You’re probably familiar with the frustration of a cramped palette that limits your color mixing. When you’re working with gouache, your palette becomes as important as your brushes and paints. The right one transforms your workflow, but choosing between options isn’t straightforward. We’ve compiled seven recommendations that’ll help you uncover what actually works for serious artists.
Quick Overview
- Porcelain palettes with 12-18 wells offer superior durability and material quality for long-term artistic use and investment protection.
- Generous mixing zones separate from paint wells enable smooth color blending and prevent muddy results in complex compositions.
- Sealed paint wells maintain gouache’s creamy consistency and vibrant colors between sessions for extended usability.
- Lightweight, compact designs with organized storage facilitate portability for plein air painting and studio commutes.
- Multi-medium compatibility allows gouache to layer seamlessly over other paints while maintaining reactivatable properties for reworking dried layers.
| HIMI Twin Cup Jelly Gouache Paint Set (36 Colors) |
| Best for Portability | Primary Use: Gouache paint storage and application | Portability: Compact jelly cup design | Color Count: 36 colors | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| MEEDEN 12-Well Round Porcelain Watercolor Paint Palette |
| Best for Professionals | Primary Use: Watercolor, gouache, acrylic palette | Portability: Studio or field use | Color Count: 12 wells | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| HIMI Gouache Paint Set 36 Colors with Brushes |
| Best Overall | Primary Use: Gouache paint set with application tools | Portability: Portable carrying case with pen tray | Color Count: 36 colors | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| MEEDEN 18-Well Porcelain Artist Paint Palette |
| Best Budget Option | Primary Use: Watercolor, gouache, acrylic palette | Portability: Studio or field work | Color Count: 18 wells | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| DUGATO Airtight Watercolor Palette Box with Brush Basin |
| Best Travel Kit | Primary Use: Watercolor, gouache, acrylic palette with brush basin | Portability: Travel-friendly all-in-one kit | Color Count: 16 wells | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Winsor & Newton Gouache Paint Set 10 Count 12ml (0.4-oz) Tubes |
| Best Premium Choice | Primary Use: Gouache paint tubes for mixing and application | Portability: Tube format, moderate portability | Color Count: 10 colors | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| HIMI Gouache Paint Set 24 Colors with Brushes (Pink) |
| Best for Beginners | Primary Use: Gouache paint set with application tools | Portability: Portable carrying case | Color Count: 24 colors | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
HIMI Twin Cup Jelly Gouache Paint Set (36 Colors)
If you’re looking for a versatile gouache set that won’t break the bank, the HIMI Twin Cup Jelly Gouache Paint Set delivers 36 vibrant colors in a compact, travel-friendly design. Each 12g jelly cup features a double-clasp opening and dual locks that create an airtight seal, keeping your paints fresh longer. You’ll appreciate the non-toxic, odorless formula that washes out easily from brushes and fabrics. HIMI’s independently developed paint uses premium raw materials to guarantee lasting color vibrancy that outperforms market alternatives. Whether you’re working on canvas or paper, this durable set combines convenience with professional-quality results, making it ideal for artists seeking reliable performance without unnecessary bulk.
- Primary Use:Gouache paint storage and application
- Portability:Compact jelly cup design
- Color Count:36 colors
- Paint Preservation:Double locks for tight seal
- Included Accessories:None specified
- Material Type:Non-toxic jelly paint cups
- Additional Feature:Double clasp/lock sealing
- Additional Feature:Easily washable, odorless formula
- Additional Feature:Long-lasting durability design
MEEDEN 12-Well Round Porcelain Watercolor Paint Palette
The MEEDEN 12-Well Round Porcelain Watercolor Paint Palette stands out as an excellent choice for artists who value versatility and durability. This premium white ceramic palette measures seven inches in diameter with twelve wells designed for your watercolor, gouache, acrylic, oil, and tempera work. You’ll appreciate its smooth, non-beading surface that accommodates easy color mixing without paint pooling. The durable eco-friendly construction withstands regular studio and field use, while cleanup requires just a quick tissue wipe. With ample mixing space and reliable performance, you’ll find this palette enhances your color-blending skills across multiple mediums.
