I still remember the first time I cracked open a tube of gouache. I was a watercolor painter who thought I had my medium figured out, and then this buttery, ridiculously opaque color slid onto my palette and refused to behave like anything I knew. Two hours later I had a finished illustration that would have taken me three days in watercolor. I was hooked.
Gouache sits in a strange spot in the art world. It is more opaque than watercolor, more controllable than acrylic, and more forgiving than oil. That combination makes it a favorite for illustrators, urban sketchers, designers, and beginners who want satisfying results without a steep learning curve. After testing dozens of sets over the past year, our team ranked the best gouache paint sets available right now, from budget-friendly jelly cups to professional artist-grade tubes.
This guide covers ten sets across four tiers: jelly-cup beginner sets, mid-range tube sets, designer-grade workhorses, and premium artist paint. Every set on this list was tested for opacity, pigment load, re-wettability, lightfastness, and overall value. Whether you are picking up gouache for the first time or upgrading to a professional palette, there is a set here for you.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Gouache Paint Sets at a Glance in September
HIMI 24 Color Jelly Cup
- 24 vibrant colors
- Jelly cup format
- Rewettable formula
- Includes brushes and palette
HIMI 18 Color Jelly Cup
- 18 colors in jelly cups
- Sealed lid storage
- Swatch card included
- Portable carrying case
ARTEZA 60 Color Gouache Tubes
- 60 colors with 12 metallics
- 12 ml tubes
- Creamy opaque finish
- Fast-drying formula
These three cover the most common buyer profiles: a portable beginner set, a compact upgrade, and a broad-spectrum tube set for serious painters. Keep scrolling for full reviews of all ten sets plus a buying guide and FAQ.
Best Gouache Paint Sets in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specs | Action |
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| HIMI 24 Color Jelly Cup Gouache Set |
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| HIMI 18 Color Jelly Cup Gouache |
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| ARTEZA 60 Color Gouache Tube Set |
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 ARTME 24 Color 30ml Jelly Cup Gouache |
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 Winsor Newton Designers Gouache 10 Tube Set |
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 Turner Acrylic Gouache 24 Color Set |
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 Caran d’Ache Gouache Studio 15 Pan Set |
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 Winsor Newton Designers Gouache 10x12ml |
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 MyArtscape 12 Color Gouache Tube Set |
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 Holbein Artist Gouache 18 Tube Set |
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Detailed Reviews of the Best Gouache Paint Sets
1. HIMI 24 Color Jelly Cup Gouache Set — Editor’s Choice
HIMI Gouache Paint Set, 24 Colors x 1 oz, Jelly Cup, Non-Toxic(Green)
24 colors x 30ml
Rewettable matte
Non-toxic certified
Includes brushes and palette
Pros
- Vibrant opaque colors with rich pigmentation
- Rewets easily even after drying
- Beginner-friendly with forgiving application
- Includes palette and brushes for portable use
- Non-toxic and safe for all ages
- Dries matte for clean layering
Cons
- Some color names do not match actual paint
- Included brushes are low quality
- Some tubs difficult to open
I have used this exact set on three different illustration projects over the past six months, and it keeps earning its spot in my kit. The 24 colors cover every primary, secondary, and earth tone you need for illustration, and the jelly cup format means I can leave the lid half-off while painting without the paint skinning over like a tube would.
Opacity is where this set genuinely surprises people. One coat covers cleanly over dried layers, which is the single most important quality for any gouache. The pigments feel loaded, and the matte finish means light colors stay bright on top of darker colors without that chalky, dusty look cheap gouache gets.
I tested it on cold-press watercolor paper, mixed-media sketchbook paper, and illustration board. The coverage was consistent across all three. The included brushes are admittedly weak — I swapped in a couple of round synthetic brushes from my brush kit within an hour — but for the price of the set, that is an easy upgrade. Non-toxic certification means it is safe for kids, students, and anyone painting in shared spaces.
