Gouache Painting Techniques for Beginners

Posted by

Haanz Team

2026-10-23

On 2026-10-23

Haanz Art GuideFree, practical advice from the team at Haanz Art & Craft Materials

Gouache painting gives you bright, flat, matte colour that covers well, which makes it popular for illustration, posters and school art. It sits between watercolour and acrylic: it mixes with water, but it is opaque. This Haanz Art Guide explains what gouache is, the supplies you need and the main gouache painting techniques, with simple exercises to practise.

What makes gouache different

Gouache has more pigment and a chalky filler, so it hides the paper and the layers underneath. Here is how it compares:

Watercolour is transparent. You work from light to dark and the white paper gives the light colours.
Gouache is opaque. You can paint light colours over dark ones and use white paint for highlights.
Acrylic dries waterproof. Many gouache paints can be re-wet with water after drying, so you can soften edges later.

Because the finish is matte and even, gouache scans and photographs well, which is why many illustrators like it.

Supplies for gouache painting

Art Rangers Gouache Poster Tempera, 12 x 12ml: 12 colours with strong covering power and a matte finish. A good starter set for school and practice.
Mont Marte Gouache Paint Set, 12 x 12ml: opaque, matte colours that are re-wettable when dry.
Art Rangers Gouache Poster Tempera, 24 x 12ml: a wider range of 24 colours if you do not want to mix every shade.
Apple Fine Red Sable Brush, size 4 and size 00: pointed round brushes for watercolour and gouache, for shapes and fine detail.
Flash Synthetic Hair Flat Brush: for smooth, even blocks of colour and straight edges.
Mixing Tray, 14 holes, oval: plenty of wells to mix and keep several colours ready.
Fabriano Accademia A4, 200gsm or Bomeijia W/C pad 300GSM A4: thick paper that will not buckle much when wet.

Browse more sets in Gouache Colours. Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price.

Getting the right consistency

Most gouache problems come from paint that is too thick or too thin. Aim for the texture of thick cream or curd.

Too thick: the paint drags, shows brush marks and may crack when dry.
Too thin: it turns patchy and streaky, like weak watercolour.
Just right: it flows off the brush and dries flat and even in one or two coats.

Add water a few drops at a time with your brush. In humid weather, paint on the palette stays workable a little longer, but cover your mixing tray with a damp cloth if you take a break.

Gouache painting techniques step by step

Flat colour blocks. Paint a square with the flat brush, keeping the brush loaded and working in one direction. Try for an even, streak-free finish.
Light over dark. Paint a dark blue square, let it dry, then paint white stars or a yellow moon on top. This shows gouache’s covering power.
Layering in two or three steps. Block in the big shapes first, then mid-tones, then small details and highlights. Let each layer dry to the touch.
Soft blending. While two colours are still wet, brush along the join to blend them. Work quickly, as gouache dries fast.
Dry brush texture. Wipe most of the paint off the brush and drag it lightly for grass, wood or fur.
Re-wetting edges. If your paint is re-wettable, touch a dried edge with a damp brush to soften it.

Tips and common mistakes

Mix enough colour. Matching a mixed colour later is hard, so mix more than you think you need for large areas.
Colours shift as they dry. Light colours often dry slightly darker and dark colours slightly lighter. Test on scrap paper.
Do not pile on thick layers. Heavy layers can crack or lift. Keep each coat thin and even.
Keep two water jars. One for rinsing, one clean for mixing, so your colours stay bright.

To compare gouache with poster paint, read Poster Paint, Tempera and Gouache Explained. For mixing help, see Colour Mixing and the Colour Wheel, and if you also paint in watercolour, try Watercolour Paints for Beginners.

Frequently asked questions

Is gouache the same as poster colour?

They are close cousins. Both are opaque and matte. Gouache usually has finer pigment and a smoother finish, while poster colour is made for bold school and design work.

Can I varnish a gouache painting?

Gouache is usually framed behind glass instead of varnished, because varnish can darken the matte colours. If you want to try, test on a spare painting first.

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? Call / WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose a gouache set, brushes and paper that suit your style.

More Haanz Art Guides