Gouache

What is gouache?

Gouache is a type of paint that combines the water-solubility of watercolours with the opacity of acrylics. Often called opaque watercolour, gouache offers a unique set of properties that make it a very versatile medium for artists.

How can you use gouache?

Being water-based, gouache is easy to use with water for mixing and cleaning and works well on watercolour paper.

Gouache can be mixed with water to achieve different levels of opacity or to create a wash. The opaque nature of gouache means it can be used for layering colours, building up from light washes to darker colours. Good quality gouache paints will mix well together to create a wide range of colours and shades. 

Gouache Applications

Gouache is a very versatile paint medium. The vibrant colours make gouache good for graphic design while its ability to also create flat washes means gouache is popular for  illustrations. Artists also use gouache for paintings, often combining it with other mediums like watercolour or ink.

If you're new to painting with gouache, a paint set is the ideal way to get started. To add to your gouache collection you can buy gouache paints in individual tubes.