Know Which Paint to Use to Decorate Pumpkins—And When to Use Them

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Painting pumpkins is so simple and fun. It doesn’t require any sharp tools or touching the slimy goop in the inside of the pumpkin, though you might miss all the yummy recipes that use pumpkin seeds. Another bonus of a painted pumpkin is that it’s very kid friendly, even for the littlest ones! And if you use Funkins instead of a real pumpkin, they will last for years and years.

To get started, first think about your pumpkin shape and texture of the surface. Next, decide how you want to decorate your pumpkin – that will determine what paint you choose. Read on for more details!

Choose Your Pumpkin to Paint

The first step to any pumpkin craft is picking out the perfect pumpkin. Whether you've grown your own pumpkin, spend a Saturday at a pumpkin patch, or you just head to the grocery store there is a pumpkin out there that’s perfect for painting. Here are a few things to think about:

• Start by looking at the pumpkin's shape. Keep in mind that flat surfaces are easier to paint and decorate than round or knobby ones. So, an old-school jack-o-lantern will be much easier to decorate than a Turban Squash or Fairytale. Lots of ridges and dips can also make it tricky, but you can also incorporate these natural elements into your design.

• The natural color of the pumpkin can also play into the décor. For example, the green-blue color of a Jarrahdale is the perfect base for a night sky pumpkin or painted-on silver leaves. While the shape and color of a Long Island Cheese pumpkin is perfect for an almost sweet-enough-to-eat Bundt Cake Painted Pumpkin.

• Once you’ve picked your gourd, but before you start painting, make sure you do everything you can to prevent the pumpkin from rotting. It would be sad to spend time getting your fall porch decorated just to have your pumpkin rot before the big day comes around. To do this, start by wiping down the pumpkin in a bleach-water solution. This will help fend of microbes that will cause the pumpkin to mold and rot. Once your pumpkin is decorated, you’ll want to bring it in if the temperatures drop or if it gets too hot – they keep best between 50 and 60ºF.

Acrylic Paint for Painting Pumpkins

Acrylic paint comes in many many colors; different finishes like flat, satin, and glossy; and consistency like heavy body, medium, soft, and fluid. A flat paint would be ideal if you want to paint a spooky headstone on a pumpkin, while glossy would be great for making a pumpkin look shiny like glass for a mason jar pumpkin. Heavy body acrylic paint has a thick consistency and is great for creating textured effects, while fluid acrylic paint is thin and transparent, making it ideal for painting a stained-glass pumpkin.

Craft acrylic paints (the type you would buy at the craft store versus the art supply store) will require several coats to achieve full opacity. But this type of paint is relatively cheap, so a little extra time needed for the paint to dry between coats is the only downside with using it. Additionally, be sure to have multiple brush sizes and shapes on hand. A large flat brush will help you cover large areas quickly, while a small pointy brush will allow you to add fine details.

Wear old clothes or an apron when working with acrylic paint as it can stain and not come out even after washing. And be sure to cover work surfaces with paper or plastic.

Spray Paint for Painting Pumpkins

If you want to mostly cover a pumpkin with paint, then using spray paint is the way to go. Like acrylic paint, spray paint comes in many different finishes and will require several coats to achieve full coverage. Try using spray paint to make a reverse pattern pumpkin or pumpkin soda bottles.

A few things to keep in mind when using spray paint to paint a pumpkin:

• Always use spray paint outside, in a well-ventilated area.

• Spray paint tends to get in unwanted places, so it’s a good idea to put your pumpkin in a box or spray paint booth before starting.

• If you don’t want the stem covered in paint, use painters’ tape to mask it off before starting.

• Shake the can well before using to reincorporate all the materials.

• To prevent runs and clumps, apply spray paint in quick, sweeping motions. Apply multiple, thin, coats versus one thick coat and be sure to let each coat dry before applying another one.

Paint Markers for Decorating Pumpkins

For painting detail and doing intricate design work, use acrylic paint pens to get the job done! They come with both round and fine tips, so you have flexibility with the level of detail you can achieve. Paint pens will require several coats to get full opacity and need to dry fully between coats.

Use paint pens to make a farm scene on a pumpkin or to create folk art stencils.

Washable Paint for Painting Pumpkins

If the little ones are involved and you don’t want to worry about staining, opt for kid-friendly washable acrylic paint to paint your pumpkins. Washable paint is thin, so will require multiple coats. For an even tidier application, try using washable paint pens. No paint brushes or paper plates full of blobs of paint needed!

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