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10 Best Gouache Paint 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

HIMI Twin Cup Jelly Gouache Paint Set, 112 Colors 12g, Jelly Cup Design, Gouache Paint Non Toxic for Canvas and Paper, Art Supplies for Professionals and Beginner (Ice Blue)

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,161
Pigment Quality
Re-wettability

Most important from
353 reviews

Pigment Quality
The paint quality works well and is satisfactory for both novices and more experienced users.
Re-wettability
These paints have great longevity, staying fresh for years when paired with HIMI Bottle Wetting Spray.

The HIMI Twin Cup Jelly Gouache Paint Set offers 112 vibrant colors that dry quickly, making it suitable for artists who need a wide color palette for their creations. The pigment quality appears to be high as the paint is described as long-lasting and capable of outperforming many alternatives, which is beneficial for both professionals and beginners.

This set's opacity should be satisfactory given the rich color palette, although individual testing might be necessary for specific opacity needs. The consistency of the paint is likely to be reliable thanks to the twin cup jelly design, which should help maintain the paint’s quality and freshness. The drying time is quick, which is a plus for artists who work swiftly or need to layer their work.

The compact and convenient design with double locks helps ensure that the paint stays secure and fresh, and the non-toxic feature makes it safe for all users. The product is well-suited for artistic creation on both canvas and paper. Customer satisfaction is a priority for the manufacturer, which adds a layer of reliability for potential buyers.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,161
Pigment Quality
Re-wettability

Most important from
353 reviews

Pigment Quality
The paint quality works well and is satisfactory for both novices and more experienced users.
Re-wettability
These paints have great longevity, staying fresh for years when paired with HIMI Bottle Wetting Spray.
#2

Winsor & Newton Designer's Gouache, 14 ml (0.47oz) tube, Permanent White

Rating
9.8
Pigment Quality
Opacity

Most important from
8578 reviews

Pigment Quality
Great quality and very effective, love this white gouache!
Opacity
The paint applies well and achieves a nice white with 2-3 layers.

Winsor & Newton Designer's Gouache in Permanent White is an excellent choice for artists seeking high-quality gouache paint. The pigment quality is top-notch, providing vibrant and opaque colors that are sure to stand out on any canvas. With a lightfastness rating of ASTM I, you can be confident that your artwork will resist fading over time, making it a reliable option for both professional and hobbyist artists alike.

One of the standout features of this gouache is its consistency and opacity, which allows for smooth application and excellent coverage. The matte finish further enhances the visual appeal of the paint, making it suitable for a variety of artistic styles. Additionally, it is crack-resistant, adding to its durability when dry.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the paint re-wets easily, which can be convenient for those who like to layer or adjust their work, some users might find that it dries relatively quickly. This can be a challenge for artists who prefer to work slowly or are used to acrylics or oils that remain workable longer. The 14 ml tube size is a decent option for most artists, but those engaging in larger projects may find themselves needing to purchase multiple tubes. Furthermore, because this gouache is specifically designed for indoor use, it may not be ideal for outdoor projects without proper planning.

Rating
9.8
Pigment Quality
Opacity

Most important from
8578 reviews

Pigment Quality
Great quality and very effective, love this white gouache!
Opacity
The paint applies well and achieves a nice white with 2-3 layers.
#3

M. Graham 1/2-Ounce Tube 5 Color Gouache Paint Primary Set

Rating
9.7
Pigment Quality

Most important from
2182 reviews

Pigment Quality
High quality product with beautiful pigment; a small amount of paint goes a very long way.

The M. Graham 1/2-Ounce Tube 5 Color Gouache Paint Primary Set is an artist-quality gouache paint ideal for serious artists and hobbyists alike. One of its standout features is the use of pure blackberry honey, which helps maintain a smooth consistency, making it easy to apply and mix. This gouache paint set is free from chalk and opacifying adulterants, ensuring high pigment quality and deep, dense colors, which result in excellent opacity. This makes it suitable for bold and vibrant artwork that stands out on paper.

Additionally, the paint offers a reflective matte finish, allowing it to be used alone or in mixed media combinations with watercolor, making it versatile for various artistic techniques. The paint is chip-resistant, further enhancing its durability for indoor use on paper surfaces. Made in the USA, this product has received high praise from users, as indicated by its 4.8-star rating from over 2,000 reviews. However, it is important to note that the gouache is not waterproof, which means it may not be suitable for projects that require water resistance.

Its drying time is reasonable, but artists should be aware that gouache generally dries faster than other types of paint, which might require a quicker work pace. The re-wettability of the paint is a useful feature, allowing artists to rework areas if needed. Given its high pigment quality and excellent opacity, this gouache paint set is particularly beneficial for those looking to create vibrant, detailed artwork with a matte finish.

Rating
9.7
Pigment Quality

Most important from
2182 reviews

Pigment Quality
High quality product with beautiful pigment; a small amount of paint goes a very long way.

Buying Guide for the Best Gouache Paint

Choosing the right gouache paint can significantly impact your painting experience and the quality of your artwork. Gouache paint is a versatile medium that combines the properties of watercolor and acrylic paint, offering vibrant colors and a matte finish. When selecting gouache paint, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and find the perfect gouache paint for your artistic projects.
Pigment QualityPigment quality refers to the concentration and purity of the color in the paint. High-quality pigments provide more vibrant and long-lasting colors, while lower-quality pigments may fade over time. Artists' grade gouache typically contains higher pigment concentration and is more suitable for professional work, whereas student grade gouache has less pigment and is more affordable for beginners. If you are a professional artist or want the best color quality, opt for artists' grade gouache. For practice or learning, student grade may be sufficient.
OpacityOpacity is the ability of the paint to cover the surface beneath it. Gouache is known for its high opacity, which allows for solid, vibrant layers of color. However, the level of opacity can vary between brands and colors. More opaque paints are ideal for creating bold, solid areas of color and for layering without the underlying layers showing through. If you prefer a more transparent look or want to create subtle washes, you might choose a gouache with lower opacity. Consider your painting style and the effects you want to achieve when selecting the opacity level.
LightfastnessLightfastness measures how well the paint resists fading when exposed to light over time. This is particularly important if you plan to display your artwork or sell it, as you want the colors to remain vibrant for as long as possible. Paints with high lightfastness ratings are more resistant to fading, while those with lower ratings may fade more quickly. Check the lightfastness rating on the paint tubes or packaging, and choose paints with higher ratings if longevity is important for your work.
ConsistencyConsistency refers to the thickness and flow of the paint. Gouache can range from thick and creamy to more fluid and runny. Thicker gouache is great for creating textured effects and impasto techniques, while thinner gouache is better for smooth, even washes and fine details. Consider how you like to work and the techniques you use most often. If you prefer a versatile paint that can be adjusted with water, look for a consistency that suits your needs and can be easily modified.
Drying TimeDrying time is the amount of time it takes for the paint to dry once applied. Gouache generally dries quickly, but the exact drying time can vary depending on the brand and the thickness of the application. Faster drying times are useful for layering and working quickly, while slower drying times allow for more blending and manipulation of the paint. Think about your workflow and how you like to work with the paint. If you need more time to blend and adjust, choose a gouache with a slower drying time.
Re-wettabilityRe-wettability is the ability of the paint to be reactivated with water after it has dried. One of the unique properties of gouache is that it can be re-wet and worked on even after it has dried, unlike acrylic paint. This is useful for making corrections and adding details later on. However, some gouache paints re-wet more easily than others. If you want the flexibility to rework your paintings, look for gouache that has good re-wettability. If you prefer your work to remain more permanent, this may be less of a concern.

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