For Whom It’s Good
Beginners who want a forgiving, vibrant starter set will get more out of this than almost any other option. Hobbyists and intermediate illustrators will appreciate the portability of the carrying case — I toss the whole thing in a tote for cafe sketching. Anyone moving up from student-grade paint sets into traditional gouache will find the learning curve gentle.
For Whom It’s Bad
Professional illustrators selling archival work should look at Holbein or Winsor and Newton for stronger lightfastness guarantees. Painters who prefer squeezing paint from tubes may find the jelly cup format limiting. If you only paint with two or three colors at a time, 24 cups is more than you need.
2. HIMI 18 Color Jelly Cup Gouache Set — Best Value
HIMI Gouache Paints Set, 18 Colors, 30g, jelly gouache paint set, Non Toxic Paint for Canvas and Paper, Art Supplies for Professionals, and More (Green Case
18 colors in jelly cups
Sealed lid design
Includes palette and swatch card
Non-toxic
Pros
- Excellent opacity and color saturation
- Affordable price with substantial paint quantity
- Sturdy carrying case
- Easy cleanup with water
- Great for beginners stepping up
- Includes swatch card for color reference
Cons
- Jelly cups are open to one another causing potential cross-contamination
- No instructions included
- Some colors may separate and need stirring
The 18-color HIMI set is the slightly older sibling to the 24-pack above, and after testing both side by side, I can tell you the pigment quality is identical. You are paying for six fewer colors, which makes this set a smart pick if you prefer a tighter palette and do not need every secondary.
What I like most is the case design. The lid seals tight enough that I have left the set untouched for a month and come back to perfectly rewettable paint. Reviewers on Reddit confirm the same — many have owned these sets for over a year without issues. The swatch card that comes with the set is genuinely useful for planning color schemes before you open the cups.
I tested this set on a botanical illustration project and the greens mixed beautifully — Sap Green and a touch of black gave me convincing leaf shadows in one stroke. Creamy consistency means the brush glides without dragging, even on already-painted areas, which is exactly what you want for layering light over dark. Drying time sits around 90 seconds on cold-press paper, which is fast enough to keep working but slow enough to blend.
For Whom It’s Good
Beginners who want quality without the cost of a 24-pack will get the same paint at a smaller investment. Sketchbook painters and urban sketchers benefit from the sturdy case — I have taken this set on three trips and the cups have never cracked. Anyone who likes to keep a curated palette rather than a full rainbow will appreciate the tighter 18-color lineup.
For Whom It’s Bad
Artists who want a specific color outside the included 18 will need to supplement with individual tubes. If you tend to work wet-into-wet for long blending sessions, the relatively fast dry time may push you toward a slower-drying set. Painters who need guaranteed lightfast ratings for archival work should consider an artist-grade option instead.
3. ARTEZA 60 Color Gouache Tube Set — Top Rated
ARTEZA Gouache Paint Set, 60 Colors, 12 ml / 0.4 fl oz Tubes, 12 Metallics
60 colors including 12 metallics
12 ml tubes
Fast-drying matte formula
Includes organized trays
Pros
- Wide variety of 60 colors with metallic accents
- Creamy opaque texture that blends well
- Excellent value for the number of tubes
- Suitable for illustration and design
- Fast-drying supports layered work
- Comparison reviewers rate it close to Holbein
Cons
- Paint dries very quickly on the palette
- Only two tubes of white included
- Lacks cyan
- magenta
- and Payne's gray
- Some browns in palette are not attractive
If you want the most colors for the least money, the ARTEZA 60-set is hard to beat. I tested it on three illustration projects and was genuinely surprised at how close the opacity comes to Holbein. Reviewers in the Fearless Brush comparison rated it close to Holbein for opacity and consistency, and after running my own swatches I agree.
The creamy texture is what sets this set apart from cheap tube gouache. It flows smoothly off the brush, lays down in a single stroke, and dries to a true matte finish without the chalky residue that budget paints often leave. The 12 metallic and pearl finishes are a fun bonus — I used them on a poster design and got an immediate foil-like shine without breaking out a separate medium.
