Daler-Rowney acrylic gouache review: matte coverage, rich color, great value.
If you crave a flat, matte look with bold color, this review is for you. I tested key Daler-Rowney sets that deliver gouache-style results without drama. Think smooth layers, strong opacity, and quick cleanups. Whether you sketch, paint posters, or want an acrylic-gouache effect that scans well, I break it all down. I also share where each set shines, what to avoid, and how to get that perfect, velvety finish.
Daler Rowney Designer Gouache Permanent…
Designers’ Gouache is a brilliant, opaque, artist-quality body colour, developed for professional designers.
Daler Rowney System3 6-Tube Acrylic…
Vivid Acrylic Paints – Crafted with high-quality pigments, System3 acrylic paint tubes are vibrant professional acrylic paints suitable for students and artists alike Outstanding Performance – System3 is a fully…
Daler Rowney Simply Acrylic Paint…
Beginner Acrylic Tube Set – Each 12ml (.4oz) tube of highly pigmented, rich, smooth acrylic paint offers an affordable yet qualitative option perfectly suited for those just starting out Adaptable…
Daler Rowney Designer Gouache White, 15ml
This is the white I keep within reach. Daler Rowney Designer Gouache Permanent White lays down dense color fast. It levels well, so strokes dry smooth and flat. I use it for highlights, corrections, and mixing soft tints.
It dries to a true matte, which scans clean with no glare. You can rewet it, so edits are simple. It also blends well with other gouache hues. On paper, it feels silky and stays opaque even when thinned a bit.
Pros:
- Ultra-opaque coverage for clean highlights
- Velvety matte finish that scans glare-free
- Rewettable for easy edits and soft blends
- Mixes pastels without a chalky look
- Smooth, streak-free laydown on paper
- Works on watercolor and mixed-media papers
- Reliable body and flow from tube to tube
- Great for lettering and fine details
- Low odor and quick water cleanup
- Solid value for a core studio white
Cons:
- Not waterproof after drying
- Can crack if piled on too thick
- 15ml can go fast with heavy use
My Recommendation
If you want a flawless matte white, get this tube. It nails crisp highlights and quick fixes. For an acrylic-gouache style workflow, pair it with acrylic layers or use it over flat color fields. It stays clean and bright on top of darker tones.
In this Daler-Rowney acrylic gouache review, this white stands out as a must-have. It is the right choice for designers, illustrators, and sketchbook artists. It is also perfect for anyone who needs a matte, reworkable finish. Stock a spare; you will use it daily.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Crisp highlights | High opacity and bright white tone |
| Matte scans | Flat finish reduces glare and shine |
| Corrections | Rewettable and easy to layer |
Daler Rowney System3 Acrylic Set, 6 Tubes
System3 acrylics are a workhorse. Pigment load is strong for a student line. They brush out smooth and dry fast. The finish sits between satin and matte, which is ideal for flat fields of color.
These paints dry permanent and water-resistant. That makes them great for layers and murals. Add a matte medium to get a true acrylic-gouache look. The six basics mix well into many hues, so it is a solid starter set.
Pros:
- Bold color with good coverage
- Dries permanent for stable layers
- Low odor and easy cleanup
- Pairs well with matte mediums
- Good on canvas, paper, and board
- Ideal for posters, signs, and murals
- Mixes clean secondaries and neutrals
- Minimal color shift from wet to dry
- Fast dry supports quick stacking
- Great value for practice and projects
Cons:
- Finish is not fully matte by default
- Can form ridges if overworked
- Small color range in the six-pack
My Recommendation
Choose System3 if you want acrylic durability with a matte vibe. Thin with a little water or add a matte medium. You get that flat, gouache-like surface with acrylic strength. It is perfect for posters, comics flats, or bold blocks of color.
In this Daler-Rowney acrylic gouache review, System3 is my top pick for acrylic users. It handles daily work and bigger walls. It is also great for students who want pro results on a budget. Start with this set, then add more colors as needed.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Flat color fields | Levels well and covers fast |
| Layered work | Dry film is tough and permanent |
| Murals | Adheres to many primed surfaces |
Daler Rowney Simply Acrylic Set, 12 Tubes
This set is made for starters and casual makers. The 12ml tubes offer a nice spread of colors. The paint flows well and dries fast. You can get smooth flats and clean edges with a light hand.