- Primary Use:Watercolor, gouache, acrylic palette
- Portability:Studio or field use
- Color Count:12 wells
- Paint Preservation:No preservation features
- Included Accessories:None
- Material Type:Premium white eco-friendly ceramic
- Additional Feature:Smooth surface, no beading
- Additional Feature:7-inch diameter round shape
- Additional Feature:Improves color mixing skills
HIMI Gouache Paint Set 36 Colors with Brushes
For artists who want convenience and portability without sacrificing color selection, HIMI’s 36-color gouache set won’t disappoint. You’ll get 36 vibrant colors in 12ml jelly cups with upgraded sealing lids that keep paints wet and creamy. The twin jelly cup design means you’re carrying the equivalent of an 18-color set with double the options, eliminating tedious color mixing. The set includes three high-quality brushes—two flat and one round—perfect for detailed work and broad applications. You can dilute the thick, creamy paint with water without cracking, and the upgraded carrying case with pen tray makes outdoor painting effortless. Whether you’re painting at home, school, or traveling, this versatile set delivers professional results.
- Primary Use:Gouache paint set with application tools
- Portability:Portable carrying case with pen tray
- Color Count:36 colors
- Paint Preservation:Excellent sealing lid keeps paints wet
- Included Accessories:3 high-quality brushes (2 flat, 1 round)
- Material Type:Non-toxic jelly cups with carrying case
- Additional Feature:3 high-quality included brushes
- Additional Feature:Thick, creamy non-shifting consistency
- Additional Feature:Upgraded carrying case design
MEEDEN 18-Well Porcelain Artist Paint Palette
Artist-quality mixing awaits you with the MEEDEN 18-Well Porcelain Artist Paint Palette, which stands out as an excellent choice for gouache painters who value both performance and versatility. This premium white ceramic palette features 18 deep wells plus one spacious mixing area, giving you ample room to blend colors effectively. The smooth, non-porous surface prevents paint from beading, allowing pigments to spread seamlessly. You’ll appreciate its substantial weight, which keeps the palette stable during work sessions. Whether you’re painting in your studio or working outdoors, this durable palette handles watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and oil with equal capability. Cleanup’s effortless—simply wipe with a tissue and you’re done.
- Primary Use:Watercolor, gouache, acrylic palette
- Portability:Studio or field work
- Color Count:18 wells
- Paint Preservation:No preservation features
- Included Accessories:None
- Material Type:Premium white eco-friendly ceramic
- Additional Feature:18 deep wells plus mixing
- Additional Feature:Adequate weight prevents flipping
- Additional Feature:8×5.5×0.75 inch rectangular size
DUGATO Airtight Watercolor Palette Box with Brush Basin
If you’re seeking an all-in-one solution that won’t sacrifice portability, DUGATO’s airtight palette box stands out for plein air painters and traveling artists. You’ll appreciate the 16 deep wells that accommodate custom mixes or tube paints, while the transparent lid lets you quickly identify colors. The innovative silicone seal locks in moisture, preventing your gouache from drying out and minimizing waste. You also get a collapsible brush basin with integrated brush rests and a mixing palette built into the lid. Setup’s straightforward, cleanup’s easy—just rinse the plastic palette and silicone seal separately. This compact kit delivers everything you need for studio or outdoor painting without the bulk.
- Primary Use:Watercolor, gouache, acrylic palette with brush basin
- Portability:Travel-friendly all-in-one kit
- Color Count:16 wells
- Paint Preservation:Airtight silicone seal prevents drying
- Included Accessories:Collapsible brush basin with brush holders
- Material Type:Plastic palette with silicone seal
- Additional Feature:Airtight silicone seal technology
- Additional Feature:Collapsible brush wash basin
- Additional Feature:Transparent lid color identification
Winsor & Newton Gouache Paint Set 10 Count 12ml (0.4-oz) Tubes
The Winsor & Newton Gouache Paint Set delivers a trusted introduction to gouache painting that’s consistently favored by designers, illustrators, and commercial artists seeking quality without the premium price tag. You’ll receive ten 12ml tubes featuring essential colors: Titanium White, Process Yellow, Cadmium Yellow Deep Hue, Cadmium Red Hue, Process Magenta, Ultramarine, Process Cyan, Permanent Green Middle, Yellow Ochre, and Mars Black. This curated palette produces a matte flat finish with exceptionally smooth, even surfaces—no brush marks. You can use it independently, blend it with other media, or layer it beneath traditional oils. When you’re ready to advance, you’ll easily upgrade to Winsor & Newton’s premium Designers Gouache line.
