Christian agrees. “Acrylic applies well and is more opaque for better coverage. It also comes in lots of fun colors,” she says. Try the Magicfly Acrylic Paint Set with 14 colors for lots of creative choices.
The Best Paints to Use When Decorating Pumpkins
From spray paints to acrylics, experts weigh in on the top tints to turn to for every Halloween gourd project.
Blythe Copeland is a contributing writer with more than a decade of experience as a freelance lifestyle writer.
Updated on August 17, 2022
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Carving pumpkins may be a traditional Halloween activity, but trading your X-Acto knife for a paintbrush has its benefits: Painting pumpkins is easier and safer for young kids, presents more design freedom for adults, and leaves you with an autumnal decoration that lasts until you trade your fall décor for holiday lights.
“When we carve pumpkins, if we get a week out of it, that’s pretty good—but a painted pumpkin can last months,” says Marc Evan, founder and co-owner of Maniac Pumpkin Carvers. “A carving is going to rot in as soon as three days, sometimes even quicker. The nice thing about a painted pumpkin is it could theoretically last the entire season and look great through Halloween.”
But choosing the best type of paint to use when decorating your pumpkin matters. Some are too translucent, while others are too oily, making them take longer to dry. Here, experts convey the best paints for decorating pumpkins so you can have a festive final product.
How to Pick a Pumpkin to Paint
The first step in designing a painted pumpkin is looking carefully at its shape. “Painting a rounded surface is a little more difficult than a flat surface like canvas,” says Becki Thomas, art manager at Painting with a Twist. “Try and choose a pumpkin with the smoothest surface possible, and plan your design, keeping the pumpkin’s natural ridges in mind.”
Next, clean your pumpkin so that the paint will stick to the surface. “It’s a good idea to wash the pumpkin and dry it really well,” says Evan. “That way, you’re not putting paint on a fine layer of dirt—you’re putting paint right on the skin of the pumpkin.”
Use Acrylic Paint for General Decorating
“I love to paint pumpkins with chalky acrylic paint,” says Roma Stiff, senior creative project designer for Michaels. “The coverage is good, and the matte finish gives an updated home décor look and feel. The paint comes in a variety of home décor colors and is just enough to do a project!”
Choose Acrylic Over Oil Paint
Thomas agrees and recommends acrylic paint instead of oil-based when painting pumpkins. “It’s quick-drying, easy to use, and clean-up is a breeze,” she says. “Because acrylic is water-based, if you mess up, you can wipe it off with a rag and start over! Oil-based paint takes a long time to dry and can be fumy. [With oil,] you’ll also need paint thinner to clean the paintbrushes.”
Work in Layers
Most acrylic craft paints will require more than one coat to prevent the bright orange of the pumpkin rind from showing through, but acrylic’s fast-drying properties—and low cost—let you layer several applications for solid coverage in the shortest amount of time. “It’ll work for big shapes and tiny stencils,” says Thomas. “Have a few different brush sizes ready to go, and you’ll be able to paint anything with acrylic.”
Wear Protective Clothing
One caution from Thomas: “It does stain clothing, so make sure to wear an apron or an old shirt and to protect the table you’re painting on.”
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Paint the Stem
While the main body of the pumpkin gets most of the attention, you can get creative with the stem, too. Try a metallic gold or silver for an elegant and polished look, or a matte black for something more spooky. Whatever you choose, don’t miss this opportunity to let your creativity shine.
Thai Liang Lim/Getty Images
The internet can be a treasure trove of ideas. Browse through Pinterest, Instagram and decorating blogs to discover a plethora of pumpkin painting designs.
From cute and whimsical characters to intricately detailed scenes, you’ll find a wide array of styles to spark your imagination. Don’t hesitate to put your spin on a design you find online to make it your own.
Add Nails and Thread for Texture
For a creative twist, consider incorporating different textures into your pumpkin design with nails and thread.
Tap 3/4-inch flathead nails into the pumpkin surface to create an outline. Next, tie colorful thread or string to one nail, and wind the thread around the other nails in a crisscross pattern to fill in the outline. This three-dimensional element will add depth to any pumpkin project.
Choose the Right Brush
There’s no wrong way to apply paint to a pumpkin. It can be poured, speckled, dipped, brushed or sponged on to create different looks. But for more intricate designs and precise lines, a paintbrush is the way to go.
Christian likes to let older kids draw on the pumpkin in marker first, then use synthetic brushes to cover their designs with paint. Hutson recommends a clean, soft bristle brush for a smoother finish, and a foam brush to cover larger areas.
If you’re experimenting with textures like stippling or dry brushing, consider natural sponge brushes for a unique and textured finish.
Originally Published: October 11, 2023
I am a freelance real estate writer, specializing in accessible and engaging content for websites in the industry. I draw on thirteen years of real estate investing experience, as well as seven years as a home repair professional to inform my writing. I am a former high school English teacher with a M. Ed in Secondary Education and am a registered Home Improvement Contractor in the State of Massachusetts.
