As fall waits for us just around the corner, there’s one activity that I can’t wait to do — paint my pumpkins! Need a little inspiration for your painted pumpkins? From Disney pumpkin painting ideas to some scary pumpkin painting ideas, we’ve rounded up a huge list of creative pumpkin painting ideas just for you.
These unique pumpkin painting ideas will serve you well as you get to place your masterpieces as décor for Fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and even Christmas. Painted pumpkins serve as gorgeous centerpieces, cozy porch decors, and festive Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations.
You may compare these painted pumpkins to carved pumpkins, and although we love those as well, they aren’t the safest craft for kids. Carved pumpkins take a lot more time and definitely make your home messier. Additionally, painted pumpkins typically last longer than their carved counterparts.
Although the classic orange pumpkin or jack-o’-lanterns are timeless, why not spice it up this year by infusing your personality into your home with a painted pumpkin? These pumpkin painting ideas are great ways to showcase your personal style; all you need to do is choose which design to paint yours.
Keep reading for tips and notes on everything you need to know about painting pumpkins. Then, move on to our list of creative pumpkin painting ideas for adults and children. We have fun pumpkin painting ideas for everyone to enjoy this Fall!
Supplies For Pumpkin Painting
The supplies needed for pumpkin painting vary depending on the tutorial. The following are some of the most commonly used craft supplies in the pumpkin painting ideas list.
- Pumpkins (either real or fake)
- Paint
- Paint brushes of various sizes
- Acrylic paint pens
- Stencils
- Modge Podge or protective sealant
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Should I use fake pumpkins instead of real ones for painting?
Both real and fake pumpkins are suitable for painting. Artificial pumpkins can be stored and used for more than one season, while real pumpkins may rot away before their time.
2. What is the best paint for painting pumpkins?
The type of paint largely depends on the type of pumpkin you paint on as well as the design. It’s best to refer to the tutorial for the most desirable results.
Here are some of the paints that are tried and true for both real and fake pumpkins:
1. Chalk paint – This works great on both real and fake pumpkins as it sticks well whilst giving your pumpkins a soft, matte finish.
2. Acrylic craft paint – This is a great inexpensive option that can be found in any DIY store.
3. Spray paint – If you opt for this paint, you may need to spray on several coats. It is also not easy to do detailed designs using this paint.
4. Tempera paint – This is a great option for kids, but beware, as it scratches off very easily and will not last long.
5. Latex paint – This is a more expensive option, so it’s not very recommended unless you have leftovers.
As the surface of both real and fake pumpkins can be quite smooth, runny colors like watercolors will not be as suitable. However, if you do insist on using it, then you may need a base color on your pumpkins, so the watercolor will not be as see-through.
Some tutorials use unique supplies such as nail polish, decoupage, and others! Keep reading to find out.
3. How do I get the pumpkin ready for painting?
The pumpkin’s exterior, especially the real pumpkin, must be spotless and dry. To prepare the surface for painting, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and wait for it to dry.
4. How do I preserve my pumpkin’s paint?
To preserve the paint and lengthen the life of the pumpkin, you can use a clear sealant like Mod Podge or a spray sealant. Colors may hold up better against fading if you do this as well.
5. How long does it take for the paint to dry?
Pumpkins painted with acrylic paint dry in a few hours, but you should wait at least 24 hours before touching them or sealing them.
6. Can I put my painted pumpkin on display both indoors and outdoors?
Pumpkins, once painted, can be used as decorations both indoors and outdoors. However, you should be aware that the pumpkin’s paint and appearance could fade or change over time if exposed to extreme weather conditions.
What’s Next:
- Pick your favorite painting pumpkin ideas, gather the supplies, and start painting your pumpkins!
- Share your outcomes on Facebook and/or Instagram. Remember to tag us @craftpassion so that we can see them.
- Pin it to Pinterest for a future To-Do List.
- Browse more kid crafts to make or some painting crafts, particularly rock painting, to incorporate into your craft activities.
