Gouache vs Watercolor: Understanding the Key Differences

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Gouache vs Watercolor: The Key Differences

Artists have been using different types of paints for centuries to create art. Two of the most popular types of paint in modern times are gouache and watercolor. While both are water-based paints, they have distinct differences that artists should understand before choosing which medium to use. In this article, we will explore the key differences between gouache and watercolor.


1. Opacity

The first (and most obvious) difference between Gouache and Watercolor is the opacity. Opacity, for our sake, is the ability of a layer of paint to completely cover another. Watercolor is known  for its transparency. When you use watercolor, one layer can still be seen under another. This is often responsible for that unique quality that watercolor paintings have. On the other hand, gouache can be used both transparently and opaquely depending on how much water is used. Because gouache can be used opaquely, mistakes can easily be covered up by painting over top. This is what allows gouache to be one of the easiest mediums to work with.


2. Storage

Another key difference between gouache and watercolor is how they each must be stored and used. Watercolor can be used directly from the tube or poured into a half-pan and let to dry then used that way. Gouache also can be used directly from the tube or from half-pan, but, if used from a half-pan, some of the opacity will be lost. So, Most people advise using gouache directly from the tube or in an airtight palette. Both gouache and watercolor can be reactivated with water but their unique properties cause some difference in how they work.


3. Brands

When I say 'Brands' I don't just mean that different brands make gouache than make watercolor, I am talking about the disparity between high end and low end paints and the affordability of using either of these mediums. Watercolor is typically an affordable medium for two reasons. For one, the amount of paint that you use per session is quite low compared to what comes in the tube. Also The difference between student-grade (excluding kids paint) and artist-grade watercolor is quite small. Gouache is a bit different, student-grade gouache is oftentimes abysmal and difficult to work with, so the cost of entry will be a bit higher. I will note that there are good affordable gouache brands, just not quite as affordable as watercolor typically is.


4.  Brushes

Watercolor tends to be more picky, than gouache, about the kind of brushes that you use. This is largely because watercolor is used more thinly so the brush has more influence on the paint's behavior. Gouache is the exact opposite. The one thing you don't really have to focus on when buying gouache supplies are the brushes (as long as the brush is relatively soft). This is because gouache, when used more thickly, isn't as influenced by the brush as watercolor is. 



Gouache and Watercolor are paints still used by artists today. While they are both water-based paints, they have distinct differences that artists should understand before choosing which medium to use. Gouache is known for its opacity and ability to create textured effects, while watercolor is known for its transparency and ability to create delicate and subtle effects. By understanding these differences, artists can choose the right medium for their artistic style and vision.


Photo Credits (Unsplash)

guilhermebellotti

sbrison

polarmermaid

anko_


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