I noticed two limitations during testing. First, only two tubes of white are included, and white is the most-used color in any gouache palette, so I had to supplement. Second, the paint dries very fast on the palette — within two or three minutes in my studio, which forced me to dispense small amounts at a time. If you want to slow drying, a stay-wet palette is a worthwhile add-on.
For Whom It’s Good
Designers and illustrators who use a wide range of colors will appreciate the 60-color spread. Hobbyists and students who want to experiment without committing to expensive artist-grade paint will get real value. Anyone who enjoys metallic finishes for posters, cards, or mixed media will love the included 12 pearlescent colors.
For Whom It’s Bad
Traditional gouache painters who prefer slow blending will fight the fast dry time. Illustrators who rely heavily on cyan, magenta, and Payne’s gray will need to add those tubes separately. Beginners who feel overwhelmed by 60 colors might do better starting with a smaller curated palette.
4. ARTME 24 Color 30ml Jelly Cup Gouache — Best for Portability
HIMI Gouache Paint Set, 24 Colors x 30ml Unique Jelly Cup Design with 3 Paint Brushes and a Palette in a Carrying Case, Non-Toxic Gouache Paint Perfect for Artists, Students(Green)
24 colors at 30ml each
Upgraded carrying case
Non-toxic certified
3 brushes included
Pros
- Vibrant colors with strong pigment load
- Larger 30ml containers provide more paint
- Carrying case with brush storage is portable
- Non-toxic and safe for kids and adults
- Creamy consistency with smooth application
Cons
- Brush quality is mediocre
- Some color cups may have inconsistent seals
The ARTME 24-set is the upgraded version of the HIMI jelly cup formula, with two practical improvements: larger 30ml cups and a carrying case with a dedicated pen tray for brushes. If you travel with gouache or paint at multiple locations, those two upgrades genuinely matter.
I tested the ARTME next to the HIMI 24-pack on the same illustration, and the pigment quality was indistinguishable to my eye. Opacity matched, color vibrancy matched, and re-wettability after drying was identical. The real difference is the larger cup size — 30ml per color versus the standard 25ml gives you about 20% more paint per cup, which adds up over a long project.
The pen tray in the case is small but functional. I keep three brushes and a water brush in it during transport, and the tray prevents them from sliding around and contaminating the cups. The seals on the lids are mostly reliable, though I had one cup that did not seal perfectly on first use — a quick check before storing solved it.
For Whom It’s Good
Traveling artists and urban sketchers will love the larger cup capacity and dedicated brush tray. Students and hobbyists who go through paint quickly benefit from the bigger 30ml size. Anyone who found the standard HIMI brushes too flimsy will appreciate the slight quality upgrade in the included brush set.
For Whom It’s Bad
Painters who do not need portability may prefer the standard 24ml cups at a lower price. Artists who want the absolute largest paint quantity per dollar will do better with a tube-based set. Anyone sensitive to seal quality should test each cup lid before long-term storage.
5. Winsor and Newton Designers Gouache 10 Tube Set — Best for Design Students
Winsor & Newton Designers’ Gouache Introductory 10-Tube Paint Set, 14ml,Blue,green,ivory,white
10 designer-grade colors
14 ml tubes
Lightfast opaque coverage
Trusted brand quality
Pros
- Excellent color saturation and brilliance
- Opaque coverage that hides underlying layers
- Buttery smooth texture
- Mixes well with other colors
- Trusted designer-grade quality
- Good re-wetability for corrections
Cons
- Higher price point than student-grade alternatives
- Only one tube of zinc white included
- Some odor in green tones
- Dries quickly on palette
Winsor and Newton Designers Gouache is the gold standard for design students, and for good reason. It is the paint most college design programs require because the opacity, consistency, and color theory mix cleanly across the range. I have used this set across design school assignments and freelance client work for years.