- Browse more on other Fall Crafts and Halloween Crafts to DIY.
50+ Best Pumpkin Painting Ideas
What are you waiting for? Keep reading, grab a paintbrush, and get ready to have fun with our best painting pumpkin ideas. Don’t stress too much about choosing the perfect pumpkin design. Remember, you can’t go wrong if you’re having fun.
Marbled Indigo Pumpkins
Starting off this list with some mini pumpkin painting ideas. Learn how to make these gorgeous Marbled Indigo Pumpkins using nail polish and water. Since indigo complements white so well, this is one of the best ideas for decorating white pumpkins.
Poured Paint Pumpkin Collection
This is one of those easy painting pumpkin ideas. Use a white-covered pumpkin, big or small as a base. It uses a painting technique called "pouring paint" or fluid painting. With this technique, the colored paint creates pumpkins uniquely covered with swirls and whirls that will not look the same!
Spooky Day of the Dead Pumpkin
I love painting face ideas on pumpkins. This Dia de Los Muertos pumpkin features exactly that! You'll have to use stencils before you paint in this design.
Bats Flying Across A Pumpkin
Want more fun Halloween pumpkin painting ideas? These bats flying across a pumpkin design use more than paint to create this unique 3D look. Perfect for Halloween!
DIY Iridescent Pumpkins
This iridescent design is definitely one of the most creative pumpkin painting ideas on this list! The supplies used are so normal. It uses only nail polish marbling, and the pumpkin is dipped in iridescent confetti and hologram glitter.
DIY Trick or Treat Ombre Pumpkin
For Halloween pumpkin ideas, painting them with Halloween themes is definitely a great idea! Such as this ombre Trick or Treat pumpkin. Use a bigger pumpkin so the words can fit in clearly.
DIY Moon and Stars Pumpkins
Achieve this starry night painted pumpkin look using paint and vinyl! These moon and stars cute pumpkin painting ideas can be used on both big and smaller pumpkins.
DIY Mud Cloth Pumpkins
Here is another one of those creative pumpkin painting ideas for adults. If you're a fan of precision, symmetry, and geometry, this mud-cloth-inspired pumpkin is for you.
Melted Crayon Pumpkin Tutorial
Have your kids or yourself outgrown crayons? Don't let them collect dust in a box, instead, use them to create this chaotic artistic mess on your pumpkins! As they say, there is beauty in chaos indeed.
DIY Frozen Elsa Pumpkin
We promised you Disney pumpkin painting ideas, so here you go! This gorgeous Disney Frozen Elsa Pumpkin was made with glitter blast spray paint, rhinestones, and a beautiful tiara.
Buffalo Plaid Dollar Tree Foam Pumpkin
This buffalo plaid pumpkin is great for customizing and will fit almost every fall décor! Chalk paint is used to cover the foam pumpkin. It's a super easy pumpkin painting idea.
DIY Star Wars Pumpkins
Star Wars is definitely an iconic Halloween costume. Why not bring some of the force into your home with one of these cool painting pumpkin ideas for Star Wars?
Simple Monster Faces Painted Pumpkins
These mini pumpkins with painted monster faces are so simple even children can make them! They also make the most adorable DIY Halloween décor.
Halloween Doodle Pumpkin
Don't like to be constrained by so many steps and the trouble of finding supplies? Go free and easy on this doodle pumpkin design. Express yourself on this pumpkin and encourage your little ones to do the same!
Pikachu and Poke Ball Pumpkin - Project
These Pokemon-inspired painted pumpkin ideas are such fun ways to paint your pumpkins! The tutorial features both Pikachu and Pokeball. Paint them together, after all, they belong together!
Make Your Own Painted Pumpkins For Fall
If all the loud-colored Halloween pumpkin painting ideas make your head pound, maybe these muted ones will tug at your heartstrings. Paint your pumpkins in a series of shades that will complement your interior nicely.
