Cody Casey
Gouache is a water-based paint that dries quickly and can be reactivated with water. It is sold in tubes or cups, but can also be used in pans. Using gouache in pans can be a convenient alternative to the traditional tubes, especially when painting outdoors. However, it is important to note that the creamy consistency of gouache may be lost when using it in pans, and the opacity may be reduced. To load gouache into pans, fill the pan with fresh paint, tap it on a table to spread the paint, add more paint if needed, and let it air dry. Some artists also add a few drops of honey or glycerin to the paint to prevent cracking and improve reactivation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Benefits of using pans | More portable than tubes or cups |
| Less mess while traveling | |
| Easier to use for painting Plein air | |
| Downsides of using pans | Loss of creamy consistency |
| Loss of opacity | |
| Susceptible to drying out | |
| Prone to cracking and crumbling | |
| How to load gouache into pans | Pour gouache into pans and let it air dry |
| Mix with glycerin and distilled water | |
| Mix with honey | |
| Mix with oxgall | |
| Mix with gum Arabic (in small amounts) |
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What You'll Learn
Pros and cons of using liquid vs. dried gouache
Gouache is a water-based medium with pigments grounded in powder form and mixed with Arabic gum. It is available in tubes, cups, or pans. While tubes and cups contain liquid gouache, pans contain dried gouache. Here are some pros and cons of using liquid vs. dried gouache:
Pros of Liquid Gouache:
- Liquid gouache is easy to spread and can quickly fill in large areas with flat colour.
- It provides thick opaque coverage and is packed with more pigment than any other type of paint.
- Liquid gouache is easier to transport than dried gouache since it doesn't require water to reactivate it.
- Liquid gouache is ideal for creating vibrant paintings with natural tones as it is mixed with white paint instead of water, resulting in a saturated, bold look.
- It is perfect for creating dark shadows with more depth and nuance due to its matte finish.
- Liquid gouache is more suitable for painting large areas or mixing with watercolours to add body and opacity.
Pros of Dried Gouache:
- Dried gouache is more portable than liquid gouache, as it is easier to carry around and there are no liquid restrictions when flying.
- It is more convenient than traditional tubes and can be easily reactivated with water.
- Dried gouache is less messy during transport since it won't spill out of the palette.
Cons of Liquid Gouache:
- Liquid gouache is more challenging to transport due to liquid restrictions on airplanes.
- It requires carrying additional items such as tubes of paint, a mixing tray, a water dish, an easel, and brushes, which adds weight and setup time.
- Liquid gouache can dry out, and constant attention is needed to ensure it doesn't dry out during painting.
- It can be difficult to colour match with liquid gouache as the shade changes slightly when dry, usually becoming darker if it's a light colour and lighter if it's a dark colour.
Cons of Dried Gouache:
- Dried gouache tends to crack and crumble, especially when left to dry for an extended period before use.
- It may not provide the same creamy consistency as liquid gouache, and the opacity can be reduced when water is added to reactivate it.
- Dried gouache may require more time and patience to reactivate, and the longer it dries, the longer it takes to rewet.
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How to load gouache into pans
Yes, you can use gouache in pans, but you will lose the creamy consistency of gouache, even if pans are more portable than tubes or cups. Gouache is a water-based medium with pigments grounded in powder form and mixed with Arabic gum. These pigments dry when painted onto paper or canvas to produce an opaque finish. You can use gouache in either tube, cup, or pan form. As gouache is easy to reactivate with water, like watercolour, you can use it in a dry form, but you may lose the main benefit of gouache!
To load gouache into pans, fill your pan with fresh paint, tap the pan on a table to spread the paint, complete with some more paint, and let it air dry. You can arrange your colours as you prefer, in a chromatic wheel or with light and dark colours. Although some colours are prone to cracking, primarily earth tones, you may get a lot of dry paint crumbles in your palette. Many people don’t realise that gouache is available in pan form, which can be helpful for different purposes. If you’re new to painting with gouache or want something more convenient than the traditional tubes, consider trying out pan paint instead!
You can also add a few drops of honey to your pans to help preserve the paint. Mix a few spoons of honey with some water, heat the mixture in a microwave for a few seconds, and stir. Then, add half a teaspoon of the honey-water mixture to each pan, followed by three to four drops of glycerine, two oxgall, and gouache.
It is important to note that not all gouache or pigments react well to being dried out. Some of them don't reactivate in water the same way and never become paint again. Cheaper brands of paint have more fillers that degrade when diluted with water, resulting in more transparent colours after rewetting. However, if you stick with high-quality artist-grade paint, you should be fine.
