The Best Brushes for Gouache for 2023

In many ways, gouache is similar to watercolor, except it carries a higher pigment load and appears more opaque. Using the right set of brushes, you can play with shapes, colors, and textures with gouache paint.

Yet, having a high-quality gouache paint set will mean nothing if your brushes are not up to par. Some brush sets may seem durable at first glance, but their bristles would split or shed over time.

Whether you’re buying your first set or replacing an old one, choosing ideal paint brushes can be a daunting task. If you need expert advice and recommendations, check out my list of the best brushes for gouache!

Best Brush for Gouache Reviews

1. HIMI Gouache Paint Brushes

Designed for gouache and watercolor, the paintbrush set is available in different pastel colors to suit your personality. While they may look cute, these brushes let you paint like a pro!

Given the watery nature of gouache, the nylon bristles enable me to grab and lay down the paint onto paper with good control. It almost feels like every strand responds to the direction of my stroke. Thanks to the sturdy ferrules, the bristles do not split up while I brush.

Another favorite of mine, the liner brush has a sharp point for minute details and outlines. It helps me draw with better precision. For solid coverage, the flat brush enables me to go over an entire surface evenly.

When it comes to blending, I love using the slightly rounded that come in three sizes. With these options, I can blend colors on big or smaller areas. Moreover, they ensure the edges are sharp.

Made of birch, the brand guarantees that the handles will never crack. True to its promise, I’ve been dipping these brushes in liquid and they never deteriorate! Even the beautiful pink color does not chip off! Despite that, this set is very easy to clean and maintain.

2. ZenART Watercolor Paint Brushes

Made of pure synthetic hair that resembles characteristics of the squirrel and kolinsky sable, these travel brushes for watercolor and gouache are certified vegan-friendly. An excellent choice for beginners, it includes clear information on proper usage and maintenance in the package.

Like a real sable, the brushes’ bristles snap back to their original forms when I lessen the pressure that I apply on the brush while I paint. At the same time, they can hold liquid the way the squirrel brush does.

Alongside these unique capabilities, the selection of brushes lets me render broad strokes, blend, and intricate details. Just to give you an idea, I find the rigger brush fantastic for creating sharp lines.

For me, the cat’s tongue seems to be the most versatile as it lets me produce thick and thin lines, as well as paint leaves or fins with triangular edges. Similarly, I can paint the florals and other types of details and textures using a round brush.

Because they perform consistently well with watercolor and gouache, I don’t have to spend extra to buy separate brushes sets for each medium. Meanwhile, the well-designed handles are the icing on the cake. The brush does not slip from my hand since the handle is slightly thicker towards the ferrule while the length is just right.

3. Miya Artist Paint Brushes

This set of hog brushes will surely get you to put on your creative thinking cap. I’m certain that mixed media artists will love using them on paper, canvas, miniatures, and other materials!

Granted, these brushes are suitable for thicker mediums as they can take more paint when I dip them. By nature, the bristles are coarser than nylon so they became go-to brushes to create more defined brush marks. The fan brushes, in particular, make my strokes look more organic.

Considering the brushes in the assortment, I can work on detailed paintings as well as dramatic/ broad strokes. If I want to cover a large area faster, then the wide brush is the way to go! More notably, the bristles have a nice spring as they quickly respond to the amount of pressure I applied. Thus, laying down and blending the gouache is a breeze.

Since the hog brushes are very easy to clean, I don’t get my gouache tainted with other pigments, especially when I don’t intend to. On the other hand, the handle of the brush is much longer than the usual watercolor brushes. Such a feature enables me to work with an easel.

4. Dugato Artist Paint Brushes Set

With ten unique brushes for gouache paint and other wet media, this is a decent starter pack for anyone who wants to dabble in arts for the first time. Suitable for a wide array of projects, these brushes are also safe for children!

Unlike the usual offerings of a basic set, this one includes angled brushes. I find them comfortable when painting thick straight lines. As a sucker for details, I love that it also provides the rigger brush for ultra-fine lines.

What impressed me the most is the set also has a wide brush that allows me fastly cover an entire paper with paint in no time. Available in three different sizes, the filberts give me the flexibility to paint marks and blend colors together.

Another advantage is that the bristles themselves respond to the movement of my hand. Regardless of the type of brush, they are springy yet they glide smoothly even on toothy sheets of paper. Plus, they can hold quite a lot of paint.

Built with short handles, I find the brushes more appropriate for painting on a flat surface and smaller drawing spaces. However, they can be suitable for non-flat surfaces like DIY decors and miniatures. Since the brushes are soft, they are fantastic for body painting.

5. Adi’s Art Pro 4336965684 Paint Brushes Set

It’s not every day that we see good-quality synthetic brushes for gouache at an affordable price. Hence, this set of 10 brushes by Adi’s Art Pro is such a great find!

First, let me commend this brand for its elegant packaging. It’s the perfect gift for your artistic friends and children. Just add a cute ribbon and a gift card with a thoughtful message!

