Himi Jelly gouache Review || First impressions & painting time

[@jasond.b-w]

I just got their smallest set to compare it to my usual brand and I had very similar problems! I didn’t have any oil on mine, but a few of my cups had the consistency of melting rubber when I opened them. I had to peel some out and dilute it to about a light coffee just to make them somewhat workable, so I couldn’t swatch those colors at their full opacity. I did my best to get smooth gradients from butter to weak tea but they behaved so much like thick acrylics it was a struggle. I kept getting blocks and wells of pigment and the STREAKS! I thought it was just me, since everyone seems to just rave about them. (It also stuck in streaks to my brush, and stained the palette that came with them on first use. Both were extremely difficult to wash off, even in the sink with my brush soap/preserver.) Some people are saying you probably bought fakes but mine came with the company card and I double-checked the seller, so…🤷 These seem really hit or miss but whatever the case really is, they don’t compare to the cheaper tubes I’m used to so I kinda regret buying these. It’s nice to feel validated lol

[@DearElaine]

I spent such a long time typing a response lol and it didn't posted.. let me try again. Thanks Jason for stopping by and leaving this comment! Yes LOL i completely agree with you and I did my research too because so many artists rave about this gouache like you said -so I also thought maybe mine was a counterfeit. But i purchased it from their company so maybe it's bad quality assurance? I also wonder if these artists have used high quality gouache brands to compare the consistency? One tip if you don't want to toss these cuz its a waste of money - take out some paint and let it dry then reactivate it with water- i felt like it worked more similar to regular gouache after I did that. Which totally defeats the jelly-like purpose. But yes going forward - only buying gouache in tubes 😂

[@cocolaco]

My Himi gouache doesn't behave like this - no oil on top at the start, no cracking on the palette, easy to mix, definitely doesn't dry in half a day - takes months!

[@DearElaine]

Interesting! That's good to know, I wonder if I got a bad batch..

[@sterling.1538]

Same!, and I love it 😂 and I got kind of sad that this was their first impression 😭 (But it’s okay cause it’s their opinion) and also when mines dry like how their tube gouache dry - they barely crack.

[@LizatHome]

I found this so useful thanks. I’ve only tried cheap Reeves gouache and had the same problems with so much on my brush and not sure what to do. It also cracks when it dries like this does. I bought a small 12 set of Himi gouache and haven’t opened it yet. I’m hoping it will be okay

[@sombruhcolomar7254]

my brand new one when i was unwrapping the paints, some had the oil, should mix in tho

[@ANNEM90]

This really depends on where you live and the climate

[@miikana]

WOW, I don't know gouache that well, which is why I'm here watching videos, but that comparison between the himi and your higher grade, you did so well, I could totally see the difference. Like another commenter, I saw so many people rave about them, I just ordered my set that I can't cancel, but what I like is this video made me feel more informed about the choice I made and I have kids so I guess I could give it to them. But seeing that difference with the Winsor Newtown ones, was helpful - thank you and to everyone else who has commented sharing their experience.

[@DearElaine]

Thanks for watching Miikana! I'm glad this was helpful! I hope you've found a paint you love using 🥰

[@shannen271]

I'm glad I got some himi gouache. I got it on a Black Friday sale for $12, the smaller set without the brushes. I now have been gifted professional gouache that I use primarily but use the himi gouache for huge paintings :)

[@jcrafthouse]

i bought a small one of these because ive never tried goache. I imagine at the price there will be issues, but itll feel nice to upgrade when i have more confidence in the medium. Thanks for the vid

[@loati94]

Wile the quality is different, it's clear you are not using enough water. The paint should not look that thick in the palette, you have to make it a more creamy consistency. In the comparison between himi and W&N, the winsor one had a lot more water than the himi, it even runs down the plate because how liquid it is and of course it doesn't stick to the brush. No wonder himi doesn't spread well. It even has the look of dry brushing because there's not enough water.

[@DearElaine]

Thanks for the tip Loati! For the winsor newton I only sprayed a light coat of water on it and it mixes very well which I'm used to so I guess I didn't think I needed more water for the himi gouache. When I added more water in the pink I noticed some streaking, does that happen for you?

