Gouache Paint Sets for Artists: 12, 18, or 24 Colours in 5ml and 12ml Tubes

Gouache paint offers artists a versatile medium characterised by its strong, opaque colour and matte finish. This set provides a practical introduction or expansion to working with gouache, available in multiple colour counts and tube sizes to suit different creative needs. Whether for illustration, design work, or hobby painting, the water-soluble nature of gouache allows for techniques ranging from solid, flat colour to subtle, translucent washes. The choice between 5ml and 12ml tubes lets you match the quantity to your project frequency and storage space.

Features and Construction

The core appeal of this product lies in its straightforward configuration options and the inherent properties of gouache paint. The sets are designed for immediate use, requiring only a brush, water, and a surface to begin creating.

Material and Build

The paint is formulated with gouache pigment, which is ground finely and suspended in a water-based binder. This composition is what gives gouache its signature quality: high pigment load for vibrant, opaque colour that dries to a uniform, matte surface. Unlike watercolour, gouache does not rely on the whiteness of the paper for luminosity; the colour sits on top of the surface. The paint is housed in sealed collapsible tubes, which help preserve moisture and prevent the paint from skinning over before use.

Size and Practical Fit

You can select the set that fits your practice. The configurations are clearly defined: a 12-colour set in 5ml tubes (7612), an 18-colour set in 5ml tubes (7618), a 24-colour set in 5ml tubes (7624), or a 12-colour set in larger 12ml tubes (7312L). The 5ml tubes are a common size for art sets, providing a sufficient amount for experimentation and smaller works. The 12ml option offers more paint per tube, which can be beneficial for artists who use certain colours more frequently or work on larger pieces.

Uses and Placement

Gouache is a flexible medium with applications in both formal art and casual crafting. Its quick-drying, opaque nature makes it suitable for a variety of surfaces and techniques.

Event or Professional Use

For illustrators, designers, and commercial artists, gouache is valued for its solid, reproducible colour and ability to create crisp edges. It is often used for storyboarding, poster design, and technical illustration where flat, bright colour is required. The range of colours in the 18 and 24 colour sets provides a broader palette for complex professional work without needing to mix every secondary or tertiary shade from primaries.

Everyday Home Use

For hobbyists, students, or those exploring art at home, gouache is forgiving and engaging. Mistakes can be painted over once dry, and techniques are easy to learn. The 12-colour set forms a solid basic palette for sketching, journaling, or creating gifts. Because it is water-based, it cleans up easily from brushes and palettes, making it a practical choice for home studios or kitchen-table art sessions.

Benefits and Buying Value

The value of this gouache set lies in its direct utility and the specific choices it offers the user. It provides the essential materials to start working with an established artistic medium.

Reuse and Low Maintenance

The tube packaging is key to the paint's longevity. By squeezing out only what is needed and recapping the tube tightly, the remaining paint stays usable for future sessions. Gouache that has dried on a palette can often be revived with a few drops of water. This reduces waste compared to paints in pans that might dry out completely. The paints themselves, being pigment-based, will maintain their colour integrity over time if stored properly away from direct sunlight.

Why Choose This Product

This set stands out for its clear configuration options. Instead of a single, fixed palette, it acknowledges that different users have different needs in terms of colour variety and paint volume. A beginner might prefer the 12-colour set to learn colour mixing, while someone working on a series of paintings might choose the 24-colour set for efficiency. The availability of the larger 12ml tubes for the 12-colour set is a practical consideration for artists who have identified their core colours and want to buy them in a more substantial quantity.