Acrylic paint is not waterproof by itself, so it may wash off pumpkins in the rain. To protect the painted surface, apply a waterproof sealant or varnish over the acrylic paint. This helps create a barrier against moisture and improves its resistance to rain. Ensure the sealant is fully dry before exposing the painted pumpkin to water
Painting Pumpkins With Acrylic Paint for Beginners- Full Guide
Acrylic paints have been on the rise lately. They are easy to work with and are not technical at all . If you are a creative , an artist or just want to experiment , you should know that acrylic paint can be used on just anything . But, what about if you want to paint a pumpkin, will acrylic paint work?
Acrylic paint can indeed be used to paint pumpkin. Firstly, ensure the pumpkin is cleaned and dried meticulously. Next, apply thin coats of paint, you should allow ample drying time between layers. For added protection, seal the painted pumpkin with a waterproof sealant.
After personally using acrylic paint on objects such as metal, wood, plastic, shoes, skin and leather, I will be showing you exactly how to make your pumpkins pop with acrylic paint for international pumpkin day or for your front porch. Read through !
Highly Recommended: The Best Acrylic Paints
How to Paint Pumpkins With Acrylic Paint?
Materials You Will Need
- Acrylic Paint( Check out the Best Acrylic Paints to pick a Favorite)
- A pumpkin( You can paint garden pumpkins or use AnyDesign 12Pcs Artificial Pumpkin)
- Primer: I suggest The Crafters Workshop Gesso Medium
- Palette or Mixing Surface
- Brushes
- Soapy Water and Tower
- Sealant ( Varnish or Spray )
- Vinegar
- Pencil or Market (Optional): You may consider using a pencil or marker to lightly sketch your design on the pumpkin before painting
Instructions
Step 1: Select the Appropriate Pumpkins
When picking up a right pumpkin for your acrylic painting, pay keen attention to the size and shape of the pumpkin. Look for one that has a smooth and even surface, as this will provide a better canvas for your artwork. You should avoid pumpkins with deep ridges or blemishes, as they may interfere with the paint application process. If you do not have fresh pumpkins, I recommend these AnyDesign 12Pcs Artificial Pumpkins and Winlyn 7 Sets DIY Fall Pumpkin Painting Kits for kids.
Besides that, you can also give a pumpkin a gentle press with your fingertips to ensure it feels firm and sturdy. Do not purchase pumpkins that have soft spots or show signs of rot, as they may not hold up well during the painting process and may deteriorate quickly.
Lastly, when choosing a pumpkin for acrylic painting, consider the stem of the pumpkin as well. A strong and intact stem can add character to your painted design and serve as an interesting focal point. Look for a pumpkin with a stem that is firmly attached and in good condition.
Step 2: Clean Your Pumpkins
Once you have picked the right pumpkin, it’s time for a clean up. Gently wipe the surface with a damp cloth or sponge to remove dirt and bacteria. Proceed to rinse the pumpkin under cool running water, but avoid submerging it. Finally, pat it dry with a towel or paper towels to ensure the pumpkin is completely dry before painting. Personally, I use Naturemania Value Pack of 24 Reusable Paper Towels when working with acrylic paint .
Step 3: Mix Your Acrylic Paint
To mix acrylic paint for pumpkin painting, squeeze small amounts of desired colors onto a palette or mixing surface. Use a palette knife to blend and create new shades. Experiment with different color combinations to achieve the desired hues. if the paint is too thick, you can thin out using water or acrylic paint thinner sparingly for a smoother consistency, if needed.
Only use the colors that complement your design and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. It’s best to use Sargent artist-grade acrylic paints for better quality and longevity. I also recommend Nicpro 14 Colors Large Bulk Acrylic Paint Set (16.9 oz,500 ml) from my Best Acrylic Paints of this year review. You could also do pouring on your pumpkin with any of these Neon Acrylic Paints.
Step 4: Apply a Primer
Applying a primer before painting a pumpkin with acrylic paint is important for optimal results. Primers create a smooth and adhesive-friendly surface, allowing the paint to adhere better to the pumpkin. This improves the durability of the painted design, preventing chipping or peeling over time. Primers also help to enhance the vibrancy of the paint colors by providing a consistent base.
Step 5: Start Painting
Now that your acrylic colors are all set, begin painting your pumpkin by applying a base coat of acrylic paint. Use a larger brush for this step, covering the pumpkin evenly. You should allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next steps.
