Gouache exists in that goldilocks zone between watercolour and acrylic, combining the fluid, water-based nature of watercolour with bold, opaque colour. Art Shed’s gouache collection gives Australian artists access to everything from professional extra-fine tubes to convenient student sets; complete with options for traditional painters, illustrators and designers.

Considered the dogs or diamonds of the artistry world, gouache is known as a designer’s best friend, producing a flat, matte finish that makes colours look rich and vibrant without distracting reflections. It can be rewetted, layered and adjusted, making it a flexible medium for delicate fine art and bold illustrations.

The Unique Appeal of Gouache: Opaque, Matte, and Bold

Chief among the many reasons it stands out, gouache has become particularly renowned for its high pigment concentration, giving it excellent colour strength. When met with the addition of white pigments or fillers such as calcium carbonate, understanding why it’s so popular is easy once you see its glossy opacity and velvety, non-reflective surface.

Unlike transparent watercolour, gouache allows artists to place lighter colours over darker ones. This makes it useful for illustration, graphic design and paintings requiring crisp layers, highlights and corrections. Its matte finish is valuable for commercial illustration because it reduces glare when artwork is photographed or scanned for reproduction and digital use.

One of the benefits that comes with using gouache is that it can be diluted with water for softer, more transparent washes that shine on watercolour paper, or it can be applied more thickly and paired with synthetic brushes for strong blocks of colour. This provides a level of versatility that lets artists move between delicate details and expressive, graphic marks within one painting.

Choosing Your Medium: Traditional vs. Acrylic Gouache

Traditional gouache uses a water-soluble binder, meaning dried paint can be rewetted with water. This allows artists to reactivate colours, soften edges, blend passages and lift paint from the surface. It is a choice for artists who enjoy a responsive, changeable workflow.

Acrylic gouache, sometimes called Acryla gouache, uses an acrylic binder instead. Once dry, it becomes water-resistant, so subsequent layers can be applied without readily disturbing the colour underneath. This makes it especially useful for clean, precise illustrations and artists who want gouache’s matte appearance with a more permanent finish.

Art Shed’s range includes respected names such as Holbein, Winsor & Newton and Mont Marte, giving artists options for different experience levels and budgets.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gouache the same as watercolour?

No. Both are water-based and commonly use gum arabic, but gouache contains more pigment and opaque ingredients, producing a denser, less transparent finish.

Can you use gouache on canvas?

Gouache works best on heavyweight paper or illustration board. It can also be used on prepared surfaces such as watercolour canvas, while acrylic gouache is better suited to surfaces requiring greater durability.

Do I need special brushes for gouache painting?

Not necessarily. Synthetic or natural-hair brushes that hold water while retaining a fine point work well for washes and detailed marks.

How do I seal a finished gouache painting?

Framing under glass is a reliable way to protect traditional gouache. A suitable fixative may also help prevent smudging, but always test it first because sprays can alter a matte surface. Explore watercolour paints or compare acrylic paint sets if you prefer permanence.