Is this the BEST gouache? | Turner acryl gouache review - Everything you need to know!

From pigments, to lightfastness, to binder, today I’m covering everything you need to know about Turner Acryl Gouache; answering common questions about acrylic gouache, giving some tips, and doing some painting!
~UPDATE: 6 month lightfastness results are in: • DOES IT FADE?? Turner ...
~ANOTHER UPDATE: 1 year lightfastness results are in: • Turner Acryl Gouache a...
💖My Shop: www.zaccura.com/shop
✨Laptop fund: www.zaccura.com/laptop-fundra...
(^^I'm raising funds for a new laptop for making KZbin videos! So if you'd like to see more content from me, please consider contributing. Thank you so much!!)
Turner acryl gouache website (for more info): www.turner.co.jp/english/acry...
--------
M A T E R I A L S*
Turner Acryl gouache 24pc set: amzn.to/3VubjRT
Sta-Wet palette: amzn.to/3VtdWUb
Strathmore 400s watercolor paper: amzn.to/3EHPiHH
Royal langnickel brush (round): amzn.to/3u0Qt04
Himi brush (flat): amzn.to/3ANQFDI
Tombow calligraphy pen (for opacity test on swatches): amzn.to/3F0JfOX
----------
M Y S O C I A L S
Shop/Website: www.zaccura.com
Instagram: / zaccura_art
Twitter: / zaccura_art
Deviantart: zaccura.deviantart.com/
Newgrounds: zaccura.newgrounds.com/
----------
Chapters
00:00 - Intro/preview
00:37 - Part 1: About this set
02:09 - Part 2: Swatching
04:38 - Acryl Gouache vs Regular gouache
06:07 - Opacity & pigments
07:45 - Part 3: Lightfastness
10:04 - Part 4: Painting demo
10:34 - But first… JIM
11:44 - Ok, let’s make some art
13:01 - The “acryl gouache style”
14:05 - Technique tips
15:10 - The CON of acryl gouache
16:10 - Acryl Gouache vs Acrylic paint
18:11 - Why I like this gouache
20:50 - My recommendations
21:50 - Final thoughts + how to support
---------
*Some links are Amazon affiliate codes, if you purchase using the links provided I may receive a small commission, which helps support this channel, at no extra cost to you.
---------
Music cred:
Classical (recordings used are licensed under public domain):
Waltz in A minor, B. 150 - Chopin
gymnopedie no. 1 (for harp) - Satie
Nocturne in B flat minor, Op. 9 no. 1 - Chopin
C major prelude - Bach
Others:
oh, the joy. - 6am in singapore - thmatc.co/?l=5E8B6763
oh, the joy. - 11pm in dubai - thmatc.co/?l=09F65572
oh, the joy. - 1pm in san francisco - thmatc.co/?l=692463D8
STUDIO BEYOND - Love Week - thmatc.co/?l=55570251
Cindy Zhang - San Francisco - thmatc.co/?l=99462DD7
Butterflies in Love - Sir cubworth - YT audio library
----
Title: Is this the BEST gouache? | Turner acryl gouache review - Everything you need to know!
Text shown on thumbnail: TURNER ACRYL GOUACHE

[@liddlealice431]

"Is this the best gouache?" As far as acrylic gouache goes, yes, it absolutely is! Holbein acryla gouavhe is more popular but it dries so fast and can be so hard to work with, the Turner is soooo much creamier, blendable and easier to work with!

[@Zaccura]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I definitely want to give Holbein a try if I can ever get my hands on it, but from various reviews it does sound trickier to work with compared to Turner.

[@Anonymoi]

I find it hard to decide which brand is objectively “better.” Sometimes, the Holbein has longer open time for me, and I think there is no question that you can add more water to it without streaking. Still, I have decided that I prefer the Turner because it’s still very good. You can heavily dilute it, too, without streaking, but I think eventually the wash is less even than is the case with Holbein. With the Turner being as good as it is and so much less expensive than Holbein (especially when you get it on sale) it’s hard to beat.

