5 Best Paints for Pumpkins, Along With a Few Other Essentials You May Need for Your Fall Craft Night
Add a little spice to your pumpkin by painting it! We asked an expert what to look for when it comes to painting pumpkins — plus, she dropped a few of her tips, too.
While some may be trying to grasp the last bits of summer, there are those who are ready to bring out the fall decorations the second September 1st hits. Whether you’re going for something fresh and new or adding a traditional flair to your autumn decor, there’s always a classic piece that everybody always wants to include — the pumpkin.
You know it’s not fall without those orange fruits, so what better way to bring the family together than with a staple pumpkin painting night? This hands-on analog activity is sure to be a hit amongst the kids and is great for bonding with friends.
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If you’re not sure where to start, not to worry! The first thing you need to figure out is what type of paint you should use. According to Val Studer, the Senior Product Designer at Michaels, “Acrylic craft paint is really the gold standard for pumpkin painting. It's affordable, dries fast, and comes in nearly any color.” Believe it or not, all paints are not created equal when it comes to the art of pumpkin painting — oil-based paints take too long to dry, which isn’t on your side if you have impatient kiddos, and watercolor or tempera paints will easily wash away in wet weather.
Once you have your paints selected, application is the next step. Studer recommends using a dry cloth to remove excess moisture or dirt from the pumpkin. “I always recommend two thin coats rather than one thick one,” she says. “It dries faster and gives even more coverage without pooling in the pumpkin ridges.” If you want to add a finish or protect the paint from moisture afterwards, seal with a spray sealer.
Ready to tackle pumpkin painting? Keep scrolling for some of our top picks for paints for pumpkin decorating and a few other products to help you get started.
These two-ounce bottles of acrylic paint come in a variety of colors. If you’re going for the traditional jack-o'-lantern look, a black bottle is the way to go. Paint other popular spooky characters Frankenstein or a ghost with green and white bottles — the color Lush Foliage would make for a particularly sickly monster while Fog Grey can add some dimension to a plain white ghost.
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Can’t pick just one color? This acrylic paint set comes in the brand’s most popular colors — 18 of them to be exact! They depart from your standard colors of the rainbow (along with black and white) and instead opt for the secondary colors you didn’t think you’d need but will definitely want. From Purple Pizazz to Bahama Blue, you have your pick of unique colors to spark the imagination.
“When it’s time to add the details that bring your design to life — think faces, fine lines or intricate patterns — reach for acrylic paint pens,” Studer says. This set from Craft Smart is a particular favorite of hers. Once you’ve finished your overarching design on your pumpkin, consider using a set of these paint pens to add little details that will pull everything together.
These particular acrylic paints come in a bit of a larger size and dry in a satin finish, meaning they will leave a pearl-like sheen on your pumpkin without being overly glossy. They’re opaque enough to cover the uneven surface of the pumpkin and work well for both beginners and seasoned pros. Plus, there are a whopping 72 color options to choose from!
A dual-ended paint marker means there are double the options to play with! One side is your traditional marker, while the other is a dot tip, perfect for adding spots, accents or patterns. You can get sets of up to 240, so the possibilities are truly endless.
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Paint may be the main ingredient needed for pumpkin painting, but there are a few other essentials that you may need. Here are some we recommend getting for your paint night.
A foam brush is a must-need when it comes to pumpkin painting. Their flexibility means you can get into any crevice of the pumpkin easily, while their width means you can spread a thin layer quickly. You can also add some painter’s tape for even more precision when it comes to crisp lines and stripes.
Sealing is an extra step to making sure that the paint on your pumpkin is protected. According to Studer, spray seals are the easiest options because they don’t yellow over time and dry quickly. Aside from a glossy finish like this option leaves, you can also opt for a matte, super gloss and satin finish sealer.
There’s something magical about painting a real pumpkin, but like Studer says, “No paint can outlast the pumpkin itself.” Pumpkins will naturally break down over time and a painted pumpkin is no exception. If you want yours to last an entire season or want to display it for years to come, craft artificial pumpkins are your next best option.
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