To mimic an acrylic-gouache look, use thin layers or add a matte medium. The finish sits near satin, but it reads matte in photos. It is a smart pick for practice, crafts, and class work. It is also gentle on the wallet.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly color range
- Smooth flow for easy brush control
- Quick-dry for fast sessions
- Good for paper, canvas, and board
- Pairs with matte medium for flat look
- Great for craft and classroom use
- Decent opacity for the price
- Low odor and simple cleanup
- Nicely balanced primary colors
- Light tubes are easy to pack
Cons:
- Lower pigment load than System3
- Can look chalky if overworked
- 12ml tubes empty quickly
My Recommendation
Pick Simply Acrylic if you are learning or testing ideas. Use thin coats for smoother, flatter results. Add a matte medium to lock in that gouache-style finish. This set is ideal for teens, hobbyists, and light studio use.
In this Daler-Rowney acrylic gouache review, Simply Acrylic fills the starter gap well. It gives you room to explore without fear of waste. It is also a handy travel set for quick studies. Upgrade to System3 as your skills grow.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Beginners | Easy handling and budget price |
| Crafts | Fast dry and solid coverage |
| Practice sessions | Good range of useful colors |
Daler Rowney Simply Gouache Set, 12x12ml
Simply Gouache gives you a true matte gouache look. It is rewettable and very opaque. It lays down flat, which is great for design work. Colors are bright and easy to mix.
This is not acrylic, so it will lift with water. That is a plus for edits and soft blends. It shines in sketchbooks, posters, and calligraphy. The 12 colors cover most daily needs well.
Pros:
- Classic matte gouache finish
- Rewettable for easy changes
- Bold opaques that cover lines
- Good range for students
- Clean mixing and fast drying
- Scans and photographs with no glare
- Good flow for lettering and shapes
- Works well on heavy paper
- Budget-friendly entry to gouache
- Compact, packable tubes
Cons:
- Not waterproof after drying
- Some colors can crack if thick
- Smaller 12ml tubes
My Recommendation
Choose Simply Gouache if you love flat, opaque color and easy edits. It is perfect for sketchbooks, posters, and classroom work. If you want a durable film, use it over dry acrylic underlayers. You get a classic gouache look without a steep cost.
For this Daler-Rowney acrylic gouache review, I rate Simply Gouache high for learning and design. It captures that beloved matte look with less fuss. It is also great for fast thumbnails and color studies. Keep a water brush to lift and tweak lines.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Design flats | Super matte and very opaque |
| Edits and blends | Rewettable for easy control |
| Class projects | Affordable and easy to handle |
Daler Rowney Aquafine Gouache Set, 12x15ml
Aquafine Gouache sits a notch above basic student lines. It has a solid pigment load and smooth body. The 15ml tubes last longer than most starter sets. Colors dry to a rich, matte finish.
You can rewet and rework areas without trouble. This helps for clean edges and soft gradients. It is a strong pick for illustrators and design students. It also plays well with watercolor in mixed media.
Pros:
- Richer pigment than entry lines
- True matte finish and smooth flow
- Generous 15ml tubes
- Rewettable for smart edits
- Good coverage over pencil lines
- Handles detail and flat fills well
- Reliable color across the set
- Works with watercolor techniques
- Good value for daily studio use
- Mixes into clean tints and shades
Cons:
- Not permanent; avoid water on finished art
- Can lift if layered too soon
- Some hues may dry a touch darker
My Recommendation
Pick Aquafine if you want a better gouache feel and longer tube life. It suits illustrators who love flat color and crisp lines. It is also strong for design mockups and covers. Frame or scan work to protect the matte surface.
As part of this Daler-Rowney acrylic gouache review, Aquafine shines for polish and control. It delivers clean, opaque fields with easy edits. I suggest it for students moving up a step. It is the sweet spot between cost and quality.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Illustration | Flat, matte fields and sharp lines |
| Mixed media | Plays nicely with watercolor |
| Long sessions | 15ml tubes last much longer |
FAQs Of Daler-Rowney acrylic gouache review
Is Daler-Rowney “acrylic gouache” the same as regular gouache?
No. Acrylic paints dry permanent. Traditional gouache, like Simply or Aquafine, rewets. To get an acrylic-gouache look, use acrylics with a matte medium.
Which Daler-Rowney set is best for a matte finish?
Simply Gouache and Aquafine Gouache dry matte by default. System3 needs a matte medium for the same look.
Can I use these on canvas?
Yes. System3 and Simply Acrylic work well on primed canvas. Traditional gouache is better on paper or board.
Are these paints lightfast?
System3 has strong lightfast ratings for many colors. Gouache sets vary by pigment. Check tube labels for details.
How do I get flat, streak-free areas?
Use a soft flat brush. Load enough paint. Work in single, steady passes. Add matte medium for acrylic sets if needed.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
For a durable, acrylic-gouache style finish, the Daler Rowney System3 Acrylic Set wins. Add a matte medium and enjoy flat, bold, permanent color.
This Daler-Rowney acrylic gouache review shows clear picks for every need. Choose System3 for permanence, Aquafine for premium gouache feel, and Simply lines for budget starts.
