How to Paint Pine Cones for Crafts and Decorations
Tips on how to paint pine cones for crafts and decorations using clean, dry pine cones and spray paint. Great for use in home decor and pine cone crafts!
Materials
- Clean, Dry Pinecones
- Spray Paint
- Clear Acrylic Sealer
Instructions
- If you collect your pinecones, clean and sanitize them using our tutorial for preparing pinecones for crafts.If you bought your pinecones from a craft store or online retailer, they should be prepped and ready to go.
- Prepare to paint.I like to spray paint outside if possible because of the stinky fumes and the mess.I use cardboard boxes to lay my items on.
- Follow the directions on the spray paint can, and spray the pine cones with the first coat.Let the first coat dry.You will NOT completely coat the pine cone in this first step; you will paint multiple coats so don't stress or spray it on too thick.
- Once the pine cones are dry enough to handle, turn them over to expose the other side and spray another coat.As you spray, go lightly, and try to hit all angles of the pine cone - spray from the top, sides, and underneath. You want paint to go into all the nooks and crannies of the pine cone.Let dry.
- Once dry to the touch, turn the pine cone again so you can spray it from another angle.Continue to spray and get paint into all of the inner sections of the pine cone.Let dry.
- Repeat the painting & let dry steps until the pine cones are fully coated from all angles.Depending on the type and color of paint, and how heavy you spray, it will take at least several coats.Once the pine cones are fully coated, let them dry completely.
- If you want to give your painted pine cones an added layer of protection, you can spray them with a coat of clear acrylic sealer once they are fully dry.Check the spray paint can to see how long it takes for the paint you used to fully cure; usually, it's several days.Once the paint has cured and the painted pine cones are completely dry, spray them with a coat of clear acrylic sealer to further protect and preserve them.(Clear acrylic sealer can be used to protect plain pine cones as well as painted pine cones.)
- Once everything is completely dry, the pine cones are ready to be used!Painted pine cones are a great addition to home decor. Put them in jars, vases, baskets, or just set out on their own on a shelf or mantel. They would look great in a Thanksgiving tablescape too!Or you can use them in pine cone crafts, like Pinecone Christmas ornaments or a pine cone wreath.
Notes
- Clean and sanitize the pinecones if you collect them from outside to eliminate dirt and bugs before you use them for crafts.
- Spray paint your pinecones with multiple light coats from varying angles to coat them from all directions.
- Use clear acrylic sealer when the paint is dry and cured to add a layer of protection to the painted pinecones.