Cardboard & Prop BuildsNo. 5022 · The 2026 edition
How to Make Zombies with Buckets - Halloween Prop Tutorial
Turn ordinary plastic buckets into creepy zombie props for your Halloween display with this easy painting tutorial.
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Transform simple plastic buckets into haunting zombie decorations by painting them with acrylics. Use gray or green bases, add facial features and shading, then arrange them for a spooky scene. Optionally seal for outdoor use.
You'll need
Directions
- Make sure the plastic buckets are clean and completely dry.
- Apply a base layer of either gray or green acrylic paint over the whole bucket. Wait for it to dry.
- Using black paint, sketch out the eyes, mouth, and other zombie details. Then add small white highlights.
- To boost realism, apply darker shades of paint around the eye sockets and cheek areas to create depth.
- Allow the paint to dry fully. You can also apply a clear sealant if you want the prop to withstand outdoor conditions.
- Put the buckets in chosen spots, stacking or arranging them to form a zombie scene.