Deer Pumpkin
Cute ideas for painting pumpkins? We heard you! Create your cute pumpkins with this adorable Bambi pumpkin design.
DIY Painted Mini Pumpkins
Want some quick and easy ideas to paint on pumpkins? Here is this DIY, easy spray-painted pumpkin tutorial for you.
Fall Pumpkin
Paint some foliage in an autumn color palette, and you've got a painted pumpkin ready as your fall centerpiece! What's interesting is that this painted pumpkin idea uses crackle paint and Mod Podge for the leaves.
Color Shift Pumpkins
Feature this collection of shimmering gourds on your porch and stand out on a lovely fall or Halloween night. This is one of those ideas for painting small pumpkins that use the color that shifts in changing light.
Simple Glitter Pumpkin
Sometimes, simplicity yields the greatest results! Learn how to make this simple but sweet pumpkin using only chalk finish, diamond dust, and Mod Podge.
DIY Decoupage Black Rose Pumpkin
Remember how we talked about some alternative supplies for painting pumpkin ideas? Well, here's one that decoupages the pumpkin with napkins! It takes a lot of time and a steady hand, but isn't this gorgeous pumpkin worth it?
Monogrammed Pumpkin
This year's theme of pumpkin painting ideas is all about letting your personality shine. And what better way to showcase that than with some monogram pumpkins?
Decorated Glitter Pumpkins
Here come our scary pumpkin painting ideas for Halloween! With ghouls, spiders, and bats, you'll have your fair share of fun painting these pumpkins. And, of course, we can't forget the glitter, can we?
Halloween Pumpkin Idea
This concrete pumpkin vase would definitely make a marvelous centerpiece all throughout fall till Halloween is over. By the time you are done painting your pumpkin, no one will know it was created using paint instead of concrete!
Make Herringbone Mini Pumpkins for Fall Decor
To continue our painted mini pumpkin ideas, here is this classy design. The light-colored pumpkins are accented with a herringbone pattern in a contrasting color. Perfect for the modern farmhouse interior!
Striped Pumpkins Inspired by Classic Cabin-Chic Blankets
These blanket-inspired bright statement-making stripes are perfect for a retro-looking fall. Follow the tips to achieve the same pattern on your pumpkins.
Apple Barrel Polka Dot Spider Pumpkin
For fun pumpkin painting ideas for children, we have this Polka Dot Spider Pumpkin. Your kids will for sure have fun making this, that's if they don't get spooked out first!
Make your own Alcohol Ink Pumpkins
A cross between marbling and paint dripping, using alcohol ink on your painted pumpkin ideas will create the most beautiful results. These psychedelic pumpkins work best with fake pumpkins.
Stenciled Pumpkin Candy Holder
I think we can all agree that practical pumpkin painting ideas are the best ideas. This uniquely stencil pumpkin candy holder fits the bill as it can entice your trick-or-treaters to grab a piece of candy while looking pretty on your porch.
Folk Art Decorated Pumpkins
These one-of-a-kind designs are inspired by Mexican and Scandinavian folk art. Create a charming table centerpiece with some adhesive craft vinyl and some fake pumpkins.
Gold Patina Spooky Word Painted Pumpkin
We're back with scary pumpkin painting ideas for Halloween with this black word pumpkin with a weathered metallic glaze. This pumpkin looks like it belongs in a witch's tavern. Follow the tutorial to see how to create this spooky design!
DIY 90's Neon Splatter Painted Pumpkins
Don't like gloomy, dark colors? These '90s Neon splatter-painted pumpkins will brighten up your home. They're so simple to make that even children can do it!
DIY Cinderella Butterfly Pumpkin
Here's another one of the cute pumpkin painting ideas we have for you. This DIY Cinderella butterfly pumpkin is embellished with gold glitter butterflies, perfect for a magical fall night.
DIY Pop Art Pumpkins
A fan of art? These Roy Lichtenstein-inspired Pop Art Pumpkins will definitely tickle your fancy. They'll make for a really unique fall décor.