[@loati94]

​@@DearElaine Yes some colors are more streaky than others but I guess that comes with the quality. The liquid in the surface is the binder that separates. I have a couple of colors that have a lot of binder in the surface and no matter how many times I mix it it separates again so sometimes it gets a little weird and extra streaky. This paint is more viscous so it needs more water to reach the creamy consistency than others, although with some colors it comes with a lose in opaqueness. I have W&N too and they don't work exactly the same. If you feel like you are dry brushing or the paint gobbles up in the brush, add a little more water. What I find weird is the peeling when the paint dried up in your palette, that doesn't happen to me. Could it be because of the glue to avoid the beading? I remember that happening to me with watercolors after doing the glue thing in my metal case, but maybe it's not related. In my experience, these paints don't like to be open for too long, they require misting once in a while while working with them because they lose moisture quickly.

[@DearElaine]

​@@loati94 Hey Loati! Thanks for such a long feedback! 🤩 I will keep all of this in consideration when I use it again! I know some colors are more opaque than others so maybe that might have something to do with when it gets watered down. My winsor newton gouache and Holbein react similarly so I've quite used to them and I guess Himi needs some getting used to if i keep using it. The paint is cracking/flaking on other surfaces even without the glue :( I wonder if I got a bad paint set? I was assuming this happened for everyone.. but since i've already started using it i think i have to keep it 😅

[@Yeriring]

Now I understand why it was so hard for me to get used to gouache painting. Thank you so much for such an honest review! I guess like you said I’ll just enjoy messing around with it as a beginner and when it feels like I need better quality of it, then I’ll get it then. ❤❤

[@darcipowers6971]

I very much appreciate your honest review & assessment. When getting started it's important to not spend millions but also it's impossible to truly tell if one enjoys a medium if the brand one starts with is NOT typical. Having such difficulties can make one think that all Gouache would behave as such. So I am very happy to have seen this video first... your scene is adorable and you made a lovely painting but I think one less experienced would have really struggled and become totally frustrated! Love your work & style so much!

[@bizzybee852]

Thank you for an honest review. So many youtube artists (probably with way more experience) rave about these Himi jelly gouache paints that many of us beginner artists run out and buy them only to become frustrated that we cannot produce such beautiful paintings. And we think the problem is with us, our skills, and our inability, that it becomes disheartening and we want to give up all together, thinking we will never get better, than we just don't have the talent or skills. When the real problem that we are not seeing any improvement in our art is the quality of paint we are using.

[@ideap.343]

The Himi gouache is good, for its price. You can't expect it to have the same quality as the name brand or those that are like x2 x3 x4 more expensive. Himi gouache is invented in China for their high school art students to use cheap paint to practice for their university art exam so it is what it is, cheap paint. You can still practice with it and get better, art is about patient, not about how quick or how beautiful your creations are, art is art. And I have seen many creators creating beautiful pieces with Himi gouache so it is still about talent and skills. As you go on with your art journey, you have to step up your paint and tools to go along with your current skill levels. So good luck on your art journey!

[@satoshi_nt.2]

i really don't know how professionals use their gouache colours or the techniques they apply .i have been using the himi gouache for years now and I'm in love with it .but i mostly draw ghibli paintings and anime style landscapes with them .up until now they are great for what i have been using them for ,but obviously i will switch to any artist grade colours if i get the chance to

[@joselynrodriguez543]

Where did you buy this HIMI gouache set? I got the HIMI set for $27, including paintbrushes, and I dont have these problems. My gouache is smooth, no streaky lines, or any of those problems. I dont know if the color of the boxes makes differences meaning if one color is better quality or something, but I have a white box and again this was from Amazon for $27, great price btw, and I do not have these problems. If anyone wants goa good gouache, get the HIMI set, white box, that cost $27 INCLUDING paintbrushes. You must have gotten a rip-off or something like that. Thanks for all the likes 🎨🎨🙂🙂

[@jenxx49]

Lets not forget our personal budgets here. A holbein gouache set can cost £100 upwards.

