Gouache Paint vs. Acrylic Paint

When I first started experimenting with painting, I found myself baffled by the sheer variety of paints available. Oils, watercolors, acrylics, gouache… the choices seemed endless. Two mediums that stood out to me were gouache and acrylic paints.

They both seemed versatile and beginner-friendly but also offered unique characteristics of their own. Over time, as I explored both, I realized just how different yet equally exciting they were.

If you’re on the fence about whether to try gouache or acrylic paint (or both!), this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through the key differences, highlight their pros and cons, share useful tips, and give you a better sense of which medium might suit your artistic goals. Let’s jump in!

What is Gouache Paint?

To put it simply, gouache is a water-based paint. It’s often described as a blend of watercolor and acrylic properties.

Gouache has a dense, opaque matte finish, which makes it a favorite among illustrators, designers, and fine artists who are after smooth color coverage with minimal glare.

It’s made of a pigment, water, and a binding agent (usually gum arabic), with chalk or other additives to give it that special opaque quality.

When used, gouache dries fast and levels out smoothly. This makes it great for creating crisp edges and bold blocks of color.

What Makes Gouache Unique?

• Opacity: Gouache is more opaque than watercolor. You can build up layers or alter details on top without the previous layer being as visible. Acrylic, however, is even more opaque.
• Reactivates with Water: One of the most fascinating things about gouache is its ability to “wake up” when water is applied, even after it’s dried. This quality can be both a blessing for fine-tuning details and a challenge if you accidentally mess up an area.
• Matte Finish: Its flat, matte surface prevents the shine and glare that’s common with acrylics, making it ideal for work meant to be scanned or reproduced digitally.

What is Acrylic Paint?

Acrylic paint is a water-based medium that dries into a hard, plastic-like surface. Unlike gouache, acrylics are permanent once dried; they don’t reactivate with water.

They’re incredibly versatile and can mimic oil paints, watercolor effects, or anything in between depending on your technique.

Acrylic paints are made up of pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. They can be thinned with water for a semi-transparent or watercolor look, or used straight out of the tube for thick, bold strokes.

Their ability to layer without pulling up the paint beneath is what makes acrylics a powerhouse in the art world.

What Sets Acrylic Apart?

• Permanence: Acrylic paint dries waterproof. Once it’s set, there’s no going back, which is great for building long-lasting layers.
• Durability: Dried acrylics are strong and resistant to damage, making them perfect for works meant to last.
• Versatility: They can be used on multiple surfaces like canvas, wood, paper, and even fabric. Gouache can be used on most of these too, but acrylic definitely has the edge here.

Gouache vs. Acrylic Paint: Key Differences

1. Finish

• Gouache paints dry to a matte, velvety finish, while acrylics have a slightly glossy surface unless matte medium or additives are used.
• The sheen of acrylics can add vibrancy, while gouache remains muted and understated.

2. Opacity and Layering

• Gouache is opaque but not as inherently thick or permanently opaque as acrylic. With acrylic paint, you can cover mistakes or build layers without lifting the old paint. Gouache, on the other hand, may require a lighter touch or waiting between layers to avoid reactivating the paint beneath.

3. Reactivation

• This is a fundamental difference. Gouache can be reactivated with water even after drying, which makes it forgiving for touch-ups but tricky if you want permanence. Acrylic paint locks in your work, but there’s no going back for changes.

4. Drying Time

• Gouache dries relatively quickly but remains workable due to its water-soluble nature. Acrylic, although fast-drying, hardens permanently. Some artists use retarders or other additives to extend acrylic’s drying time if needed.

5. Ease of Use for Beginners

• Gouache is often seen as more beginner-friendly because it shares similarities with watercolor. If you’re familiar with water-based paints, gouache will probably feel more intuitive.
• Acrylic, while versatile, might have a learning curve due to its permanence and different techniques.

6. Applications and Uses

• Gouache is popular among illustrators and designers due to its flat finish, which scans beautifully for digital purposes. It’s also widely used for sketchbooks and indoor studio work.
• Acrylic is used in everything from fine art and murals to craft projects and custom decorations. Its durability makes it well-suited for outdoor works too.

My Personal Experience with Gouache and Acrylic

When I first tried gouache, I fell in love with how easy it was to mix colors and control my brushstrokes. It was forgiving, which is a blessing for someone like me who often hesitates while painting.

However, I found that I had to be extra careful with layering, especially if I used too much water. There were times when an almost-dry layer reactivated and smudged unexpectedly.

Acrylics, on the other hand, felt more daunting initially. The finality of each stroke can be intimidating. But the more I used them, the more I appreciated their versatility.

Whether I wanted thick textured strokes like in oil painting or thin, watercolor-like layers, acrylics delivered.

Tips for Using Gouache

1. Use the Right Paper: Gouache works best on heavy, non-textured watercolor paper. The smoothness minimizes bleeding while offering great control.
2. Experiment with Water Ratios: Getting the right consistency is key. Too much water can make it act like watercolor, while too little can make it chalky.
3. Work in Thin Layers: To prevent reactivating dried paint, try adding layers with a lighter touch.
4. Seal Finished Work: Spray your artwork with a fixative if you plan to avoid reactivation in the future.

Tips for Using Acrylic

1. Invest in Quality Brushes: Acrylic paints can be harsh on brushes, so use durable ones designed for the medium.
2. Try Adding Mediums: Matte medium, gloss gel, or texture paste can drastically change the look and feel of acrylic paint.
3. Work Quickly: Acrylics dry fast! If this becomes a problem, consider wet palettes or mixing in a retarder.
4. Prime Your Surface: For canvas work, always apply a layer of gesso to ensure the paint adheres evenly.

Which One is Right for You?

The choice between gouache and acrylic really depends on you and your goals. If you’re a beginner or want something with more forgiveness and flexibility,

I’d recommend trying gouache first. Its reworkable nature lets you experiment without too much stress. On the other hand, if durability and layering are important to your vision, acrylics may be the way to go.

Better yet, try both! Some artists, myself included, enjoy switching between the two depending on the project. The best part of art is the freedom to explore mediums and discover what resonates with your style.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between gouache and acrylic isn’t an either/or decision. They’re both incredible tools with unique strengths.

Take the time to play around, practice techniques, and see which one clicks. Over time, you might even find ways to combine the two for mixed-media creations.

At the end of the day, there’s no wrong answer here. The most important thing is that you keep creating and enjoying the process. Good luck and happy painting!