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How to prevent cracking and crumbling
To prevent cracking and crumbling when loading gouache into pans, it is recommended to use high-quality gouache, such as M. Graham, Winsor & Newton, or Holbein. These brands have been reported to have less crumbling and cracking issues compared to cheaper alternatives. When using M. Graham gouache, some artists suggest adding a small amount of honey, glycerin, and oxgall to the paint in the pans to prevent cracking and improve rewettability. It is important to note that Arabic gum should be avoided as it can make the paint shiny and more prone to cracking when dry.
Another technique to prevent cracking and crumbling is to fill the pans in two parts. First, fill an empty pan halfway with gouache and add a thin layer of warm honey-water on top. Blend them with a toothpick or sewing pin. Then, add a few drops of glycerin and ox gall, and mix until fully blended. This method not only speeds up drying time but also reduces cracking and crumbling, resulting in a nicer-looking palette.
Some artists also recommend using a spray mister to add water to the paints and leaving them for a few minutes before painting. This helps achieve the desired opacity and can reduce the formation of cracks and crumbles. Additionally, it is worth noting that some colors, such as cobalt blue, tend to become extremely stiff and crumbly, while others, like naphthol red, stay moist for longer.
To further minimize cracking and crumbling, avoid using round, dimpled plastic palettes as they are not designed to hold dry paint. Instead, opt for a metal palette or a tin with fillable pans to securely hold the pans in place and prevent paint from falling out and contaminating other colors.
Overall, preventing cracking and crumbling when loading gouache into pans involves using high-quality paint, adding binders like honey and glycerin, employing a two-part filling process, using a spray mister, and choosing suitable palettes that can securely hold the pans.
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Transporting gouache
Gouache pans are generally easier to transport than tubes as they are less messy and more portable. If you are using a pre-made gouache pan, ensure that it is from a reputable brand and of good quality. Some cheaper pans may crumble or crack, creating a mess. To avoid any mess, wrap each pan with plastic wrap, double or triple layering it neatly, and place it in a ziplock bag. You can also tape a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper over each pan for added protection.
When transporting gouache tubes, the main concern is leakage. To prevent this, make sure the tubes are properly sealed and consider using Parafilm, a stretchy plastic foil with a wax layer that provides an airtight and watertight seal. Place the wrapped tubes in a large plastic bag and secure them in your bag. If you are flying, it is recommended to put the bag with the tubes in your checked luggage rather than carrying it on to avoid any issues with pressure changes.
When transporting gouache paintings, it is best to keep them flat to avoid cracking the paint. Use a rigid, clear plastic print protector, such as an Art Envelope, to prevent bending and provide extra protection. If you need to transport multiple paintings, you can pack them in a case along with other drawings and prints. Keep in mind that gouache does not hold up well to rolling, so avoid rolling your paintings if possible.
General Tips
- If you are concerned about leakage or want to reduce the amount of paint you are transporting, consider transferring some of the paint to an airtight container or palette box.
- Always be cautious when transporting gouache, especially in a backpack or suitcase, as the paint can easily be crushed or broken.
- Experiment with different brands to find those that work best for you in terms of consistency, rewetting, and drying.
By following these tips and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely transport your gouache and focus on enjoying your creative pursuits.
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Rehydrating dried gouache
Gouache is a water-based medium with pigments grounded in powder form and mixed with Arabic gum. These pigments dry when painted onto paper or canvas to produce an opaque finish. It is easy to reactivate gouache with water, similar to watercolour. However, rehydrating dried gouache will never restore its initial creamy consistency.
To rehydrate dried gouache, use an eyedropper or a brush to add water to the individual dried spots on your palette. Gently rub the paint surface with a wet brush to lift the pigments. To rehydrate the paint and blur edges, use a brush dampened with clean water and gently dab it over the desired area. You can also use your wet finger to rub the border between two colours and merge them.
To avoid the hassle of rehydrating dried gouache, it is best to prevent the paint from drying out in the first place. Spray your palette with tap water four to five times during a painting session to keep the paint fresh. If you are painting outdoors, bring a foldable bucket of water to rehydrate your gouache palette when it starts to dry.
If gouache dries inside the tube, it is challenging to soften it. However, you can try adding a few drops of Gum Arabic into the tube, stirring the paint with a toothpick, and gently massaging the tube with your fingers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gouache can be loaded into pans.
Pans are more portable than tubes or cups.
You will lose the creamy consistency of gouache.
Fill your pan with fresh paint, tap it on a table to spread the paint, add more paint, and let it air dry.
M. Graham gouache dries well in pans.