[@AmiCestLaVie]

A Windsor and Newton 10 color gouache set costs $20.

[@Shellyj107]

I would suggest lightly sanding your palettes to give tooth verses the glue stick. The Himi gouache is definitely a less expensive paint but is still able to give good results. I would wonder if the glue stick is causing consistency issues.

[@DearElaine]

I tried on another palette but same thing, its just thick, i use glue to prevent beading on my holbein and its fine 🤷🏻‍♀

[@BellaRigelOrion]

I've watched many reviews of the HIMI gouache and this was by far the best & made points none of the others did. Thank you & subbed!

[@DearElaine]

Aw Bellatrix, thank you for stopping by and making my day 🥹❤ Glad i could help!

[@reneechelsawatercolors]

I have had the same struggles as you with my himi gouache! It’s definitely not as nice as the more professional formula paints, but it’s a nice set to just play around with. I use my set when I paint with my kids and they love it because they feel like they’re using mom’s fancy paints 😂

[@cazkiwinz4300]

I say it on every video 😂 but if you put the middle palette lid on, then put it all in a snap lock bag and squeeze the air out THEN snap the top lid on, the paints will stay fresh and juicy… mine are going good 21+ months now. I’ve never needed to use water or glycerin

[@DearElaine]

Yeah so i put plastic wrap on top of it, its still drying, i guess it's too high maint for me

[@cazkiwinz4300]

@@DearElaine Plastic wrap isn’t airtight, unfortunately 🤔

[@skynet40433]

I just wanted to thank you for your thorough, insightful video. There are so many HIMI gouache videos out there and I feel like your experience of using other brands like Winsor & Newton and Irodori made for a very in-depth video. Looking forward to more of your content!

[@DearElaine]

Hi JT thanks for watching! I am so happy you found my review helpful! Himi is definitely different from any gouache I've used. Thanks for subscribing too ☺❤! I will be reviewing another affordable gouache - Arteza next - so stay tuned for that! Have a lovely day!

[@ninahewitt7047]

Acrylic binder would make it so you couldnt rewet. Himi gouache is able to be rewet, so it does have a water soluble binder. It looked like you needed to use more water to get the correct consistency. When there isn’t enough water it clogs the brush and becomes unmixable.

[@DearElaine]

Thanks for the tip Nina, I realized I could have tried doing that! I had added some water but I guess for the tube gouache I'm used to it requires less water. Maybe it varies from gouache to gouache - do you have a streaking problem when you mix your himi gouache with more water? I noticed that initially when I started mixing it with more water in the pink so I didn't want the streaks then I limited the water..

[@ANWFineArt]

For the palette I use a ceramic or porcelain plate, I got a few condiments bowls for $2 and a plate for $5 at Crate & Barrel. They have quality open stock items at their stores

[@TheBlackCrayon77]

😂😂 I specifically wear painting clothes when I paint, no matter the medium. I just wipe my brushes in water jars and rags...sometimes the clothes.

[@sarius24]

tbh its really what you"re trying to get with it. I use the himi gouache and very much enjoy it.

[@helseyrivera3280]

💯!! I also bought the Himi gouache and noticed the same points you mentioned, I also felt like it was more difficult to work with compared to high end gouache and it had more of an acrylic feel, great review !

[@DearElaine]

Hey Helsey! Thanks for watching and confirming my thoughts on it! I feel like it's a cult fave for gouache beginners but.. I hope they get to try the quality paints to compare it.

[@mashypeehs6408]

😮 thanks for your testing... I know now that I will use them for trainings as I am a beginner...

[@rayne6737]

I know people who love Himi will object and that’s fine. They are obviously entitled to love what they love. However, I hated the Himi gouache so much that I dreaded even thinking of using it. I hate to waste any product though so either I use it anyway or give it to my granddaughter. This, though, I did neither. After trying and failing multiple times to get anything I liked out of it, even after watching multiple videos of people using it, I threw it away. I never felt either a burden or relief, after throwing it away, with any other art supply ever. I wasn’t even willing to pass them on as I didn’t want to inflict those feelings on any other budding or ever semi professional artist.

