Paletteful Packs Review: Acrylic Gouache & Paint Puck Tested
Unboxing Paletteful Pack’s Premium Artist Box
As artists, we’re bombarded with subscription box promises. When Paletteful Pack’s top-tier kit arrived, I discovered their curated approach: focusing on one medium monthly. May’s theme? Acrylic gouache—a hybrid paint combining acrylic’s permanence with gouache’s matte finish. Inside the box:
- 5 Holbein Acrylic Gouache paints (Carmine, Lemon Yellow, Sky Blue, Jet Black, Titanium White)
- 5 mixed-media brushes
- Strathmore 400 Series Heavyweight Paper (12 giant sheets)
- Plastic mixing palette
- Game-changer: Paint Puck brush cleaner
The $45/month investment targets serious creators. But does it deliver? Let’s dissect each component through hands-on testing.
Acrylic Gouache: First Impressions and Swatching
Unlike traditional gouache, acrylic gouache doesn’t reactivate when layered. Swatching revealed immediate pros and cons:
Pros:
- Unmatched opacity: Titanium White obliterated pencil marks completely—ideal for highlights.
- Vibrant pigment payoff (Sky Blue and Carmine were standouts).
- Smooth application without chalkiness.
Cons:
- Lemon Yellow showed poor coverage, requiring multiple layers.
- Dries darker than expected (adjust mixes by 15% lighter).
After testing, I confirm Holbein’s quality aligns with professional standards cited by ArtProf.org. For beginners: start with opaque colors before tackling transparent pigments like yellow.
Paint Puck Review: Why This $8 Tool Stole the Show
The Paint Puck—a silicone disc with suction cups—solves three universal artist pains:
- No more murky water: Its textured surface traps pigment at your rinse cup’s bottom.
- Preserves brush bristles: Gentle rubbing cleans without fraying hairs.
- Water conservation: Changed water only twice during a 2-hour session.
In my test, it removed 90% of pigment in one swipe. Pro tip: Stick it to your jar’s base before adding water. When pouring, debris stays trapped—no more down-the-drain guilt.
Brush and Paper Performance Under Pressure
Strathmore’s 300gsm paper handled gouache beautifully—zero buckling with wet layers. But the included brushes disappointed:
| Brushes | Paint Puck | Paper | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Bristles shed during detail work | No wear after scrubbing | No tearing when layered |
| Value | $2-3 each (replace often) | $8 (long-term saver) | $0.70/sheet (premium) |
For brushes, invest in Princeton Velvetouch or Da Vinci Maestro series. These shed less during precision work.
Painting Demo: Gouache Techniques Learned
Testing supplies on a "Skye" character illustration taught me critical gouache habits:
- Layer dark to light: Unlike watercolor, acrylic gouache lets you add highlights last. Titanium White revived mistakes effortlessly.
- Mix sparingly: Colors dry fast. Keep mixes small and reactivate with water.
- Avoid overworking: Gouache blooms when oversaturated. Patience prevents muddy colors.
Beginner tip: Use white gouache for final touches on marker art—it’s opaque enough for tiny details.
Final Verdict: Who Should Subscribe?
Paletteful Pack excels for:
- Explorers wanting guided medium deep dives.
- Professionals seeking curated premium supplies.
- Watercolorists transitioning to opaque mediums.
Skip if you:
- Prefer choosing specific brands.
- Need large paint volumes (tubes are 15ml).
The Paint Puck alone justifies $45 for watercolor/gouache artists. It’s a permanent studio upgrade.
Your Gouache Starter Checklist
- Prime workspace: Tape paper to board, fill two water cups.
- Attach Paint Puck to one cup’s base before adding water.
- Swatch colors noting opacity—label transparent pigments.
- Sketch lightly: Gouache covers pencil but ghost lines distract.
- Seal finished work with acrylic varnish (prevents reactivation).
Recommended next steps:
- Holbein Acrylic Gouache Set (expand color range)
- Gouache for Illustrators by McEvoy (technique drills)
Why these? Holbein’s consistency is industry-respected; McEvoy’s book tackles common pitfalls.
Over to you: Which gouache technique feels most intimidating—layering or color mixing? Share your hurdles below! I respond to all comments.
Editor’s Note: Paletteful Pack provided this box for review. No brand input influenced our conclusions. Value calculations based on May 2023 retail prices.