Step 6: Add Extra Details and Additional Layers( Optional)
If the first layer is not thick enough, add details and layers by experimenting with brush strokes, blending techniques, and color combinations to create depth and texture(I know of a guy who does Impasto technique on his pumpkins and they turn our great) . All I am saying is that you do not have to do boring designs, get creative and try out different techniques. Again, allow each layer to dry before applying the next one.
Step 7: Correct Any Mistakes
If you make any mistakes, don’t worry! Acrylic paint is forgiving. Use a cloth or paper towel to remove or correct any errors while the paint is still wet. Acrylic paint is indeed water- based which means that you can easily get it off with water or rubbing alcohol. Gently wipe off the acrylic paint while it is still wet. This allows for quick adjustments and changes to your design. Same goes for rubbing alcohol-Simply dampen a cloth or cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and gently rub the paint off until it lifts off.
Step 8: Apply a Protective Sealant
Once your painted pumpkin is completely dry, consider applying a spray sealant or varnish to protect the design and enhance its longevity. After personally using Art Advantage Acrylic Varnish 8oz Gloss , I do think it is genuinely the best you can use on your pumpkin( it gives a very pleasing beautiful sheen to just about any color).
Step 9: Soak in Vinegar
Soaking pumpkins in vinegar is a technique that some people use to help prolong their lifespan and inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. Vinegar has natural antimicrobial properties that can help prevent decay. The acidity of vinegar creates an environment that is less favourable for bacteria and mold to thrive. By soaking the pumpkin in a vinegar solution, it is believed to create a protective barrier and extend the freshness of the pumpkin. It’s still essential to monitor the pumpkin for any signs of decay or mold growth.
How Long Will It Take for Acrylic Paint to Dry on Pumpkins?
Acrylic paint on pumpkins will take 20 minutes to 1 hour to dry according to the thickness of the paint layer and the environmental conditions. In some cases, it may take up-to 24 hours for your paints to dry. You can also check out an article I have written on How Long it Takes Acrylic Paints to Dry.
When working with white pumpkins, it’s worth noting that they tend to have a naturally lighter hue, which can make colors appear less vibrant compared to painting on orange pumpkins. To make the colors pop out more on white pumpkins, it is often necessary to apply multiple coats of paint
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.”
Use Spray Paint for All-Over Color
To turn your bold pumpkin into a cheery sun, white ghost, or pale yellow decorative centerpiece, you’ll want to start with multiple coats of all-over color. “Spray paint will be the most durable and get you the quickest full-coverage—[it gives you] a full coat of paint in a matter of seconds,” says Thomas. “However, make sure to mask off any areas you don’t want painted.”
Evan uses spray paint to create collections of pumpkins in different shades of the same color, to paint the stems of the pumpkins in contrasting shades, and to set a base coat for more detailed work. He recommends Montana Gold spray paint (from $8.78, dickblick.com). “Spray paint is something that is really versatile,” he says, noting that it works particularly well for solid colors and decorative work.
Paint your pumpkin
Painting is one of the most fun steps in any Halloween craft idea. If you want to, paint your pumpkin a new base color first, allowing this layer to dry fully before painting on your more intricate design.
‘It is best to use acrylic paint for pumpkins,’ Rachel advises. ‘If you want to use an alternative paint pe, paint a small section in an inconspicuous area first to test the formula on the surface of the pumpkin.’
Consider using different tools to paint your pumpkin for different effects. Rather than limiting yourself to a paintbrush, consider using cotton swabs, sponges, or cotton balls. You may want to keep a damp cloth with you as you paint to quickly wipe away any mistakes before they dry.
Seal your design in
‘Sealing your design once the paint is dry is one of the most vital steps if you want your painted pumpkin to last,’ explains Rachel. ‘Apply another layer of your sealant over your dried painted pumpkin to lock in the paint and add a nice, reflective shine that can bounce the light of candles or Halloween lights.’
It is best to use acrylic paint as opposed to oil-based paint when it comes to painting a pumpkin as it is quick drying and easy to clean away if you make a mistake.
Water-based paints can easily be cleaned away with a damp cloth, but if you do choose o use an oil-based paint, make sure to have a cloth with a little turpentine or spirits on it to clean away mistakes. If using these solvents, always make sure to keep them away from young children and supervise when painting.
Can you paint straight onto a pumpkin?
You can paint straight onto the surface of a pumpkin, however it is best to clean the surface with warm soapy water beforehand to clear away any dirt that may prevent paint from sticking.
Decor Ideas. Project Inspiration. Expert Advice. Delivered to your inbox.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
