Enjoy tips, inspiration and Easy Pumpkin Painting Ideas, that go beyond the spooky.
Painting pumpkins as an addition to your Halloween and fall decor is a wonderful idea.
The great thing about diy decor is that you can invite your personality into the item, giving it a personal touch.
As opposed to traditional pumpkin carving, painted pumpkins are not limited to what can be carved into a gourd.
Allowing you to create decor in your style, giving you pumpkins that reflect your aesthetic and style.
A great family-friendly activity that is perfect for all ages. Perfect as an activity for kids as it reduces risks as there are no carving tools only paint and drawing supplies.
As a versatile decor item painted pumpkins are great as Thanksgiving centerpieces and Halloween decor items. You can personalize each pumpkin for each area of the home from ghoulish Halloween pumpkins as decor for a Halloween-themed entryway to cute painted po pumpkins as coffee table decor.
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What You’ll Need
Natural And Biodegradable Options
Real milk paint is made from 100% organic material. Is non-toxic and safe for kids and pets.
Chalk paint is generally more eco-friendly. Look for non-toxic chalk paint.
Sealer / Base And Top Coat
Mod Podge is a great nontoxic sealer and is a staple in most DIYer kits as it has so many uses.
Spray sealer is a great option as well. Remember to use an outdoor spray sealer if your pumpkins will be outside.
Using an outdoor sealer with help lengthen the life of your pumpkin outdoors. There are indoor/outdoor sealers that are a cost-effective option.
Paints
Acrylic paints are the best paint to paint pumpkins, both real and artificial. House paint also works well, a great option for matching pumpkins to a room or using leftover paint.
Paint pens are easy to use for both adults and kids as well as quick drying, minimizing the time between layers. They are also durable which could make them suited for outside pumpkins.
Markers are a great option. They are easy to use and are great for line drawings. However, the pumpkin needs a coat of paint for the marker to adhere to.
Accessories
A wide range of paintbrush sizes are helpful.
Sponges are a great tool for texture and stenciling.
How To Paint A Pumpkin
Clean
For best results, ensure your pumpkins are cleaned and disinfected before painting. Either using a bleach and water solution (1:3) or vinegar.
Clean thoroughly and allow it to dry before the base coat completely.
Base Coat
Before painting your masterpieces apply a sealer as a base coat. For outdoor pumpkins use a sealer for outdoor use.
Paint
Use as good quality paints and markers as you can. Acrylic paints are the best paints for painting pumpkins however markers and paint pens work well. Make sure to let the Paint dry between coats.
For a natural option, Opt for milk Paint or chalk paint.
If your painted pumpkins are going to be living outside use paint designed for outside use. This will help with longevity.
Seal
When you have finished your pumpkin, seal (use sealer from the base coat) the pumpkins to prevent the paint from flaking and help further its life.
How To dispose
Unfortunately, the pumpkins can not be fully composted because of the sealers and acrylic paint.
However, you can remove the skin, compost the pumpkin’s remains, and place the painted pieces in the trash.
Easy Pumpkin Painting Ideas – Cute And Quirky
Move away from ghouls and ghosts toward the cute, quiet, painted pumpkin theme.
Create a family of adorable monsters for your mantle.
Create pumpkins that are neither Halloween nor fall-themed but cute nonetheless.
Give your home a family of animal-themed Painted pumpkins.
Easy Pumpkin Painting Ideas – Halloween Theme
Embrace the Halloween season by painting pumpkins: spooky and scary.
Use stencils to create a blacked-out design.
It is an easy-painted pumpkin idea that adds texture and uses paint and string.
– String –
Candy corn-painted pumpkins are an easy and simple idea.
This is perfect as Halloween night porch decor.
Easy Pumpkin Painting Ideas – Painted Pumpkin Faces
Ranging From cute to terrifying painting faces on your pumpkin is one of the easiest but eye-catching ideas.
Who said the faces on pumpkins have to be scary?
A terrifying monster face painted on a pumpkin is perfect for Halloween.
Add glow-in-the-dark paint to the whites of the eyes and the teeth for an eerie effect from afar.
A simple and easy but eye-catching idea. This is done using thumbprints and permanent markers.
The addition of black rhinestones to the eyes makes a difference in the creepy factor.
Skeletons faces are a great option they are spooky, on theme and there are a lot of reference photos for you to copy.
Easy Pumpkin Painting Ideas – Character Pumpkin Inspiration
The Cheshire cat manages to be cute and spooky. The perfect character for Halloween.
Jack Skeleington is another character that is perfect for Halloween and if your pumpkin lasts until Christmas you have a Christmas-themed painted pumpkin.
Look for tutorials or photos that fit your skill level.
Easy Pumpkin Painting Ideas – Colorful And Fun
Colorful pumpkin decor is an excellent option for adding a pop of color to a season that can have a very monotone color palette.
Embrace retro and eclectic Styles
Harlequin pattern is a bold and fun idea. This fun and colorful painted pumpkin inspiration would work perfectly for Halloween but also easily follow into fall decor as well.
The moment I saw this idea I fell in love. Image a rainbow of colorful painted pumpkins in a mantel or going up a staircase with one on each stair.
Stunning.
Easy Pumpkin Painting Ideas – Fall-Themed
While a fall-themed painted pumpkin might be expected, the previous beautiful examples show that there are so many other ideas.
However, a fall-themed painted pumpkin does add a special touch of cozy fall vibes.
With a white paint pen, you can give your pumpkin a subtle fall vibe with vines and dot flowers.
– Medium Tipped White Paint Pen –
Pumpkins instantly give any space a cozy fall feel, elevate the look with bold colors.
Painter tape will give you perfectly crisp lines.
– Frog Tape –
Gingham is a perfect fall and Thanksgiving pattern, so why not add a pop of color as well?
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