Honestly, opening the box feels like opening a gift. I was surprised to see that the manufacturer included a beautiful fabric brush case! Aside from keeping the brushes organized, I can also pack them neatly if I want to paint outside of my studio.

Equally impressive, the paint brushes soft enough to glide smoothly on watercolor paper but stiff enough to hold the gouache. Even with round brushes, I can blend and paint shapes with crisp edges. When I need to paint tight spaces or add details, the rigger does the trick!

While I’ve only highlighted a handful of brushes, I assure you that the others perform exceptionally as well. The set covers all the painting essentials for different genres, be it abstract or realistic depictions. I love using them for hand-lettering as the bristles’ quality enables me to paint more precisely.

6. Transon TR2620 Paint Brushes

Does your style involve a lot of details? Then this set of 8 round brushes might just be what you’re looking for! Known for their versatility, these tools are a practical choice for painting all kinds of subject matter.

Taking advantage of its shape, I only have to adjust methods of holding the round brush to utilize its pointed toe and belly. Certainly, the bigger brushes are convenient for broader strokes and blending but I also use them for hand-lettering. Meanwhile, the smaller brushes function as riggers for me.

What makes this set compatible with gouache is the goat hair. While they are not as springy, these brushes bring out beautiful washes of paint. In my experience, the bristles respond to my strokes very well. As such, I can get as precise as I want.

Gripping the brushes feel smooth and comfy. I can work with my painting without even realizing that I have been at it for hours. The same is true for painting on a canvas or a vertical surface.

Although I mainly use them for gouache, these brushes handle watercolor, oil, acrylic, and ink brilliantly.

7. D’Artisan Shoppe Artist Paint Brush Set

You don’t need to be a professional to make art. Still, you might need decent-quality brushes like this set from D’Artisan Shoppe to deliver your spirit flawlessly. In one set, you get a good mix of hog and synthetic brushes, as well as a lovely travel casing.

When I opened the package, I was amazed by how carefully the manufacturer wraps each brush in plastics. On top of that, it also came with very clear instructions on proper care for products to keep them last longer. Even more impressive is the selection of the brushes themselves as they can apply to any wet medium.

For gouache, I prefer synthetic brushes as they are softer. By that I mean, they produce fewer streaks when I spread the paint on paper. Because they hold less water compared to hog, it is easier for me to control my strokes.

The 11 synthetic brushes are more than enough for me to complete a water-based painting. However, I can work with some oil paint with the hog brushes. So far, not a single strand went out of place! From what I can see, the ferrules of these brushes are durable.

8. Adkwse Paint Brush Set

Onto following featured brushes for gouache paint, you will be satisfied with varieties and qualities. This kit gives artists all the tools to create art projects. With a paint tray, brushes, palette knives, sponges, and a pop-up case, all you need to do is find a piece of paper and some paints.

Some sets claim to have “fan” brushes but they look like a mop. This set’s fan brush, however, has bristles that spread like a fan that is wonderful for highlights on hair and grass that look more natural.

Then, I would top off my painting with details using the fine-liner brush. It is slim enough to work as a pen yet soft enough to control the gouache. Just the same, the other brushes have a nice spring to them but I particularly like the round brushes for blending.

Smooth to touch, the handles are painless to work with, especially when I get too carried away with painting. While adding texture is possible with the brushes, I dab the sponge onto the paper to make it appear organic.

Let’s not forget about the palette knives and paint tray! On top of that, the pop-up case serves both as a storage and a brush holder while I work.

9. Nicpro 4336961073 Artist Pro Paint Brushes

Boasting superior nylon watercolor brushes, this set is quite affordable for beginners and students alike. From a wide flat to a fine rigger, you get a full range of shapes and sizes of brushes to work on gouache and watercolor techniques.

For instance, the soft bristles can bounce back and hold a sharp point. It enables me to keep the edges of the shape sharp and accurate right down to the tee. Even for blending, the round and filbert brushes quickly respond whenever I adjust the pressure and speed.

Next, the rigger helps me color very tight spaces and create fine lines. Its tip is so fine that I can sketch details and outlines, as well as produce stylized text with it. To cover the entire paper with gouache faster, I wash the surface using the widest flat brush.

Working on a table, the short handles let me get closer to the paper to see the details I paint properly. If you paint for long hours, I’m sure you will like that the brush handles are light. I can hold them near the ferrules or somewhere in the middle yet have good control over my strokes.

10. LorDac Arts Brush02 Paint Brush Set

It may seem counterproductive but you can do a lot with only seven brushes as long as they perform well on any surface for gouache. Let’s explore the features of these brushes so you can use them to your advantage!

Appropriate for water-based wet mediums, synthetic bristles are comparable to natural brushes. Painting is a breeze as the springy bristles hold the paint and spread it evenly. With these capabilities, I have no trouble manipulating gouache.

The combination of flats, filberts, rounds, and angled brushes allows me to play with a lot of techniques. I rely on the round and filbert brushes to make stunning gradients. For flat lines, the angled brushes give me better ergonomics.

No matter how long I’ve used these brushes, they retain their shape. Not only that the ferrules are rust-free, but they also do a great job of crimping the bristles. I don’t have to pick up stray bristles on my painting!