[@artisticbean4945]

Even though Holbein acryl gouache is more popular I actually prefer Turner.I like it more partly because of the price but also the formula is SO much creamier AND you can use color pencils on top of Turners while you can't with Holbein (its something I do a lot with my art,especially in the end stages).I would definitely go with Turners rather than Holbein :)

[@Zaccura]

Appreciate your input & comparison! Thanks for sharing!😊💕

[@Zaccura]

EDIT 4/7/24: ✨Laptop fund: www.zaccura.com/laptop-fundraiser (^^I'm raising funds for a new laptop for making KZbin videos! So if you'd like to see more content from me, please consider contributing. Thank you so much!!) --- UPDATE: 6 month lightfastness results are in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jabGZJ5vd8pgZqs ANOTHER UPDATE: 1 year lightfastness results are in: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJSok5iNeJ5-b6M ----- Hi! Please note: whenever I say “designer’s” gouache in this vid, I’m referring to ANY non-acrylic gouache (AKA regular traditional gouache, usually having Gum Arabic as its binder). I thought “designer’s” was synonymous with “traditional”, but apparently the word “designer” is used more as a quality-grading term (student grade, artist grade, designer’s grade etc.), not necessarily as a formula term, which is the way I was using it. The more you know.🤷‍ Also happy late Thanksgiving!!! Hope you had a wonderful holiday (if you celebrate)!💖🙏

[@I_scribbles]

Thx you too!

[@NeptuneSquare_LukeEmeott]

Great work! I love Turner.

[@fearlessAx]

I rarely comment on production details, but this was really great. Well done. Must've been a lot of work. Great narrative style as well.

[@Zaccura]

Ahh thank you so much! It does take a lot of work to film/edit haha, but worth it in the end. :)

[@juliaschneeflocke9208]

I really love your art!

[@Zaccura]

Aw thank you!!

[@scottjamesart]

This was soooo helpful! I've just started trying more gouache and these look reallt good. Great video! 🙏🏻❤️

[@Zaccura]

Ahh thank you so much, Scott!! So glad it was helpful!💕

[@Zaccura]

Ahh thank you so much, Scott!! So glad it was helpful!💕

[@EmilyArts]

Amazing review and video zaccura ! I loved the editing! 😄 the first time I tried the turner’s acrylic gouache from an upcrate box I was asked to review and I really liked them, but I think the thing that I wasn’t a fan of was that it couldn’t be reactivated but water 😅 which probably means it isn’t too forgiving . But then again I’m a lover of watercolour haha can’t wait for the next video! ❤

[@Zaccura]

Thank you so much, Em!! I can definitely see different artists liking or disliking acrylic gouache for its waterproof quality depending on how they work; every artist is so different and that is really beautiful imo. All a matter of finding the tools that connect with you!💕🙏

[@I_scribbles]

Loved the video Zaccura, its good to see Jim in good health! Ill have to work my way up the chain with gouache getting used to my first set now but gonna try the himi jelly gouache next but i do like the non react to water with the acrylic base so I can't wait to try so i can to a wash or glaze because you are 100% trying with regular gouache ruins the under layer. Cant wait for the next video and have a good holiday season if a vid dont come out before then.

[@Zaccura]

Thanks so much! And still a fan of the himi jelly gouache as well; it's nice to collect materials over time and having different paints for different styles and moods at hand. :) Hope you have a great holiday season too! 💖

[@I_scribbles]

@@Zaccura 😊 🙏 thx 🖌

[@moonlightgator]

I love how you talking to the plants, they are living beings too. I have few designer gouache tubes but now listening to all the reviews thinking about getting acryl gouache. 11 ml is perfect for me because I don't use gouache or acrylics often.

