How to Paint Pumpkins for Halloween: Simple Instructions

Melissa Epifanio, editor of The Spruce, explains how you can paint pumpkins yourself. It turns out that it's easy and much harder to choose a design — for that, we have a separate photo collection. Set aside some free time and enjoy the process!

Pumpkins with Simple Designs

What you'll need?

• Pumpkins of various sizes (including mini ones).
• Chalk (or graphite) paint (in several shades).
• Waxed paper.
• Fabric, craft paper, or newspaper.
• A small piece of fabric or a damp towel.
• Brushes of different thicknesses.
• A baking rack.

Cover your workspace with fabric or paper and arrange everything you need. Select pumpkins of the appropriate type and size in advance (working with small ones can be inconvenient), and wipe them with a damp cloth. For example, on the photo below — sugar pumpkins.

Photo source: thespruce.com

1. Apply the First Layers of Paint

Choose a "base" color for your pumpkin — you can then draw a print on top of it. Then apply paint to the entire surface and let it dry (you'll have to wait for at least an hour). When the surface becomes matte, apply another layer and let the pumpkin dry again.

When the surface becomes matte, apply another layer and let the pumpkin dry again.

Photo source: thespruce.com

2. Apply the Design

Take a thinner brush and dip it into the paint. Place the tip of the brush on the surface and pull down to create a small neat stroke (as in the photo). You can also draw dots, stars, or any other patterns.

Photo source: thespruce.com

3. Dry the Pumpkins

After finishing, allow the pumpkins to dry thoroughly.

Photo source: thespruce.com

Colorful Mini Pumpkins

If you never liked drawing lessons and applying patterns seems too complicated, try this method :)

1. Prepare the Paint

It's better to pour them into containers with wide openings (e.g., bowls). Grab the pumpkin by its stem and submerge it halfway into the paint. Then let excess paint drip back into the bowl.

It's not necessary to dip the pumpkin halfway into the paint — you can cover it with one color almost entirely or paint only one side. Try different options — it's fun!

Photo source: thespruce.com

2. Dry the Pumpkins

Place a piece of fabric or craft paper under the drying rack so that paint drips onto it. Wait at least an hour for the pumpkin's surface to become matte. Only then proceed to the next layer.

Photo source: thespruce.com
Photo source: thespruce.com

Pumpkins in the Style of Jackson Pollock

They look like paint was accidentally splattered on them. But of course, it's not accidental :)

1. Apply the First Layer of Paint

Choose a neutral shade on which the splatters will stand out well.

Photo source: thespruce.com

2. Create Splatters

Mix paint with water so it's not too thick. Start by adding a couple of tablespoons to avoid overdoing it.

Place the pumpkin on waxed paper or newspaper (or in a bag or box to avoid staining everything around). Dip the brush into the paint and start splattering. Rotate the pumpkin to paint it from all sides. Then leave it to dry (at least an hour).

Photo source: thespruce.com
Photo source: thespruce.com
Photo source: thespruce.com

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