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Arteza acrylic gouache is a hybrid paint: it looks like gouache, flat, opaque and matte, but it dries like acrylic, permanent and water-resistant. That one difference decides whether the set will delight you or frustrate you. If you love layering without lifting, it is a gift. If you love rewetting and reworking dried gouache on the palette, it will feel stubborn.
This review looks at the ARTEZA Acrylic Gouache 36-color set from its listing details, explains exactly how acrylic gouache differs from traditional gouache, and compares it with Arteza’s own traditional gouache plus acrylic gouache from Liquitex, Holbein and Turner, and a large MEEDEN traditional set.
Quick answer: The ARTEZA Acrylic Gouache 36-color set is a strong value pick for illustrators and sketchbook painters who want opaque, matte color that layers cleanly and does not reactivate once dry, in generous 22ml tubes. If you want the classic rewettable behavior, buy the ARTEZA 24-color traditional gouache instead. For professional-grade acrylic gouache, compare the Liquitex Essentials set or the Holbein Acryla primary mixing set.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- ARTEZA Acrylic Gouache, 36 Colors, 22ml — Best value acrylic gouache set
- ARTEZA Gouache, 24 Colors, 12ml — Best Arteza option if you want rewettable gouache
- Liquitex Acrylic Gouache Essentials, 12 x 22ml — Best for illustration and scanning
- Holbein Acryla Gouache Mixing Set of 5 — Best for color mixing practice
- Turner Acryl Gouache 24-Color School Set — Best Japanese acrylic gouache set
- Turner Acryl Gouache Yusuke Nakamura Set of 12 — Best curated limited palette
- MEEDEN Gouache, 48 x 12ml — Best large traditional gouache set
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Key Strength | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARTEZA Acrylic Gouache 36 | Value layering | 36 x 22ml; matte; non-reactivating | Big palette, big tubes | $$ |
| ARTEZA Gouache 24 | Rewettable gouache | 24 x 12ml; reactivates with water | Classic gouache behavior | $$ |
| Liquitex Acrylic Gouache | Illustration and design | 12 x 22ml essentials | Flat matte, water-resistant | $$$ |
| Holbein Acryla Mixing 5 | Mixing practice | 5 x 20ml primaries | Learn to mix from primaries | $$ |
| Turner Acryl Gouache 24 | Japanese school set | 24 x 11ml; matte | Water-resistant, fast-drying | $$ |
| Turner Nakamura 12 | Curated palette | 12 x 11ml incl. silver | Limited-edition color selection | $$ |
| MEEDEN Gouache 48 | Large traditional set | 48 x 12ml | Most colors | $$ |
How We Chose
We have not painted with these sets. Our picks are based on the Amazon listing details and specifications checked in October 2026, on how well each set’s formula, tube size and palette fit what people want from Arteza acrylic gouache, and on how widely each product is reviewed by Amazon buyers. Opacity, permanence and pigment claims come from the manufacturers.
Our criteria:
- Formula: acrylic gouache (permanent) versus traditional gouache (rewettable).
- Finish and opacity: matte, opaque coverage is the point of gouache.
- Tube or bottle size: 20 to 22ml containers last much longer than 11 to 12ml tubes.
- Palette design: number of colors and whether the set supports mixing.
- Intended use: illustration, design, sketchbooks, school or fine art.
Arteza Acrylic Gouache Reviewed
1. ARTEZA Acrylic Gouache Paint Set, 36 Colors, 22ml Tubes — Best Value Acrylic Gouache
The 36-color set comes in organized trays, with brights, pastels, deep tones, earth colors and neutrals according to the listing. Each tube holds 22ml (0.74 fl oz) and is labeled with a color name and number. Arteza describes opaque coverage with a smooth matte finish, giving the look of gouache with the surface feel of acrylic.
The key line is this: the formula dries quickly and cannot be reactivated once dry. That makes it ideal for building color in stages, refining edges and overpainting details with less lifting than traditional gouache. The listing names canvas, watercolor paper, sketchbooks, thick drawing paper and art boards as surfaces.
