r/Gouache

25K archived posts · Jul 2015 – Sep 2026

Gouache - Opaque Watercolor

r/Gouache

Gouache is an opaque, water-based paint similar to watercolor, with which it is sometimes paired. It can be painted light over dark and dark over light, it dries quickly, it remains water soluble after dry, and requires no solvents to clean up. Note: Acryl(a) gouache is just acrylic paint formulated to dry with a matte finish. Designers like this because it's easier to scan or photograph. Acryl(a) gouache has different working properties than traditional gouache.

Created Jul 27, 2015

56KMembers (last snapshot)

25KArchived posts

Gouache: Opaque Watercolor

Gouache (sometimes also called 'bodycolor') is an opaque, water-based paint similar to watercolor, with which it is sometimes paired. It can be painted light over dark and dark over light, it dries quickly, it remains water soluble after dry, and requires no solvents to clean up.

Note: Acryl or acryla gouache is just acrylic paint formulated to dry with a matte finish. Designers like this because it's easier to scan or photograph. Acryl(a) gouache has very different working properties than traditional gouache.

Posting Guidelines

Anything about gouache, including your own works for comments and criticism. Please make it clear if a work you post is your own or not, especially if it's just an image link.

Gouache is often used in multimedia work. Please stick to works and techniques where gouache is in the foreground.

Gouache is not a terribly popular medium and hard to find good information on, so links such as tutorials are always welcome.

Nudes are fine, but please do mark them NSFW when posting.

Be polite. And please don't make posts for selling your own work.

Useful Information

Painting with Gouache a basic intro to the medium
The 7 Gouache Hazards
Gouache Ingredients from different makers
Handprint's notes on Gouache and Bodycolor

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