Pumpkins are often carved for Halloween. But carving pumpkins can be dangerous for children. Instead of getting out the carving knives, bring out the paint. So, what is the best paint for pumpkins? There are several types you can use to get stunning results.
Best Paint for Pumpkins for 2024 – Our 3 Top Picks
Best Overall
Apple Barrel PROMOABI Matte Finish Acrylic Craft Paint Set
If you are not looking for anything fancy, you cannot go wrong with the Apple Barrel acrylic paints. This set includes a wide variety of colours. And the paints are non-toxic and water-based.
Premium Choice
Artistro Acrylic Paint Markers Pens
Artistro pens produce vibrant colours that are water-resistant. They are made with the highest quality water-based Italian imported ink. This set includes 28 colours that can be used on almost any type of surface. The pens can be used for calligraphy and colouring.
Great Value
Krylon K01010A07 Premium Metallic Spray Paint
This Krylon spray paint will not break the bank. It is reasonably priced, and you can get your projects done quickly.
Painting pumpkins is a great way to stay safe and be creative. When you paint a pumpkin, you will want to use paint that will be vibrant and stand out. You do not want paint that is dull and cannot be seen by passersby.
What is the Best Paint for Pumpkins?
There are paint kits you can buy to decorate your pumpkins. However, there are other paints you can use that will get amazing results. And you probably have some of them sitting around your home.
- Acrylic Paints
Acrylic paints can come in handy for all different types of crafts. If you are an avid crafter, there is a good chance you already have a few bottles of acrylic paint sitting around.
Acrylic paints provide good coverage. They are one of the best paints for pumpkins. They also dry quicker than oil-based paints. Since they are water-based, the paint wipes off easily if you make a mistake.
Oil-based paints take a long time to dry and require several coats. They also have an odour that can be unpleasant to work with.
- Paint Markers
Paint markers give you the ability to make intricate patterns. Paint markers are easy to use, and they dry quickly. They are a great tool for adults as well as children.
With a paint marker, you produce crisp lines for detail work. Markers are often used to add small details when finishing up a project.
- Chalkboard Paint
Chalkboard paint will give your pumpkins a matte finish. The pumpkins will look more sophisticated. You can use bright colours or muted colours to match your autumn decor.
Black chalkboard paint is also fun to use. Paint the pumpkins black and let them dry. Once it is dry, allow the kids to draw faces on them with chalk. The chalk can be wiped off, and they can decorate the pumpkins over and over.
- Puffy Paint
Using puffy paint is a great way to add detail and texture. You can make your own puffy paint or buy paint that is ready to use. The paint comes in fun colours and there are even glow-in-the-dark options.
Puffy paints come in small bottles that have a precision tip. The tip gives you the ability to add precision lines and dots.
- Spray Paint
Cover a pumpkin quickly with spray paint. When you use spray paint you will often need to use multiple coats to get an even all-over colour. Spray-painting is a fast way to get a base coat for detail work. Use painters’ tape to block off areas you do not want to paint.
- Kid-Friendly Kits
If you have very young children, you will want to use paints that are safe and washable. There are many paint kits on the market that can be used safely by children.
8 Best Paint for Pumpkins for 2024
1. Apple Barrel PROMOABI Matte Finish Acrylic Craft Paint Set
Acrylic paints are easy to use, and they come in a wide variety of colours. They are some of the cheapest and easiest to find best paint for pumpkins.
Why We Like the Apple Barrel PROMOABI:
You get 18 2 oz bottles of vivid colours that dry with a beautiful matte finish.
- 18 Vivid Colours
There are plenty of colours to choose from. Since these paints can be mixed, they are at the top of our list of best paint for pumpkins.
- Smooth
This paint glides on smoothly.
- Dries Quickly
The Apple Barrel acrylic best paint for pumpkins dries extremely quickly. This gives you the ability to apply additional coats, if needed, and add detail work.