Best suited for: illustrators, poster and graphic painters, sketchbook artists and anyone who wants opaque, matte layers that stay put.
Key features:
- 36 colors including pastels, earths and neutrals
- 22ml tubes labeled with color names and numbers
- Opaque, matte, fast-drying
- Non-reactivating once dry
Pros:
- Large tubes for the price tier
- Wide palette reduces mixing time
- Layers without lifting underlying color
- Works on canvas as well as paper
Cons and limitations:
- Cannot be rewetted on the palette, so dried paint is wasted
- Brushes must be rinsed promptly, as with any acrylic
- Pigment and lightfastness details are not in the listing
Buying consideration: Squeeze out small amounts and use a stay-wet palette. If you hate wasting dried paint, choose the traditional ARTEZA gouache set instead.
Acrylic Gouache vs Traditional Gouache
Traditional gouache is bound with gum arabic, the same binder as watercolor. It stays water-soluble after drying, which means you can rewet dried paint on the palette and soften edges on the painting, but upper layers can also lift or muddy the layers below.
Acrylic gouache uses an acrylic binder, so it dries permanent. You lose rewettability but gain clean layering, water resistance and the option to paint on canvas and other surfaces. Neither is better; they suit different working habits.
Alternatives Worth Comparing
2. ARTEZA Gouache Paint Set, 24 Colors, 12ml Tubes — Best Rewettable Arteza Gouache
This is Arteza’s traditional gouache, and the listing makes the contrast clear: it can be rewetted on the palette after drying, letting you soften edges, adjust transitions and reuse leftover color. It comes as 24 colors in 12ml (0.4 fl oz) tubes with storage trays, and is AP-certified non-toxic according to the listing.
If your style relies on blending, wet-in-wet transitions and reworking, this set fits better than the acrylic version.
Best suited for: painters who want classic gouache behavior and a manageable 24-color palette.
Key features:
- 24 colors in 12ml tubes
- Rewettable after drying
- Opaque matte color
- AP-certified non-toxic; storage trays
Pros:
- Dried palette paint can be reused
- Easy to soften and adjust edges
- Very widely reviewed by Amazon buyers
Cons and limitations:
- Layers can lift if overworked
- Smaller tubes than the acrylic set
- Details list the finish as semi-gloss, while bullets say matte
Buying consideration: Buy this instead of the acrylic gouache if you paint slowly and like to rework.
3. Liquitex Acrylic Gouache Paint Set, 12 x 22ml, Essentials — Best for Illustration and Scanning
Liquitex says each color is individually developed for maximum opacity for its pigment type. The listing promises solid matte color without reflections or brush strokes, which makes it well suited to scanning and digital work, and water resistance not usually seen in gouache. It also says the paint has a creamy, fluid texture straight from the container, so you do not need to add water.
The container design gets attention too: an easy-open lid, pre-cut nozzle, screw-off top and wide neck with no shoulders for paint to get trapped in.
Best suited for: illustrators, designers and painters who scan or photograph work and want a flat, reflection-free finish.
Key features:
- 12 essential colors, 22ml each
- Opacity optimized per pigment
- Flat matte, water-resistant once dry
- Wide-neck container with pre-cut nozzle
Pros:
- Detailed opacity and finish claims from an established brand
- Flat finish suits scanning
- Brushes out without added water
Cons and limitations:
- Highest price tier here
- Fewer colors than the Arteza set
Buying consideration: Worth the step up if you sell prints or work digitally. For sketchbook practice, Arteza is more economical.
4. Holbein Acryla Gouache Mixing Set of 5, 20ml — Best for Learning to Mix
Holbein’s Acryla Gouache is a well-known acrylic gouache line, and this mixing set gives you five primary colors in 20ml tubes. The listing is brief, describing a primary set with a matte finish for paper, canvas and other paintable surfaces.
A primary set is a deliberate choice: it teaches mixing, keeps the kit small and produces harmonious color because everything comes from the same few pigments.
