Can You Spray Paint A Pumpkin? (Yes! Follow These 6 Steps)

Spray paint is a type of paint available in pressurized cans. The pigments are suspended in an aerosol spray that releases when you press down the valve nozzle. 

If you need a solid color base or plan to paint the pumpkin all one color, spray paint is the best option. Spray paint will give you a uniform coat without any brush strokes.  

Real pumpkins take paint well, especially spray paint. Their lightly textured surface allows the pigments to adhere, though they can chip if left exposed to the elements.

To prevent this, consider covering your painted gourd with a coat of clear sealant.  

There is a risk of a painted pumpkin exploding as it decomposes. If the pores of the pumpkin get sealed by paint—especially oil-based paint—gasses can build up and create a messy pumpkin explosion.

To prevent this, you can drill or puncture a small hole in the pumpkin. 

Fake pumpkins will last for years and years, as long as you touch up the paint after storage. 

Plastic pumpkins are more likely to flake than real pumpkins, but I've found that a primer designed for plastic adherence solves that issue.  

Foam pumpkins are an excellent option for spray painting because the pigments stick well to the softer texture and pores.  

If you want to carve and paint your pumpkin, you can take steps to make your pumpkin last a bit longer.  

Dunking your creation in bleach water after cutting helps kill pathogens that lead to rot. I also recommend coating the areas where you made cuts with petroleum jelly to retain moisture.  

Keep in mind that a carved pumpkin will rot faster than a whole one, no matter what you do to preserve it.  

In art, especially this sort of fun, seasonal activity, anything goes in the way of design. The pleasure of painting is experimenting with colors and styles, so don't worry about the result too much. 

White pumpkins, such as the Baby Boo, Super Moon, and Cotton Candy, are often referred to as "ghost pumpkins," thanks to their hauntingly pale color.

If you only have orange gourds available in your area, you can spray paint your pumpkin white to achieve the same look.  

These are incredibly gorgeous when you pair the unpigmented squash with glitter accents, lace appliques, and bold, black detailing.  

Rich, mustard yellow is a ubiquitous fall color, so it's completely understandable if you want to add this shade to your fall decor in the form of a painted pumpkin.  

If you decide to use lighter colors, you'll most likely need to incorporate a white primer as a base coat to cover the orange undertones that might come through your paint.  

Metallic decor is all the rage, and pumpkins are an excellent choice for bringing this trendy palette into your home.

A warm, shimmering gold stands out best against a white primer coat, but some prefer a hint of orange to shine through.  

Experiment with layering to achieve the perfect luxe shade you're aiming for.  

Turn your pumpkins pretty in pink with a few coats of spray paint. You can go pastel or try an eye-catching fuchsia shade, depending on your preferences.  

Pair with other unique colors, like blue, white, and silver, for a harvest display your guests won't soon forget.  

Pumpkins can be winter decor, too! Reuse your white pumpkins for the winter holidays by adding red stripes, creating a peppermint candy twist.  

I highly recommend sprinkling a bit of white glitter over your creation for a sugar-coated glisten that will twinkle in the light.  

Ready to start spray painting your pumpkin? Let's walk through the steps for perfecting your harvest-time decor: 

Your first step for spray painting anything is following the proper safety recommendations. Spray paint can be flammable due to the propellants. 

Oil-based paints also contain toxins that are dangerous if inhaled. Therefore, it would be best only to spray paint in a well-ventilated area and use a respirator to prevent the spray paint toxins from getting in the lungs.

Protect the ground where you'll be painting with a tarp or plastic sheeting. 

When painting inside an opened garage to avoid the wind or weather, you may also want to cover any nearby items with a protective cover to prevent accidentally speckling them with pigment.  

If you want to keep parts of the pumpkin orange, cover those areas with painter's tape before you start. You may also want to tape the stem to retain its natural color.  

Start with a base coat of white that will make your colors more vivid and opaque than putting the paint directly on the pumpkin. 

Once you've decided on your final product, cover the base coat with the spray paint color of your choice. Use several thin coats, layering over dry spray, to avoid drips and splotches. When spraying, go side-to-side rather than up and down, creating the most even color.  

Once your pumpkin is completely dry, add stenciling, designs, or accents if you'd like! Popular options include glitter, swirls, stripes, and painted-on faces.  

Spray painting pumpkins is a fun activity to do at any time of the year, no matter your age.

So long as you follow all safety precautions, it's a safer option for small children who aren't yet able to handle the sharp tools necessary to carve.  

It also opens the door for more designs, unique accents, and pops of color that aren't available with traditional pumpkins.