Poster Paint, Tempera and Gouache: A Guide for School Art

Bright, flat colour is what makes a school poster, chart or illustration stand out. This guide explains poster paint, tempera and gouache: what each one is, how they differ from watercolour and acrylic, which sets and bottles to buy, and how to get smooth, even colour without streaks.

What is poster paint?

Poster paint is a water-based, opaque paint, which means it covers the paper rather than letting it show through. It dries to a flat, matt finish and is easy to clean up with water, which is why it is a favourite for school projects, banners and lettering. In shops and schools, “tempera” usually means the same kind of bright, ready-to-use poster paint, often sold in larger bottles for classes.

What is gouache?

Gouache is often described as opaque watercolour. Like poster paint, it dries matt and covers well, and it can usually be re-wetted after drying, which makes small corrections easy. Artists use gouache for illustration, design work and flat areas of colour, as well as school art.

Poster paint and gouache vs watercolour and acrylic

• Watercolour is transparent: the paper shines through. See our watercolour paints guide.
• Poster paint and gouache are opaque and matt, and can be re-wetted with water.
• Acrylic is also opaque, but becomes water-resistant once dry, so it can’t be re-wetted. See our acrylic paints guide.

Poster paint, tempera and gouache we stock

• Banner & Poster Paint 100ml: our most popular poster paint, in 11 colours, for banners, school projects and event posters.
• Pentel poster colour sets: Pentel Poster Colours 12 × 30ml, 6 × 30ml and 12 × 12ml, plus single 30ml jars such as White and Black, which run out first.
• Bomega Poster Paint 6 Set: a simple six-colour set for younger children.
• Art Rangers Tempera Paint 500ml: large bottles in 11 colours, including Gold and Silver, for schools and classes.
• Gouache: Art Rangers Gouache Poster Tempera 12 × 12ml and 24 × 12ml, and Mont Marte Gouache 12 × 12ml and 24 × 12ml.

Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price. Browse all poster paints and tempera and gouache colours.

How to paint smooth, flat colour

1. Stir or shake the paint, then put a little on a palette or mixing tray.
2. Add a few drops of water and mix to the thickness of cream. Too thick leaves brush marks; too thin looks streaky.
3. Use a flat brush for large areas and a round brush for edges and details.
4. Paint in one direction and keep a wet edge, working across the area without going back over drying paint.
5. For a solid colour, let the first coat dry and add a second.
6. Outline and add small details last, once the paint underneath is dry.

Brushes make a big difference. Our paint brush guide explains which shapes to use.

Tips for school projects

• Use thicker paper or card so it doesn’t wrinkle. Our drawing paper guide explains paper weights.
• Buy extra white: you will use it to mix lighter shades.
• Plan big letters in pencil first, then paint inside the lines.
• Close lids tightly so the paint doesn’t dry out.
• Wash brushes in water straight after painting.

Frequently asked questions

Is tempera the same as poster paint?

In schools and art shops, yes: both names are used for bright, opaque, water-based paint for posters and projects.

Can I use gouache on canvas?

It is usually used on paper or card. Because it stays re-wettable and matt, acrylic is a better choice for canvas.

Why is my poster paint cracking?

Usually because it was put on too thickly. Thin it with a little water and build up two thin coats instead of one thick one.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose the right paints for your school project.

More Haanz Art Guides

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