What’s So Great and Not-So Great About Gouache

Gouache is very versatile and can be used with a variety of mediums, but there are also some other pluses and some negatives to using gouache. You can rewet gouache after it dries because it doesn’t go through a chemical change when it is dry. Gouache provides excellent coverage when applying. However, if you apply gouache too thickly it has been known to crack or peel. Because gouache dries lighter than it does when it appears wet, it can make color matching difficult.

What is in Gouache?

When purchasing gouache paint one should look for the following items that the gouache should be made up of: dry pigments, distilled water, wetting agent (oxgall), a preservative, blanc fixe or precipitated chalk, gum arabic, and glycerine.

Mixing Gouache with Watercolor

Gouache can be mixed with watercolor paint to give it an extra special touch. You can also mix gouache or use it along with soft pastel colors, inks with pigments and charcoal or other types of mediums that are used for drawing. As you can see, there are many ways to use gouache in your art, try playing around a bit with different mediums to find your favorite!

How Long Will My Gouache Last?

It is recommended that you purchase gouache in tubes. In tubes, gouache has an average shelf life of three to five years. Because of its evaporation issue, gouache isn’t commonly found in anything other than tubes. There are some manufacturers who are attempting to put gouache in jars but evaporation is still a concern with these jars.

Can I Use Gouache on Paper?

You can paint with gouache on paper, but it is recommended that you use a heavy paper instead of a light paper. Heavy paper is recommended such as paper used for watercolor painting. You can choose either a white paper or a tinted paper and hot or cold press watercolor paper. A hot press watercolor paper has been rolled very smooth and a cold press watercolor paper has a texture. What type you choose is entirely up to you.

What is Gouache?

Gouache is a painting technique in which a gum additive is joined with watercolors to produce an effect that is opaque in appearance. It is often described as being very “brilliant” in its colors.