Common Mistakes When Painting With Gouache (And How to Avoid Them!)
Gouache is a versatile and opaque paint that is ideal for illustrations, greeting cards and artwork. However, both beginners and experienced artists face certain challenges when using gouache. In this blog, I will discuss the most common mistakes and provide practical solutions so that you can effortlessly create beautiful gouache paintings.
1. Using too much or too little water
Problem: Gouache is a water-based paint, and the right water content is crucial. Too much water makes the paint too transparent and watery, while too little water creates a thick, difficult to spread layer.
Solution: Experiment with the amount of water and test the paint on a separate sheet of paper. Use a damp, not soaking wet, brush to maintain the right consistency. For even layers, build up layers instead of applying a lot of paint at once. This takes a bit more time, but it definitely improves the result!
2. Paint cracks or flakes after drying
Problem: When gouache is applied too thickly, the paint may crack or flake after drying.
Solution: Apply the paint in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly before adding another. Add a small amount of water to make the paint more flexible without losing its opacity.
3. Colors become dull after drying
Problem: Gouache often dries slightly darker than it looks when wet. This can lead to less vibrant results than expected.
Solution: Keep this in mind when mixing colors and test them on a sample piece. Use high-quality gouache paint from professional brands for better pigment quality and vibrancy. Read my blog here about which materials to use when working with gouache paint.
4. Paper bends or bubbles
Problem: Too much water or thin paper can cause your paper to ripple or bubble, affecting the end result.
Solution: Use thick watercolor paper (at least 250 gsm) or cardstock for a sturdy surface. You can also wet the paper beforehand and tape it to a board to minimize warping. You can find out more about the types of paper you can use when painting with gouache here .
5. Mix colors to a muddy shade
Problem: Sometimes colors unintentionally turn brown or gray when you mix them, making your painting look dull.
Solution: Don't mix too many colors at once and use a color wheel to understand which combinations produce vibrant results. Try layering colors on top of each other instead of mixing directly on your palette.
6. Reactivating Gouache and accidentally ruining your layers
Problem: Because gouache is resoluble with water, previously painted layers can be reactivated, causing colors to blend or smear.
Solution: Let layers dry completely before working over them, and use minimal water to minimize interference with the base layer. For final details, consider using matte acrylic paint that will not dissolve.
7. Streaky or uneven coverage
Problem: Sometimes gouache dries unevenly, leaving streaks and spots visible.
Solution: Use a soft, wide brush for larger areas and work quickly in fluid strokes. For even surfaces, you can apply several thin coats instead of one thick coat.
Conclusion
Gouache is a beautiful type of paint, but it requires some practice and technique to use it optimally. By avoiding these common mistakes, you will improve your painting technique and achieve professional results. Ideal if you want to try your hand at gouache to create greeting cards, illustrations or artwork.
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