Best suited for: painters who want to learn color mixing with a quality acrylic gouache.
Key features:
- 5 primary colors, 20ml tubes
- Acrylic gouache, matte finish
- Paper, canvas and other surfaces
Pros:
- Builds mixing skill
- Compact kit
- From a respected paint maker
Cons and limitations:
- Very limited listing detail
- You must mix every secondary and neutral
Buying consideration: Pair with a tube of white if the set does not include enough for tints, and expect to mix every session.
5. Turner Acryl Gouache 24-Color School Set — Best Japanese Acrylic Gouache Set
Turner Colour Works is a Japanese maker, and this is its 24-color school set of Acryl Gouache in 11ml tubes. The listing details describe a matte finish and list fast-drying and water-resistant as features.
It is a good option if you want a mid-sized acrylic gouache palette from a dedicated paint maker rather than a general art supply brand.
Best suited for: students and illustrators who want a 24-color acrylic gouache set from a specialist maker.
Key features:
- 24 colors, 11ml tubes
- Matte, fast-drying, water-resistant
- Japan import
Pros:
- Broad palette from a specialist maker
- Matte, permanent finish
Cons and limitations:
- Small 11ml tubes
- Sparse English listing details
Buying consideration: A solid middle ground between Arteza’s value and Liquitex’s premium positioning.
6. Turner Acryl Gouache Yusuke Nakamura 40th Anniversary Set of 12 — Best Curated Palette
This limited-edition Turner set lists its 12 colors precisely: Poppy Red, Pink, Permanent Yellow, Spring Green, Beryl Green, Spring Blue, Violet, Pastel Sand, Burnt Amber, Silver, White and Jet Black, each 11ml, made in Japan.
A curated palette with silver and pastel tones is a creative constraint that suits illustrators and designers who like a recognizable color world.
Best suited for: illustrators who enjoy a designed palette and want a distinctive set.
Key features:
- 12 x 11ml tubes with named colors
- Includes silver, white and jet black
- Made in Japan; limited edition
Pros:
- Named colors make planning easy
- Includes a metallic
Cons and limitations:
- Limited edition, so availability may change
- Small tubes
Buying consideration: Buy it for the palette, not for value. It complements a larger basic set.
7. MEEDEN Gouache Paint Tube Set, 48 x 12ml — Best Large Traditional Set
MEEDEN’s set is traditional gouache in 48 colors, 12ml tubes, described as rich and opaque for layering and certified to AP, CE and ASTM D-4236 per the listing. It is the largest palette in this comparison.
As a traditional gouache, it rewets after drying, so it is an alternative to the Arteza traditional set when you want more colors.
Best suited for: painters who want a very large traditional gouache palette.
Key features:
- 48 colors, 12ml tubes
- Opaque gouache
- AP, CE and ASTM D-4236 per listing
Pros:
- Largest color range
- Rewettable traditional gouache
Cons and limitations:
- Small tubes for so many colors
- Listing gives little formula detail
Buying consideration: Choose for range; choose Arteza traditional for a smaller, more widely reviewed set.
Who Should Buy Arteza Acrylic Gouache, and Who Should Skip It
Good Fit
Illustrators who build images in flat, graphic shapes will appreciate that each layer locks in place. Poster, lettering and design painters benefit from opaque coverage that does not reactivate when the next color goes on top. Sketchbook painters who work in short sessions and finish a spread at a time will waste little paint. The set also suits mixed media artists who want to paint on canvas, wood or board with a gouache look, something traditional gouache does poorly.
Poor Fit
Painters who like to come back the next day and soften an edge with a damp brush will find acrylic gouache unforgiving. So will anyone who leaves a full palette out between sessions and expects to rewet it. Watercolorists moving into gouache often prefer the traditional formula because it behaves more like what they know, and plein air painters in hot, dry weather may struggle with how quickly acrylic gouache skins over on the palette.
