How to Paint Pumpkins

Patterned Pumpkins

What You'll Need

1. Gather the Materials

   

   Cover your workspace with a drop cloth or kraft paper and get your tools and materials ready. For this project we used a 3-inch and a 1-inch paint brush, but you can work with what you have! Be creative and have fun.

2. Prepare Your Pumpkins and Choose Paint

   This particular project requires at least two paint colors. We opted for black and white for a more modern look, but you could use any colors that catch your eye. Choose any size pumpkin you like, but we recommend using a sugar pumpkin or larger to really show off the details of the pattern. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down your pumpkin, taking care to remove any dirt.

3. Paint a Base Coat

   

   Select your base color. We chose black in order to really make the pattern pop. Using your 3-inch paint brush, paint the pumpkin and then allow it to dry for at least an hour. Once the finish is matte and free of any wet spots, you can paint a second coat or move on to your pattern.

4. Paint Your Pattern

   

   Take a 1-inch brush and dip it in the second color. For the brushstroke pattern featured in our video, set the tip of your brush on the pumpkin and pull down about an inch, then remove your brush. Make rows of these little brush stroke patterns until your pumpkin is completely covered.

   Once you've mastered these simple brushstrokes, feel free to switch it up. Try patterns featuring thin dashes, stars, polka dots, or squiggles.

5. Style and Enjoy

   

Dipped Pumpkins

What You'll Need

1. Gather Materials

   

   Gather your materials and cover your workspace area to prevent paint from staining anything. Use a drop cloth, newspaper, kraft paper, or old fabric to protect the surface you're working on. This also makes for easy clean up!

2. Prepare Pumpkins and Choose Paint

   Pick out your mini pumpkins. Choose pumpkins with strong, intact stems for easy dipping. Wipe them down with a damp paper towel or cloth, taking care to remove any dirt or debris. Next, choose your paint colors. For this project, we selected brighter hues for a fresh take on traditional Halloween palette, but you can use any colors you like.

3. Pour Paint Into Bowls and Begin Dipping

   

   Pour out your paint into bowls. Make sure you give yourself enough paint to cover your pumpkin when you submerge it. Once you have your paint ready to go, grab a pumpkin by its stem and dip it into one of the colors. Remove from bowl and let excess paint drip off before moving pumpkins to the drying rack.

4. Experiment With Dips

   There are endless ways you can dip. Cover your pumpkin one-fourth of the way for a small splash of color or dip half, or submerge it three-quarters of the way for a bolder look. Dip the pumpkin on its side for a vertical stripe or go bottom first. Get creative and see which combos you like best. You may dip each pumpkin twice if needed for additional coverage, or to layer colors.

5. Leave Pumpkins to Dry

   

   Place a piece of wax paper underneath of your cookie drying rack. Set each pumpkin upon the rack after dipping. Allow your pumpkins to dry for at least an hour. If you decided not to double-dip the first round and would like to go back for a second coat, do so once the first one has dried.

6. Style and Enjoy

Splatter Paint Pumpkins

What You'll Need

1. Gather Materials

   

   Collect all needed materials, then cover your workspace to protect it from errant splatters and drips. We suggest using kraft paper, newspaper, or even using a box as your workspace to keep the mess contained.

2. Prepare Pumpkins and Choose Paint

   Pick out two colors; one will serve as the base color for the entire pumpkin and one will be the color you’ll splatter onto the pumpkin. Clean your pumpkins with a damp cloth and make sure they are free of dirt and debris.

3. Paint Your Base Coat

   Grab your 3-inch brush and give your pumpkin its base coat. This is the color you'll be splattering on top of, so be sure to select a hue that will allow the paint to really stand out. Let dry for at least an hour then continue on to your splattering. If your pumpkin is in need of a second coat, do that first.

4. Select and Modify Paint

   For this specific project, you’re going to need about a half cup of water for mixing into your paint. This creates a thinner consistency, making splattering much easier. It’s best to start with less, with roughly two tablespoons or so, and then add more if needed.

   This is one of the main reasons why we chose chalky finish paint for this project. Aside from its quick drying time and impressive durability, it's also an incredibly adaptable paint.

   Once you dilute your paint with water, set your pumpkin out on wax paper or newspaper. This project is going to get messy, so take time to prepare the space or choose a place that can get messy. If your options are limited, you can splatter paint your pumpkin in a box, which cuts down the risk of a major mess.

5. Splatter Your Pumpkin

   

   Dip and saturate your paintbrush in the diluted color, then splatter away! Flick your wrist to cover the pumpkin as much as you’d like. Then leave to dry for at least an hour. Minimalists will love the idea of having a small collection of splatters on one part of the pumpkin and lovers of bright, bold decor will want colorful splatters everywhere.

6. Style and Display