Gouache Paints

It’s pronounced “gwash.” (Like squash, but with a “g”.) Gouache is an opaque form of watercolor paint that shares many of the working properties of traditional watercolor but dries to a chalky, matte finish. Its opacity stems from a high concentration of pigment and in most cases the addition of an opaquing agent like calcium carbonate. Because it can be brittle in heavier applications, care should be taken when painting with traditional gouache on flexible supports like paper.

We also offer Holbein’s Acryla Designer Gouache and Lascaux Gouache, acrylic based paints that mimic traditional gouache in look and feel but become water-resistant upon drying making them useful for under-painting or when layers are desired. The acrylic medium adds some flexibility but also adds a little gloss when compared to traditional gouache.