5 Tips for Pumpkin Painting

Get ready for the Halloween season with this easy craft for the whole family.

If you’re bored of pumpkin carving every fall, try painting them instead! Anyone can paint a pumpkin, regardless of age or artistic ability. All it takes is a little creativity and time.

Once you master the art of pumpkin painting, you can display your creations in your home all season long, give them as a Halloween gift, or even sell them during the Halloween season.

Follow these five easy tips from Blain’s Farm & Fleet to become a pumpkin-painting pro.

1. Choose the right pumpkin

Pick one with a smooth, flat, ridge-free surface. Look the pumpkin over carefully for any bruises, discoloration, or soft spots.

Pick one that has a good color for the work of art you want to create.

Make sure the pumpkin can stand on its own without falling.

2. Prepare the pumpkin

You should thoroughly wash and dry fresh pumpkins before painting or decorating. Most often, a pumpkin will be painted with a design. And the unpainted surface of the pumpkin will serve as a background.

If you choose to paint a background, use spray paint for an even coat. Spray the front of the pumpkin in a well-ventilated area, and allow it to dry.

3. Choose a pattern

Take your inspiration from story books, TV shows, emblems, logos, coloring books, CD covers, magazines, or anything else you like. The list is endless.

Once you find a picture you want for your pumpkin, you can either paint freehand or transfer the image onto your pumpkin with a stencil.

4. Fit the pattern

A photo copy, enlarged or reduced, is the easiest way to ensure the design will fit the size of your pumpkin. Make the pattern fit snugly on the pumpkin by making cuts from the corners of the pattern toward the center. And tape it into position

You can trace your pattern onto tracing paper. Then, transfer it onto the pumpkin using graphite paper. Place the graphite paper between the pattern and the pumpkin, with the graphite side facing the pumpkin. Tape the graphite paper and the pattern into position on the pumpkin.

Carefully and firmly trace the pattern with a pencil or dull object. Lift the corner slightly to ensure the pattern is transferring nicely onto the pumpkin.

Once the transfer is complete, remove the pattern and graphite paper.

5. Paint the image

Begin with a fine artist paint brush and black craft paint. Slowly outline the image. If you make a mistake, you can wipe the paint off with a damp paper towel or rag.

Once you are satisfied with your outline, allow the paint to dry completely before adding the colors.

Once the black outline and all the black areas are painted and dry, you can move onto the next color of acrylic paint. Paint inside the black lines with a larger brush, if necessary. Give each color time to dry completely before adding the next.

When finished, spray the image with a clear sealer in a well-ventilated area.

If you are painting a funny face, try different hair and hats on the pumpkin. Secure them with straight pins once the paint is completely dry. Add a silk flower to the hat, and secure it with glue.

Another fun idea is to add googly eyes and place the pumpkin head on clothing filled with leaves for a goofy pumpkin person. Whatever you choose, have fun, and enjoy pumpkin painting!