Gouache vs. Watercolor: What’s the Difference & Which Should You Use?

If you’ve ever stood in the art aisle wondering whether to grab a pan of watercolor or a tube of gouache, you’re not alone. These two dreamy mediums might look similar on the shelf—but on paper, they tell very different stories. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned sketchbook scribbler, knowing the differences between watercolor and gouache can save you from a creative identity crisis.

So—gouache vs watercolor: Who wins? Let’s get messy and find out.

What is Watercolor?

Watercolor is like your ethereal friend who wears flowing clothes and always forgets where they put their tea. It’s translucent, flowy, and loves to be layered. With watercolor, the white of the paper shines through, giving your work a luminous, soft glow.

Key Traits of Watercolor:

• Transparent and buildable
• Best on cold-press or watercolor paper
• Great for subtle gradients and light washes
• Harder to “undo” mistakes

Perfect for: landscapes, florals, dreamy portraits, and artists who don’t mind a little unpredictability.

Watercolor Product Picks:

• 🎨 Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolors: Affordable, high-quality starter set for beginners.
• 🖌️ Princeton Velvetouch Brushes: Soft but springy—perfect for detailed washes.
• 📓 Canson XL Watercolor Pad: Budget-friendly and great for practice.

You can also visit my other article, the Best Watercolor Tools to Purchase, for a more comprehensive list of recommendations or check out my Amazon Watercolor Supply Idea List!

🧈 What is Gouache?

Gouache (rhymes with “squash”) is watercolor’s bolder, more opaque sibling who always shows up to brunch in statement sunglasses. It’s creamy, flat, and designed to be opaque, thanks to added chalk or white pigment.

Key Traits of Gouache:

• Matte and opaque finish
• Reactivates with water (like watercolor)
• Great for layering light colors over dark
• Dries quickly, making it ideal for flat illustrations

Perfect for: graphic illustrations, poster work, design mockups, and people who like a little more control in their brush.

For a comprehensive list of my recommended gouache products, check out my Amazon Gouache Supplies Idea List!

🎨 Gouache Product Picks:

• 🧁 Himi Gouache Jelly Cup Set: Super beginner-friendly with bold, juicy colors.
• 🖌️ Royal & Langnickel Gouache Brush Set: Affordable brushes made for thicker paints.
• 📓 Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Pad: Handles gouache like a champ without buckling.

 So… Which One Should You Use?

Here’s the tea:

Choose watercolor if you like delicate, light washes and happy little accidents. It’s great for expressive painting, blending, and depth through transparency.

Choose gouache if you want bold shapes, punchy color, and more control over detail and opacity. It’s perfect for illustrators and designers—or anyone who loves a matte finish.

Want to live life on the edge? Use both! Many artists mix watercolor backgrounds with gouache details or highlights for the best of both worlds.

Tips for Beginners:

• Start small: Try sample sets before committing.
• Use the right paper: watercolor paper or mixed media is a must.
• Keep water handy: Both mediums can be reactivated, but behave differently when wet.
• Let yourself experiment: Gouache is forgiving. Watercolor teaches patience.

Final Thoughts (and Where to Shop)

Whether you fall in love with the translucent charm of watercolor or the bold confidence of gouache, remember—there’s no wrong answer. You’re not choosing a soulmate, just a paint set (though let’s be real, it might feel that serious).

Here are some other online art supply shops to check out, if Amazon isn't your jam:

• Blick Art Materials
• Jackson's Art Supplies
• Jerry's Artarama

So grab a brush, pick a palette, and get painting. Your next masterpiece might be one brushstroke away.