What is the Difference Between Gouache and Acrylic Paint

The main difference between gouache and acrylic paint is that gouache is opaque, re-soluble, and gives a matte look, while acrylic paint is quick-drying, water-resistant, and gives a somewhat glossy look.

Gouache and acrylic are two common paint types used by most modern artists. Although both are water-based paints, there are several differences between gouache and acrylic. In terms of their composition, gouache traditionally uses gum arabic as its binder, whereas acrylic paint uses an acrylic polymer as its binder.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Gouache Paint
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Acrylic Paint
     – Definition, Features,
3. Difference Between Gouache and Acrylic Paint
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Acrylic, Gouache, Paint, Painting

Difference Between Gouache and Acrylic Paint- Comparison Summary

What is Gouache Paint

Gouache is a water-based paint that consists of natural pigment, water, and binding agents like gum arabic or dextrin. Traditionally, the binding agent of gouache has been gum arabic, but some modern paint varieties use dextrin as the binding agent. Gouache paint is somewhat similar to watercolors. It is re-soluble and not water-resistant,  but it is more opaque than watercolors. Gouache is mostly used to paint on paper.

Gouache vs Acrylic Paint - Differences

There are various types of gouache paints available in a wide range of brands. If you are just starting to use gouache paints, buy the primary colors and black and white paint tubes first. Black and white paints will help you to create various shades with primary colors. This paint is especially suited to painting large areas of solid color. You can blend two colors by working wet on wet. If not, you can place the two colors next to each other and go over them with a damp brush when the paint is dry. 

Gouache has a long history. The earliest known use of gouache dates back to 9th century Persia. In fact, Persian and Mughal miniatures are mostly examples of gouache. Today, gouache is mostly used by commercial artists for illustrations, posters, comics, and other design work.

What is Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is a fast-drying, water-soluble paint that uses a synthetic resin to bind pigments. Although acrylic paint is water-based and water-soluble, it becomes water-resistant when dry. Depending on the water content added to it, the paint can be used thinly or thickly, resembling watercolors, oil paintings, or gouache. Due to its quick-drying property and versatility, it has become a common painting medium among modern artists.

Compare Gouache and Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint can adhere to almost any surface, but we commonly use them to paint on paper, canvas, wood, and metal. We can also use acrylic paints on both internal and external walls, making them suitable for murals. Moreover, when compared to gouache paints, acrylic paints give a shiny and glossy appearance.

Difference Between Gouache and Acrylic Paint

Definition

Gouache is a water-based paint that consists of natural pigment, water, and binding agents like gum arabic or dextrin, while acrylic paint is a fast-drying, water-soluble paint that uses a synthetic resin to bind pigments.

Binder

Gouache traditionally uses gum arabic as its binder, whereas acrylic paint uses an acrylic polymer as its binder.

Water

Gouache is re-soluble and not water-resistant,  but acrylic is water-soluble and becomes water-resistant when dry. 

Durability

Acrylic paint is more durable than gouache. This is because acrylic can easily withstand dust, hold up better to light, and is more water-resistant than gouache.

Appearance and Texture

Dry gouache paint gives a matte, soft, and flat look, while dry acrylic paint gives a shiny and glossy look.

Surface to Paint on

Gouache is ideal for painting on paper, whereas acrylic can adhere to many surfaces, including paper, canvas, wood, and metal.  

Drying Time

Acrylic paint dries faster than gouache.

Conclusion

Although both are water-based paints, there are several differences between them. The main difference between gouache and acrylic paint is that gouache is opaque, re-soluble, and gives a matte look, while acrylic paint is quick-drying, water-resistant, and gives a somewhat glossy look.

Reference:

1. “Gouache.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Aug. 2020.
2. “A Beginner’s Guide to Gouache Painting.” Cowling & Wilcox Blog, 29 Nov. 2021.
3. “Acrylic Paint – Art Term.” Tate.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Gouache” By Jeff Dahl – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Acrylic-paint-acrylic-paint” (CC0) via Pixabay

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

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