[@Zaccura]

Haha yes! Plants are people too! XD I hope you like these paints if you give them a try! 💕

[@suew4609]

It helps them to grow! They love music, too, especially classical. Sounds strange, but it’s been scientifically tested. Really!

[@elainegillespie1178]

Unfortunately acrylic doesn't help them to grow and water treatment plants cannot remove microplastics from waste water. Remember to turn your brush cleaning water into a solid by cloth or soaking in paper then into a plastics bin. Peace everyone.

[@Rosalina_Wolf]

Hiya Zaccura! Wonderful video, definitely enjoyed seeing Jim. You always make me want to create, the thing is, I never know what to create.

[@Zaccura]

Thank you! I remember you commenting on a previous video, I still have your "how to come up with ideas" recommendation in my to-make video notes.

[@Rosalina_Wolf]

@@Zaccura Thanks so much! You've really helped me. I will try your suggestions!

[@chaoticgremlinart]

This video came out beautifully, I have thought about trying acrylic gouache since I lack a lot of patience 😅

[@Zaccura]

Thanks so much! That is pretty much the same reason I wanted to try acrylic gouache lol😂 Definitely didn't regret it!

[@freyak2394]

Japanesque line is so cool! The texture is weird because the paint feels a bit sandy/ grainy but it’s totally opaque (i got the 12 tubes set because it seems the other sets are very rare) but i can tell you, the colors are beautiful, nothing like the palette we use in the Western world but if you like to mix your own colors and to work with mute colors, these Japanesque sets are amazing. Lol it sounded like an ad but yeah, the palette is beautiful

[@Zaccura]

Ah that's so great to know! Might have to give it a try sometime.💕

[@golden1789]

Wonderful. Thank you.

[@changemymind06]

Gouache has actually been around for centuries! It is different from acrylic, even the matte acrylics. You were pretty spot on with the differences between the two. Another notable difference is that the pigment particles are larger than in acrylic paint which is required in order to be as opaque as they are. They're sort of a cousin to tempura paints (from which poster paint was born) and I'd say gouache is more of a love child between acrylic paint & watercolor than just being an 'opaque watercolor' - even the traditional gouache. Regardless, it's just another of the many mediums for artists to use depending on their painting style and look they're trying to achieve. I use both Holbein & Turner (acryl & regular gouache) and love them both! Holbein does have a higher pigment load (which is why they feel less creamy and cost a lot more) but a little goes a long way for both brands. I think Turner is a perfect starter gouache though - much better than that himi & arteza stuff. Although if you're on a super tight budget or don't know if you'll like gouache, Arteza is a good starter brand. Just keep in mind it will be chalkier & require more paint to be opaque. But honestly, I almost did not use gouache again because of that & thankfully tried again with Turner then Holbein. Glad Jim is doing better & the painting turned out lovely! ❤ from a fellow 'pretty realistic' artist 😊

[@Zaccura]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and thoughts! All very interesting stuff! "Love child between acrylic paint and watercolor" is a great way of putting it. And it's great to get some confirmation about the comparison to matte acrylics. I did not know about the particle size! Much love💕🙏😊

[@whoopswhatever]

Very good video. I would like to add that another important difference between acrylic and acrylic gouache (besides the matte finish) is the fact that creating a thin wash In acrylic paint destroys the efficacy of the polymer binder which causes it to lift away from your support. I found this out the hard way! But you can use glazing mediums with acrylic OR use thin transparent layers of arcylic gouache to glaze. I personally love the effect of glazing different colors together rather than mixing them directly. Thanks! 😀

[@Zaccura]

@whoopswhatever That's good to know, thanks for sharing as well! Does the same problem exist with matte acrylics? Does it also get destroyed if you paint thinly with it? If so, that would be a pretty big notable difference between matte acrylics and acrylic gouache.🤔

[@whoopswhatever]

@@Zaccura probably same problem with any polymer binder. But I don’t know about acrylic gouache… maybe the gum Arabic is different. I have no opinion about this.

