?
Gouache is a water-based medium, made of finely ground pigments, binders and a solid white agent (like chalk) that enhances its opacity and gives it its characteristic matte finish. Gouache is very similar to watercolor paint in several aspects, however it also shares similarities with acrylic paint, making it one of the most versatile mediums in art.
Gouache Paint Characteristics
Gouache paint is water based, opaque but not water resistant once it dries, it dries with a velvety, matte finish, and has a very high pigment concentration, giving the art made with this mediums its vibrancy and beauty,
Factors to Consider When Buying Gouache Paint
Pigment Quality
Pigment quality is always important, paints with high pigment quality perform better, mix better and have better coverage. Plus their opacity comes from the high pigment load instead of the high amount of fillers. Look for paints labeled as “high pigment load” or “artist-grade” which will ensure good pigment quality, high pigment concentration, and overall better quality and performance of the paint. Beyond just the concentration of pigment, the unique particle size and shape of the pigment in gouache paint affects its opacity and texture. Finer pigments can provide a smoother finish and more even color when applied, while larger, irregularly shaped particles might offer a distinctive texture and a different light reflection quality.
Permanence and Lightfastness
Permanence and lightfastness refers to the ability of the paint to withstand the passing of time, including the resistance to fading when exposed to light and other environmental conditions that affect gouache paint. Lightfastness is rated with different scales in the world, however in the US the ASTM scale indicates the resistance to light with ratings going from I to IV where I and II stand for good lightfastness and IV and V stand for poor lightfastness. Good quality sets will have good lightfastness ratings for most of their paint tubes.
Consistency
The best gouache paint will always be the most creamy and buttery you can find, paint that dries too quickly on the palette or that is hard to reactivate will always be the reason behind an artist’s headache, plus, consistency plays a significant role in how well colors can be mixed and blended, gouache with a creamy consistency is generally easier to mix, providing clear and vibrant colors on the paper, canvas or palette.
Some artists prefer the consistency that comes straight from the tube, while others look for gouache that can be easily modified with water or mediums so that it fits the techniques they use.
Price
The price of gouache paint can be indicative of the quality of the paint, although it may not always be the case. Artist-quality paints are usually pricier because of their higher pigment load as well as better lightfastness rating but can be considered an investment in the long term since they are very durable and their colors are very intense.
For beginners and practicing purposes there are budget and student-grade options. These are options that offer good quality, but have lesser pigment concentration and lightfastness. Evaluating your needs and balancing them with your budget can help you make the best choice without compromising too much on quality.
Best Gouache Paint Sets and Brands
- Best Gouache Paint Set Overall — Winsor & Newton Designer Gouache
- Best Gouache Paint Set for Designers — Holbein Artists’ Gouache
- Best Gouache Paint Set for Students — ShinHan Professional Designer Gouache
- Best Professional Gouache Paint Set — Schmincke Horadam Artist Gouache
- Best Budget Gouache Paint Set — ARTEZA Gouache Paint
#1. Best Gouache Paint Set Overall — Winsor & Newton Designer’s Gouache
Selection Criteria
- Pigment Quality: High Quality.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Lightfastness: High Lightfastness.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Consistency: Very Creamy consistency.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Presentation: Set of 10 Tubes(14ml).
- Our Score – 8/10
- Price: $50.96
- Our Score – 8/10
About Winsor & Newton Designer Gouache
Winsor & Newton come as the best choice when buying gouache paint because it checks all the boxes, quality, affordability, consistency and durability. While this paint is not the most affordable out there, it’s priced fairly in comparison with other professional brands. It offers incomparable quality and a wide assortment of colors, including vegan options and cadmium-free colors.
Each paint tube has a high pigment concentration and no fillers as indicated by the brand, the consistency is smooth and the texture allows for easy application and even coverage. The paint dries with a matte finish with some punctual exceptions, and this particular set has all the colors to get all the shades you might need.
Pros
- High pigment load
- Smooth application
- Great opacity
Cons
- Pricey
2. Best Gouache Paint Set for Designers — Holbein Artists’ Gouache
Selection Criteria
- Pigment Quality: Very High Quality.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Lightfastness: Excellent Lightfastness.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Consistency: Smooth consistency.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Presentation: Set of 18 Tubes(5ml).
- Our Score – 8/10
- Price: $89.06
- Our Score – 7/10
About Holbein Artists’ Gouache
Known for its superb quality and pure colors, Holbein comes as the best option for designers looking for a reliable paint set to work with. Holbein gouache is made with finely ground pigments, which results in an extra-smooth texture and streak-free application. The colors are bright, vibrant and very opaque, plus they have a minimal shift in color when wet vs dry, which is crucial in design work where precision in color representation is very important.
This set offers a good range of colors that provide a solid base to explore and create, and while the price might be on the pricier side, it’s considered an investment since this paint is of the best quality and that will show directly in your work.
