Spooky Fun Pumpkin Painting

21 Oct 2024

Bringing Autumn to your kitchen doesn’t need to mean garish orange pumpkins and garlands of rusty leaves.  If you’re feeling creative, check out our painted pumpkin ideas and create your own elegant decorations to suit your kitchen style.

Painted pumpkins are a great way to bring a touch of the season to your home decor, without the effort of carving or the expense of buying extravagant autumnal pieces. They can be arranged on your work surfaces, can create an eye-catching window display, or can make a seasonal centrepiece for your dining table.

YOU WILL NEED:

• A selection of pumpkins in different
shapes and sizes, depending on your plan.
These can be bought from most local
supermarkets or greengrocers.
• Acrylic paints in your chosen colours.
These can be found in most craft
sections.
• A selection of small to medium
paintbrushes and small sponges.
• A glass, cup or plastic cup for each
pumpkin (disposable cups are great for
this as they will most likely get paint on
them)
• A plate or paper plate to act as a paint
palette
• A craft sealant (optional). Available
from most craft stores.

Instructions

Step 1
First, clean your pumpkins with a damp
cloth, paper towel or baby wipe, making
sure to take away any dirt but not to damage
the pumpkin skin.
Take care not to get the pumpkin stem wet
as this can cause it to rot.
Dry thoroughly.

Step 2
The next step is to apply a sealant (optional)
to the surface of the pumpkin. This can help
your chosen coloured paint to adhere to the
pumpkin.
Once sealed, allow this to dry thoroughly
before applying your paint.

Step 3
Assign your colours and pattern plans to
each pumpkin, then choose which
brushes/sponges will be best for the size of
your pumpkin.
Place each pumpkin on a flat surface, on top
of an upside-down cup. This will mean you
don’t have to try to paint whilst holding the
pumpkin and risk ruining your masterpiece!
This should allow you to paint as much of
the bottom of the pumpkin as is required,
but if not, wait until the top of your
pumpkin is dry, then flip your cup and place
the pumpkin on it upside-down to paint
what you missed.
To hide unnatural brush strokes once
painted, dab the surface of the pumpkin
lightly with a sponge to create a textured
effect.
Depending on the thickness of your acrylic
paint, and the colour you have chosen, each
pumpkin may need a couple of coats. Also,
take care to paint the grooves of the
pumpkin to make sure no orange is showing
and to help keep the natural shape.
Allow each coat to dry before painting the
next.
Tip: To create polka dots as we have, use a
cotton bud or the end of your paint brush.

Step 4
Once your pumpkins have completely dried,
apply a light layer of sealant over your
painted areas. This should help to prevent
your decorations getting scratched easily
and will help to make your pumpkin look
fresh for longer.
Step 5
Once dry, it’s time to find a place for your
pumpkins. Arrange on a worktop, show
them off to the neighbours in an Autumn
window display, or create a rustic table
centrepiece for your Halloween gatherings.
Whatever you choose to do, the pumpkins
will bring a season flair to your space.