Holbein Artists Gouache Set of 12, 5ml tubes - Vibrant Matte Colors

In this review of the Holbein Artists Gouache Set of 12, 5ml tubes the bottom line is simple: this compact, artist-grade set is best for illustrators, design students and painters who want richly pigmented, reliably rewettable gouache in small, portable tubes. The single biggest reason to buy is the paint quality - customers report a buttery texture, brilliant matte finish and excellent color mixing that make a small amount go a long way. This review looks at features, everyday uses and a fair assessment of what to expect from these 5ml tubes.

Key Features

• High pigment concentration: Delivers vivid, consistent color payoff that mixes cleanly and covers well with minimal layers.
• Buttery texture: Feels smooth to apply and spreads evenly, which helps achieve flat, matte areas without streaks.
• Re-wetability: Dried paint on the palette can be reactivated with water, reducing waste and extending working time.
• Portable package: Twelve 5ml tubes in a compact package size make it easy to carry a useful color range for travel or class.
• Made in Japan materials: Formulated with quality pigment and Arabic rubber for predictable handling and finish.

Who It's For

The set suits professional and student artists who value color quality and control in gouache work, especially those who illustrate, design, or work in small formats where portability matters. The 5ml tubes are ideal for artists who want to test a range of hues without committing to large tubes.

Those who rely on very large-format painting or who prefer economy by volume may want larger tubes; similarly, painters who need extended open time for wet-on-wet techniques should consider heavier capacity packaging or alternative mediums.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent paint and color quality that mixes predictably and produces a smooth matte finish.
• Buttery, easy-to-apply texture that artists found pleasant to work with.
• Small tubes are portable and conserve paint for those who work in sketchbooks or small panels.

Cons

• Tube size is small for heavy users, so frequent repurchase may be necessary.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Holbein 12-color 5ml gouache set is a smart pick for illustrators, students and traveling painters who need portable, high-quality paint with reliable re-wetability and a pleasant matte finish. It represents good value for the quality, though heavy users should plan for smaller tube capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these paints re-wettable?
Yes. Dried paint can be reactivated with water, which helps reduce waste and extend working sessions.

Is the set suitable for beginners?
Yes. The 12-color range and small tube size make it a practical option for students and beginners testing gouache techniques.

Will one tube last for multiple projects?
One 5ml tube can last for many small studies, but frequent use or large panels will require repurchasing more often.