You’ve probably noticed that your gouache work lacks the vibrancy and consistency you’re after. That’s where Holbein paints come in. Professional artists won’t touch anything else, and there’s a specific reason why. We’re breaking down the seven formulations that’ll transform your palette—and your finished pieces.
Quick Overview
- Holbein Irodori Artist Gouache Summer Set offers curated Japanese-inspired colors with exceptional lightfastness and professional matte finish quality.
- Holbein Acrylic Designer Gouache 18-tube set provides water-resistant, opaque coverage ideal for layering and professional-quality artistic work consistently.
- Holbein Artists Gouache Leaf Green delivers vibrant, crack-resistant color that maintains saturation without muddying when mixed with other hues.
- Holbein Artists Gouache Primary White ensures opaque, fast-drying coverage using naturally opaque pigments without compromising color integrity during blending.
- Artists choose Holbein gouache for extensive 100+ color palette flexibility, velvety texture consistency, and reliable performance across paper, canvas, and cardboard surfaces.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Holbein Irodori Artist Gouache – Summer Set of 12 15 ml Tubes
If you’re seeking a curated color palette inspired by Japanese aesthetics, the Holbein Irodori Artist Gouache Summer set delivers premium opaque watercolors with exceptional lightfastness. You’ll receive twelve 15 ml tubes featuring carefully selected hues: White, Black, Edo Violet, Oriental Blue, Ultramarine, Bamboo Green, Evergreen, Spring Green, Taisha Brown, Canola Yellow, Orange Yellow, and Scarlet. Each color draws inspiration from nature and Japanese tradition, enabling you to explore delicate artistic expression. The matte finish guarantees professional results on paper surfaces. With a stellar 4.8-star rating from ninety-two reviews, artists consistently praise this set’s quality and handling. The included Amazon 30-day return guarantee offers you risk-free purchasing confidence for this versatile gouache collection.
- Finish Type:Matte
- Coverage:Opaque
- Tube Size:15 ml
- Water Resistance:Not water resistant
- Indoor/Outdoor Use:Indoor
- Customer Rating:4.8 out of 5 stars
- Additional Feature:Inspired by Japanese seasons
- Additional Feature:Excellent lightfastness ratings
- Additional Feature:12 curated seasonal colors
Holbein Acrylic Designer Gouache – Set of 18 12 ml Tubes
The Holbein Acrylic Designer Gouache Set of 18 is your ideal choice when you’re looking for versatile, water-resistant color that doesn’t compromise on opacity or matte finish. You’ll get eighteen 12 ml tubes featuring essential hues like Ultramarine Blue, Viridian, Scarlet, and Titanium White. These water-soluble paints excel for grounds and layering, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor projects. The opaque coverage means you’re building professional-quality work with each application. With a stellar 4.7-star rating and ranking in the top art paints category, you’re investing in a trusted product that artists consistently choose for reliable performance and color vibrancy.
- Finish Type:Matte
- Coverage:Opaque
- Tube Size:12 ml
- Water Resistance:Water resistant
- Indoor/Outdoor Use:Indoor and Outdoor
- Customer Rating:4.7 out of 5 stars
- Additional Feature:Water-resistant acrylic-gouache hybrid
- Additional Feature:Excellent for grounds/layering
- Additional Feature:18 versatile designer colors
Holbein Artists Gouache Leaf Green 15ml (A)
Holbein Artists Gouache Leaf Green 15ml (A) stands out as an excellent choice for artists who prioritize vibrant, crack-resistant color that won’t muddy when mixed. This 15ml tube delivers brilliant, saturated matte finish using naturally opaque pigments, making it ideal for paper, cardboard, and canvas applications. You’ll appreciate the velvety texture that maintains its integrity both indoors and outdoors. With a 5-star rating from 26 customers and ranking in the top 2,048 art paints, this gouache proves its reliability among professionals. The semi-gloss finish verifies your work displays rich color depth without compromise, making it a dependable staple for your artistic toolkit.
- Finish Type:Semi-Gloss
- Coverage:Opaque
- Tube Size:15 ml
- Water Resistance:Not waterproof
- Indoor/Outdoor Use:Indoor and Outdoor
- Customer Rating:5.0 out of 5 stars
- Additional Feature:Crack-resistant formula
- Additional Feature:Naturally opaque pigments used
- Additional Feature:Won’t muddy when mixed
Holbein Artists Gouache 15ml Primary White
You’ll want Holbein Artists Gouache 15ml Primary White if you’re seeking an opaque, fast-drying white that won’t muddy your color mixing. This 15ml tube delivers brilliant, rich matte coverage using naturally opaque pigments—no opaquing agents required. You’ll appreciate the saturated, velvety finish that maintains color integrity when blended. The paint works on interior and exterior surfaces, though it’s not waterproof. With a 4.7-star rating and strong ranking in art paints, this tube proves itself reliable for designers and artists. At just 0.8 ounces, it’s portable yet substantial enough for serious work.