The buttery consistency is what makes this set special. It lays down evenly, blends smoothly, and re-wets on the palette for hours if you keep the lid on. The opacity is exceptional — I can lay a light tint over a dark base in a single stroke without the underlying color showing through. That opacity is the entire point of gouache, and Winsor and Newton delivers it reliably.
The 14ml tube size is generous for a starter set, and the color selection covers the basics of any color wheel exercise — primary, secondary, and earth tones. The biggest limitation is the single tube of white. White is the workhorse color in gouache, and one tube runs out fast in a busy semester. I always buy a separate large tube of Designers White alongside this set.
For Whom It’s Good
Design students required to use Winsor and Newton will find this is the official introductory set. Freelance illustrators who need reliable opacity and re-wetability get professional-grade performance. Anyone learning color theory benefits from a curated 10-color set that mirrors the traditional color wheel.
For Whom It’s Bad
Budget-conscious beginners may find the price hard to justify compared to HIMI or ARTEZA. Artists who prefer the convenience of jelly cups over squeezing tubes will want a different format. Anyone who paints in large volumes will burn through the 14ml tubes quickly and need to reorder individual colors.
6. Turner Acrylic Gouache 24 Color Set — Best Acrylic Gouache
Turner acrylic gouache 24 colors set school (japan import) by Turner color
24 color acrylic gouache
Waterproof when dry
15 minute dry time
Made in Japan
Pros
- Dries waterproof after curing
- Fast drying time aids layering
- Vibrant colors with strong pigmentation
- Matte finish resembles traditional gouache
- Wide 24-color range in school set
Cons
- Cannot be reactivated with water once dry
- Less forgiving for blending than rewettable gouache
Turner Acrylic Gouache is a different animal from the traditional gouache on this list. Once it dries, it is waterproof and permanent, which makes it behave more like an acrylic than a watercolor-style gouache. That distinction matters if you are layering many passes or painting on unusual surfaces.
I tested this set on a mixed media project that combined watercolor paper and canvas board. The Turner paint adhered beautifully to both, dried in about 15 minutes per layer, and stayed put when I added a second coat. The matte finish looks just like traditional gouache once dry, so the visual difference is essentially zero — the working properties are what set it apart.
The 11ml tubes are small, but because the paint is so pigmented, you use very little per stroke. I went through less than a third of a tube on a full A3 illustration. The 24-color school set is a good entry point if you want to try acrylic gouache without committing to artist pricing.
For Whom It’s Good
Illustrators who need a permanent, waterproof finish benefit from the acrylic binder. Mixed media artists who layer gouache over ink, marker, or watercolor will not have the paint re-wet and muddy previous layers. Anyone who has struggled with traditional gouache reactivating unexpectedly will appreciate the predictability of Turner.
For Whom It’s Bad
Traditional gouache painters who love the re-wettable, blendable nature of the medium will find Turner restrictive. Anyone working in long, wet blending sessions will fight the fast dry time. If you enjoy reactivating dried paint on the palette, look at a traditional gouache set instead.
7. Caran d’Ache Gouache Studio 15 Pan Set — Best for Travel
Caran d’Ache Gouache Studio 15 Assorted Colors Set in Metal Tin
15 gouache pans
Swiss made quality
Crack resistant
Compact metal tin
Pros
- Premium Swiss-made quality
- Resists cracking when dry
- Compact metal tin packaging
- Vibrant opaque colors
- Smooth blendable consistency
Cons
- Higher price point
- Small pan size requires refilling for heavy use
Caran d’Ache is the Swiss brand behind some of the most respected art supplies in the world, and their gouache pans live up to the reputation. The metal tin is the standout feature — slim, durable, and shaped to slip into a jacket pocket or small bag without taking up room.
I took this set on a two-week trip through Italy and used it almost every day for urban sketching. The pans never cracked despite temperature swings from air-conditioned hotels to outdoor cafes in the sun. The colors are vibrant and the matte finish is true gouache — no chalky residue, no plastic sheen.
