Recent surveys show that 78% of professional illustrators consider paint quality their top investment priority. You’ve likely noticed how standard gouaches can disappoint with chalky finishes and poor opacity. The right formula transforms your work entirely. Uncover which trusted brands deliver the vibrant, matte results that’ll elevate your projects—and why professionals won’t settle for anything less.
Quick Overview
- Professional gouache brands deliver lightfast-rated pigments, vibrant opacity, and quick-drying formulas suitable for commercial projects and commissions.
- Quality sets include primary colors, ochre, ultramarine, and higher pigment concentrations than watercolors for consistent, professional-grade results.
- Airtight, leak-proof containers with screw caps preserve paint consistency and prevent drying out during storage and transportation.
- Matte, velvety finish enables effortless layering and mistake correction while maintaining color brilliance across entire artwork surfaces.
- Portable compact cases with organized compartments allow professional artists to transport reliable, versatile gouache supplies for on-location work.
| Castle Art Supplies 24 Piece Gouache Tube Set |
| Best Overall | Color Count: 24 colors | Tube/Container Size: Standard tubes (size not specified) | Finish Type: Matte | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| HIMI Gouache Paint Set 18 Colors (Green Case) |
| Best Value | Color Count: 18 colors | Tube/Container Size: 1 ounce per color | Finish Type: Matte | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Winsor & Newton Designers’ Gouache 10-Tube Paint Set |
| Professional Grade | Color Count: 10 colors | Tube/Container Size: 14ml (0.47 oz) tubes | Finish Type: Matte | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 5 primary colors set Holbein gouache gouache (japan import) |
| Best For Specialists | Color Count: 5 colors | Tube/Container Size: Standard tubes (size not specified) | Finish Type: Matte | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Winsor & Newton Gouache Paint Set 10 Count 12ml (0.4-oz) Tubes |
| Best For Beginners | Color Count: 10 colors | Tube/Container Size: 12ml (0.4 oz) tubes | Finish Type: Matte | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| HIMI Gouache Paint Set 36 Colors with Brushes & Case |
| Best Complete Set | Color Count: 36 colors | Tube/Container Size: 12ml per color | Finish Type: Matte | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| U.S. Art Supply 36-Color Gouache Paint Set |
| Budget-Friendly Pick | Color Count: 36 colors | Tube/Container Size: 18ml tubes | Finish Type: Standard gouache (matte finish implied) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Castle Art Supplies 24 Piece Gouache Tube Set
If you’re a designer or illustrator seeking professional-quality gouache that won’t crack or fade, Castle Art Supplies’ 24-piece set delivers exceptional results. You’ll appreciate the richer pigments and enhanced coverage that create vibrant, opaque artwork. The smooth matte finish dries quickly while maintaining flexibility, so you won’t deal with frustrating cracks. These lightfast-rated pigments resist fading, ensuring your work stays vivid for years. The vegan-friendly formula appeals to conscientious artists, and the convenient screw caps eliminate mess. Included tutorials help you maximize this versatile paint’s potential. Whether you’re tackling commercial projects or personal commissions, you’ll find this set offers professional performance without breaking your budget.
- Color Count:24 colors
- Tube/Container Size:Standard tubes (size not specified)
- Finish Type:Matte
- Target Audience:Designers, illustrators, commercial artists
- Key Paint Properties:Fast-drying, ultra-opaque, no cracking
- Included Accessories:Expert tips and tutorials
- Additional Feature:Vegan-friendly ingredients
- Additional Feature:No cracking when dry
- Additional Feature:Expert tips and tutorials
HIMI Gouache Paint Set 18 Colors (Green Case)
You’ll want to pick up the HIMI Gouache Paint Set if you’re looking for a portable, budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. The 18 vibrant colors deliver rich pigmentation and opaque coverage in a thick, creamy consistency that won’t crack when diluted with water. The jelly cup design features excellent sealing lids, keeping your paints fresh between sessions. At just over two pounds, the compact green case fits easily into your art bag, making it ideal for plein air painting or studio work. Non-toxic and odorless, this set works beautifully on paper for both indoor and outdoor projects. With a 4.7-star rating, it’s proven itself among professional and hobbyist artists alike.
