Flashe Paint vs. Gouache (Key Differences)

It’s challenging to differentiate between different types of Water-based paints, especially when you are new to the world of art. It is a common phenomenon for individuals who often look for new types of colors to try. Differences between Flashe and Gouache color are one such dilemma. Therefore, I will discuss “Flashe Paint vs. Gouache” to get rid of you this confusion.

So, what are the main differences between Flashe Paint & Gouache? Flashe & Gouache Paints are unique in terms of pigment density, color quality, texture, binders, finishing, color retention ability, durability, and surface type. Flashe Paint uses more premium, dense pigments than Gouache and acts more like acrylics. Additionally, it has a more remarkable color retention ability, whereas gouache color can last for two to three years.

Keep the entire article to discover more about Flashe Paint & Gouache, their key features, and their differences. So, let’s start.

What is Gouache Paint?

Gouache is one kind of watercolor that artists use as watercolor and acrylic color based on the amount of liquid solvent used. If you use more water with Gouache paint, you can use it as transparent watercolor. In contrast, it will perform as acrylics with less water since it contains a non-toxic Arabic Gum binder.

Gouache vs Jelly gouache Paints provide a dry matte finish and offer sufficient coverage. They are popular among artists because they are simple to use, adaptable, and provide good coverage. These features are beneficial to create dimensions in art. It dries rapidly due to its watercolor characteristics. This feature is also advantageous if you want some modifications to your art.

Gouache Paint also has some drawbacks. It is less capable of retaining color. When you dry the picture, you will notice that the colors have changed slightly from the ones you initially used. Besides, the pigments are less likely to sit smoothly on surfaces.

Key features of gouache paints:

• It can perform as watercolor and acrylic color
• It dries quickly, but one can easily reactivate it with water.
• Gouache color brightness emerges from the pigments and the film’s outer layer. Therefore, top-notch gouache color manufacturers use high-quality pigments in generous amounts.
• The too-thick application of Gouache can create a crack in the picture.

What is Flashe paint?

In 1954, the famous art supply company Lefranc Bourgeois introduced Flashe paint as an alternative to conventional art supplies. Since then, it has transformed the world of painting in a way that was not expressible with oil paints.

Similar to acrylic Gouache, flashe is a vinyl paint. No matter how thickly you apply it, the color will provide a creamy texture that doesn’t look plasticky. High-quality pigments guarantee accurate colors and simple blending with the exceptional durability of the paints.

Every Flashe color offers a unique matte finish, which prevents the light reflection from changing color. Therefore, flashe paints have a strong color retention power. Some Flashe paints additionally offer a matt finish with a luminous, satin finish. Moreover, the vinyl emulsion binder ensures an exceptionally smooth surface with no brush marks, crack or peel effects. Interestingly, Flashe colors are suitable for all surfaces (including oily and non-oily surfaces), even without a primer, such as glass, metal, wood, plastic, textile, leather, stone, etc.

Key features:

• Flashe paint is a vinyl paint
• It is water soluble but becomes waterproof when dry
• It provides a matte yet creamy finish with a sophisticated coverage
• Due to its superior pigment quality and density, it has excellent color retention capacity.
• It is suitable for almost all surfaces
• Flashe paints won’t create a crack, peel

Flashe Paint vs. Gouache

I have listed below the main differences between Flashe Paint and Gouache:

Criteria	Gouache	Flashe Paint
Function	It can act both as a watercolor and acrylic color	It works more like acrylic color
Finishing effect	It offers a matte finish	It provides a matte yet creamy finish
Reactivation	Gouache needs water to be reactivated	It does not re-activate with water
Color retention capacity	Average	Outstanding
Binder	Arabic Gum	Vinyl emulsion binder
Suitable for	Paper	All types of surface
Effects for thick application	Crack or peel	No crack or peel

Tips for Using Gouache and Flashe Paints

Here I have mentioned some tips for novice painters:

Gouache:

• Always begin with Gouache if you are a beginner since it is simple to use.
• Don’t let Gouache’s drying techniques discourage you. It may seem disappointing at first that colors change when they dry. Remember, regular practice will create magic on the canvas.
• Don’t use Gouache as watercolor. Only the right amount of water will create a perfect opaqueness and matte finish.
• Try using synthetic paint brushes since it absorbs less water than others
• If you want to create multiple layers, always proceed with another layer when the previous layer has completely dried out.

Flashe Paints

• Flashe Paints dries faster. So, always work on small sections for better results.
• It is better to use semi responsive brush for Flashe Paints

FAQs:

Is Flashe Water Soluble?

Flashe paint is water-based and can easily be diluted with water. This paint is water soluble. After the paint dries it becomes water-resistant.

Final Verdict:

Many people find it difficult to distinguish between Flashe Paint & Gouache. Therefore, I have thoroughly gone through “Flashe Paint vs. Gouache” in this article. Besides, I have highlighted each of their key features, merits, and demerits. I hope the readers can now differentiate between them and will explore them.