How Do You Make Watercolor Paint Opaque Without Using Gesso?

Crafting beautiful and exquisite watercolor paintings is an intricate process that can be both rewarding and frustrating. While watercolors are known for their transparency and luminosity, there are situations where opacity is desired. Whether you're looking to achieve a specific effect or working with limited materials, there are methods to make watercolor paints opaque without relying on traditional additives like gesso.

Why Opt for Opacity in Watercolors?

There are various reasons why you might want to make your watercolor paints more opaque. Perhaps you are working with a theme that requires strong, vibrant colors, or you want to create layers that don't blend too much. Another reason could be the need for better coverage, especially if you are painting surfaces that can't handle the translucency of traditional watercolors. In some cases, you might have watercolors that are very expensive or specially formulated and don't want to risk damaging them with gesso.

Alternative Options: Acrylic Paints

One of the easiest ways to achieve opacity in your artwork is by switching to acrylic paints. Acrylics are known for their premixed opaque properties and are available in a wide range of colors, from cheap and affordable to professional-grade. They are also much more durable and can be used on a variety of surfaces without the need for primer.

Adding Titanium White Paint to Watercolors

A more nuanced approach to achieving opacity is by introducing a small amount of titanium white paint to your transparent watercolors. This technique helps to add some opacity to your paints while slightly lightening the color tone. A few drops of titanium white paint can dramatically change the opacity of your watercolors and give them a more three-dimensional quality.

Using Gouache for Opacity

Gouache is another excellent alternative for achieving opacity in watercolor painting. Gouache is a watercolor-like paint that is specially formulated to be matte and opaque. There are two types of gouache: traditional and acrylic.

Traditional Gouache

Traditional gouache is made with gum arabic and, as a result, retains some of the watercolor properties, including the ability to be reactivated and cleaned up with water. This makes it a versatile medium for artists who like the flexibility of watercolors but want more opacity. You can use traditional gouache on a variety of surfaces and can adapt the pigments to create the desired effect.

Acrylic Gouache

Acrylic gouache is the other type of gouache, which is more similar to acrylic paint once it dries. It is not water-soluble and does not become reactivated once dried. However, it is still matte and opaque, making it ideal for layering and creating rich, vibrant colors. Like regular acrylics, you can clean up acrylic gouache with water and mild soap.

Conclusion: Experimenting with Watercolor Techniques

While the traditional and time-honored methods of watercolor painting are undoubtedly beautiful and versatile, there are times when you might need to experiment with techniques that give you more control over your pigments. Whether you choose to add a bit of titanium white, switch to gouache, or opt for the convenience of acrylic paints, these options offer a new world of possibilities for your artistic endeavors.