Pros
- Vibrant colors
- No whitening agents
- Consistent texture
Cons
- Pricey
- Some colors fade
3. Best Gouache Paint Set for Students — ShinHan Professional Designer Gouache
Selection Criteria
- Pigment Quality: Normal Quality.
- Our Score – 7/10
- Lightfastness: Normal Lightfastness.
- Our Score – 7/10
- Consistency: Creamy and fluid.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Presentation: Set of 12 Tubes(15ml).
- Our Score – 8/10
- Price: $33.42
- Our Score – 8/10
About ShinHan Professional Designer Gouache
ShinHan Professional Designer Gouache offers a blend of quality and affordability, making it a popular alternative for students and beginners. While maintaining a professional grade that appeals to more experienced artists, ShinHan’s gouache paints are priced in a way that remains accessible to those who are still learning or on a tighter budget.
The paints are formulated with a good pigment concentration, ensuring vibrant and opaque colors, plus it has a smooth and creamy consistency, making it easy to work with for beginners. It spreads well on various surfaces, allowing students to focus on technique rather than struggling with the medium.
Pros
- Affordable
- Strong coverage
- Bright colors
Cons
- Inconsistent quality
- Less smooth
- Limited distribution
4. Best Professional Gouache Paint Set — Schmincke Horadam Artist Gouache
Selection Criteria
- Pigment Quality: Very High Quality.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Lightfastness: Excellent Lightfastness.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Consistency: Creamy and Opaque consistency.
- Our Score – 8/10
- Presentation: Set of 10 Tubes(15ml) with metal box.
- Our Score – 7/10
- Price: $105.46
- Our Score – 7/10
About Schmincke Horadam Artist Gouache
Schmincke is one of the go-to brands of many professionals, and their gouache is not an exception.Known for its outstanding quality and consistency, Schmincke Horadam Gouache offers a range of beautiful, opaque colors that have strong covering power. The Schmincke Horadam Gouache formula was created to deliver a smooth, velvet matte finish which professionals like because it is able to produce nice results in digital format thus becoming a favorite of illustrators and graphic designers. In addition, the gouache paint’s outstanding lightfastness ratings ensure that artworks made with Schmincke gouache will retain their brightness and authenticity for years to come, which is a crucial aspect for artists who sell or exhibit their work.
Pros
- High-quality pigments
- Excellent lightfastness
- Rewettable
Cons
- Expensive
- Dries slowly
- Hard to find
5. Best Budget Gouache Paint Set — ARTEZA Gouache Paint
Selection Criteria
- Pigment Quality: Normal Quality.
- Our Score – 7/10
- Lightfastness: Normal Lightfastness.
- Our Score – 7/10
- Consistency: Thick and creamy.
- Our Score – 9/10
- Presentation: Set of 60 Tubes(12ml).
- Our Score – 9/10
- Price: $45.45
- Our Score – 9/10
About ARTEZA Gouache Paint
If you’re looking for an affordable painting set that offers a good color range, good quality and doesn’t break the bank, then Arteza will most likely always be your answer. This painting set has 60 tubes of different colors, so you can test and paint to your heart’s content without having to worry about wasting paint or not having the right hue. The consistency is creamy and uniform, easy to work with, easy to blend and spreads well on paper. The tubes are not small, so you won’t have to worry about running off of paint in the middle of your work, although Arteza doesn’t offer individual tubes, the price of the whole set is what a few tubes of professional paint would cost. The affordability and quality of Arteza Gouache make it ideal for experimentation. Artists can explore different techniques and applications without the fear of wasting expensive materials.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Large color selection
- Good for beginners
Cons
- Lower pigment load
- Can crack when dry
Gouache Paint FAQs
How does gouache differ from watercolor and acrylic paint?
Unlike watercolor, gouache is opaque rather than transparent. Compared to acrylics, gouache is water-soluble even when dry, allowing for reactivation with water, while acrylics dry to a water-resistant finish.
Can gouache be used on any surface?
Gouache works best on watercolor paper, illustration board, or any surface designed for water-based media. It’s versatile but performs best on surfaces that can absorb the paint without warping.
How should I start with gouache as a beginner?
Begin with a basic set of primary colors to learn color mixing. Use a palette for mixing and start with thin layers, gradually building up to thicker applications. Experiment with both opaque and diluted techniques.
Can gouache paintings be preserved for a long time?
Yes, with proper care. Use acid-free paper and store or display the artwork away from direct sunlight. You can also seal the painting with a spray fixative designed for gouache to protect it.
Is gouache suitable for mixed media artwork?
Absolutely. Gouache can be combined with watercolor, pencils, inks, and even digital painting techniques. Its versatility in opacity and reactivation makes it excellent for layering and integrating with other media.
How do you prevent gouache from cracking when dry
To minimize cracking, avoid applying the paint too thickly in a single layer. Use a palette to mix with water for a creamy consistency that adheres well to the surface. For very thick layers, consider mixing gouache with a medium designed to enhance flexibility.
