Painting Pumpkins
Love to decorate for fall but want something different than the same old orange colour scheme? Why not host a party and paint some pumpkins?
Painting your pumpkins means you can decorate them with your favourite colours; match it up to your exterior colour palette for an outdoor display or create a modern vignette on your table or in your entryway. Plus, carved pumpkins decay quickly, while uncut, painted pumpkins stay fresh longer, often lasting all through fall and into the winter. Painting also eliminates the need for knives, making it safer for everyone. Another idea is to use foam craft pumpkins that will last indefinitely and can be reused year after year.
Pumpkin party
Hosting a pumpkin party is a fun way to spend an autumn day. Prep by covering your table in a plastic or paper tablecloth and provide assorted sizes of paint brushes, paints in varying finishes and sharpie markers. Set up an outdoor space if you’ll be offering spray paints.
Then start the party at a pumpkin patch to gather all shapes and sizes of gourds, or pick up some foam pumpkins. When guests arrive, serve up an inspiring fall cocktail; rich flavours from Wayward Distilleries' Krupnik, Esquimalt Wines’ Fortified Spiced Apple, Bespoke Spirits' Winter Solstice gin or the non-alcoholic Lumrum from Lumette are perfect options.
Preparing the pumpkin
Clean the surface of the pumpkins to remove any dirt. Next, spray or wipe down the pumpkins with an antibacterial and antifungal solution of 10 parts water to 1 part vinegar or 1 tablespoon bleach to 4 litres of water, and let them dry.
Getting creative
By using different painting techniques, you can add your own style. Start with a single pumpkin or choose an assortment of shapes and sizes including mini gourds or squash. Choose a colour scheme before starting to keep your group of gourds looking cohesive.
- Metallic finishes give a classy and elegant look that reflects the warm glow of your porch light outside or candlelight inside.
- High-gloss finishes create a bold statement whether you choose to go bright and colorful or keep them monochromatic.
- Matte paint creates a smooth, velvety appearance for a more subdued and modern aesthetic.
Painting
Once the pumpkin is clean and dry, you can choose to prime it first. While not an essential step, applying a layer of primer creates a smooth and even surface for the paint to adhere to. Gesso or non-VOC spray paint work best for priming.
For painting, acrylic paint and spray paint are great for getting rich colour and adhering well, and chalk or milk paint work well for a matte finish. Tempera and mineral paints are biodegradable options for composting your pumpkin afterward. Having different sizes of paint brushes for large and small details is important.
Paint pens and permanent markers are perfect for adding intricate designs, detailed patterns, and personalized messages or monograms on your pumpkins. Use these after any painting is done and dry.
If you want extra protection when you’re finished, apply a sealant such as clear acrylic spray or a brush-on sealant. Be sure the paint is completely dry before applying a thin and even layer of sealant, covering the entire surface of the pumpkin.
Beyond the Jack-‘o-lantern
There are so many ways you can decorate your pumpkin. Here are a few fun ideas but look around and think about designs and colours that inspire you!
1. Use masking tape to block off the top half and paint the bottom. It will look like it’s been dip dyed.
2. Paint a pattern all over. Simple vertical stripes down the ridges, polka dots, leaves, stars, little ghosts, etc.
3. Coat the pumpkin in one color and drip different shades or coordinated colors from the top.
4. Create a simple plaid pattern in your favorite colors. Masking tape works well for this design.
5. Sketch out a freehand design and paint it in.
6. Paint your monogram on a pumpkin.
7. Spray your pumpkin white and decoupage your favorite ferns, leaves or branches for a woodland theme.
8. Paint some gourds or pumpkins in solid colors to coordinate with the decorated ones.
9. Don’t forget the stems! Leave them plain for a rustic look or glam them up with some metallic paint on all or just the top bit.
