Discover creative and fun pumpkin painting ideas perfect for Halloween and fall decorations. No carving needed! Great for kids and adults alike. Get inspired today!
Have you decorated pumpkins yet?? I certainly hope so, though a lot of people love waiting until the last minute. While I love carving pumpkins, I really love painting them!
There’s something to be said for buying a faux pumpkin at the craft store and doing something unique with it. Paint is a huge part of that, but Mod Podge is as well. I always use it to seal my creations.
Of course you can use any of these pumpkin designs for real pumpkins, too. It’s not going to make the gourd last any longer, but it’s still pretty fun!
Ideas for Painting Pumpkins
For this Halloween decor roundup, I picked some of my favorite no carve projects, and I think you’re going to love them as well.
When you don’t carve a pumpkin, your best bet is to either paint it, or decoupage it, or both. That’s what we’re doing with all of these ideas. Some are one, the other, or a combination!
Best Paint for Pumpkins
If you’re wondering what kind of paint to use, I can help you – because I’ve tried them all. You can use the following types of paint on pumpkins, real or fake:
The outside of a pumpkin (whether it is really or fake) is really smooth, so I find that watercolors (or anything runny) isn’t as great for painting them.
My favorite type of paint is FolkArt multi-surface. It works well in terms of sticking to the surface of the pumpkin, and the colors cover well and remain vibrant (plus can tolerate some weather).
Spray Painting
Spray painting pumpkins is totally possible and not hard to do, though you need some patience. Place the gourd down on a paper bag and spray at least 12″ away.
You’ll want to spray several times, using a light coat every time you spray. It’s pretty standard spray painting, but you have to be careful around the curves. You also have to wait until the top dries so that you can get the bottom.
Pumpkin Painting Stencils
You can use any stencil, however, my favorite are the flexible or adhesive kind because of the curves. The cardboard or paper stencils only work well if you have a l-a-r-g-e pumpkin surface on which to use them.
Stenciling on punkins is pretty easy to do and fun. I usually like to basecoat the entire gourd, let dry, and then stencil using complimentary colors.
Are you ready to dive into these pumpkin painting ideas? Let’s roll!
Color Shift
I wrote all about color shift paint and how amazing it is – so I'm starting with this pumpkin because it is so perfect for the holidays! Looks great on big and mini pumpkins.
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Marbled Pumpkins
You've probably seen marbling with nail polish, and this is the same effect – but with paint.
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R2-D2 and C-3PO Star Wars Pumpkins
You might hear these say "beep boop" or, "It’s against my programming to impersonate a deity." I'm thinking that this Star Wars theme with R2-D2 and C-3PO is one of my favorite pumpkin painting ideas!
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Oh Deer Pumpkin
Bambi's never been as cute as he is in pumpkin form! I love that the antlers were made with craft sticks, and the ears are felt.
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Falling Leaves
Half of this pumpkin is crackle painted . . . did you know I love crackle paint??! Then there are Mod Podge fabric leaves, and the result is so cute I can hardly stand it.
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Blood Drip Chalkboard
A black chalkboard pumpkin isn't that spooky – but somehow things are kicked up a notch with the addition of the blood drips! It's red paint. But wouldn't it be perfect for a party?
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Chalk Painted Pumpkins
Create simple pumpkin decorations with chalk finish, diamond dust, and Mod Podge! This craft idea is so easy and perfect for fall. I personally think these would look fabulous with either vintage or farmhouse decor.
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Monogrammed Pumpkin
"Is that a door knob???" I squealed out loud when I first saw this project. And yes, this pumpkin stem is a door knob. The monogram and the color palette gives this pumpkin decor a sophisticated touch.
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It’s Fall Y’all
I just love the bright blue and orange of this happy "it's fall y'all!" pumpkin! If you're going for colorful seasonal decor, this could be pretty cool on your porch. The thumbtacks are a fun addition, and I love the hand painted font.
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Black Cat
I have quite a few cat loving friends that would appreciate this Halloween black cat pumpkin! It reminds me of vintage Halloween art, and I adore it.
