Which one is better for beginners? The difference between Acrylic Gouache and Gouache.

Which one is better for beginners? The difference between Acrylic Gouache and Gouache.

When beginners start exploring painting, many choose watercolor as their medium. However, aside from watercolor, did you know that another popular medium is gouache? On Threads, one of the most frequently asked questions I receive is, “What’s the difference between acrylic gouache and gouache?” I’ve often responded that I cannot group gouache and acrylic gouache together, even though they are similar in many ways, their actual application is quite different.

In this article, I’ll introduce the differences between Acrylic Gouache and Gouache. The main distinctions between the two lie in their solubility and durability.

 

 

Gouache

Gouache is a unique painting medium that falls between traditional watercolor and acrylic paint

  • Composition: The pigment composition of gouache is similar to traditional watercolor, consisting of pigments and a water-soluble binder such as gum arabic. The difference is that gouache includes white pigment or other opaque fillers to enhance coverage, giving it an opaque effect
  • After Drying: Once dry, gouache can be easily dissolved and reactivated with water, making it convenient for modifications and blending.
  • Coverage: While gouache has stronger coverage than traditional watercolor, its coverage is still weaker compared to acrylic gouache. The color saturation is also relatively lower.
  • Applicability: Gouache is suitable for illustration and design and can be used on watercolor paper, cardstock, illustration boards, and more. It works well with various styles of artwork.
  • **Due to its solubility and opacity, gouache is very suitable for corrections and modifications. Artists can cover previous mistakes or unsatisfactory areas and repaint over them.
  • Texture and Brushstrokes: The texture of gouache lies between watercolor and acrylic. It can be used for wet-on-wet techniques like watercolor or for thick applications like acrylic.

      Acrylic Gouache

      Acrylic gouache is a painting medium that combines the characteristics of acrylic paint and traditional gouache, offering the best of both worlds with its unique properties.

      • Composition: The composition of acrylic gouache is similar to acrylic paint, using acrylic polymer as a binder, making it water-resistant once dry.
      • After Drying: Once dry, acrylic gouache cannot be reactivated with water, forming a water-resistant layer that is difficult to modify.
      • Coverage: Acrylic gouache has strong coverage, high color saturation, and typically dries with a matte finish.
      • Applicability: It can be used on various surfaces, including paper, canvas, wood, and more. Its adhesion and durability make it suitable for creating on a wide range of materials.
      • Unlike traditional gouache, once acrylic gouache is dry, it cannot be dissolved by water. This makes it more suitable for works that require water resistance and long-term preservation, but it also means that there is little room for modification or adjustment once it has dried.
      • Texture and Brushstrokes: The texture of acrylic gouache can be adjusted, allowing for both thin washes and thick applications. The thickness of the paint layer can be controlled by adding different amounts of water or medium, making it versatile for various painting styles and techniques.
      • Durability and Lightfastness: Due to its acrylic base, acrylic gouache has high durability, excellent resistance to aging, and good lightfastness, making it less prone to fading or deterioration.

         

        Considering that my artwork is very vibrant and is created using block layers, acrylic gouache is my go-to choice. But for a beginner like you, should you start with acrylic gouache or traditional gouache? Apart from your personal art style, it also depends on your personal preferences:

            Gouache

            Advantages:

            • High Modifiability: Gouache can be reactivated with water after drying, making it ideal for adjustments and corrections.

            • Lower Learning Curve: It operates similarly to traditional watercolor, making it easier for beginners to get started.

            • Suitable for: If you enjoy the style of watercolor or want more flexibility for modifications during the creative process, gouache is an excellent starting point.

            Acrylic Gouache

            Advantages

            • High Durability: Once dry, it becomes water-resistant and less prone to damage.

            • Vibrant Colors: The colors are saturated and long-lasting, making it ideal for works that don’t require further modification after completion.

            • Challenge: Since it cannot be modified after drying, it requires more planning during the painting process.

            • Suitable for: If you prioritize the durability of your artwork and want to explore a medium similar to acrylic, acrylic gouache is a good choice.

            Conclusion

            Recommendation: If you’re a complete beginner, Gouache is more suitable because of its higher modifiability and gentler learning curve, making it easier to gradually master painting techniques. Once you become familiar with the characteristics of watercolor and gouache, transitioning to Acrylic Gouache will be smoother.

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