Gouache Paint Sale - Up to 30% Off the Good Stuff

If you've been curious about gouache, this is a good time to try it.

Gouache sits between watercolour and acrylic. It is water-based and easy to clean up, but gives you solid, opaque coverage with a flat matte finish. It is loved by illustrators, designers and artists because it is easy to work with, photographs beautifully and gives bold colour without the fuss.

What's included

Mont Marte Gouache Sets

Mont Marte gouache sets are a simple, affordable way to get started. They offer a good colour range, consistent coverage and an easy painting experience whether you are new to gouache or adding it to your current kit. The sets take the guesswork out of choosing colours.

Reeves Gouache Sets

Reeves gouache sets are a reliable student option with solid performance. Available in 12 and 18 colour sets, plus a combined watercolour and gouache wooden box set if you like working across both mediums.

Why use gouache paint?

  • Opaque coverage - paint light colours over dark colours
  • Matte finish - no glare, great for scanning and photos
  • Water-based - easy to clean up and adjust
  • Beginner-friendly - mistakes can be painted over
  • Fast drying - build layers without waiting around
  • Versatile - works well for illustration, design, sketchbooks and fine art

Already use watercolour or acrylic?

If you paint with watercolour, gouache will feel familiar straight away. You can use similar brushes, similar paper and the same simple water clean-up. The difference is coverage. Gouache gives you stronger opacity, which means you can paint light over dark and create flatter, more graphic shapes.

If you use acrylic, gouache gives you a softer matte finish and easier reworking. Acrylic dries permanently, while gouache can usually be reactivated with water. A lot of artists use both depending on the result they want.

Don't forget the paper

Gouache works best on proper paper. Watercolour paper is a safe choice because it handles water well, while toned papers can make colours, shadows and highlights pop beautifully.

Shop paper for gouache while it's on sale.

Don't forget your brushes

Gouache works well with many of the same brushes used for watercolour. Soft synthetic brushes and round brushes are great for smooth colour, washes, edges and detail work.

  • Starting out? A small brush set will cover most basics.
  • Painting flat colour? Try a larger round or flat brush.
  • Adding detail? Grab a smaller round brush for cleaner lines.

Shop brushes while you're building your gouache kit.

Stock up while it's on sale

The popular gouache sets don't last long during EOFYS. They never do.

If you've been thinking about trying gouache or adding it to your kit, now is the time.

Don't overthink it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gouache paint?

Gouache is a water-based opaque paint. It is similar to watercolour because it is thinned with water and easy to clean up, but it dries with a flat matte finish and gives stronger, more solid coverage. Unlike acrylic paint, gouache can usually be reactivated with water after drying.

What is gouache paint used for?

Gouache is commonly used for illustration, design work, sketchbooks, fine art, studies, colour blocking and artwork that will be scanned or photographed. Its matte finish and strong opacity make it popular with artists who want bold, clean colour without shine.

What is the difference between gouache and watercolour?

The main difference is opacity. Watercolour is transparent, allowing the paper to show through. Gouache is opaque, which means you can paint light colours over dark ones and create solid, flat areas of colour. Gouache also dries more matte than traditional watercolour.

What is the difference between gouache and acrylic paint?

Both gouache and acrylic can be opaque, but acrylic becomes water-resistant once dry. Gouache remains water-soluble and can often be reworked with water. Gouache has a softer matte finish, while acrylic is more durable and suitable for a wider range of surfaces.

Is gouache good for beginners?

Yes. Gouache is one of the more forgiving paints to learn. It dries quickly, mistakes can be painted over, and it is easy to thin and control with water. A basic gouache paint set is enough to get started.

Can you use watercolour brushes for gouache?

Yes. Gouache works well with many of the same brushes used for watercolour. Soft synthetic or natural hair brushes are ideal because they hold water, move smoothly and help create even coverage.

What paper should I use for gouache?

Watercolour paper is the best option for gouache. Around 300gsm is a good starting point because it can handle water without buckling too much. Toned papers such as grey or tan are also popular because they help highlights and shadows stand out.

Can gouache be reactivated with water?

Yes. Traditional gouache can usually be reactivated with water after it dries. This makes it easy to blend, soften edges or rework sections, but it also means finished work should be handled carefully.

Does Art Shed ship gouache paint Australia-wide?

Yes. Art Shed ships gouache paint and art supplies to all states and territories across Australia from our Moorabbin warehouse.