Neon Paint Dipped Pumpkins
We had splattered pumpkins and crayon bleeding pumpkins, and now we present to you dipped neon pumpkins. Mix all these brightly colored pumpkins for a huge burst of color this fall.
Colorful Owl Pumpkins
This owl pumpkin painting idea will be a fast favorite among the children. The black base makes it perfect for decorating for Halloween, and the pop of color from the liquid chalk and tissue paper truly made these feathered ones stand out.
Gold Studded Pumpkin
Are you tired of bright colors and orange and blacks? Welcome this lovely gold-studded pumpkin with a chalk finish. It'll definitely be a statement piece in your house.
Blue Porcelain Painted Pumpkin
Aren't these blue porcelain pumpkin painting ideas gorgeous? The contrast of the fall colors with the blue makes this pumpkin stand in the limelight. It may take some time, but follow this tutorial thoroughly for breathtaking results.
DIY Donut Pumpkins
Utterly transform your pumpkins into these creative, colorful little donuts. These are such amazing mini pumpkin painting ideas. But be aware that your guests don't attempt to eat them!
Hand painted floral pumpkin
Do you love florals? Do you also love hand painting? Then, this intricate hand-painted floral pumpkin tutorial is the fall project for you!
No Carve Emoji Pumpkins
I absolutely adore how creative emojis have become ever since the first batch of emojis made their debut. Here's your chance to feature some of your favorite emojis on your pumpkins this fall.
Glow In The Dark Dot Painted Pumpkin
We're all about statement pieces here. And what could be more iconic than a glow-in-the-dark painted pumpkin perching on your front porch?
Ice Cream Cone Pumpkin
If you're going bright, colorful, and happy for your Halloween decorations, you cannot miss out on this giant ice cream cone pumpkin. Your visitors won't ever be able to tell this was a pumpkin!
Black and Gold Pumpkins
Black and gold go so wonderfully well together. There are so many easy pumpkin painting ideas that use that color combination. Here is a tutorial on some designs you can feature on your black canvas with gold accents.
Watercolor Pumpkins
Although we said watercolors are not really used in pumpkin painting ideas, this tutorial definitely defies all odds. Learn how to make these gorgeous watercolor-painted pumpkins with glitter stems.
How to Make Sharpie Owl Pumpkins
Don't want to spend so much on supplies just for pumpkins? Then grab a Sharpie and some acrylic paint for the base coat, and you're good to go with these Sharpie Owl Pumpkins.
Galaxy Pumpkin
This Galaxy painted pumpkin is out of this world! Pair it with the moon and star pumpkin painting ideas, and you have a starry night and galaxy to decorate your porch with.
LEGO Heads Painted Pumpkin
Lego was definitely a staple toy for most of us. Have fun with your kids in painting their favorite Lego faces and figurines on this year's pumpkins!
Painted Gingham Pumpkins
Gingham is such a versatile pattern. Paint some neon-colored gingham patterns on your pumpkin for a pop-era vibe. You can also opt for some subtle, muted colors to create a patch of country gingham pumpkins.
Mini Pumpkin Unicorns
Another pretty pumpkin design would be this lovely unicorn pumpkin! Make them in big or small pumpkins and add flowers on their 'horns' as a lovely touch.
Disney Characters Pumpkin Painting Ideas
Are you a fan of Disney characters? Here are some fun Disney pumpkin painting ideas. It includes how to paint BB-8 Pumpkin with bonus ideas on Disney Tsum Tsum Pumpkins and Elsa’s Frozen Pumpkin.
6 Cool No Carve Pumpkin Ideas
To wrap up this list, here are 6 creative no-carve pumpkin painting ideas. We have Olaf Pumpkins, Spider Web pumpkins, Farm-Themed Pumpkins, Seahawks Pumpkin, Decoupage Pumpkin, and Mini “BOO” Pumpkins. Click in to find out more!