Gouache FAQ

Here are some questions I get asked a lot:

• Can you use salt with gouache?
  • Yes – I’ve used salt poured on wet gouache (usually in more diluted areas) and it creates a beautiful texture.
• How do you layer gouache?
  • This is more tricky but there are a couple ways that work for me. One is to start with a very diluted layer, like watercolor. Then wait until it dries before adding another slightly thicker layer. Keep letting the layers dry between, and use less and less water until you reach your final which will be pure gouache.
• What brand of gouache should I use?
  • I use Winsor & Newton and Holbein. There are many good brands, but you want to make sure you are using professional level gouache because the student grade will not perform as well.
• What colors do I need to get started?
  • You only need the primaries: red, yellow, blue. But you’ll need white as well because for the most part, you add some white into every mixture. Having black is also convenient.