ARTEZA Gouache Paint, Set of 24, 12ml Gouache Paint Tubes Review (2026)

Who this palette suits

This ARTEZA set packs 24 gouache colors into small 12ml tubes, which makes it an easy entry point for letterers who want to move past a basic ink well and start mixing custom colors for envelopes, quotes and illustrated lettering. Because gouache can be thinned with water and loaded into a dip pen or fine brush, it works alongside pointed pen calligraphy the same way bottled ink does, but with far more color range. Beginners who are not ready to invest in artist grade tubes get a full spectrum to practice mixing, matching and layering. It is also a reasonable choice for hobbyists who paint lettering backgrounds or add gouache accents to watercolor pieces, since the tube format keeps unused paint from drying out between sessions the way an open palette can.

What is in the box and how it is built

Each of the 24 tubes holds 12ml of water based gouache, a matte opaque paint that differs from watercolor by drying to a flat, chalky finish rather than a transparent wash. The tubes are squeezable metal or laminate style tubes, standard for gouache, so small amounts can be dispensed onto a palette without waste. Coverage is opaque rather than transparent, meaning colors sit on top of dark paper instead of letting it show through, which is useful for lettering on kraft paper or colored cardstock. Because this is a starter tier set rather than an artist grade line, the pigment concentration is lower than premium gouache, so colors may need a second coat or less dilution to reach full opacity.

Using it for everyday lettering practice

To use gouache for pointed pen or brush lettering, squeeze a small amount onto a palette, add water gradually with a brush or dropper until it reaches an ink like consistency, then load the pen or brush from the puddle. The paint dries fairly quickly on the palette, so many letterers keep a small spray bottle nearby to reactivate it, and unused paint can be scraped back into a tube or left to dry and rewetted later. Because the tubes are inexpensive, this set is often treated as a practice and mixing set rather than a finished art set, letting a beginner get comfortable with gouache consistency before buying pricier tubes. Cleanup is simple with water and a rag, and brushes or nibs should be rinsed promptly since dried gouache can clog fine tips.

Trade-offs and how it compares

The main trade-off is pigment strength. Compared with Winsor and Newton Designers Gouache or Holbein Artist Gouache, both of which show up as higher scoring rivals in the same guide, ARTEZA's pigment load is noticeably lower, so colors can look thinner or streaky when diluted for fine nib work, and some shades may need to be built up in layers to match the density of premium brands. The upside is price. Twenty-four tubes at this level cost far less than a comparable Holbein or Winsor and Newton set, making it a sensible way to build a full color range while learning, even if some tubes eventually get replaced with artist grade paint for finished pieces. Our score of 7.5 out of 10 reflects strong value pulled down somewhat by build and material quality relative to the category leaders.

Who should look elsewhere

Letterers who already know they want maximum opacity and saturation for professional envelope work or commissioned pieces will likely be happier starting with a smaller set of Winsor and Newton or Holbein gouache, since fewer tubes of stronger pigment can outperform a large set of weaker paint. This ARTEZA set is best suited to students, hobbyists and anyone building a first gouache collection on a budget, where the wide color range and low cost matter more than top tier pigment density. For those, it is a practical way to explore gouache lettering and custom ink mixing before committing to pricier tubes.

Frequently asked questions