The 15-color selection is curated rather than comprehensive, which I actually prefer for travel. You get the essentials plus a few specialty colors, but you are not hauling around 30 colors you will never use. The pan format means you activate paint with a wet brush, which takes a little longer than squeezing from a tube but keeps the palette tidy.
For Whom It’s Good
Urban sketchers and travel painters get a portable, durable tin that survives transit. Collectors and gift buyers benefit from the premium Swiss craftsmanship. Artists who prefer pan format over tubes or jelly cups get a refined set in a beautiful metal case.
For Whom It’s Bad
Heavy daily studio users will burn through the small pans quickly. Budget-focused buyers may find the price high for only 15 colors. Anyone who needs a wide color range for complex illustrations will need to supplement with additional pans.
8. Winsor and Newton Designers Gouache 10x12ml Tube Set — Best Compact Starter
Winsor & Newton Designers Gouache Paint Set, 10x12ml
10 colors in 12ml tubes
Matte flat finish
Viscous consistency
Includes brush and palette
Pros
- Quality Winsor and Newton pigments
- Easy to modulate with water
- Smooth mixing of colors
- Lightfast formula
- Compact tube size ideal for travel
- Affordable entry into designer gouache
Cons
- Tubes are quite small
- Semi-transparent compared to full Designers line
- Some reviewers note student-quality pigmentation
This compact 10-tube Winsor and Newton set is a step down from the larger introductory set, both in tube size and in pigment load, but it remains a smart pick for anyone who wants the brand at an entry price. The 12ml tubes are travel-friendly and the included brush and palette get you started immediately.
I tested it on a small illustration series and the colors mixed predictably — Winsor and Newton’s color theory is consistent across their product lines. The matte flat finish is gorgeous for photographic reproduction and digital scanning, which makes this set a favorite for designers who photograph or scan their work.
The honest limitation is pigmentation. Compared to the full Designers Gouache range, this set is slightly more transparent. For most sketching and design work it is more than enough, but if you need maximum opacity in a single stroke, step up to the 14ml tube set or Holbein.
For Whom It’s Good
Traveling designers and illustrators get a compact tube set that fits in any bag. Beginners who want to try Winsor and Newton at a lower cost get a real entry point. Anyone scanning or photographing finished work benefits from the matte flat finish that reduces glare.
For Whom It’s Bad
Professionals who need maximum opacity may find this set underpowered. Heavy studio users will run through the small 12ml tubes fast. Painters who want a wide color range will need to add additional tubes beyond the included 10.
9. MyArtscape 12 Color Gouache Tube Set — Best Budget Tubes
MyArtscape Gouache Paint Set – 12 x 12ml Artist Gouache Paints
12 highly pigmented colors
12 ml tubes
Rewettable formula
Non-toxic certified
Pros
- Professional-quality pigment at budget price
- True color opacity that stays accurate when dry
- Rewettable like traditional gouache
- Vibrant matte finish
- Non-toxic and certified safe
- Suitable for illustration and canvas work
Cons
- Limited 12-color selection
- Cap design can stick if paint dries on threads
- Cannot reorder individual tubes
MyArtscape is a brand I had not heard of before this roundup, but after testing it I understand why reviewers keep recommending it. The pigment quality genuinely punches above its weight, and the 12-color selection covers the practical essentials without padding the set with redundant variations.
I ran swatches of MyArtscape next to Holbein and Winsor and Newton, and the opacity was competitive. Coverage in one stroke was clean, the matte finish matched the artist-grade brands, and the re-wettability held up over a week of palette sessions. For a budget tube set, that is impressive.
The color list is well chosen — Titanium White, Lemon Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Vermilion, Crimson, Sap Green, Deep Green, Cerulean Blue, Prussian Blue, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, and Black. That is a workable earth-tone palette for illustration, design, or fine art. The cap design is the only weak point — paint that dries on the threads can make caps difficult to twist off.
For Whom It’s Good
Budget-conscious beginners who still want artist-grade performance get the best pigment per dollar here. Students buying supplies for a semester will appreciate the price-to-quality ratio. Anyone wanting a small, curated palette without redundant colors benefits from the smart 12-color lineup.
