HIMI Gouache Paint Set, 24 Colors x 1 oz, Jelly Cup, Non-Toxic (Green) Review (2026)

What it is

This HIMI set includes 24 gouache colors, each held in its own resealable jelly cup rather than a squeeze tube, packed into a portable green carrying case along with three paint brushes and a small mixing palette. Each cup holds roughly one ounce, or about 30 milliliters, of paint, which the manufacturer says stays wet and workable thanks to a sealing lid on every cup. The paint itself is described as non-toxic and made to a recognized art material safety standard, which makes it a reasonable choice for family craft time, classroom settings, or beginners who want one all-in-one kit rather than assembling tubes, a palette, and brushes separately.

The jelly cup format

The jelly cup design is the main thing that sets this set apart from traditional tube gouache. Instead of squeezing paint from a tube each session, the paint sits ready to use in its own small container, and the case's double clasp and lid design are meant to keep the paint from drying out between sessions. This format is convenient for quick access and for younger or less experienced painters who might otherwise struggle with tube caps, but it also means the paint is pre-mixed to a certain consistency by the manufacturer rather than something the painter builds up fresh from a tube each time.

Working with color for lettering

For calligraphers and letterers, gouache is often used as a way to mix custom ink colors for dip pens rather than painted directly with a brush, and this is where the jelly cup format needs the most adjustment. Because the paint in these cups is formulated with a thicker, creamy consistency for brush painting, it typically needs careful thinning with water to reach the fluid consistency a metal nib requires, and getting that ratio right takes some trial and error. Painters who plan to use this set mainly with brushes on paper or canvas will have an easier time than those trying to load it directly into a dip pen.

Opacity and finish

Gouache is prized for its flat, opaque matte finish, and this set follows that general behavior, with colors sitting on the page as solid, non-glossy fields rather than the translucent washes typical of watercolor. That said, at this price point the pigment load and smoothness are generally a step below professional tube gouache from established art brands, so blending large flat areas evenly can take more brush passes, and very fine detail work may show more texture than a premium formula would. The paint can also be rewet with water even after drying, which allows some reworking of mistakes on paper.

Who it suits

This set is a sensible entry point for beginners, students, and hobbyists who want an affordable, complete gouache kit with brushes and a palette included, and it suits anyone experimenting with mixing custom paint colors for lettering accents or small illustrations. It is a weaker choice for experienced painters who want the smoother handling and stronger pigment concentration of artist grade tube gouache, or for calligraphers who need a paint that flows into a dip pen with minimal thinning, since the thicker jelly cup formula asks for more preparation before it behaves like ink. The all-in-one case also makes it easy to travel with for outdoor sketching or a class.

Frequently asked questions