- Finish Type:Matte
- Coverage:Opaque
- Tube Size:15 ml
- Water Resistance:Water repellent
- Indoor/Outdoor Use:Indoor and Outdoor
- Customer Rating:4.7 out of 5 stars
- Additional Feature:Fast-drying formula
- Additional Feature:Water-repellent coverage
- Additional Feature:Naturally opaque pigments used
Holbein Artist Gouache Set G703 : 18 x 5ml tubes
For artists seeking a versatile, compact gouache set that doesn’t compromise on quality, this 18-tube collection delivers professional-grade results in a portable format. You’ll appreciate the carefully selected pigments that produce vivid, brilliant colors with exceptional hiding power, allowing you to cover underlying layers effortlessly. The matte finish provides that distinctive rich appearance gouache lovers crave. With 18 essential colors—from Prussian Blue to Permanent White—you’ve got everything needed for most projects. Each 5ml tube maximizes portability without sacrificing performance. The excellent light resistance guarantees your work won’t fade over time. At 4.7 stars and ranked highly in art paints, this set proves itself indispensable for serious artists who demand reliability and professional quality.
- Finish Type:Matte
- Coverage:Opaque
- Tube Size:5 ml
- Water Resistance:Not water resistant
- Indoor/Outdoor Use:Indoor and Outdoor
- Customer Rating:4.7 out of 5 stars
- Additional Feature:High hiding power
- Additional Feature:Excellent light resistance
- Additional Feature:Compact 5ml tube size
Holbein Artists’ Gouache G713 – Set of 18 15ml
This 18-color set‘s carefully curated palette makes it an ideal choice for artists who want versatility without overwhelming options. You’ll find essential hues like Prussian Blue, Emerald Green, and Permanent Yellow Deep alongside specialty colors such as Turquoise Blue and Magenta. Each 15ml tube provides substantial paint compared to smaller sets, giving you better value and less frequent repurchasing. The opaque, lightfast formulation guarantees your work withstands time. With a one-hour dry time, you can layer efficiently. At 4.5 stars from 28 reviews, artists consistently praise this set’s quality and extensive color range for professional and hobbyist work alike.
- Finish Type:Matte
- Coverage:Opaque
- Tube Size:15 ml
- Water Resistance:Not water resistant
- Indoor/Outdoor Use:Indoor and Outdoor
- Customer Rating:4.5 out of 5 stars
- Additional Feature:One-hour dry time
- Additional Feature:Lightfast professional quality
- Additional Feature:18 classic artist colors
Holbein Acryla Gouache 20ml Primary Mixing Colors Set of 5
Artists who need a versatile, fast-drying paint that won’t break the bank should consider this primary color set. You’ll get five essential colors—black, cyan, magenta, white, and yellow—in convenient 20ml tubes. This acrylic-based gouache dries completely within 24 hours, offering water resistance once cured while remaining water-soluble during application. The matte finish delivers opaque coverage ideal for layering and creating grounds on paper, canvas, or other surfaces. With its hypoallergenic formula and impressive 4.8-star rating, you’re getting professional-quality paint that’s perfect for indoor and outdoor projects.
- Finish Type:Matte
- Coverage:Opaque
- Tube Size:20 ml
- Water Resistance:Water resistant
- Indoor/Outdoor Use:Indoor and Outdoor
- Customer Rating:4.8 out of 5 stars
- Additional Feature:Fast-drying acrylic-based formula
- Additional Feature:Primary color mixing set
- Additional Feature:24-hour water resistance
Factors to Consider When Choosing Holbein Gouache Paint
When selecting Holbein gouache paint, you’ll want to evaluate pigment quality and opacity to guarantee your colors remain vibrant and cover surfaces effectively. Consider the tube size and coverage you need alongside your desired color range, as these factors directly impact your project’s cost and creative flexibility. You should also examine water resistance properties and drying time, since these characteristics influence how you’ll apply, blend, and preserve your finished work.
Pigment Quality and Opacity
Superior pigment selection sets Holbein gouache apart from competitors. You’ll notice the difference immediately when you work with their carefully chosen pigments, which deliver exceptional quality and hiding power. This means you can confidently cover underlying colors without layering excessively.
What makes Holbein truly special is how they achieve brilliance. Rather than relying on opaquing agents, they utilize naturally opaque pigments that create a stunning matte finish. You get saturated, velvety colors that won’t muddy when you mix them together—a common frustration with inferior gouaches.
Beyond immediate visual appeal, you’ll appreciate the excellent light resistance. Your finished artwork won’t fade markedly over time, ensuring your vibrant colors remain true for years. This combination of opacity, color saturation, and permanence makes Holbein the trusted choice among serious designers and artists.