- Color Count:18 colors
- Tube/Container Size:1 ounce per color
- Finish Type:Matte
- Target Audience:General users, all skill levels
- Key Paint Properties:Thick and creamy, water-dilutable, non-toxic
- Included Accessories:Green carrying case
- Additional Feature:Jelly cup design sealing
- Additional Feature:Waterproof storage box
- Additional Feature:Easily washable, non-toxic
Winsor & Newton Designers’ Gouache 10-Tube Paint Set
Designers, illustrators, and commercial artists will find this introductory set perfectly suited to their needs. You’ll appreciate Winsor & Newton’s renowned color brilliance and signature matte finish across ten popular hues. The set includes primary colors—yellow, red, and blue—plus yellow ochre, ultramarine, spectrum red, permanent yellow deep, ivory black, and permanent green medium. Each 14ml tube contains tintable gouache that works beautifully on cardboard and canvas, indoors or out. With a 4.8-star rating and forty-plus years of availability since 2008, this set proves its reliability. You’re investing in professional-quality paint that delivers consistent results.
- Color Count:10 colors
- Tube/Container Size:14ml (0.47 oz) tubes
- Finish Type:Matte
- Target Audience:Designers, illustrators, commercial artists
- Key Paint Properties:Opaque water colors, brilliant color, tintable
- Included Accessories:None specified
- Additional Feature:Tintable paint formula
- Additional Feature:Renowned color brilliance
- Additional Feature:Established since 1935
5 primary colors set Holbein gouache gouache (japan import)
The 5-color Holbein gouache set stands out for artists who need vibrant, opaque coverage with minimal fading. You’ll appreciate the formulation’s higher pigment concentration compared to transparent watercolors, delivering exceptional light accuracy. This Japan-import paint excels at expressing rich color surface coverage that effectively masks underlying layers. The set includes magenta, yellow, cyan, black, and white—essential primaries for mixing custom hues. Beyond traditional canvas work, you can apply this gouache to wood-cutting projects, expanding your creative possibilities. The gum arabic medium safeguards smooth application while maintaining the paint’s signature opacity and durability.
- Color Count:5 colors
- Tube/Container Size:Standard tubes (size not specified)
- Finish Type:Matte
- Target Audience:General users
- Key Paint Properties:High pigment, excellent coverage, opaque
- Included Accessories:None specified
- Additional Feature:Japan import quality
- Additional Feature:Wood cutting compatible
- Additional Feature:Excellent light accuracy
Winsor & Newton Gouache Paint Set 10 Count 12ml (0.4-oz) Tubes
Since 1935, Winsor & Newton has crafted gouache paints for designers, illustrators, and commercial artists who demand reliable quality. This 10-count set gives you essential colors in 12ml tubes, including primaries, secondaries, and neutrals. You’ll appreciate the matte finish and viscous consistency that dry to smooth, even surfaces without brush marks. Whether you’re exploring gouache for the first time or seeking an accessible option before upgrading to their Designers line, this set delivers. Use it standalone, mix it with other media, or layer it beneath oils for experimental work.
- Color Count:10 colors
- Tube/Container Size:12ml (0.4 oz) tubes
- Finish Type:Matte
- Target Audience:Designers, illustrators, commercial artists
- Key Paint Properties:Viscous, smooth even surface, no brush marks
- Included Accessories:None specified
- Additional Feature:Smooth, even surface
- Additional Feature:Mixed media compatible
- Additional Feature:Upgrade path available
HIMI Gouache Paint Set 36 Colors with Brushes & Case
For artists who need portability without sacrificing color range, HIMI’s 36-color gouache set delivers versatility in a compact package. You’ll appreciate the innovative twin jelly cup design, which pairs similar colors together, eliminating tedious mixing steps while keeping paints wet and creamy. Each 12ml cup maintains excellent sealing, perfect for outdoor sessions. The included carrying case with pen tray organizes everything efficiently. You’ll find the thick, vibrant formula won’t crack when dried and dilutes beautifully with water. Three durable brushes—two flat and one round—handle both detailed work and broad applications. Whether you’re painting at home, school, or traveling, this set offers professional-quality results without the premium price tag.
- Color Count:36 colors
- Tube/Container Size:12ml per color
- Finish Type:Matte
- Target Audience:All skill levels (home, work, school, travel)
- Key Paint Properties:Thick and creamy, water-dilutable, no cracking
- Included Accessories:3 brushes and carrying case with pen tray
- Additional Feature:Twin jelly cup design
- Additional Feature:Three included paint brushes
- Additional Feature:Outdoor portable carrying case
U.S. Art Supply 36-Color Gouache Paint Set
U.S. Art Supply’s 36-color gouache set delivers professional-quality pigments in generous 18ml tubes that won’t drain your wallet. You’ll appreciate the smooth consistency and high intensity these artist-grade paints provide for portraits, landscapes, and abstracts alike. The water-soluble formula lets you blend and mix effortlessly, making it ideal whether you’re a student developing your skills or an established illustrator. You’ll also receive a helpful color mixing wheel and terminology guide. Since the paints are acid-free and water-based, conforming to ASTM D4236 and EN71 safety standards, you can work confidently knowing you’re using reliable, safe materials.