Pros and Cons of the Apple Barrel PROMOABI:
Pros:
- 18 assorted colours
- Nontoxic
- Vivid colours
- Water-based
- Glides on smoothly
- Dries quickly
- Colours can be mixed
Cons:
- Consistency can vary between colours
2. Tulip Dimensional Fabric Pack
Tulip is known for producing some of the best Dimensional Fabric Paint on the market. With this kit, you get 20 rainbow and neon colours.
Why We Like the Tulip Dimensional Fabric Pack:
The easy squeeze bottle and precision tip make it easy to use these puffy paints.
- Easy Squeeze Bottles
You do not have to apply a lot of pressure to get the paint to flow out of the bottle.
- Fine-point Tip
You can create precise lines with the fine-point tip on this best paint for pumpkins.
- Works on a Variety of Surfaces
You can use this best paint for pumpkins on real pumpkins and artificial pumpkins. And when the holidays are over you can also is on fabric, posters, glass and wood.
Pros and Cons of the Tulip Dimensional Fabric Pack:
Pros:
- 20 vibrant neon colours
- Nontoxic
- Machine washable
- Fine-point tip
- Works on a variety of surfaces
- Easy squeeze bottles
- Flexible
Cons:
- Takes a long time to dry
- Not much paint in a bottle
- Cannot be mixed
3. Tulip Glow in The Dark Dimensional Fabric Paint
The Tulip Dimensional Glow-in-the-Dark Fabric Paint comes in the hottest colors. You are not limited to painting pumpkins with this paint. You can also decorate Halloween costumes and treat bags.
Why We Like the Tulip Glow in The Dark Dimensional Fabric Paint:
This dimensional paint will glow-in-the-dark when activated with a UV light or black light.
- Glow-in-the-Dark
Kids are always amazed by things that glow-in-the-dark. With this paint they can magically watch their own creations glow.
- Easy to Use
These Tulip dimensional paints are super easy to use. The easy squeeze bottle and fine tip makes drawing and writing easy.
- Durable
These paints are permanent, and they will not crack.
Pros and Cons of the Tulip Glow in The Dark Dimensional Fabric Paint:
Pros:
- 10 glow-in-the-dark colours
- Non-toxic
- Easy-squeeze bottles
- Can be used on costumes too
Cons:
- Cannot be mixed
- Needs UV or a black light to glow
4. Artistro Acrylic Paint Markers Pens
With these medium tip paint markers, you can add detail and colour in larger areas.
Why We Like the Artistro Acrylic Paint Markers Pens:
These paint pens create smooth precise lines and the colours are vibrant.
- Rich Colour
These paint pens are made from high-quality Italian ink. They provide a rich colour, even on the first layer.
- Medium Tip
The medium tip makes this marker versatile. You can add detail and use it for colouring.
- Water Resistant
Your projects will last longer outside when you use water resistant paint.
Pros and Cons of the Artistro Acrylic Paint Markers Pens:
Pros:
- 24 Colours
- Fade proof
- Perfect for drawing
- Nontoxic
- Weatherproof
- Fine bullet tip
Cons:
- Do not blend well
- Not designed for use on large areas
5. Krylon K01010A07 Premium Metallic Spray Paint
Krylon stray paints are perfect for painting a pumpkin quickly. You can keep the pumpkins one colour. Or use the paint as a base coat.
Why We Like the Krylon K01010A07:
You can make your pumpkin look like metal with this Krylon Premium Metallic Spray paint.
- Fast Drying
You can get your projects done quickly with Krylon spray paint. It is dry to the touch in as little as 10 minutes.
- Finish
You can get a smooth, high gloss finish on your pumpkin with this metallic craft spray paint.
- Application
The application of paint cannot get any easier.
Pros and Cons of the Krylon K01010A07:
Pros:
- Metallic finish
- Easy application
- Fast drying
- High gloss
- Acid free
- Can be used on a variety of surfaces
Cons:
- Can be messy
- Should be used outside
- Nozzle is known to drip
6. Krylon Chalkboard Aerosol Spray Paint
Chalkboard paint adds a beautiful matte texture to your pumpkins. Once painted, decorate the pumpkins with chalk or leave them plain.
