Holbein Artist Watercolour has earned a global reputation for excellence, thanks to its unmatched quality and craftsmanship. First introduced in the early 1920s, this professional-grade watercolour line now includes 108 richly pigmented colours. Inspired by traditional Japanese watercolour techniques, Holbein’s formulation blends the transparency of European-style watercolours with a unique smoothness and refined handling.
What sets Holbein apart is its exceptionally fine pigment grind—finer than any other artist-grade watercolour—and its commitment to purity. Produced without ox-gall or other animal by-products, Holbein watercolours offer superior control over pigment dispersion. This results in luminous, transparent washes and deep, clean darks with outstanding intensity, clarity, and consistency.
Available in 5 ml and 15 ml tubes, as well as a limited selection of half pans, Holbein watercolours are designed to rewet instantly and resist deterioration in the tube, pan, or palette. This reliability makes them ideal for studio work or travel, and a trusted choice for artists around the world.
Holbein Artist Watercolour continues to set the standard in professional watercolour performance.
Holbein Artists’ Gouache offers a palette of 89 brilliant, opaque colours, each available in 15 ml tubes. Known for its superior quality and performance, this gouache is more finely ground than competing brands, resulting in smooth, velvety application and vibrant colour payoff.
Unlike other gouache formulas, Holbein does not use whitening agents to boost opacity. Instead, each pigment is chosen and processed for its natural covering power and intensity. This ensures that the colours remain rich, clean, and true—without the risk of “milking out,” darkening, or becoming muddy as they dry.
Designed for artists who demand consistency and precision, Holbein Artists’ Gouache delivers dependable, professional results every time.
Holbein Acrylic Gouache offers 109 highly pigmented colours in 20 ml and 40 ml tubes, delivering exceptional performance and versatility for artists, illustrators, hobbyists, and carvers. Designed to mimic the movement, blending qualities, and feel of traditional gum arabic gouache, this acrylic-based formulation dries to a water-resistant, velvety matte finish.
One of its standout features is its colour consistency—what you see when wet is exactly what you’ll see when dry, with no colour shift. Unlike traditional gouache, which can have a delicate surface, Holbein Acrylic Gouache forms a durable, non-fragile film once dry and is fully compatible with all other water-soluble media, regardless of brand.
Whether you’re creating fine art, illustrations, or decorative projects, Holbein Acrylic Gouache provides rich, vibrant colour and reliable handling that adapts beautifully to a wide range of creative techniques.
Expand your creative possibilities with Holbein’s range of professional-grade watercolour mediums and additives. Each product is designed to enhance the performance and appearance of your work, offering increased control, texture, and special effects.
Gum Arabic Paste
is used to achieve an impasto effect when mixed with watercolours, offering a unique textured result. It comes in a 15 ml tube and is ideal for artists seeking dimension in their water-based work.
Multi Sizing Liquid
reduces the absorbency of paper, allowing for smoother washes and improved pigment control. Dilute with warm water and apply with a broad brush. Available in a 60 ml squeeze bottle.
Gum Arabic Medium
enhances gloss and transparency when mixed with watercolours. When used with opaque media such as gouache or poster colour, it increases their transparency for more delicate layering. Supplied in a 60 ml squeeze bottle.
Watercolour Medium
is formulated to improve flow and facilitate the development of fine lines and strokes. Ideal for detailed work, this medium helps control pigment dispersion. Available in a 60 ml squeeze bottle.
Iridescent Medium
introduces pearlescent or shimmering effects to water-based media, including watercolour, acrylic, gouache, and acrylic gouache. This artist-grade medium adds luminous depth and is packaged in a 60 ml squeeze bottle.
Ox Gall
acts as a wetting agent, improving the flow of watercolour and enhancing wet-into-wet techniques. It also increases the receptivity of watercolour on hard-sized papers. Available in a 60 ml squeeze bottle.
Masking Fluid
allows artists to preserve highlight areas or apply layered effects by blocking out sections before painting. It can be used on both blank and painted surfaces. Thin with water or soapy water if needed, and apply with a brush or pen. Once dry, paint can be applied over the mask. After the painting is fully dry, remove the masking fluid with a soft eraser or rubber pickup.