A Practical Compromise
Many painters keep both types. They lay in backgrounds and underlayers with acrylic gouache so those areas stay fixed, then finish with traditional gouache where they want soft, reworkable edges. Because traditional gouache on top can still lift, keep it to the final layers. If you go this route, the two Arteza sets are an affordable way to try it.
Surfaces That Suit Acrylic Gouache
Heavy watercolor paper of around 300 gsm resists buckling under several opaque layers. Mixed media paper and illustration board are good for flat graphic work. Primed canvas panels and wood panels take acrylic gouache well and give a matte, poster-like finish that looks very different from glossy acrylic. Avoid thin printer paper and lightweight sketch paper for anything beyond quick tests.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Acrylic Gouache
Decide Whether You Need Rewettability
This is the first and most important question. If you want to rework, soften and reuse dried paint, choose traditional gouache. If you want permanent, layerable color, choose acrylic gouache.
Tube Size and Waste
Acrylic gouache that dries on the palette is gone. Larger tubes, such as Arteza’s 22ml, are economical, but only if you dispense small amounts. A stay-wet palette or a lidded palette keeps paint workable longer.
Opacity and Matte Finish
All sets here promise opaque, matte color. Liquitex goes furthest, describing opacity tuned for each pigment and a reflection-free finish ideal for scanning.
Palette Size
Large sets save mixing time; small primary sets teach mixing and produce more harmonious color. A mid-sized set of 12 to 24 colors plus extra white suits most illustrators.
Surface
Acrylic gouache works on canvas, wood and board as well as paper. Traditional gouache is best on paper or boards designed for water media.
Brush Care
Treat acrylic gouache like acrylic: rinse often and never let it dry in your brushes. Synthetic brushes are the best match.
Tips for Painting With Acrylic Gouache
- Dispense pea-sized amounts and replenish rather than squeezing out a full palette.
- Mist your palette lightly or use a stay-wet palette to extend working time.
- Mix enough of a color for the whole area; matching a dried mix is difficult.
- Layer light over dark freely, since acrylic gouache will not lift.
- Add a little water for smoother flats, but too much reduces opacity.
- Clean brushes in soapy water at the end of each session.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Expecting acrylic gouache to rewet. It will not; plan your palette accordingly.
- Over-thinning. Too much water streaks flat color and reduces coverage.
- Using your best natural-hair watercolor brushes. Acrylic binders are hard on soft hair.
- Squeezing out full tubes. Dried acrylic gouache is wasted.
- Mixing acrylic and traditional gouache layers carelessly. Traditional gouache on top can still lift.
- Ignoring surface weight. Thin paper buckles under layered opaque paint.
FAQs
Is Arteza acrylic gouache rewettable?
No. The listing says it dries quickly and cannot be reactivated once dry. For rewettable gouache, choose Arteza’s traditional gouache set.
What is the difference between acrylic gouache and regular gouache?
Regular gouache uses gum arabic and stays water-soluble after drying. Acrylic gouache uses an acrylic binder and dries permanent and water-resistant.
Can I use Arteza acrylic gouache on canvas?
Yes. The listing names canvas along with watercolor paper, sketchbooks, drawing paper and art boards.
Is acrylic gouache good for beginners?
Yes, especially for flat, graphic work and layering, because lower layers do not lift. Beginners who like blending and reworking may prefer traditional gouache.
Can I mix acrylic gouache with acrylic paint?
Generally yes, since both use acrylic binders, though mixing with glossy acrylic will reduce the matte finish.
How do I keep acrylic gouache from drying on my palette?
Use a stay-wet palette, mist lightly with water, cover the palette between sessions and dispense small amounts.
Final Recommendation
The ARTEZA Acrylic Gouache 36-color set is the right buy if you want a large, affordable palette of opaque, matte paint that layers without lifting. Treat it like acrylic and you will waste little.
If you want classic gouache behavior, choose the ARTEZA 24-color traditional set or, for more colors, the MEEDEN 48-color set. For professional illustration, Liquitex Acrylic Gouache is the premium option, Holbein’s mixing set teaches color, and the Turner sets offer a specialist Japanese alternative.
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