How to Use Gouache

Gouache

Opaque, Matte and Water Based

Tea to Butter Method

When painting with gouache, it’s a good idea to start with thin layers and gradually build up to thicker ones. This method, often called the tea-to-butter technique, creates vibrant colors without them turning muddy.

Begin with a watery “tea” for the first washes and sketches, then move to a creamy “buttery” paint for the details that need to be opaque.

Tea to Butter Method (Thin to Thick)

Tea: This is a very watered-down, transparent paint that’s perfect for your first washes or just sketching out your ideas.

Coffee: A bit more paint than tea, great for underpainting.

Milk: A thinner, flowing paint that’s mostly opaque.

Cream: The best consistency for smooth, opaque coverage without any heavy texture.

Butter: Straight from the tube, this is thick, opaque, and perfect for creating texture with impasto, dry brushing, and adding final highlights

Tips for Success:

Cleanliness: Always make sure the previous layer is completely dry before adding a new one.

Water Control: Too much water makes it act like watercolor, while too little can cause streaks and make it hard to spread.

Brushes: Use soft brushes for your thin washes and firmer brushes for the thick, buttery paint.

Mix & Swatch

Personal Color Wheels