How to Paint Pumpkins So the Paint Lasts

Painting is one of the easiest ways to decorate a pumpkin, and a painted pumpkin can last far longer than a carved one. The frustrating part is when the paint peels, cracks or washes off after the first rain. A little prep makes a big difference.

Start with a good pumpkin

Paint does not slow down rot, so start with a pumpkin that will last. Choose a firm, healthy pumpkin with a sturdy stem, a hard rind and no soft spots or bruises. Smooth pumpkins are easier to paint than deeply ribbed or warty ones, especially for faces or patterns.

Clean it and dry it

Paint sticks best to a clean, dry surface. Brush or wipe off any dirt, then wipe the pumpkin with a weak bleach solution, about 1 1/2 teaspoons of bleach per gallon of water. Let it dry completely, ideally for a few hours, before you paint. Any moisture or dirt left on the skin gives the paint a reason to lift.

Pick the right paint

Acrylic craft paint is a popular choice. A Kansas State University extension article suggests acrylic paint for pumpkins, and crafters like it because it dries quickly and covers well. Tempera paint is often used with very young kids, but it can crack and peel once it dries. Paint markers work well for fine lines and simple faces.

For a solid color, two thin coats look better and last longer than one thick coat. Let the first coat dry before adding the second.

Pick a good day and place

Paint indoors or on a covered porch on a dry day, with newspaper or a drop cloth under your work. If the pumpkin has been sitting outside on a cold morning, let it warm up inside for a while first, so moisture does not form on the skin while you paint.

Seal it if it is going outside

If your painted pumpkin will sit on a porch, a clear acrylic sealer helps protect the paint from moisture. Spray it outdoors, in a light coat, after the paint has fully dried. The same Kansas State article notes that sealing before painting is optional but can give a better surface to paint on.

A simple process

• Clean the pumpkin and let it dry completely

• Paint in thin coats, letting each one dry

• Add details with a small brush or paint marker

• Finish with a light coat of clear sealer for outdoor pumpkins

Keep it dry on the porch

Even sealed paint lasts longer out of standing water. Set painted pumpkins on a dry spot or a small board so the bottom does not sit wet, and use the porch roof if you have one. Our post on keeping your display dry has more ideas. Check the bottoms once a week, since the pumpkin under the paint can still soften.

Painting with kids

Painting is a great job for kids who are too young to carve. Cover the table with newspaper, give them washable paint and old clothes, and let them make the pumpkin their own. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests letting small children decorate rather than carve pumpkins.

After the season

Plain pumpkins can go in the compost, but painted ones are a different story. Virginia Cooperative Extension notes that pumpkins can be composted or fed to wildlife only if no toxic decorative materials were used. Put painted, glittered or sealed pumpkins out with the trash instead.

Questions about your pumpkins?

If you have a pumpkin question we did not cover here, we would be glad to help. Call or text us at (513) 409-0005, or send a message through our contact page. We are a family-run business right here in the Springboro, Dayton and Cincinnati area, and we are always happy to talk pumpkins.