[@DearElaine]

Thanks for sharing Rayne, I still have this heavy box of paint hiding in my closet somewhere, I have not touched it since and like you have been thinking of who to give it to but wow! maybe tossing it would be more relieving 😅

[@lalapalooza6467]

I ended up dumping mine too, I couldn’t get anything out of it either. It was just too difficult to use

[@charliepea]

I have an 18 Himi gouache with a cat logo and it's my first gouache set I own. I do enjoy the set and the colours are cool, but I knew it's not the best. It's streaky, it's messy, it's not so opaque, and it smells kinda eugh when opening the cups. And yes it feels such a waste seeing those paints stick all over the place. I'll still use the gouache because there's so much quantity in each cup...

[@darlenesassmann9418]

I prefer to use traditional gouache to make detailed paintings. My jelly gouache are wonderful for making abstract images. It is wonderful to make marks with and to use pens and tempera sticks! Jelly gouache for me are strictly for abstraction and playing with in multimedia.

[@vintage.physics]

Thank you for this review! There are so many good reviews here on KZbin, which is why I bought it, but it’s nice to see what could happen! I can’t deny though that when you put that Winsor & Newton swatch next to the himi I was blown away! So I have to ask, was that the designers W&N? I want to know that I’m going to actually use gouache before buying an expensive set, but I know what I want next!

[@claudiafialhostudio]

I guess using more water would help to released the gouache from the brush, but still I am not a fan of the gouache himi, as you said and probably right, it does seems it have a binding of something that looks like acrylic… I just find very cheap and more a kids gouache then professionals… but I have seen artists creating amazing things with himi gouache… I do find it hard to work with and mixing, even mixing with other colours or even rewet them with water, I remember being difficult and way easier with W&N or Holbein, even though W&N is still my favourite ❤ so far…

[@DearElaine]

Thanks for your feedback Claudia!! I've also seen other artists create amazing pieces with himi gouache and i guess they've learned how to use it with it's interesting properties... but i think i enjoy sticking with tube gouache too. Next i'll be reviewing Arteza gouche which is a comparable price point with Himi to see if that's any good! I've heard great things about it!

[@aliirelan]

Oh wow I had the same thing happen with the paint flaking and I thought it was bc I was mixing on plastic instead of porcelain or something like that. It was really frustrating bc it felt so wasteful!

[@DearElaine]

The worst part is when the flake flies onto your white rug 🫠 anyways- i think porcelain trays might be better but i haven't tried it with this paint

[@estrellagraciaa]

Loved seeing your honest review elaine! And what a beautiful illustration you did.🥺♥️

[@DearElaine]

Hey Estrella Thanks for watching 🥺! I'm happy you like it hehe

[@99xd70]

Thank you for the useful review. I use arteza, which is good, and also w&n, which is excellent, of course, but it is expensive. I thought of buying himi, but after the review, it is better to save money! Thank you, I apologize for the broken English, I use a translator

[@DearElaine]

Agreed! I'll be making a comparison video btw arteza and himi since the pricing is so similar

[@apple_3224]

​@@DearElaine i would love to see that video! Since i am thinking on buying both sets

[@EvelinTee]

Thanks for the honest review… I was wondering if it was any good. I’ve seen it for so many years and have always been wondering, haven’t taken the leap. I probably won’t now… haha. Although it really is a good deal and kinda convenient in tubs and in a box :D

[@herbalannie7707]

Your review was spot on. I bought this and regret it . They are very messy, clump up on the brush and as you say streaky when you add water. They need water but how much is hard to determine. I think I will give them to some kid to finger paint with. They are cheap so you get what you pay for.

[@DearElaine]

Phew! I was starting to think I got a bad batch of paint because there are some hardcore himi fans! Well i hope you find some nicer gouache to work with! I think I will try to use it again to see what i can do with it - maybe an acrylic painting on canvas with a palette knife if it doesn't flake off on me?

[@Bahnishikha_Das]

I just bought the paint😢

[@pyromancyglassart8975]

Thank you very much for the review. I will get the more expensive Windsor in Newton.

[@nickorange4881]

glue stick? ive never heard of that. only rub toothpaste on it to make it less beading up.

