Gouache: Overview
Gouache is a water-medium paint consisting of pigment, water, gum arabic, and inert material. It is opaque by design and has been used for over twelve centuries. Commercial artists use gouache for posters, comics, and designs. Gouache resembles watercolor and can be rewetted to a matte finish.
Gouache vs. Watercolor
Gouache is more opaque than watercolor. While watercolors are transparent, gouache consists of colored pigments, a binder, and water. It produces a velvety matte finish, allowing layering with separate shades.
Gouache Characteristics
Gouache is a water-based paint with larger particles, higher pigment-to-water ratio, and inert white pigment. It is heavier, more opaque, and reflects light more. Diluted with water, gouache provides an opaque painting method.
Is Gouache the Same as Acrylic Paint?
Gouache resembles both watercolor and acrylic paints. It has an opaque style like acrylics but uses water as its medium. Gouache can be applied thinly like watercolor or with thick layers like acrylic paint.