Tube Size and Coverage
Because your work style and project scale directly influence how much paint you’ll need, choosing the right Holbein tube size matters more than you might think. You’ll find tubes ranging from 5 ml to 20 ml, each serving different artistic purposes.
If you’re working in small formats or frequently switching colors, the compact 5 ml tubes keep your palette organized and manageable. However, you’ll appreciate the 15 ml and 20 ml sizes for larger projects, as they offer better value and reduce how often you’ll need replacements.
Consider your application technique too. Gouache’s opaque, matte finish delivers varying coverage depending on how you apply it and your tube selection. Evaluate your typical project scale, usage frequency, and preferred paint handling before committing to a specific size.
Color Range Selection
Holbein’s extensive palette of over 100 colors gives you the flexibility to work with either focused, limited sets or abundant collections depending on your artistic vision. You’ll find that starter sets containing 12-18 essential colors work well for learning fundamentals, while intermediate artists benefit from 24-36 color selections offering greater mixing possibilities. Advanced practitioners often build custom palettes by purchasing individual tubes, selecting colors that align with their specific subjects and styles.
Consider your preferred painting subjects when selecting colors. Landscape artists gravitate toward earth tones and greens, while portrait painters prioritize skin tone mixtures. You should evaluate whether you need vibrant, highly saturated hues or prefer muted, sophisticated tones. Testing colors before committing to full sets helps guarantee you’re investing in shades you’ll actually use consistently in your work.
Water Resistance Properties
Understanding water resistance will shape how you use your gouache paints across different projects. Holbein gouaches exhibit varying levels of water resistance, which directly affects their durability and application suitability.
You’ll want water-resistant formulations for outdoor work or projects requiring longevity. These paints withstand moisture exposure better, making them ideal for environments where durability matters. Conversely, you might prefer less water-resistant options when you need flexibility—they’re easier to reactivate and rework after drying, giving you more control during revisions.
Before selecting your Holbein gouaches, assess your project requirements. Consider whether you’re creating pieces meant for permanent display or temporary work. Check product specifications for water resistance ratings. This consideration guarantees you’re choosing paints that’ll perform exactly as you intend, maximizing both your results and investment.
Drying Time Considerations
When you’re working with Holbein gouache, the quick drying time—typically within an hour—fundamentally shapes your painting approach. This rapid drying enables you to layer colors efficiently, building depth without extended waiting periods between applications. However, you’ll face blending challenges since the paint sets faster than traditional media, limiting soft color shifts.
To maximize your results, you must manage water carefully on your palette. Keep your brush adequately moistened and work in manageable sections to prevent premature drying. This consideration becomes critical during longer sessions.
You’ll find Holbein gouache’s quick turnaround invaluable for studies, sketches, and time-sensitive projects requiring rapid completion. Understanding these drying dynamics helps you work strategically, adjusting your technique to leverage speed while compensating for reduced blending flexibility.
Surface Compatibility Options
Because gouache’s matte, opaque formulation adheres well to both absorbent and non-absorbent surfaces, you’ll find Holbein gouache remarkably versatile across substrates. You can confidently apply it to paper, cardboard, canvas, and various porous materials without worrying about adhesion issues.
When selecting your surface, consider whether you’ll work indoors or outdoors. While Holbein formulations offer reasonable water resistance, some are better suited for outdoor applications than others. Before applying gouache, you’ll maximize performance by preparing your surface properly—priming or sizing helps optimize paint adhesion and longevity.
The thick, creamy consistency of Holbein gouache works beautifully for creating textures and layering on different substrates. This flexibility means you’re never limited by your chosen surface, allowing you to experiment freely with your artistic vision.
Lightfastness and Durability
Lightfastness and durability are critical considerations that’ll determine whether your artwork maintains its visual impact for years to come. Holbein gouache paints excel in both areas, offering exceptional lightfastness that resists fading when exposed to light over time. You’ll appreciate how the naturally opaque pigments create saturated, velvety colors that remain vibrant without muddying during mixing.
The opaque, matte finish provides a durable surface resistant to cracking or peeling, while Holbein’s crack-resistant formula guarantees your paint layers remain intact through repeated applications. Once dry, these paints become water-resistant, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. This combination of qualities means your finished pieces’ll withstand environmental stressors and maintain their professional appearance indefinitely.
Price Point Comparison
Finding the right Holbein gouache paint within your budget requires understanding how pricing varies across product formats. Individual tubes typically run between $5 to $25, depending on size and configuration. You’ll uncover that larger multi-packs offer better value per milliliter than single tubes, making them ideal if you’re committed to gouache painting. Paint sets containing multiple colors provide even more cost savings than purchasing individual colors separately.
Your specific application should guide your purchasing decision. Consider whether you’re experimenting with gouache or establishing a professional palette. Compare per-unit pricing across formats to maximize your investment. By strategically selecting sets or multi-packs aligned with your intended use, you’ll stretch your budget further while accessing quality Holbein products.
