Fall Crafts: How to Paint Pretty Pumpkins

Directions

1. First, apply two coats of paint to your foam pumpkin. To skip priming, I used Chalk Paint in Old White, French Linen, a mix of Chateau Grey and Old White (about 3 parts OW to 1 part CG), Duck Egg, and a mix of Florence and Old White (5 parts OW to 1 part F). Any paint that adheres without primer and isn't too glossy—like acrylics or milk paint with bonding agent—works. Use a small craft brush to paint around the stem, then use a 2-inch angled brush (I like a Purdy 2 1/2 sash) to coat the rest. Make sure paint gets into every groove and notch. Let dry, then apply a second coat if using lighter colors.
2. Once the paint is completely dry, take a cloth and apply clear wax. Remember, you only need a small amount at a time.
3. Spread the wax thinly across the pumpkin. You'll see where you've applied it because the wax slightly deepens the paint color. Work it into every groove and over the entire surface, using another cloth to wipe off excess as you go.
4. Now it's time to apply dark wax. Coat the whole pumpkin with dark wax, pressing it into the grooves and dips.
5. Work in sections: spread the dark wax on, then wipe it off with a separate cloth. Let the wax collect in the grooves to mimic natural dirt. This dark wax gives a warmer, deeper tone and a naturally 'dirty' look. Let the pumpkins dry completely, and you're finished.