- Primary Use:Gouache paint tubes for mixing and application
- Portability:Tube format, moderate portability
- Color Count:10 colors
- Paint Preservation:Tube format preserves paint
- Included Accessories:None
- Material Type:Gouache paint in tubes
- Additional Feature:Matte flat finish surface
- Additional Feature:Smooth drying, no brush marks
- Additional Feature:Historically proven iconic technique
HIMI Gouache Paint Set 24 Colors with Brushes (Pink)
For painters seeking portability without sacrificing quality, the HIMI Gouache Paint Set 24 Colors with Brushes stands out as an excellent choice. You’ll appreciate the 24 vibrant colors with high-quality pigments that deliver thick, creamy coverage ideal for watercolor paper and canvas. The jelly cup design features an excellent sealing lid that keeps your pigments wet and workable, so you can rewet and rework your paintings with ease. You’ll benefit from the all-in-one portable carrying case, making it perfect for studio, outdoor, or travel work. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and meets safety standards, backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- Primary Use:Gouache paint set with application tools
- Portability:Portable carrying case
- Color Count:24 colors
- Paint Preservation:Excellent sealing lid keeps paints wet
- Included Accessories:Brushes included (quantity not specified)
- Material Type:Non-toxic jelly cups with carrying case
- Additional Feature:Rewettable and reworkable formula
- Additional Feature:ASTM D-4236 safety certified
- Additional Feature:100% satisfaction guarantee included
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gouache Paint Palette
When you’re selecting a gouache paint palette, you’ll want to evaluate the material quality to guarantee durability and longevity through regular use. Consider the well size and depth alongside your mixing space capacity, as these features directly impact how you’ll work and whether you can blend colors efficiently. You should also assess portability and design for your specific needs, plus confirm the palette’s multi-medium compatibility so you can experiment beyond traditional gouache if desired.
Material Quality Matters
Just as you’d scrutinize a canvas before painting, you shouldn’t overlook the materials comprising your gouache palette. Cheap plastics crack easily and won’t withstand regular use, forcing premature replacement. You’ll want ceramic or porcelain palettes that resist staining and won’t absorb excess moisture, keeping your paints workable longer. Metal palettes offer durability and portability, though they can rust without proper care. Check that wells have adequate depth—shallow compartments cause colors to mix unintentionally. Examine the palette’s edges for smoothness; rough borders frustrate blending efforts. Quality construction means your investment lasts years, not months. Whether you’re a professional or hobbyist, prioritizing material quality prevents frustration and saves money long-term. Your paint deserves a home that performs.
Well Size and Depth
The compartments you choose matter as much as the palette’s material itself. Well size and depth directly impact your painting experience and color longevity.
Deeper wells give you better paint mixing capabilities and let you store pre-mixed colors without worrying about waste. You’ll have more room to load your brush and apply paint effectively. However, shallow wells dry out faster, limiting their usefulness for extended sessions.
The key is finding balance. You’ll want sufficient depth for adequate paint capacity without sacrificing access to your colors. Consider your typical project requirements—larger pieces demand bigger wells, while detailed work might benefit from smaller compartments that encourage color precision and prevent overloading your brush.
Mixing Space Capacity
Beyond individual wells, you’ll need adequate flat or recessed areas where you can blend colors together. Mixing space capacity directly impacts your workflow and color-blending efficiency.
You should look for palettes offering generous mixing zones separate from paint wells. A cramped mixing area forces you to work small, limiting your ability to create smooth color shifts and test combinations before applying them to your artwork.
Consider how many colors you typically blend simultaneously. If you work with complex color schemes, you’ll want multiple mixing sections to keep different color families separate and prevent muddy results.
Larger palettes with expansive mixing zones give you freedom to experiment boldly. You can lay out colors, make adjustments, and build nuanced hues without constantly wiping away previous mixes. This breathing room enhances your artistic control and confidence.
Portability and Design
Your palette’s practicality extends beyond the studio walls. When you’re choosing a gouache paint palette, portability matters considerably. You’ll want a compact, lightweight design that doesn’t burden you during plein air sessions or studio commutes.
Look for palettes with sealed paint wells that keep your gouache creamy and vibrant between uses. Durable materials like ceramic or high-quality plastic withstand frequent transportation without cracking or warping.
Travel-friendly features elevate your painting experience. Collapsible water cups and detachable mixing palettes offer versatility for different environments. Well-designed palettes also include brush holders and organized storage solutions that consolidate your supplies into one portable unit.
Multi-Medium Compatibility
If you’re interested in expanding your artistic horizons, gouache’s compatibility with watercolor, acrylics, and oils opens remarkable possibilities for mixed media work. You’ll find that gouache’s opaque, smooth nature lets you layer it seamlessly over other paints without compromising underlying mediums.
When choosing a palette, consider how you’ll incorporate gouache into your workflow. You can add details, highlights, or textured accents to existing paintings across multiple stages. Gouache’s reactivatable properties mean you can rework dried layers, offering flexibility that justifies investing in high-quality palettes.
Additionally, gouache works across diverse supports—from paper to canvas—making palette selection fundamental for your specific mixed media approach. Select a palette that accommodates your preferred mediums and supports, ensuring you maintain artistic control throughout your creative process.
