
Gouache is an opaque watercolor paint made by mixing pigments with a binding agent, typically gum arabic. The resulting paint is thicker and more opaque than traditional watercolors and is often used for illustrations and other forms of commercial art. Learning how to make gouache at home by mixing pigments with gum arabic and water allows artists to customize their paints for optimal opacity, texture, and color vibrancy, offering greater creative control over their work.
What Is Gouache and Why Make It Yourself?
What makes gouache different from watercolor paint, since both use gum arabic as the binding agent? The opacity of gouache and how it is handled makes it different. Extender pigments such as barite (baryte, British spelling) or the synthetic mineral blanc fixe are added to most pigments to increase the opacity of the paint. Some pigments, such as most earth pigments, do not require extender pigments since they naturally contain extenders, such as chalk or quartz.
Essential Materials for Homemade Gouache Paint
To make gouache paint, you will need the following materials:
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Pigments: You can use any pigments suitable for watercolors, such as natural pigments like yellow ocher and burnt sienna or synthetic pigments like phthalo blue and quinacridone violet.
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Extender Pigments: Barite (baryte) or chalk is used to add opacity and extend the pigments.
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Gum arabic: This is a natural binder that is derived from the sap of the acacia tree.
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Glycerin (preferably from a vegetable source)
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Water (preferably distilled water)
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Borax
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Grinding plate (smooth, flat glass or stone plate)
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Muller (glass or stone muller to grind the paste)
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A palette knife or spatula for mixing the paint
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Mortar and pestle (for grinding pigments if necessary)
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Scale or measuring spoon (for measuring the pigments, gum arabic, and other ingredients)
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Glass or plastic dropper (for adding water to the paint)
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Glass or plastic containers with lids for storing paint.
All of the materials you need above are available from Natural Pigments.
Preparing the Gouache Binding Agent
Prepare the binder for gouache paint. Borax is a preservative that prevents the solution from spoiling. It isn't necessary to store the solution in the refrigerator.
Ingredients | Parts by Weight |
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Part A | ||
Gum arabic | 4 oz | 100 grams |
Water, distilled | 8 fl oz | 200 ml |
Part B | ||
Borax | 1 oz | 25 grams |
Water, distilled | 2 fl oz | 60 ml |
Glycerin | 2 fl oz | 60 ml |
Steps:
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Add gum arabic powder to water.
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While stirring, gently warm the solution without exceeding 140°F (60°C) until all the gum dissolves.
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Prepare the second solution by adding borax to water.
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Stir gently and warm the solution until the borax dissolves.
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Add glycerin to the solution.
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Mix both solutions and store them in a sealed container.
Of course, you can skip this step entirely by purchasing
from Natural Pigments.How to Make Gouache Paint
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Measure out pigment and extender pigment (such as barite or chalk) using a scale or measuring spoon. A good starting ratio is 1 part pigment to 2 parts extender pigment.
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If the pigments are not finely ground, use a mortar and pestle to grind them to a fine powder.
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Mix the pigment and extender pigment together in a bowl using a palette knife or spatula until well blended.
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Place the pigment mixture on the grinding plate in a pile. Slowly add the gouache binding agent, a few drops at a time, mixing until you reach the desired consistency. Gouache paint should be thicker than traditional watercolor but still pourable.
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Gather the paste, place the muller on top, and grind using back-and-forth or circular motions. Heavy pressure isn’t necessary; the grinding action comes from the muller’s horizontal movement.
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Once the paint is smooth, transfer it to an airtight container and label it with the color name and date.
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Let the paint sit overnight to fully integrate the pigments with the binding agent.
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After resting, your homemade gouache paint is ready to use.
Note: The amount of gouache binding agent depends on the pigments and the desired viscosity. Some organic pigments may require a wetting agent to aid in dispersion.
Common Mistakes and Storage Tips
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Storage Solutions: Store homemade gouache paint in airtight containers and use it within 6–12 months to maintain freshness and vibrant color.
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Common Mistakes: Avoid incorrect pigment-to-binder ratios, using subpar materials, and neglecting proper storage, which can lead to cracking or mold growth.
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Lightfastness Warning: Homemade gouache may not have the same lightfastness properties as commercial gouache paints, which are often formulated for greater stability.
Final Tips for Achieving Professional Results
By making gouache paint at home, you not only control the colors and consistency but also gain valuable insight into the properties of your materials, allowing for more informed and creative artistic decisions. With this guide on how to make gouache, you can create vibrant, high-quality paints tailored to your artistic vision. Just remember to use high-quality materials, measure accurately, and store your paints properly for the best results.


Gouache Paint Making Kit
Rublev Colours Gouache Paint Making Kit is intended for artists who want to expand their painting horizons but have little or no experience making their own paints. The kit contains all the materials you need to start, including instructions, watercolor medium, glass muller, grinding surface, and six pigments in dry powder form to start making your own gouache colors.


Watercolor Paint Making Kit
Rublev Colours Watercolor Paint Making Kit is intended for artists who want to expand their painting horizons but have little or no experience making their own watercolor paints. The kit comes with all the materials that you need to get started, including instructions, a glass muller, a grinding surface, and six traditional pigments in dry powder form to start making your own watercolor paint. It is an excellent introduction to paint making, which can open the door to a new range of possibilities in different mediums, pigments, and paint recipes.
References
“Gouache.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, n.d.
“Gouache.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., n.d.
“Making Gouache Paint.” Blick Art Materials, n.d.
“Gum Arabic.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art, n.d.
“Gouache Painting Techniques.” Artists Network, n.d.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Gouache Paint
What makes gouache different from watercolor?
Gouache is more opaque than watercolor due to the addition of extender pigments like barite or chalk. This makes it ideal for vibrant, flat color applications and layering without color bleed-through.
Can I make lightfast gouache at home?
While you can improve lightfastness by using high-quality, naturally stable pigments, homemade gouache typically lacks the advanced stabilizers found in commercial products. Store paintings away from direct sunlight for best results.
How long does homemade gouache paint last?
Properly stored in airtight containers, homemade gouache should remain usable for 6 to 12 months. Adding preservatives like borax can help extend shelf life and prevent spoilage.
What binder should I use for making gouache?
Gum arabic is the most commonly used binder for making gouache. It provides excellent adhesion and flow properties. Glycerin can also be added to improve flexibility and prevent cracking.
Is it necessary to use extender pigments when making gouache?
Extender pigments like barite or chalk are used to increase opacity and reduce the cost of production. While not mandatory, they are highly recommended if you want to achieve the characteristic flat, matte look of gouache.
Can I use homemade gouache for professional artwork?
Yes, but be aware that homemade gouache may have limitations in durability and lightfastness compared to professional-grade products. Always test your homemade paints before committing to important projects.
Why is my homemade gouache cracking after drying?
Cracking usually occurs when there is not enough binder or glycerin in the mix. Ensure you are using the correct ratio of gum arabic and consider adding a small amount of glycerin to improve flexibility.
How do I adjust the opacity of my gouache paint?
Increase opacity by adding more extender pigments like barite or chalk. For more transparent effects, reduce the amount of extenders and increase the pigment concentration.