[@hannahhammond8919]

I’ve been looking for this kind of review of the Himi gouache! Thanks so much. I feel like Arteza is a much better cheap brand for the money. I’ve been using that for a while without most of the issues you highlighted with Himi. I am ready to upgrade a bit though, so I have some Winsor Newton and Holbein on my Christmas list.

[@DearElaine]

Thanks for watching Hannah! I also like Reeves as a cheaper gouache brand if you're looking for another but nice I hope you get some WN or Holbein ☺!!

[@AshMoustache96]

Love your art style💕so cute!

[@julielondon4759]

Excellent review!! Appreciate your insights and attention to detail.

[@DearElaine]

Thanks for watching Julie! I appreciate your comment ☺!

[@loati94]

Wow the prices are so different from one country to another! In Spain a 14ml tube of W&N goes from 5€ to 14€ depending on the serie. Holbein gouache 14ml tubes go from 6€ to 10€ depending on the series so it's similar or even a little less expensive than W&N. And himi gouache can't be purchased individually but a 24 set costs 30€ so it's less than 1.50€ per 30ml.

[@DearElaine]

That's so interesting!! I wonder if it has to do with import taxes or something! I wish i was in Spain haha!

[@piu4595]

Loati, tuve que dejar España por razones personales y lo que más me molesta de donde vivo es como todo es tan caro en comparación o como tarda todo tan en llegar y los envíos y aduana e impuestos, que horror extraño España en verdad 😂

[@Oozaru85]

Its really curious. There are tons of videos out there where artists use Himi Gouache and their art looks super smooth and super even. Not streaky at all. To a point where I sometimes wonder if they are really using Himi or some more premium brand, and just pretend they use Himi. Or are their skills so good that they manage to make even a cheap jelly gouache like Himi look like Holbein? I'm really confused.

[@persivy]

its possible to produce those smooth lines! i'm a beginner and my paintings (which are obviously worse than professionals) aren't streaky like the creators. So maybe they just got a faulty set?

[@Bubblebubblebubble1]

I think HIMI have changed their formula to a cheaper formula

[@Oozaru85]

@@Bubblebubblebubble1 Well, that sucks if true.

[@garypostell5268]

Trying to entice you to buy!

[@PaintIt4Ward]

It’s because they know how to use that specific brand of gouache. It seems that himi is different enough that you need to treat it like a different medium. When you do you will get better results.

[@colorfulthinker]

Thank you, this was very helpful. The painting was still cute!

[@ainmartinez8186]

Wow thank you for this. It's so helpful

[@DearElaine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rrichardson340]

This was a great review. i was going to purchase this but I may stick with the well known brands I'm use to. Thanks!!

[@DearElaine]

Glad I could help! I still have this big box of himi gouache lying around and it takes up a lot of space. I prefer tubes as it doesn't dry up and you can store it away so much easier!

[@blackpanda7298]

Holbein gouache is lightfast and archival. If your thinking of longevity. My himi dried out, pealing them took so long 😂 they’re ok.. I’m going to stick with w+n and Holbein ❤ you can use a pallet knife for himi.

[@AutumnHathaway]

That doesn't look like the paint for me. I'm sticking to my Holbein gouache😅Thanks for sharing. 🎨✌️

[@Kelli.Hicks.5]

What an interesting comparison. 🤔 These observations are definitely something to keep in mind. 🎨

[@DearElaine]

Thanks for watching Kelli 🥰

[@jevanawoods]

Mine doesn't stop molding it's horrible :(

[@hello-gk9qh]

Do you use tap water to re-activate the paints? If yes, then that's why they're molding, use cooled down boiled water or distelled water (Purified water)

[@yutazenss]

if it's still happening keep it in the fridge and follow what the other commenter said

[@Vincent-ds3kc]

I find it difficult to do detailed work since it’s streaky

[@tasyarosenna88]

True, it was because it full of filler i also have same problem with maries. I suggest to completely dry the layers first then working on next layers also using thicker consistency by drying gouache on palette.

