Gouache Paint

Gouache paint has been used for over 700 years, yet remains relatively unknown. It consists of three main ingredients: pigment, binder, and additives. While similar to both acrylic and watercolor paints, gouache has unique properties.

Gouache is naturally opaque but becomes translucent when water is added. Artists can either dilute it or build up thicker layers. The finished artwork has vibrant colors with a matte finish.

Compared to acrylics, gouache dries quickly but remains reworkable long after completion. While acrylic paintings can be framed directly, gouache works require protective glass or varnish before framing.

Watercolor and gouache share similarities. Both come in small portions and are typically mixed with water before use. However, gouache differs in several ways:

More heavily pigmented
Heavier consistency
Provides more texture
Contains added white pigment (from chalk or acrylic)

Though not widely used, many artists praise gouache. This thread on wetcanvas.com shares artists' positive experiences with the medium.

Watercolor Paint

Most people have childhood experience with watercolors, which remain affordable and accessible. These paints have an ancient history (dating back to Egyptian times) yet remain popular in classrooms today.

Despite their low cost, watercolors can produce beautiful results. They dry quickly, create translucent layers, and leave a matte finish. Artists build brightness through layering.

Watercolors require special paper because:

Water-based formula needs non-absorbent surface
Regular paper causes bleeding (like coloring book pages)

Artists control color intensity by adjusting water content:

More water = more translucent
Less water = deeper color

However, watercolors present challenges:

Accidental water drops can ruin finished work
Mastering water-to-paint ratio requires practice
Mistakes are difficult to cover due to transparency

Acrylic Paint

Unlike gouache and watercolors, acrylics offer more forgiveness with their thicker, opaque formula. They're ideal for artists who work quickly and precisely.

Acrylic advantages include:

Greater durability (lightfast, dust-resistant, waterproof)
Brighter results than watercolors
Versatile application (little to no water needed)
Works on multiple surfaces (paper, wood, glass, plastic)
Allows crisp lines, lettering, and palette knife techniques

Potential drawbacks:

Fast drying time (can be pro or con)
Cannot rework after drying
Slightly more expensive than other options

Comparing Gouache vs. Watercolor vs. Acrylics

Each artist must discover which medium suits their style. Some prefer gouache's reworkability years later, while others value acrylic's permanence.

Though different, all three mediums can create stunning artwork. The magic happens when the artist applies their vision through brush (or palette knife) to surface.