- Color Count:36 colors
- Tube/Container Size:18ml tubes
- Finish Type:Standard gouache (matte finish implied)
- Target Audience:Students to professional illustrators
- Key Paint Properties:High intensity, water-soluble, acid-free
- Included Accessories:Color mixing wheel and color terminology guide
- Additional Feature:Large 18ml tube size
- Additional Feature:Color mixing wheel included
- Additional Feature:ASTM D4236 certified safe
Factors to Consider When Choosing Gouache Paint
When you’re selecting gouache paints, you’ll want to evaluate the pigment quality and opacity to guarantee vibrant, long-lasting results. Consider the color range available, tube size for adequate coverage, and drying time that suits your working style. You should also think about portability and storage options, especially if you’re painting on location or in a compact studio space.
Pigment Quality and Opacity
Two critical factors that’ll greatly impact your gouache painting experience are pigment quality and opacity. High-quality pigments provide vibrant, long-lasting colors that won’t fade over time, while inferior pigments deliver dull, muddy results that’ll disappoint you.
Opacity determines how well your paint covers surfaces. You’ll want fully opaque paints for bold, solid coverage, especially when layering. Some brands mix fillers into their formulas, reducing pigment concentration and creating transparent, chalky applications.
When shopping, check the manufacturer’s specifications. Look for high pigment-to-binder ratios and identify whether the paint uses single or multiple pigments. Professional-grade gouaches typically outperform student grades because they contain purer pigments and superior binders. Your paintings’ll show the difference immediately.
Color Range and Vibrancy
The palette you choose will define your creative possibilities. You’ll want gouache paints with a wide color range that lets you explore diverse artistic expressions without constantly mixing. Highly pigmented formulas deliver vibrant, saturated colors essential for bold, striking artwork.
Look for lightfast pigments that resist fading over time, ensuring your work remains vivid for years. The opacity of quality gouache enables you to layer colors effectively, building depth while maintaining vibrancy throughout your composition.
A balanced palette featuring primary, secondary, and tertiary colors gives you maximum versatility. You’ll handle any project confidently, whether you’re creating subtle gradations or dramatic color contrasts. This foundation prevents you from becoming frustrated by limited mixing options and empowers your artistic vision.
Tube Size and Coverage
Since you’ll likely use gouache regularly, selecting the right tube size matters greatly for both your budget and workflow. Larger tubes provide substantially more paint and better value for artists tackling substantial projects. A 12ml tube delivers considerably more coverage than a 5ml tube, making it ideal if you’re working on multiple pieces or using bold, layered applications.
Consider your specific needs when deciding. If you work frequently with particular colors, larger tubes prevent constant repurchasing. However, smaller tubes suit occasional users or those exploring new hues without committing large amounts of money.
Many quality gouache sets offer varied tube sizes, allowing you to customize your collection. This flexibility guarantees you’re not overstocking colors you rarely use while maintaining adequate supplies of your favorites.
Drying Time and Finish
Gouache’s rapid drying time—typically within minutes—fundamentally shapes how you’ll work with it. You’ll appreciate the quick-setting properties when layering, as dried paint won’t smudge or disturb underlying colors. This fast dry time demands deliberate planning; you can’t leisurely blend once the paint sets.
The matte finish you’ll achieve offers a sophisticated, velvety surface perfect for detailed work and smooth color changes. Unlike glossy alternatives, gouache’s flat appearance won’t reflect light unpredictably, giving you consistent color representation across your piece.
The opacity inherent in gouache lets you cover previous layers effortlessly, creating solid backgrounds or correcting mistakes. However, this same quick-drying nature presents challenges—you’ll need to work efficiently and keep your palette moist to maintain workability throughout your session.
Portability and Storage Options
Whether you’re painting outdoors or moving between studios, you’ll benefit from portable gouache sets designed with compact carrying cases or convenient jelly cup formats. Airtight, leak-proof containers are essential—they’ll keep your paints from drying out and preserve their creamy, smooth consistency for longer periods.
Look for sets featuring transparent or clear containers so you can identify colors instantly without lifting lids. Sturdy, durable cases protect your tubes and brushes during transportation and storage, preventing damage and mess.
Organized sets with separate compartments or trays streamline your workflow by keeping individual colors accessible and arranged logically. These thoughtful storage solutions guarantee you’re never fumbling around when inspiration strikes, whether you’re working at home or capturing landscapes in the field.