Why We Like the Krylon Spray Paint:
Once you paint the pumpkin using Krylon black chalkboard paint, you can use chalk to create your pumpkin faces. Once you are tired of the design, simply erase the chalk and start again.
- Easy Application
Simply spray your pumpkin with thin even coats.
- Chalkboard Surface
Your kids will have a durable chalkboard surface to write and draw on.
- Dries Quickly
This paint will dry to the touch within 15 minutes.
Pros and Cons of the Krylon Spray Paint:
Pros:
- Easy application
- Durable
- Dries quickly
Cons:
- Indoor use only
7. Midnight Glo UV Paint Acrylic Black Light Reactive Bright Neon Colors Set
When decorating for Halloween, you need to have something that glows-in-the dark. Everyone will enjoy adding details to their pumpkins with these vibrant paints.
Why We Like the Midnight Glo UV Paint:
These glow-in-the-dark paints look good even when they are not glowing. They are very colourful and are some of the best paint for Halloween pumpkins.
- Vivid Colours
The colours are extremely vivid and eye-catching.
- Bright
Under a black light, these paints glow brightly.
- Easy to Use
These paints do not need to be mixed or water down. Simply dip your paintbrush in the paint and begin painting.
Pros and Cons of the Midnight Glo UV Paint:
Pros:
- 8 vibrant neon colours
- Non-toxic
- Glow-in-the-Dark
- Can be used on a variety of surfaces
Cons:
- Bottles are very small
- Needs UV or a black light to glow
8. Crayola Pumpkin Paint Kit
This pumpkin painting kit was designed with children in mind. It includes 6 acrylic paints that are safe and non-toxic.
Why We Like the Crayola Pumpkin Paint Kit:
These paints are thick and opaque. Your kids will not have to paint several layers to get good results.
- Vivid Colours
The colours are bright.
- Can be Mixed
There are only 6 colours in this kit. However, they can be mixed to create additional colours.
- Easy to Use
There is no mixing involved. They are ready to be used as soon as you open the bottles.
Pros and Cons of the Crayola Pumpkin Paint Kit:
Pros:
- Vibrant opaque colours
- Non-toxic
- Can be used on a variety of surfaces
Cons:
- Permanent and stain clothes
- Only 6 colours
Best Paint for Pumpkins – 2024 Top Picks
Best Overall
Apple Barrel PROMOABI Matte Finish Acrylic Craft Paint Set
If you are not looking for anything fancy, you cannot go wrong with the Apple Barrel acrylic paints. This set includes a wide variety of colours. And the paints are non-toxic and water-based.
Premium Choice
Artistro Acrylic Paint Markers Pens
Artistro pens produce vibrant colours that are water-resistant. They are made with the highest quality water-based Italian imported ink. This set includes 28 colours that can be used on almost any type of surface. The pens can be used for calligraphy and colouring.
Great Value
Krylon K01010A07 Premium Metallic Spray Paint
This Krylon spray paint will not break the bank. It is reasonably priced, and you can get your projects done quickly.
Check out our review on the Best Face Paint.
LEAVE YOUR CARVING KNIVES IN THE DRAWER THIS YEAR. INSTEAD, DECORATE YOUR JACK-O’-LANTERS WITH THE BEST PAINT FOR PUMPKINS.
Paints are a fun and safe way of decorating pumpkins. And when you paint a pumpkin, it will last longer than a carved pumpkin. Once a pumpkin is carved, it can last up to 1-2 weeks outdoors. On the other hand, a painted pumpkin can last 2-3 months.
If your kids love drawing so much, be sure to check our review on the Best Outdoor Easel for Kids.
What are you waiting for? Purchase some faux pumpkins at a craft store or buy some real pumpkins at a farmer’s market. Then let your imagination run wild as you decorate them with some of the best paint for pumpkins.