[@ainmartinez8186]

​@@tasyarosenna88so true

[@eparker]

Oil?? Holbein uses more pigments with fine quality. I have Holbein paintings from years ago that have not budged or faded. I find I use less with Holbein too. My Winsor & Newton Designers Gouache are top tier in texture and flow too. The pigments and color pay off is also gorgeous but I find you need to use a little more than the Holbein colors. Perhaps this depends on the project? Both are a dream to mix.

[@ΔεαΚ]

But she bashes the himi gouache not Holbein or Winsor & Newton which is expensive and not even lightfast a loot of colours💀

[@duoduopeng2998]

so adorable and so talented artist...

[@kelyrin]

Your video is so gorgeous and helpful, I just discovered you and I'm ABSOLUTELY SURE that you are going to BLOW UP !!!! 💕

[@DearElaine]

Why are you so nice 😭? Thank you this really picked me up and made my day. I feel motivated to keep making videos! Thanks for watching Kelyrin 🥰

[@estrellagraciaa]

Next time better quality gouache! Got it :)

[@shanistime7470]

I also bought a belly gouch like your but I feel it is fake .. and I don’t know it was real or fake Can help me ? I will send pictures to your instagram 😢

[@QueenDelmarva]

If I heard correctly, your Holbein and W&N are designer gouache. The Himi Jelly is acrylic gouache. You can't rewet acrylic gouache.

[@DearElaine]

My Holbein and W&N are not acrylic gouache. The Himi Jelly gouache is also not acrylic, I was just saying that it "felt like" there was an acrylic binder though I have no knowledge about paint formulas because the way it was moving when I wet it and the way it was flaking when it dried. It felt closer to acrylic gouache to me but the Himi Jelly is rewettable and not acrylic.

[@jacksonhoang2686]

fabulous!

[@PaintIt4Ward]

There’s no chance these have acrylic binder lol

[@BlancaVarguesArt]

Very nice video, plenty of charm!

[@Frey_TRO]

You must’ve bought an imitation of Himi. My himi doesn’t do that kind of quality

[@nickorange4881]

where did you buy yours from ?

[@CeruleanCzarina]

I didn’t love this brand of gouache either. The colors do not mix cleanly, likely since each hue is a multi-pigment mix, and the consistency is frustrating to work with. I scooped some of the colors into full pans and allowed them to dry, and I think that this paint performs better from dry pans than wet. Nevertheless, I won’t be buying these again. Your painting still turned out lovely though; proof that the results are produced by skill rather than materials ❤!

[@jasond.b-w]

I also found that letting mine dry and just using them as bad watercolors made them a _bit\ more worth the price! But you’re right, they do NOT mix well. I always kinda see it as a red quality flag when paint sets come with a huge array of colors and this one really proved why. It’s becoming such a chore to figure out what to even use these on now…but for the price, I refuse to just let them go to waste 😭

[@jenniejennie12345]

This may be because your putting glue underneath but I agree this isn’t the best gouache haha

[@DearElaine]

I tried on another palette but same thing, its just thick, i use glue to prevent beading on my holbein and its fine 🤷🏻‍♀

[@tasyarosenna88]

The points of himi miya is affordable of course it full of filler and some pigment not actually from real pigment, of course it's not as good as holbein, kuretake, and winsor & newton. Good point i say. What baffled me after reading some comments, is you and comments is bashing people who using himi miya and excuse us?? For newbie artist cult?? Do you feel exclusive senior real artist because you use more expensive stuff? From what i find bunch of people, you called newbie cult have more techniques and more beautiful painting than you and bunch bashing comment here, are you bitter there's a lot new artist is more talented than you guys is sprouts like bamboo shoots of out nowhere and have more viewers than you?

[@crookedcrowstudio3135]

yeesh- you seem a bit bitter. Where do you see all these elitist comments? They were just saying that the other brands are better quality. I don't see anyone bashing newbie artists on here. I think you may need to reevaluate and see where this hostility is coming from....

[@rayne6737]

Reevaluate as you’re the only one seeing what you claim. Your accusations are false and inflammatory.

[@borleyboo5613]

Calm down, love, it’s only paint. No one is bashing anyone using Himi.

[@LELOLIVROS]