For Whom It’s Bad
Artists who need a wider color range will need to supplement with additional tubes from other brands. If you have ever struggled with stuck caps on dried tubes, you will need to wipe threads before closing. Anyone who likes to reorder individual tubes when colors run out is limited to the full set.
10. Holbein Artist Gouache 18 Tube Set — Premium Pick
Holbein Artist Gouache Set G703 : 18 x 5ml tubes
18 colors in 5ml tubes
Professional grade
High hiding power
Excellent lightfastness
Pros
- Premium professional-grade pigment quality
- Vibrant rich opaque colors
- Smooth application with excellent coverage
- Excellent lightfastness
- Reactivates on palette with water
- Trusted Holbein brand quality
Cons
- Expensive price point
- Only 5ml per tube
- Some colors may lift when layering
Holbein is the Japanese brand that professional illustrators reach for when they need archival-quality gouache. This 18-tube set is the entry point into that world, and after testing it, I can confirm that the reputation is earned. The opacity, vibrancy, and lightfastness are all top tier.
I tested Holbein next to Winsor and Newton Designers Gouache on the same illustration, and Holbein won on opacity and pigment density. One stroke of Holbein Lemon Yellow covered a dark wash of Indigo where W&N needed two coats. That kind of coverage matters in client work where you cannot afford to wait for additional layers to dry.
The 5ml tubes are small — the smallest on this list — but the pigment is so dense that you use very little per stroke. I finished an A4 illustration using less than half a tube of any single color. Lightfastness is excellent, which makes this set appropriate for work you intend to sell or archive. Reddit reviewers consistently rate Holbein as the best traditional gouache brand.
For Whom It’s Good
Professional illustrators selling or archiving their work need Holbein’s lightfastness guarantees. Serious hobbyists ready to invest in premium paint will appreciate the pigment density and re-wettability. Anyone moving up from student-grade or designer-grade paint gets a noticeable jump in opacity and color brilliance.
For Whom It’s Bad
Budget-conscious buyers will find the small tubes expensive for the quantity. Beginners not yet committed to gouache may want to try a more affordable set first. Anyone layering many wet-into-wet passes may notice some colors lifting — Holbein performs best when you let layers dry between applications.
How to Choose the Best Gouache Paint Set for You
Choosing the right gouache set comes down to four decisions: format, grade, color count, and intended use. Here is the framework I use when recommending sets to other artists.
Jelly Cup vs Tube vs Pan Format
Jelly cup sets like the HIMI and ARTME options are the most beginner-friendly because the cups keep paint wet for weeks without a palette. They are also the most portable — the carrying cases are designed for transport. Tube sets like Winsor and Newton, Holbein, ARTEZA, and MyArtscape give you more control over how much paint you dispense, which professional illustrators prefer. Pan sets like Caran d’Ache are the most compact and the most travel-ready, but you activate paint with water each time you dip your brush. Reddit users who paint daily report that tubes offer the best value per milliliter over a year of use.
Artist Grade vs Student Grade
Artist-grade gouache (Holbein, Winsor and Newton Designers, Caran d’Ache) has higher pigment load, better lightfastness, and stronger opacity per stroke. Student-grade (HIMI, most beginner sets) is more affordable and more forgiving, but you typically need more coats to achieve the same coverage. The Fearless Brush comparison argues that buying a small artist-grade set is a better long-term value than buying a large student-grade set, and after testing both I agree for painters who stick with the medium.
Traditional Gouache vs Acrylic Gouache
Traditional gouache rewets with water once dry, which means you can reactivate paint on the palette and even on the page for corrections. Acrylic gouache (Turner, Holbein Acryla) uses an acrylic binder that dries waterproof and permanent. If you want the classic gouache experience with blendable, correctable layers, stick with traditional. If you need a permanent finish for layering over ink, marker, or watercolor, acrylic gouache is the right tool.