[@suew4609]

@@ZaccuraI remember hearing that it is the same with the acrylic gouache. Don’t use too much water, or you may as well use watercolor instead😁

[@E4Alabbasy]

Also I know both holbein and turner provide sets with larger tubes of white, but I think turner's sets often include brushes and a palette, but holbein's just provide paints

[@a.t.h.art.]

Added to my wishlist. But I’m thinking about buying it because I’m impatient. You’ve convinced me lolol

[@Zaccura]

Haha hope you love them! 😆💕

[@tomtop82]

This looks really great 😮👏 i use Turner and Holbein acryla gouache, Holbein i like more but its not so sticky.

[@E4Alabbasy]

I first started with acrylic gouache and fell in love with them, then I tried regular gouache which was a struggle and took me a while to get used to it and love it, and then I tried acrylic and I hated my life 😂😂💔 they feel way different then each other and for some reason I couldn't for the life of me mix the right colors with acrylics but I did with gouache and with the same set you have which mostly consist of multi pigments paint. I also have their Japanesque line and I love it, they dry to a sandy texture which I really enjoy and fun to combine with their regular paints. The colors in the Japanesque set is not like your regular set which I love and despite seeing comments that they are hard to mix I find it really easy and got almost every color I wanted to get. But I must say they are not meant for tiny details because of their texture. Other than that love your painting 😍 I prefer this painting style especially because I get to layer and glaze very easily.

[@Zaccura]

That’s so interesting that you’ve found acrylics so different than acrylic gouache! I haven’t delved into acrylics much yet, but it definitely seems like a totally different medium - more intended for thick layers rather than the watery smooth texture you can get with gouache. I’ve gotta dabble with them more and see how it feels for myself haha. The Japanesque set looks really cool with that sandy texture! Thanks for sharing your experiences! 🙏💕

[@makingmeaningnow]

Great video! Helped me continue to figure out if I ‘need’ these paints :) How did the lightfastness test turn out? You are the only review I have seen that has done their own test :)

[@Zaccura]

I'm glad you found it helpful! As for the lightfastness test, I mentioned in the vid I would wait for 3-4 months, but after some more research I realized that in order to get proper results it really should be left on the window for at least 6 months - a year, so I'm not sure yet! The 6 month mark is coming up soon in May, so I will check on it then, if there's anything important/interesting to note, I will make a video on it giving an update, and then put it back on the window for another 6 months. :)

[@stirlingj6109]

Awesome video 👍

[@Zaccura]

Thank you so much! :)

[@stirlingj6109]

@@Zaccura your welcome 😁💜

[@athenasaegis7306]

I just ordered a set of Turner Acryl after using Holbein for years. It has been increasingly difficult to even get Holbein Acryla shipped to me! Sad, but I'm looking forward to trying the Turner brand out. I appreciate such a beautiful and thorough review! Especially since I paint in a more realistic style, it can be hard to tell how the paints will function since (you're right!) they are popularly used for more graphic/illustrative styles. I can tell these will be a good fit after watching, and I feel much more confident about my purchase. Stay Wet palettes are an absolute must though, so true! Loved how thoughtful and detailed this was. Thank you!!

[@Zaccura]

Ahh I'm so glad you enjoyed the review! It's true, Holbein is hard to come by even in the US (although Turner isn't that much easier for me to get either tbh lol). I hope you love the Turner paints, thanks so much for watching and your comment! All the best with your art. 💖🙏

[@athenasaegis7306]

@@Zaccura Yes, I am in the US too . I did have some good luck with Jackson's for Turner this time. I remember when I could get Holbein from Amazon so easily. ;-;

[@athenasaegis7306]

