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Best Gouache Paints for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: July 24th, 2024

🎨Gouache is a pretty cool medium—it’s got the boldness of acrylics but can be reused like watercolors. But with so many choices out there, picking the right gouache set can feel like a major chore.

That’s where we step in. We've dug through mountains of data and test results to highlight the best options for 2024. Whether you’re a pro looking for top-notch materials, a student watching costs, or just curious about gouache, our guide should help you out.

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Overall Best: Winsor & Newton Designers Gouache

Winsor & Newton Designers Gouache stands out as our top pick for 2024. Known for its exceptional quality and consistent performance, this set delivers high pigment concentration, resulting in vivid, smooth, and opaque colors. One of the most impressive features is its broad selection of non-toxic substitutes, making it ideal for various applications ranging from professional artworks to casual projects. What sets this brand apart is its ability to reactivate easily, offering versatility for multiple techniques and layers. According to our research, this set covers well, maintaining its opacity even when diluted, making it a reliable choice for both beginners and seasoned artists.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$13.00 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Holbein Artists' Gouache

Holbein Artists Gouache Set of 12, 5ml tubes

Holbein Artists' Gouache claims the runner-up spot thanks to its vibrant colors and unique matte finish, highly favored by professionals. Unlike many other brands, Holbein avoids using additional opacifiers, which gives artists more control over the final appearance of their work. This set offers a smooth and consistent texture, making it a joy to use in detailed and expressive pieces. However, it's important to note that not all colors in this range are lightfast, as the manufacturer advises checking the color guide for information on permanence. Despite this, Holbein remains a popular choice for those seeking high-quality gouache paints with remarkable opacity and vibrant pigmentation.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$45.15 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Holbein Gouache Set of 12? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How do Holbein Artists Gouache paints compare to other brands like Himi?

Comparing Holbein Artists Gouache paints to other brands like [Himi](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dhimi%2Bgouache%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) can be insightful depending on what you're looking for in your artwork. The Holbein set comes with 12 tubes, each 5ml, and they’re known for their vibrant and opaque colors, which appeal to both beginner and advanced artists. A cool thing about Holbein gouache is that they use naturally opaque pigments. This means the paints give you a bright matte finish without needing extra additives. So, the colors stay true and aren't likely to get muddy when mixing—super important if you love creating new shades! The set includes a nice range of colors like Burnt Sienna, Carmine, and Turquoise Blue, giving you plenty to work with creatively. Our research shows these paints mix well and can be thinned with water for those more refined techniques. It's great if you’re looking to add precision and depth to your work. One downside is the tube size. At 5ml each, they're fantastic if you're dabbling with the colors or doing smaller projects, but if you're working on bigger pieces or paint a lot, you might find yourself running out quicker than expected. Something to consider! Also, there's a Proposition 65 warning on the packaging, which is a California thing stating that they contain chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. So, just be cautious—use them with proper ventilation. As for how Holbein stacks up against Himi, it depends on what you need. Himi is known for its jelly cup packaging and is a bit more budget-friendly, which is appealing, especially if you're starting out or experimenting a lot. They offer bright colors and a creamy texture, but some artists feel Holbein's pigment quality is a notch above, offering longer-lasting vibrancy. If you're focusing on top-notch quality and can work with smaller amounts, Holbein is a great pick. Just make sure you’re handling them safely. But if you want more paint for your buck, maybe for practice sessions, Himi could be the way to go. It boils down to what you need for your art style, budget, and workspace.

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How opaque are the Holbein Artists Gouache paints?