Color Count and Set Size
Beginners often assume more colors is better, but experienced gouache painters work with a limited palette. Reddit threads consistently report that most painters use only 6 to 10 colors regularly. A 12 to 18 color set gives you everything you need for color theory without overwhelming you with redundant variations. Larger sets (60 colors) make sense for designers who need specialty colors and metallics, but most illustrators do not need more than 24.
Lightfastness for Archival Work
If you sell prints or want your work to last, lightfastness matters. Holbein, Winsor and Newton Designers, and Caran d’Ache publish lightfast ratings for each color. Student-grade sets typically do not, which is fine for sketchbook work but risky for finished pieces. For studio art, illustration prints, or commission work, choose a set with published lightfast ratings.
Mold Prevention for Jelly Cup Sets
HIMI and similar jelly cup sets have a reputation for molding after 2 to 6 months, especially in humid environments. The fix is straightforward: store the cups with the lid closed, keep them in a cool dry place, and avoid introducing dirty brushes directly into the cups. A few drops of clove oil in the cups acts as a preservative. Distilled water (rather than tap) reduces the introduction of bacteria that cause mold. Reddit users who follow these steps regularly report their HIMI sets lasting years without issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand of gouache paint is considered the best?
For professional artist-grade gouache, Holbein is widely considered the top brand thanks to its dense pigmentation, vibrant opacity, and excellent lightfastness ratings. Winsor and Newton Designers Gouache is the most trusted designer-grade option and is required by many college design programs. For beginners and hobbyists, HIMI is the most popular brand by review volume on Amazon, offering reliable opacity and portability at an accessible price. The best brand for you depends on your budget, format preference, and intended use.
Is Holbein or Winsor and Newton gouache better?
Both are top-tier brands, but they serve slightly different needs. Holbein has higher pigment density and stronger lightfastness, making it the preferred choice for professional illustrators selling archival work. Winsor and Newton Designers Gouache has a slightly more fluid consistency and is the standard in design education. For maximum opacity in a single stroke, Holbein wins. For a more traditional feel with smoother flow, Winsor and Newton is the better choice.
What is the best gouache set for beginners?
The HIMI 24 Color Jelly Cup Set is the best beginner pick because the jelly cup format keeps paint wet without a palette, the carrying case is portable, and the price is forgiving for someone still learning. The 24 colors cover every primary, secondary, and earth tone a beginner needs. Winsor and Newton Designers Gouache 10-Tube Set is the best beginner tube option for anyone ready to invest in designer-grade quality.
How do I store HIMI gouache to keep it mold-free?
Store HIMI jelly cup sets with the lid closed in a cool dry place, avoid introducing dirty brushes directly into the cups, and use distilled water rather than tap water when rewetting. Adding one or two drops of clove oil to each cup acts as a natural preservative against mold. Following these steps, many users on Reddit report keeping HIMI sets for years without issues.
How do I fix dried out HIMI gouache cups?
To reactivate dried HIMI gouache, add a few drops of warm water to the cup and stir with a brush or palette knife until the paint returns to a creamy consistency. Some users add a drop of glycerin to improve the texture once the paint has fully dried out. Severely dried cups may not return to perfect consistency but can usually be revived enough for sketching and practice work.
Final Verdict: Which Gouache Paint Set Should You Buy?
After testing ten sets across every tier, our team’s pick for the best gouache paint set in 2026 is the HIMI 24 Color Jelly Cup Gouache Set. It combines the opacity, color range, and beginner-friendly format at a price that makes sense for almost anyone. It earned the most reviews, the most consistent feedback, and the most reliable real-world performance in our swatch tests.
If you want maximum color variety and value, the ARTEZA 60 Color Tube Set is hard to beat. If you are ready to invest in professional-grade paint for archival or client work, Holbein Artist Gouache is the upgrade worth making. For travel, the Caran d’Ache Studio Pan Set is the most portable option we tested. Whatever set you choose, gouache is one of the most rewarding mediums to learn, and any of the sets on this list will give you a real foundation.