Q&A for How to Paint With Gouache

Absolutely! The beauty of gouache is its matte, flat appearance. Therefore, it's really suitable for graphic design, poster design, and pattern design.

The addition of a few drops of dish detergent will enhance the ability of gouache to stick to plastic, or even wax paper!

Yes, you can paint on wood with gouache since it is a highly absorbent surface. It may be a good idea to find a wooden board that has a smooth and even surface, as this will make your painting look better and be more readable.

You can use any gouache, but water-based gouache blends more evenly and has more possibilities compared to acrylic.

If the ink you're using to line with is waterproof, you can line it before painting. If not, it's best to wait until afterward.

You can revive dried gouache paint by scraping chunks or flecks of paint from the pan or palette, grinding them by hand in a mortar and pestle to achieve a fine powder, then adding water drop by drop until the desired consistency is achieved.

Watercolor paper or paper designed specifically for gouache paints is ideal.

Yes, it can be lifted off by rewetting the dried paint and dabbing the area with a paper towel to pick up the paint, just like with watercolors. However, it cannot always be lifted off completely.

I use sable or synthetics. In general I'd go for a soft to medium stiffness brush, depending on how much water is being used. Choose something that is not as soft as a watercolor brush/mop, and not as stiff as an oil brush.

Yes, you can use gold leaf after painting. I advise you to first paint a picture and let it dry, then add gold leaf onto it with some tacky glue.

I would suggest using airbrush medium when thinning acrylic paints for airbrushing.

Yes, as long as it's dry. Also, if you use nail varnish top coat, it makes your painting glossy.

Make sure you have a mug of clean water to dilute the paint and a separate mug for cleaning the brushes. Also, having some blotting paper nearby can be very handy. Just follow your feelings and have fun painting!

It is available online and in most arts and crafts stores.

Yes, but keep in mind if you place acrylic directly on top of dried gouache, it may pick up some of the color, since gouache is reactivated by moisture. They will also dry differently, as gouache dries matte and acrylic does not.

It depends on the type of brush, but since gouache is water soluble, soap and water should work fine. Remember to dry and store them bristles-up!

Yes, but it is advised that you use a textured paper to hold the pigment once the water has evaporated.

Yes, but there is a consistency that you need to get when using gouache on a canvas. Try it out a few times in some smaller canvases so you can see how it works.

Yes, gouache is opaque enough to paint a foreground on top. The watercolor background will not be visible where it is painted over by gouache.

It’s difficult with poorer-quality paint, but the less water used with gouache, the more opaque it is. With the right amount of water and perhaps a couple coats, light colors will layer over dark just fine and can even be blended into a darker base layer.

Using water with gouache will make it transparent, like watercolors. To lighten a shade of gouache, add white gouache.

Yes, if you are very careful to leave the paint long enough to dry properly and don’t use a rough brush to to apply it. However, varnish can affect the work in ways you may not intend, such as darkening the colors. There are certain varnishes made specifically for gouache, so I suggest experimenting before putting varnish on your project.

Yes, jelly gouache doesn't seem to smudge the graphite on canvas. But I would recommend sketching a a piece of paper first and then transferring it on canvas so your erased lines don't show through.

Yes, as long as the paper can receive wet media (check with the manufacturer if necessary). Warping of paper is possible, so for best results, dry mounting to something like gator board is helpful.

If the paint on your artwork has been there for a long time, there is a less chance of it getting off but you can get it off by using a pipette and squeezing warm water until it gets reactivated and then wipe off with toilet paper, towel, etc.

A layer of Mod Podge or sealer would work fine. I would also recommend varnish. If a larger piece, just add water to the varnish to spread.