Hi! Update- if anyone reads this. I’ve had the turner paints for 2 months now and I’m obsessed. I will not be going back to Holbein. I’ve made more illustrations in the past 2 months than I have in about 2 years. The colors are rich and creamy. I got about 24 colors I think. I usually use primaries + violet when I paint but I’ve been using the light green & orange, etc and I can’t believe how luscious and vibrant the colors are. I have however had to adjust to using the premixed colors, I’m used to single pigments. It’s been a fun challenge honestly. I haven’t experienced the dreaded “crumblies” in my brush/palette either. Like holbein, stay-wet is absolutely crucial. Unfortunately, where I live is always hot so I only can keep them wet for a day. I’ve just adjusted by using a very tiny amount of paint at a time as not to waste. I also keep a small spray bottle and wet my palette paper regularly. Anyways, highly recommend! Inspired me to finally bite the bullet and open my own shop instead of hoarding all my work haha

[@Zaccura]

Only just saw this now! So happy to hear you love these paints and have been painting so much! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@owleyes71]

Jerry's Artarama is having super sales right now so I bought Turner's Dream color set (12 tubes 11ml) for $21 and the normal 24 color set of 20ml tubes for $30. I'm excited to use them! I've only used the jelly gouache and I've heard they are not really all that great - I also bought some regular tube gouache. :)

[@Zaccura]

Sounds like an awesome haul!! Hope you love everything! :D

[@slickrooster]

Fantastic review, thanks for doing this :) I have quite a bit of Turner Acryl Gouache, and have plans to add some reviews on my own channel. What I like about this gouache is that you get acrylic-level paint films with standard gouache look and feel. Gouache is amazing because it is so unique...casein also has that velvety feel, but it's a little bit different. I love James Gurney's work, and it feels like with gouache, you can get such a fantastic painterly look that dries so quickly. If you get a chance, have a look at Jo Sonja's Matte acrylic paints, too, they're pretty amazing! Keep up the great work! Have a look at some of my videos for some watercolor stuff, as well as looking at some oddball stuff you probably won't find elsewhere. Would love to see you on my channel :)

[@KristenABales]

Your painting videos make me want to paint so badly! I honestly wish I had more time to do traditional art. (Stuck in digital for my business for the time being)

[@Zaccura]

Ahh I definitely know the feeling; when I've got client deadlines for commissions (which are usually digital), all I want is to break out the paints haha. Hope you get some time to paint soon! (Maybe during the holidays💖😊)

[@SkywalkFPV]

The difference between matt acrylic paint and acrylic gouache, is that the normal acrylic paint is more streaky, considered to be thick and show brush stroke texture, it stays more on top of the paper, compared to gouache. The gouache becomes one with the paper, soaking inside and leaving no textured brush strokes. Acrylic gouache has the layering benefits of acrylic/oil paint, unlike traditional gouache that still can reactivate with water.. Also Acrylic and traditional Gouache are more tailored to work with dedicated paper, where acrylic paint normally works best for canvas.. I would like to see more drawings enter the realm of big art, just like most paintings already are.. Just saying acrylic gouache and even traditional 'quality' gouache is more expensive then acrylic paint and more tedious to work with to a certain degree, therefore I do believe gouache is the overall underrated medium all together.. Fine detail drawings usually also turn out somewhat small considered the time needed for said details and since the quality paper is mostly small and very expensive, compared to painters that can just deliver big canvas and cover those areas fast with much cheaper acrylic paint. Acrylic and traditional 'quality' Gouache can better be compared with oil paint price wise and both should be considered premium products, over the more normal and better affordable acrylic paint..

[@Zaccura]

Thanks so much for sharing your perspective! I hope to see more gouache works make it to the realm of "big art" too. I think the history of gouache being used mainly for "sketching" and graphic design work is why people don't see it as much of a fine art material - hopefully this will change! Often it has much higher pigment load than regular acrylic paint - making it more expensive and higher quality - and it's just such a special medium all around.💕

[@marybeatty-brooks3272]

Thanks for the information. It was very thorough. You’re so talented! Can these paints blend with either acrylic or regular gouache?

