We have been painting pumpkins for years, so over time we have learned all the best pumpkin painting tips and tricks. Keep reading for my best pumpkin painting tips and tricks to ensure your painted pumpkins turn out great.
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PUMPKIN PAINTING TIPS AND TRICKS
All of my best pumpkin painting tips in one place:
- Use spray paint – If you want to cover your pumpkin in a solid color, we’ve found that spray paint works best. It’s faster than painting the pumpkin with a brush, and it provides the best base coat. Any brand is fine, but a matte finish works best. The gloss looks better, but it causes the paint to peel up so easily! If you are going to transfer your pumpkin at all, go with a matte spray paint. If you’re painting at home, and not planning to move your pumpkin, the gloss spray paint would be okay. I had to use gloss this year (it was all I could find in the color I wanted) and we had to do a lot of touch ups on my pumpkin after we brought it home. Another option if all you can find is a gloss or satin spray paint, is to finish with a matte clear coat.
- Pick your paints/brushes – We use the inexpensive $.50 Apple Barrel craft paint. It works so well! You can find it at Walmart, Target, or any craft store. For brushes, you will want a variety of sizes. Make sure you have a very thin one for details!
- Clean & tape your pumpkin – Wash or wipe down your pumpkin to remove all dirt and debris before painting. If you plan to spray paint your pumpkin, you will need to use painters tape to cover the pumpkin stem.
- Spray paint ahead of time – If you’re going to use spray paint, spray your pumpkin the night before, or the early in the day before you paint. It has always taken us 2-3 coats to get the best coverage, so ensure you have time for that.
- Use a hot glue gun or spray adhesive – If you’re going to add anything to your pumpkin (ex. felt animal ears, googly eyes, etc.) a hot glue gun will hold it best. A spray adhesive also works if you’re adding something like sprinkles. I used a spray adhesive on my donut sprinkles, and Adam used a hot glue gun to add Pennywise’s poster board hair.
