If you’re here, I’m guessing you’re intrigued by the mystery that is HIMI jelly gouache!
HIMI jelly gouache paint’s viral moment a few years back has turned to a persistent popularity, enticing first-time artists and hobbyists with its unusual name and price.
But what exactly is HIMI jelly gouache, and is it worth the hype?
Here’s the inside scoop based on my hands-on testing.
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What is HIMI jelly gouache, and why is it so popular?
HIMI jelly gouache is produced by Chinese company MIYA, an art supply brand founded in 2011 (according to most sources), and is, by far, the company’s greatest hit.
There are multiple versions of the product on offer, including sets of different colors and capacities — some include additional accessories like paintbrushes, palette knives, canvas boards, and more.
The most iconic features of these sets are their funky, hardcover cases and small plastic cups, each containing 30ml for standard sets, or 12ml for “Twin Cup” sets.
Besides jelly gouache, the brand also sells supplies to help you get started in the craft, like mixed-medium gouache pads and wetting spray.
However, value for money is the primary appeal of these jelly gouache sets, making them particularly popular among beginners, budget-conscious painters, and adults seeking suitable options for children.
Jelly gouache: What’s in a name?
So, you may be wondering what’s up with the whole “jelly gouache” designation.
To be perfectly honest, HIMI gouache paint feels and performs pretty much like most student-grade gouache.
I assume that the “jelly” part refers mainly to the product’s individual paint cups — although they look more like pudding cups if you ask me!
That said, know that the composition of HIMI gouache pigments is practically the same as other student-grade gouache and is not a new variation of the medium.
HIMI jelly gouache: Pros and cons
After using my HIMI jelly gouache paints for some time now, I can say there are a few pros and cons worth mentioning.
Here are my two cents!
Pro: Unique design and paint selection
I’m not going to lie: I totally understand anyone who buys a HIMI gouache set without knowing what it’s all about.
Why?
Because if there’s anything this brand has done right, it’s effective marketing of a very visually pleasing, affordable product. Just looking at it makes you want to click that purchase button — and I can confirm it’s just as cute as it seems.
The selection of creamy paints, unique cup designs, and hardcover cases are undoubtedly its main selling points.
While heavy, HIMI gouache pans are perfect if you’re looking for a budge-free, sturdy set for your craft desk. That said, I wouldn’t recommend this product for plein air painting; if you do, go with one of the smaller, more compact models.
Overall, if you’re tackling gouache for the first time and looking for a fun, inexpensive set to get started, HIMI gouache is pretty much a no-brainer.
Con: Plastic cups and cross-contamination
Like many of us, I do my best to avoid plastic. But environmental-friendliness aside, while these jelly gouache cups are pretty neat, they’re also a bit of a pain.
Note that to access paint, you need to remove tightly sealed plastic lids one by one from each cup, which is not only time-consuming but tends to get messy. Also, they’re not as easy to tear off as it seems.
Another downside is cross-contamination. If you’re a seasoned painter, you know that cross-contamination is a sneaky little devil that can ruin your artwork in no time!
Unlike gouache tubes, with open HIMI gouache cups, you’ll find yourself dipping your brush from one color to the next, leaving vestiges of different pigments along the way.
Sure, you might rinse your brush in water initially, but trust me, it won’t take long before you fall back into your old habits! You can avoid mixing your paints by scraping them onto a mixing palette before priming your brush and putting it on paper.
But then I wonder: doesn’t this defeat the purpose of the cups? I think so.
Pro: Cheap and accessible sets for beginners
Cost and accessibility are undoubtedly part of what makes HIMI gouache paint so appealing, especially for beginners and hobbyists looking for budget-friendly alternatives.
Another plus is that it’s a very accessible product, making it a fuss-free buy for anyone who values convenience. You can find these sets on various online marketplaces like Amazon.
Con: Less pigment and more binder
Affordability is great, but most of the time, it does say something about the quality of a product.
To be clear, HIMI gouache paints aren’t terrible. But if you’re serious about this craft or have experience with higher-quality art supplies, you’ll definitely notice a difference in performance and outcomes.
This is partly because HIMI jelly gouache contains less pigment than brand-name competitors, making it less vibrant and consistent. Additionally, not all colors/pigments perform at the same level.
Is this the end of the world for beginners? Not really. On the other hand, if you don’t have a term of comparison, you may end up getting the wrong impression of what gouache paint truly has to offer.
Pro: Wet paint from the get-go
HIMI jelly gouache is unique in that it’s very wet from the get-go.
It has a very creamy, rich texture and works smoothly on paper without needing to be constantly activated with water.
Or at least at first — which leads me to my next point.
Con: Paint dries out quickly
HIMI jelly gouache comes in small, individual cups instead of tubes, meaning your paints will be fully exposed once you tear each lid open.
Since you’re dealing with a larger open surface area vs tubes, your paint will be prone to drying out at some point, especially when indulging in longer painting sessions.
In a way, HIMI gouache requires a little more upkeep compared to traditional gouache tubes and smaller pans.
To keep the paint moist, you’ll have to keep spraying it with water, which can be a little annoying and inconvenient if you paint on a frequent basis or are working on large-scale projects.
Pro: Set incorporates a mixing palette
Like watercolor, gouache painting also involves mixing and blending pigments.
The good news is that HIMI jelly gouache paint sets incorporate a handy mixing palette, which is pretty cool and especially helpful for beginners.
While I personally find these sets too bulky and heavy for plein air painting, the mixing palette is a nice touch if that’s your thing, and you tend to paint in locations other than your craft table.
Con: Hard to blend on a colored mixing palette
While I love the idea of an incorporated mixing palette, there’s a small issue (OK, I’m getting nit-picky, but bear with me).
Most HIMI mixing palettes come in the same color as your plastic pan/container. There is a white set, but the most popular, cheaper models are pink, green, and yellow, meaning you’ll mix on a colored vs. neutral white palette.
Working on a white palette allows you to accurately achieve color intensity and saturation. However, a colored palette may interfere with your perception of color, making it hard to achieve desired hues and results.
I’ve listed my top picks for the best mixing palettes for watercolor and gouache if you decide to purchase this item separately down the line!
Verdict: Is HIMI jelly gouache worth it?
HIMI jelly gouache is definitely worth a shot if you’re looking for a fun entryway into this medium.
These sets include a great selection of paint — even though you’ll have to rip lids off one at a time!
There are also different variations and set sizes, all within reasonable cost: it’s all about value for money with this one.
However, remember that you won’t necessarily experience the performance or achieve the results guaranteed by higher-quality paints or brands.
On the other hand, it always comes down to personal preference, and there’s nothing like trying out different options until you find the right fit.
And who knows? HIMI jelly gouache paint might just make it to the top of your list!
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