Designers' Gouache 10-Tube Introductory Set - Opaque Artist Paints

In this review of the Designers' Gouache Introductory 10-Tube Paint Set, the bottom line is simple: this set is aimed at designers, illustrators and students who need richly pigmented, opaque water colors in a compact format. The set delivers on the single biggest reason to buy - a collection of reliable, matt-finish gouache colors that mix cleanly and hold strong opacity - while remaining an economical way to access the brand's long-standing gouache formula in 14 ml tubes for practice and project work.

Key Features

• Opaque, matt finish: The gouache dries to a smooth, flat matte that helps solid color areas reproduce consistently in illustrations and design work.
• Ten popular colors: The set includes a practical range of hues so designers can start mixing palettes without needing additional tubes.
• 14 ml tube size: Small tubes make the set portable and ideal for trial use or studio tests without committing to large quantities.
• Long heritage formulation: The range has been produced since 1935 and benefits from updated pigments and a smoother, more brilliant finish than earlier versions.
• Good mixing ability: The paints blend to create a wide range of tones, which expands creative options beyond the ten supplied shades.

Who It's For

This set is best for designers, illustrators, commercial artists and art students who want a compact starter collection of high-opacity gouache in convenient 14 ml tubes. It suits creators who value strong pigment and a matt finish for flat color work, mockups, storyboards and expressive illustration.

It is less suitable for painters who need large volumes of a single color or artists who prefer extremely fluid, watercolor-like washes; those users should look for larger tubes or artist series paints tailored to heavy use.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Vibrant, highly pigmented colors that provide solid opacity and excellent color quality.
• Small 14 ml tubes are convenient for testing, travel, and limited projects.
• Paints mix smoothly to expand the palette beyond the included shades.

Cons

• Some users report difficulty getting paint out of the tubes, which can slow preparation time.
• The smaller tube size may not suit high-volume studio work or large-format painting.

Specifications

Brand	Winsor & Newton
Product type	Designers' Gouache introductory set
Included colors	Zinc White, Yellow Ochre, Ultramarine, Spectrum Red, Primary Yellow, Primary Red, Primary Blue, Permanent Yellow Deep, Ivory Black and Perman
Tube size	14 ml (0.47 oz.) per tube
Color finish	Opaque matt
Intended users	Designers, illustrators, commercial artists, students

Our Verdict

The Designers' Gouache 10-tube introductory set is a practical and economical way to access a respected opaque gouache range. It is recommended for designers and illustrators who need reliable, matt-finish colors and good mixing ability in a compact format; the small tubes are ideal for experimentation, though heavy users should opt for larger sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these paints opaque?
Yes. The Designers' Gouache range is formulated as opaque water colors and dries to a matt finish suitable for solid color work.

How much paint comes in each tube?
Each tube contains 14 ml (0.47 oz.) of paint, making the set well suited to testing and small projects.

Is this set good for mixing custom colors?
Yes. Customers note the paints mix smoothly and maintain strong pigment, allowing a wide range of custom shades from the ten supplied colors.