How to Make DIY Fall Pumpkins and Gourds
An easy tutorial showing how to make DIY fall pumpkins and gourds by repainting plastic or styrofoam pumpkins and gourds! They're the perfect fall decorations; use them in fall table centerpieces, fall mantle decorations and more!
Materials
- Plastic or Styrofoam Pumpkins and Gourds
- Spray Paint (primer and paint, both rated for plastic)
- Painters Tape and Paper Towels
- Rubber Gloves and Respirator
Instructions
- Prime the pumpkins with a spray primer that is rated for plastic.This is especially important if your original pumpkins and gourds are orange like mine, and if you are using light paint colors. You don't want the original orange color to show through.
- Spray paint the pumpkins (I used white) with a paint that bonds to plastic.Begin by spraying the bottom first. Let dry.Then set them upright and work on spraying the sides and the top. Let dry.
- Continue the same painting process with any additional colors (like this metallic gold.)
- Add glitter if desired.This adds a fun dimension and shimmer to the simple, chic pumpkin.
- To make two-toned pumpkins and gourds, mask off the sections you want to remain the original color.Use sticky painters tape and paper towels to cover the parts you don't want to get paint on, and rub firmly along the tape's edges.If you don't rub well to seal the painters tape, paint can seep underneath the tape.
- Spray the second color onto exposed areas, and let dry. Remove the tape and paper towels to reveal the final product!
Notes
- Make sure your spray primer and spray paint are both rated for use on plastic so they have the best chance of sticking.
- Use fresh, sticky painters tape to make sure you get a good seal if you are masking off any parts of your pumpkins to paint a second color. If you don't get a good seal, paint can seep underneath.
- Start by spraying the bottom of the pumpkins and gourds first. Once the bottoms are dry, turn them upright and continue with the sides and top. That will decrease the risk of smudges.