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Glow Vintage
These designs have a great retro holiday feel that I just love.
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Neon Paint Drip
If you're looking for eye-catching painted pumpkin ideas . . . you've arrived! I suppose this gourd has more of an 80s vibe, but somehow it's timeless. I don't think anything is too bold for a pumpkin, including this.
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Polka Dot Spider
Let kids practice their polka dots with this giant pumpkin spider! The other fabulous part of this project – you get to use giant pipe cleaners (winning!).
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Ikat Metallic
I love this ikat pumpkin because it's *really* hard to mess it up! The addition of the metallic paint over the top of the spots completes the look. You can customize this pumpkin to your decor or color palette.
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Spooky Tree
There's a bit of mixed media happening in this pumpkin project! You'll use a combination of paint, Mod Podge, scrapbook paper, and book pages to make it.
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Funny Vampire
Every time I look at this vampire pumpkin, I smile! Even if you don’t have advanced painting skills, this face is simple enough for you to paint. A paint pen can help you with the thin lines.
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Glow-in-the-Dark Pumpkin Tree
I couldn't list my favorite painted pumpkin ideas without including a little glow in the dark! You'll need three faux pumpkins for this project, as well as black and glow-in-the-dark paint. It's incredibly fun and easy to do.
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Spooky Sailings
I've got to be honest, a pumpkin hot air balloon is something I've never seen before! I pretty much love it. And that clay pot basket?? I'm squealing.
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Simple Sparkle Skeleton
This is a pumpkin project I painted a long time ago, but I still love it. I'll show you how to transfer any design to the surface of a pumpkin (and then paint it!). I added Sparkle Mod Podge when all was said and done because, of course.
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Diorama Pumpkin Graveyard
There's a lot of fun going on with this Halloween pumpkin! One of my favorite things is what's inside of the pumpkin – those tombstones and stiffy ghosts make the project.
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Pumpkin Ice Bucket
This punkin' doubles as a party cooler/wine chiller, which I think is one of the coolest uses for a faux pumpkin I've seen.
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Stenciled “Happy Words” Pumpkin
You don't need advanced craft skills to make this pumpkin, but you do need patience. You'll use peel n' stick stencils with your favorite words. I love this pumpkin for the Thanksgiving table. Wouldn't it be an awesome centerpiece?
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Spunky Kids
This pumpkin reminds me of JoJo Siwa, with a big bowl on her head! This Halloween themed pumpkin is perfect for kids to make, since it's kind of wild and easily customizable.
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Howls of Delight
Craft foam is perfect for adding dimension to your projects, and that's how it goes with this werewolf pumpkin! The foam is used for the snout, ears, and teeth.
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Gold Geometric
Painter's tape will be your best friend in this project! That means all you have to do is tape a white painted pumpkin (real or fake) and paint the rest of it in gold. Then remove the tape. You can do it, can't you?
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Chalkboard Label
Painted pumpkin ideas don't have to be complicated – and that's what I love about this idea! Use chalkboard paint and attach a bow . . . boom, you're done.
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Sugar Skull Pumpkin
Use multi-surface paint and peel-and-stick stencils to create a pumpkin that honors the Dia de los Muertos tradition. Click through to get the free pattern to make this whimsical face.
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Elegant Leaves
Painted pumpkin ideas don't have to be complicated to be beautiful. This stenciled pumpkin is perfectly neutral, and it would look amazing with Fixer Upper style decor. Simple yet pretty!
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Sparkly Geometric
This sparkly pumpkin reminds me of disco and David Bowie! If you're feeling a little Ziggy Stardust this holiday season, might I recommend a silver pumpkin sealed with Sparkle Mod Podge?
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Painted Harlequin Pumpkins
These awesome harlequin painted pumpkins are so easy to make – the perfect last minute DIY project for your Halloween or Thanksgiving decor.
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Which of these pumpkin decorating ideas is your favorite? Do you have any questions about these projects or any techniques? Let me know in the comments!
Thank you so much for sharing all of these great ideas.
All crafts done with style and class excellent.