If you're getting into gouache painting and want to know how opaque the Holbein Artists Gouache paints are, I can fill you in. These paints are pretty famous for their vibrant and solid colors. The main thing to know is that their opacity is exceptional. Our research shows that they give you a strong matte finish, which a lot of artists love. This means you can get rich color coverage, perfect for bold pieces or adding depth. According to the manufacturer's product description, the set comes with 12 colors in 5ml tubes. You have a good range to mix into even more shades, without losing any of that opacity. Colors like [Permanent Yellow Deep](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dpermanent%2Byellow%2Bdeep%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and [Turquoise Blue](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dturquoise%2Bblue%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) hold their vibrancy, no matter how you mix them. One thing to note, though, is that the set doesn't include a palette. Some folks might find that a bit of a hassle, but on the upside, it lets you pick a palette that fits your style better. It's a good idea to invest in a palette that gives you space to play around with the colors. In short, if you need opaque paints that pop with color, Holbein's set could be a great pick. From what we've found, artists love how easy it is to blend these paints for rich tones and textures. Hope this helps, and happy painting!

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What is the tube size of the Holbein Artists Gouache Set of 12?

The Holbein Artists Gouache Set of 12 comes with 5ml tubes. According to the manufacturer's product information, these paints are non-toxic, but they do include a Proposition 65 warning. This is a standard California label that alerts consumers to the presence of chemicals that could potentially cause cancer or reproductive harm. Generally, under typical use, they're deemed safe, but it's always a good idea to work in a well-ventilated space and avoid eating them or having prolonged skin contact—particularly if you're prone to allergies or sensitivities. Artists really like this set for its vibrant colors and smooth application. According to our research, they're particularly known for the way their colors stay workable even after drying, which is great for anyone doing detailed layering and blending. We've found some concerns about the 5ml tube size being a bit small, but they're handy for testing out colors before buying bigger sizes. Folks like Leah and Kristin have praised these gouaches for their rich, opaque colors and how well they hold their pigment compared to other brands. Though some, like Jesenia, have pointed out the limitation of the smaller size, others like Neverbored and Kaylin Jackson appreciate how portable the tubes are. This is especially useful if you're frequently on the move or just want to try out gouache without investing too much upfront. So, while the tube size might not be ideal for everyone, the set's quality and convenience make it a solid choice, whether you're just starting or have been painting for years.

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Budget Pick: ShinHan Professional Designer Gouache

For those seeking excellent quality at an affordable price, ShinHan Professional Designer Gouache is our budget pick. Ideal for students and beginners, this set offers vibrant and smooth colors that are easy to work with. Despite its budget-friendly price, ShinHan does not compromise on quality, providing good coverage and opacity. The creamy consistency facilitates effortless application and blending, making it a user-friendly choice for those new to gouache or working on expansive projects without the high cost. This balance of quality and affordability makes ShinHan a standout option for budget-conscious artists.

Available at Amazon

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Best for Professionals: Schmincke Horadam Gouache

Schmincke - HORADAM® Gouache, 10 x 0,51 fl oz / 15 ml tubes, 72 701 097, 10 finest gouache colors in a metal box, highest concentration of pigments

Schmincke Horadam Gouache is a premium choice, and we highly recommend it for professional artists aiming for the best quality. Many colors in this range are made from single pigments, ensuring vibrant and accurate color mixes. This gouache is renowned for its smooth, creamy texture and exceptional lightfastness, ensuring that artworks will remain brilliant over time. While it’s on the pricier side, the investment is well worth it for artists who demand the highest quality materials for their creative endeavors. According to our research, Schmincke's professional-grade consistency and vibrant results make it an excellent choice for serious artists.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$20.47 at Amazon

Best for Students: Daler Rowney Aquafine Gouache

Daler Rowney Aquafine Gouache is an excellent option for students. It offers bright, vivid colors and decent opacity at an economical price, making it perfect for educational purposes and practice sessions. While the permanence may not match up to professional-grade alternatives, its overall performance is commendable for its price range. This set enables students to experiment and refine their skills without a significant financial burden, making it an attractive option for those new to gouache or working within budget constraints. According to our findings, Daler Rowney Aquafine provides reliable quality for budding artists.

Available at Amazon

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🥇 ShopSavvy Best Picks

Expert recommendations for the best overall, budget, and specialized product picks.

Our researchers bring you our top recommendations. Each article usually highlights the best overall choice, a budget-friendly option, and picks for specific needs, helping you shop smarter and with confidence.