31+ Pumpkin Painting Ideas That Are Creative Alternatives To Conventional Carving (2024)

Photo: Stock Photos from Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

As Halloween draws near, spooky decor might be on your mind. Jack-o’-lanterns are one of the most common—and beloved—pieces of Halloween furnishings. But, let’s face it: pumpkin carving can be a challenge. From cleaning out the seeds to using sharp utensils, there are a few reasons to avoid the activity. But if you’re still wanting to decorate a gourd to beautify your porch, there’s a creative alternative: painted pumpkins.

For pumpkin painting, you’ll only need a few supplies to get started. Beyond the pumpkin, you’ll want to grab your favorite set of paintbrushes, acrylic paints, paint pens, and a paint palette. Then, think of the orange gourd as your blank canvas for all kinds of artwork. You could skew traditional and paint a face onto the pumpkin that’s akin to carving a Jack-o’-lantern. You could find inspiration in nature by painting leaves, flowers, or even the night sky. Or, you could go abstract. Elspeth McLean, for instance, painted in a pumpkin in the style of artist Yayoi Kusama and decorated the surface with many tiny dots. Whatever route you choose, have fun with it.

Need some help getting started? Scroll down for creative and easy halloween pumpkin painting ideas.

Want to decorate for Halloween but don't want to carve a pumpkin? Try one of these pumpkin painting ideas!

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This article has been edited and updated.

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31+ Pumpkin Painting Ideas That Are Creative Alternatives To Conventional Carving (2024)

FAQs

How to decorate a pumpkin with paint? ›

Start by drawing a design on your pumpkin using pencil — whether it's simple or intricate. Trace your pencil lines with puff paint and let dry completely for a few hours. Cover the stem of the pumpkin with masking tape and spray your pumpkin with matte spray paint or chalk paint, and let dry.

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What is the best paint for painting pumpkins? ›

Thomas agrees and recommends acrylic paint instead of oil-based when painting pumpkins. "It's quick-drying, easy to use, and clean-up is a breeze," she says. "Because acrylic is water-based, if you mess up, you can wipe it off with a rag and start over! Oil-based paint takes a long time to dry and can be fumy.

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What is a good substitute for pumpkin carving? ›

Aside from peppers, Murray says gourds and squash vegetables are other great alternatives to classic pumpkins. Choose ones with smooth fronts to carve your spooky faces into.

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What are 10 uses for pumpkins that are not decorative? ›

Eat Them. Pumpkins are mild in flavor and full of vitamins and minerals. ...
Send Them to a Community Pumpkin Roundup. Getty Images. ...
Use One as a Holiday Ice Bucket. ...
Incorporate Them Into Your Thanksgiving Decor. ...
Try Some Upcycled Crafts. ...
Make a Bird Feeder. ...
Use Them for Pots. ...
Compost Them.

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Apr 18, 2024

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How do you attach something to a painted pumpkin? ›

After the paint is completely dry use a few drops of hot glue to attach your pumpkin decoration directly to your pumpkin. It's as easy as that, folks!

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How do you make the Grinch color? ›

To achieve the Grinch color, use 9 drops of blue food coloring and 29 drops of yellow food coloring (if you don't already have lime green food coloring or frosting). You can use box cake mix or start from scratch!

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Is Crayola paint good for pumpkins? ›

Crayola Quick-Dry Paint Sticks and Take Note! Permanent Markers are formulated to allow you to create works of art on real or fake pumpkins. Feel free to explore all your creative options. Experiment with Crayola acrylic paints, washable paints and non-washable markers.

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What kind of brush is best for painting pumpkins? ›

When painting a pumpkin, you'll want to avoid hard, bristly brushes. Instead, opt for sponge brushes and brushes with softer bristles so you don't damage the skin or scratch your pumpkin. If your pumpkin is already pretty rough, though, bristly brushes might be best.

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What to do with pumpkins after cutting? ›

Curing Your Pumpkin

Curing hardens their skin to protect it from decay and rot. If you cure your pumpkin, it will last until Christmas! Some varieties of winter squash will even last until spring if cured. To cure your pumpkins, cut the stem with a sharp knife, leaving 4 inches attached to the pumpkin.

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What can I do with uncarved pumpkins? ›

Cook uncarved pumpkins – they also look great in your home!

By not carving them to go outside, you can cook and eat the whole pumpkin (excluding the stalk). There are so many delicious recipes you can make with your pumpkin, from soup and risotto to pie and even cake.

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What do farmers do with leftover pumpkins? ›

Pumpkins that haven't rotted yet have lots of use on farms—all kinds of livestock enjoy nibbling on the scraps. “Goats, chickens, pigs, and even the farm dogs enjoy munching on pumpkins, and they are filled with nutrients,” says Chriss Hall of Triple H Farm in Swansea, South Carolina.