Painting the pumpkin is an original way to kick off the Halloween party or fall. The pumpkin to paint involves creativity and dexterity as well as fun for the whole family - excluding the dirt that is done when carving. To perform this experiment, you need a pumpkin, some dye and some pattern. If you want to find out how, read on.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Prepare the Pumpkin
Step 1. Choose your pumpkin
A pumpkin to be painted must be smooth, with no nicks, scratches or stains. Those with light or thin ribs have a perfect surface. Avoid the lumpy ones instead. Look for cuts or holes made by worms that would cause problems, and make sure the pumpkin is flat enough to stand still.
- Look for soft spots, which could indicate a beginning of rot. Pumpkin must be fresh to last as long as possible.
- Almost any variety can be painted but the following are particularly popular: Baby Pam, Sugar Pie, Neon, Lumina, or Cotton Candy.
Step 2. Clean and dry it
Gently wipe off dirt and dust with a damp paper towel or baby wipe. Use a soft, dry cloth to dry it well. Avoid scrubbing the surface with a brush as you could dent it, damaging it.
Be careful not to leave the part of the stem or the one where it rests wet. The pumpkin could rot
Step 3. Choose a design
Before you start coloring, you need to think about what you want to reproduce. Almost everything looks good on pumpkin as long as it's not too complicated. Faces are popular but you can also try a black cat, a haunted house, geometric shapes and more. Once you've chosen your design, sketch it out on a piece of paper.
- Let the shape of the pumpkin inspire you. For example, if it tends to square it could become Frankenstein's head.
- Who said that the pumpkin is only painted on Halloween? You can do it to remember an autumn theme like leaves and scarecrows, or paint any other motif.
- Have fun and take a self portrait or that of a member of your family.
Step 4. Apply a sealant (optional)
Even if it's a choice, the sealant on the surface of the pumpkin will help the color adhere better. Purchase a small craft sealant at a hobby store. It is usually sold in cans or bottles with the sprayer.
- Use a brush to spread a coat of sealant evenly over the entire surface of the pumpkin and let it dry. Clean the brush if you intend to reuse it.
- Let it dry well before applying the color.
Method 2 of 2: Paint the Pumpkin
Step 1. Use a solid color (optional)
You can use the pumpkin's natural color as a background or paint it completely. Choose an acrylic paint. If you have more at home but aren't sure if it fits on the pumpkin, try a hidden nook first.
- Choose a color that fits your design. If you made a goblin, choose an eerie shade of green for the background.
- Paint the pumpkin in sections, letting each dry before moving on to the next one. That way, you won't get dirty while holding it still.
- Beware of fresh paint on the bottom. Make sure you don't put the backed pumpkin back when the color is still wet or it will stick to the counter.
Step 2. Trace your design onto the pumpkin
With a permanent marker and stencil, or a self-made shape, trace the edges of your design. Don't think about it too much. You will paint over the drawing so it doesn't have to be perfect. If you feel unsure, you can start by first drawing with a pencil and then going over with a permanent marker.
- You can use scotch tape to keep the pattern or stencil in place.
- To create straight lines, stripes or shapes, attach wrapping tape to the pumpkin in the shape you want.
- Use carbon paper (graphite paper) to trace your design (optional). Carbon paper is a common product, created to transfer a shape or design to any surface. Here's how to use them:
- Print or draw what you want on the paper.
- Put a sheet of carbon paper on the pumpkin.
- Stop it with scotch tape.
- Using a pencil, trace the outlines of your design.
- When you are done, remove the layers of paper and you will find the design imprinted on the pumpkin.
Step 3. Paint
Using an acrylic paint, color the drawing. You can use any tools: toothbrushes, cotton buds, sponges or cotton balls. Keep a damp rag next to it to clean if you make a mistake. Pretend you are painting on a regular canvas. Only this one is round.
- If you use light colors, you will have to go through several coats.
- Make sure the paint is dry before adding the layers on top.
- The design must cover all visible parts of the pumpkin. Take a step back to see if it is homogeneous.
Step 4. Use a sealant to secure your design
When the paint is completely dry, spray a light coat of sealant over the entire painted area.
Step 5. Add decorations (optional)
If you prefer, you can design and make them yourself. Wait until the pumpkin is dry and add whatever your creativity suggests.
- Glue some yarn or white spirit around the stem to simulate hair.
- Sprinkle some glitter on the fresh paint to add sparkle.
- Using glue, add ball eyes, sequins, semiprecious stones, pom-poms, beads or other shapes.
- Place a hat on top as a finishing touch.
Step 6. Place the pumpkin in a visible spot
Place it where you catch the eye, whether it's in the center of the table or under the porch. People have to notice it right away.
If you can't place it outside, at least try to place it in direct sunlight or warmth so it will last longer
Advice
- Acrylic paints work best on pumpkin but you can experiment with other paints as well to get different effects.
- For a greater challenge, try to combine a painted decoration with a carved one.
- Mini painted pumpkins are great as table decorations or place cards.
- If you are feeling really creative, you can paint her different decorations on each side and turn the pumpkin from time to time.