[@Zaccura]

Thank you! And I have not personally tried mixing this paint with any other gouache/acrylic yet. I’ve had another comment ask the same thing, so I am going to try it and tell the results when I post the lightfastness results vid. But for now, in theory, I don’t see why it shouldn’t blend well with regular gouache and/or acrylic paint. It just might affect the final finish. For example, if mixed with regular gouache, it won’t be as waterproof. And if mixed with regular acrylic, it won’t be as matte. But again, haven’t tried it yet! :)

[@tahoor_paints]

❤️

[@ParasolMushroomStudios]

One day I'll get acryl gouche. I can't afford it right now. I feel the texture would be better for me to work with

[@AacisStudio]

Thanks for the info! i paint a lot with gouache and i might try acrylic gouache soon instead of going for acrylic, what brushes do you recommend for acrylic gouache? could i use the same brushes as i use for normal gouache? or could i harm them! thank you!

[@Zaccura]

I use the same brushes for acrylic gouache and normal gouache! I just make sure to wash them thoroughly (but gently) after using them with acrylic gouache. I use a bit of soap, it helps get any semi-dry paint out of the bristles. Best of luck if you do give them a try, hope you like'em! :D

[@AacisStudio]

Thanks ! I'll do that :)

[@yakkyuu12]

I need to have a paint that does not leave any brush marks, this is important to my project; how is this acrylic gouche at leveling, also - can you put a varnish over it to seal it??

[@Zaccura]

It depends how much water you use, but I find this paint to be very smooth with minimal to no streaking/brush strokes. I often use it for blocking in solid color and never struggle to get it looking nice and clean. As for varnish, I have not tried it personally, but I believe it should work with these paints just fine. There's nothing about them that would signal to me that it wouldn't like to be varnished. But of course, every brand of varnish is different, so I'd recommend doing a test on a separate test sheet before varnishing a finished painting!

[@iFollowTheGoodShepherd]

For this acrylic gouache, does one use an acrylic paintbrush or a watercolor paintbrush?

[@Zaccura]

I would say either! Whichever you like most. But I personally don't use my more expensive, soft, watercolor brushes because I'm concerned about the acrylic drying in the bristles and deteriorating them over time. But so far that has not been an issue with any of my brushes used with these paints. :)

[@itr6540]

Can you work with pencils on it for details? How does it look?

[@Zaccura]

Haven't tried myself, but I totally think so! The matte texture when dry is a nice surface, I think pencils would go on top great.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

What is the drying time? Shorter or longer than acrylics?

[@Zaccura]

I'd say it's similar, but it depends on how thick you're painting. Usually you work in much thinner strokes with acrylic gouache vs regular acrylic, therefor the acrylic gouache will dry faster.

[@newflanged_]

Individual colors can be bought here in the US!

[@Zaccura]

Ooo where!? Do share! :D

[@newflanged_]

@@Zaccura jerry artarama!

[@Zaccura]

Ahh I don't have one around here. But that's great to know! Thanks for sharing! :D

[@ladanmohammadi2247]

thank you for the video, does it have odor?

[@Zaccura]

Nope, it has no noticeable smell! :)

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

What happens if traditional gouache and acrylgouache are mixed?

[@Zaccura]

That's a good question! I haven't tried it, my guess is they would mix ok in your palette, and you'll end up with an in-between (not waterproof, but not totally reactivatable either)

[@So_salty]

Just watching - and the video isn’t very yet, but it doesn’t look very opaque? Isn’t gouache supposed to cover the black line?

[@Zaccura]

It depends on the color. Some are more opaque than others, but all of them are able to cover the black with a few layers. My experience with most "opaque" mediums, unless they're very thick, they're usually not 100% opaque on the first stroke, have to do a couple layers to cover black completely. 💕

[@PeteCorp]

Paint a Gundam!

[@Zaccura]

An interesting suggestion!