If you’ve ever wandered down the paint aisle, you’ve probably noticed two similar-looking mediums sitting side by side: gouache and watercolor. At first glance, they might seem almost identical (both are water-based, both come in tubes or pans, and both can be reactivated with water). But once you start painting with them, the differences become clear.

So, gouache vs watercolor—what’s the real difference, and which one is right for you? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your skills, I’m here to help you understand how to decide when to reach for each one.

What Are Watercolor and Gouache?

Before diving into their differences, let’s define what these mediums actually are.

• Watercolor is a transparent, water-based paint that creates soft, luminous washes. Because it relies on layering and water control, watercolor is all about working with the flow of the paint (rather than forcing it to do what you want).
• Gouache (pronounced “gwash”) is also a water-based paint, but it’s opaque and more heavily pigmented. It has a matte, velvety finish and can be layered to create bold, vibrant pieces.

I break this down in detail in my tutorial, Comparing Watercolor, Gouache, and Watercolor Ink:

But, let’s cover the basics here! Both paints share some similarities, but the way they behave on paper is completely different. Let’s compare them! 

1. Watercolor is Transparent, Gouache is Opaque

One of the biggest differences between gouache vs watercolor is how they interact with light.

Watercolor is transparent, which means the white of the paper shines through each layer. This is what gives watercolor paintings that signature soft, glowing effect. If you want to create highlights, you have to plan ahead and leave those areas untouched (there’s no “going back” to add white later).

Gouache, on the other hand, is opaque. You can layer light colors over dark ones and make changes as you go. If you accidentally paint over an area, you can simply cover it up with another layer (which is great for those of us who like to fix mistakes!).

2. Gouache Allows More Corrections with Layering

Speaking of mistakes, another key difference in gouache vs watercolor is how forgiving each medium is.

• With watercolor, once a layer is dry, it’s harder to fix mistakes. Trying to paint over an area can lead to muddy colors or unwanted textures (we’ve all been there).
• With gouache, you can simply layer over mistakes because the paint is more opaque. Need to fix a shape or adjust a color? Just paint over it—no problem.

This makes gouache an excellent choice for beginners who want more flexibility. But if you enjoy the challenge of planning your layers in advance, watercolor can be incredibly rewarding.

If you want to dive deeper into gouache techniques, layering, and water-to-pigment ratios, check out The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Gouache.

3. Watercolor vs Gouache Strokes

The way these paints blend and your strokes look on the page is another major difference between the two mediums.

• Watercolor is all about soft transitions. The paint naturally spreads and bleeds into wet areas, creating beautiful gradients and seamless blends. You can drop one color into another and watch them merge effortlessly.
• On the other hand, gouache creates crisp, defined strokes. Because it doesn’t flow as freely as watercolor, it allows for sharper edges and more controlled blending. This is perfect for bold, graphic styles or illustrations that require precise shapes and clean color blocks.

Think of watercolor as fluid and spontaneous, while gouache gives you more control over where the color goes.

If you struggle with blending gouache, my SIMPLE Gouache Practice to Improve Quickly tutorial is a great place to start!

4. Watercolor for Lightness, Gouache for Bold, Vivid Pieces

When it comes to gouache vs watercolor, the final look of your painting will also be very different.

• Watercolor has an airy, delicate feel. The transparency creates a sense of depth and movement, making it ideal for landscapes, loose florals, and dreamy washes.
• Gouache is bold and graphic. The colors appear more saturated and intense (even pastels have a richness to them). It’s great for poster-like illustrations, flat design work, and anything that needs strong, solid color.

If you love the look of soft, ethereal paintings, watercolor is perfect. If you’re drawn to bold, punchy colors, gouache is the way to go.

So… Which One Should You Use?

Now that we’ve compared gouache vs watercolor, you might be wondering: Which one is better?

The truth is, it depends on your style and what kind of effects you want to create. Here’s a simple guide:

Use Watercolor If You Want:

• Soft, transparent layers
• Natural, organic blends
• A lightweight, airy feel
• The challenge of working with flow and spontaneity

Use Gouache If You Want:

• Bold, opaque colors
• The ability to paint over mistakes
• More control over shapes and edges
• A matte, velvety finish

Still can’t decide? Why not try both? Mixing watercolor and gouache can create incredible results, blending the softness of watercolor with the boldness of gouache.

After exploring gouache vs watercolor, have you decided that watercolor is the right fit for you? If so, here’s my ultimate guide to the best watercolor paints to help you get started!

Want to Grow as an Artist?

Whether you are choosing between gouache vs watercolor (or both), the key to improving isn’t just about picking the “right” medium—it’s about consistent practice and creative exploration. 

The more you experiment, the more you’ll develop your own artistic voice and style. But sometimes, knowing where to start (or how to push past creative blocks) can feel overwhelming. If you’re looking for guidance, structure, and inspiration, I have two resources that can help.

First, The Creativity Playbook is a low-cost resource packed with prompts designed to get you painting and experimenting—without the pressure of making something “perfect.” It’s all about playing with color, composition, and ideas to spark new creative breakthroughs.

If you’re ready to go deeper, The Art Within is my course designed to help you overcome creative blocks, build confidence, and develop a creative practice that feels fulfilling. It’s perfect if you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure of your direction, or held back by self-doubt. Creativity isn’t just about techniques—it’s about mindset. The Art Within will help you with both.

Final Thoughts on Gouache vs Watercolor

There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to gouache vs watercolor—it’s all about what excites you! Watercolor offers fluidity and lightness, while gouache gives you bold color and control. Both are incredibly rewarding to work with.

No matter where you are on your creative journey, the most important thing is to keep showing up, keep experimenting, and keep enjoying the process. Creativity grows when you nurture it—so give yourself the space and permission to explore!