Another highlight is the thick brush handles. Despite that, they feel light on my hands. For those having a hard time with slim handles, you may find these brushes more comfortable to hold.

Traveling artists and students will be delighted to know that this set comes with a fabric case. By flipping the cover to the back, it transforms into a brush holder. Its compact design does not take up a lot of space in my bag!

11. Onson Artist Paint Brush Set

For painters who love to work with complex details, Onson offers a set of 15 brushes, three of which are liners. Thanks to its storage case, traveling with all these tools will not be cumbersome!

I never thought I would need three different riggers until I bought this set! It made a world of difference since I can now paint very fine hair, whiskers, and other details. I can see that these brushes can be useful for landscape, portrait, animal figures, architectural designs, and hand-lettering.

For random streaks, I use the fan brush. Then, I blend colors with the filbert and round brushes. Made of nylon, the bristles bounce nicely as I wash and spread the gouache across the paper smoothly.

Even if I rotate the brush, the bristles move along without splitting. Whether I move in a different direction or put more pressure on the brush, I don’t leave any strand of bristle behind.

With a sponge, I can add some textures to make my painting look more interesting. This something that I cannot achieve with brushes alone. I like that the set also includes the palette knife as it comes in handy for mixing paints.

12. Adaxi Watercolor Brushes

With round brushes alone, you can come up with a spectacular gouache painting. Featuring good absorbency and flexible bristles, artists of any skill level will love the versatility of each brush!

First, let me turn your attention to the brush’s round belly and pointed toes. I can fill an entire page with gouache with the biggest brush in the set but it is also useful for short strokes. Capable of retaining their shape, I can change the pressure and not worry about deforming the brush or splitting their toes.

Furthermore, the nylon bristles pick up sufficient amounts of liquid and lay down the paint evenly. As a result, it enables me to build up layers and create smooth gradients. On the other hand, I manage to flesh out details and textures using the finer brushes.

Secondly, the brushes are compatible with denser mediums. Indeed, it’s welcoming news for mixed media artists. What I find most reassuring, however, is that the brushes are not hard to clean. Plus, the brushes do not shed at all as the ferrules are firm and secure.

For long-handled brushes, I find them pretty light and easy to wield. While the finish is smooth to touch, they do not slip from my sweaty hand.

What to Look for When Buying Brushes for Gouache

Seeing all the brushes in an arts and crafts supplies shop can feel confusing for first-time gouache painters, especially if you have no idea what to paint yet! Here are some pointers to help you decide which brushes or sets to buy:

Shapes

Round brushes may be multifunctional but they cannot produce fine streaks like a fan brush or details like a rigger. If you know the style or genre that you are going for, then you can buy the exact brushes you need to produce a body of work. For those who want to experiment, you can get a set of riggers, fans, flats, filberts, and rounds.

Sizes

In many cases, the size of the paper and the subject matter will determine the brush size you use. Filling up a postcard-sized paper will require a slightly different set of brushes compared to working on a poster-sized paper. Riggers are well-suited for details while a wide flat brush can cover the background with colors faster.

Types of bristle

Many painters recommend synthetic brushes for gouache as they are springy and easy to control. The bristles are capable of carrying the right amount of paint needed for a nice laydown. When used correctly, goat and hog brushes can produce various effects.

Handles

A good ergonomic brush handle makes painting more feel relaxed as you control your strokes. Even if your palm sweats, you can still grip them properly. Short-handled brushes work best when you are painting on a flat surface, like a table. Meanwhile, long handles are great when working on an angled surface, such as an easel.

Durability

Most brush sets come with instructions on proper maintenance so they can last for years. However, some brushes may not be as durable. For example, the ferrules do not hold the bristles or the handles firmly enough. Be sure to buy sets that are known for longevity.

Compatibility with mediums

Watercolor brushes are generally compatible with gouache. If you also want to work with oil and acrylics, check the product’s label to see the mediums you can use with the brushes.

Can You Use Oil Brushes for Gouache

Yes, you can use oil brushes like a hog for gouache but it will produce a different effect. Sable brushes work well with watercolor and oil so it is safe to use with gouache. If you want an all-around brush, nylon bristles can be used with oil, acrylic, watercolor, inks, tempera, and gouache.

How Do I Clean & Care for My Gouache Brushes

You can clean your brushes with warm water and reshape them with your fingers. Note that each brand comes with specific instructions.

Conclusion

Gouache is a wonderful medium to use even for beginners. To make the most out of its vibrant colors, you need to explore techniques. While practice makes perfect, having reliable brushes can certainly improve your work.

Just like writing, we hold our brushes differently. The brushes that painters recommend on video tutorials and forums like Reddit may not suit your needs. Finding the best brushes for gouache can take some time but once you have the right one, you will begin to appreciate painting even more!

If you haven’t found the right set of brushes yet, I highly recommend trying out one of the products I featured!

Robert S. Brown

I am a former art teacher, so it is evident to me the importance of art in educating the new generation. We also want to help parents who plan to teach their children and desire the best tools and tips for them.