PAINT THIS: Realistic Faux Pumpkins

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As autumn approaches, many people love to decorate their front patios with piles of pumpkins. However, not everyone has time to grow their own pumpkins or visit a pumpkin patch to pick up a crateful. For convenience, many opt for faux pumpkins. While faux pumpkins offer a practical solution, they often look too bright and artificial. Here's a simple tutorial on how to give your faux pumpkins a more realistic faux finish, enhancing their aesthetic appeal.

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Supplies:

  • Foam or plastic pumpkins

  • Acrylic base paint - We used a sample quart of Tannic Tea | R132

  • Chip brush

  • Water

  • Mixing cup 

  • Dry rag

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Getting Started: 

When it comes to choosing the right wash for your project, there are two main options to consider: a dark umber wash or a soft gray-blue wash. Each one will create a different look, so it's important to choose the one that best fits your desired aesthetic. For this particular project, we opted for Tannic Tea | R132. This color offers a rich burnt umber hue with a more aged appearance. We used a Miller Paint sample quart in a low sheen that gives it a more authentic look.

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To prepare the paint mixture, we combined it with 2 parts water and 1 part paint. This ratio will give you a medium-strength wash that can be easily applied with a chip brush or rag. If you want a lighter wash, you can add more water. If you want a darker wash, you can add more paint.

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Once you've prepared the paint mixture, you can begin applying it to your pumpkin. Be sure to work in small sections and apply the wash evenly. 

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After painting a section give it a minute or two to set and then take your dry rag and gently wipe away excess paint until you have the desired look you want. You may need to apply multiple coats to achieve a stronger color depth.

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Tips:

  • Layer paint—You can also try layering other colors of paint to give your pumpkins a more dynamic look. For example, you could start with a base coat of dark umber wash and then add a layer of soft gray-blue wash on top. This will create a more complex and interesting finish.

  • Various sizes—Getting pumpkins in various styles, shapes, and sizes will make styling more interesting. Using pumpkins of different heights, widths, and colors can create a more dynamic display.

  • Sealant - To protect your faux finish, put a clear coat of matte finish on your pumpkins to protect them from damage. This will help to keep your pumpkins looking their best for longer.

  • Use a variety of tools to apply the wash, such as a chip brush, rag, or sponge. This will help to create a more natural and varied look.

  • Experiment with different techniques, such as dry brushing or stippling. These techniques can add depth and texture to your finish.

  • Be patient and take your time. The key to a successful wash is to build it up gradually. If you try to do too much too quickly, you may end up with a muddy or uneven finish.

For more color inspiration, head to our Inspiration page.