How To Paint Gourds (Best Paint For Gourds)

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Gourd paintings are a popular hobby for both adults and children. Gourds are hard shelled fruits that are often used as decorative ornaments or natural canvases for art. When dried and sealed properly, painted gourds can last for many years—even outdoors!

In this post, I’ve gathered the best methods on how to dry, clean, paint, and seal a gourd. I’ve also recommended the best paints and sealers to use on gourds for long lasting results!

Without further ado, here’s how to paint gourds for beginners!

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Preparing A Gourd For Painting

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For long lasting results, I highly recommend using dried gourds for painting. Although you can definitely paint on fresh gourds, they will only last a few weeks before rotting. When dried correctly, painted gourds can last almost forever!

If you don’t already have a dried gourd, you can purchase pre-dried gourds or dry them yourself at home. Although not difficult, drying gourds does take time and may take months. However, if you want your painted gourds to last for years to come, the results are worth it!

Here’s a quick step-by-step on how to dry, clean, and prepare gourds for beginners:

How To Prepare Gourds For Painting

  1. Before painting, the gourds should be dried completely. To do this, let the gourd dry for about one month in a cool and well-ventilated area. Check it every couple days. You’ll know the gourd is ready when you shake it and hear seeds rattling inside.
  2. After drying, it’s time to clean the gourd. Make sure to wear a face mask during this step. Place the gourd in a bucket of warm, soapy water. Then, use a sponge to remove any dirt and mold. After cleaning, allow the gourd to air dry.
  3. To make the surface smoother and easier to paint, gently scrub the surface of the gourd with 150 grit sandpaper.
  4. After sanding, clean the gourd again with dish soap and water. Allow it to dry completely overnight. For best results, apply an acrylic clear coating before painting.

How To Paint Gourds

Best Paint For Gourds

  1. Acrylic Paint
  2. Spray Paint
  3. Paint Pens

Our Top Picks

Best Paint For Gourds: FolkArt Outdoor Acrylic Paint Set
Easiest Paint To Use: Krylon COLORmaxx Spray Paint & Primer
For Mess-Free Painting: Reaeon Acrylic Paint Marker Set
Best Sealer: Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating

1. Acrylic Paint

Now that you’ve properly prepared your dried gourds, it’s time to paint! To paint gourds that will last for years outside, I highly recommend using an outdoor acrylic paint. Outdoor acrylic paints are durable and self-sealing, meaning there’s no need to use primers, sealers, or varnishes!

For painting on gourds for outdoor use, I highly recommend using FolkArt’s Outdoor Acrylic Paint Set. This product is specifically formulated for outdoor projects, and is weather-resistant, durable, and UV stable. These acrylic paints have a rich, creamy consistency that makes them easy to blend and shade!

The bright colors and glossy finish makes them perfect for painting dried gourds! If you are looking for a vibrant, long lasting paint for beginners, I highly recommend it! Here’s a quick guide for painting a gourd with acrylic paint:

How To Paint Gourds With Acrylic Paint

  1. Place newspapers under the gourd to protect your work surface. Make sure your gourd is dried, cleaned, sanded, and sealed before painting. For cleaning and drying your paint brush between colors, keep a water cup and paper towels nearby.
  2. Using a paint pen, carefully outline your artwork on the gourd. Allow the ink to dry completely before filling it in with acrylic paint.
  3. If desired, blend acrylic paints together to create custom colors. Using a clean paint brush, apply a thin, even layer of acrylic paint on the gourd. Allow the paint to dry completely before adding an additional coat or using a new color. Clean and dry your paint brush between colors.
  4. When you are finished painting, allow your gourd to dry completely before handling. For added outdoor protection, seal the painted gourd with an UV resistant clear acrylic coating.

Best Paint For Gourds: FolkArt Outdoor Acrylic Paint Set

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Features

  • This Outdoor Acrylic Paint Set from FolkArt contains twelve bottles of acrylic paint (each bottle contains 2 fluid ounces of paint). These paints are specifically formulated for outdoor arts and crafts.
  • This paint set has bright, beautiful colors that are weather-resistant, durable, and UV stable. The rich, creamy consistency makes them easy to blend and shade.
  • The acrylic paints are versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces. The vibrant colors and glossy finish makes them perfect for painting dried gourds!
  • These outdoor acrylic paints dry to a satin finish and are self-sealing. There’s no need to use primers, sealers, or varnishes!

*Price At Time Of Publish

2. Spray Paint

Spray paints are an easy way to color to your entire gourd in one sitting. They are inexpensive, provide smooth coverage, and paint large sections quickly. If you want to paint detailed designs on dried gourds, it is better to use acrylic paint or paint pens.

For painting on gourds, I highly recommend Krylon COLORmaxx Spray Paint & Primer. This is the best paint for beginners, and is fade resistant for long lasting color and finish. It can be used for both indoor and outdoor projects, and dries to the touch in 20 minutes or less.

Unlike other brands (which only have basic colors), Krylon has a large selection of unique colors like Gum Drop, Bauhasu Gold, Pumpkin Orange, Watermelon, and more! If you are looking for a long lasting outdoor spray paint for gourds, I recommend checking them out!

Here’s some helpful tips for painting a gourd with spray paint:

How To Paint Gourds With Spray Paint

  1. Work in a well-ventilated area or outside. Wear protective eyewear and a mask. Place newspapers under the gourd to protect your work surface. Make sure your gourd is dried, cleaned, sanded, and sealed before painting.
  2. Shake the spray can two minutes after the ball inside the can starts to rattle. Hold the spray can 6 to 8 inches away from the gourd.
  3. Press the spray button tip and spray a thin, even coat in a side-to-side motion. Don’t spray thick coats. Wait for the paint to dry completely before applying additional coats.
  4. When you are finished spray painting, allow your gourd to dry completely before handling. For added outdoor protection, seal the painted gourd with an UV resistant clear acrylic coating.

Easiest Paint To Use: Krylon COLORmaxx Spray Paint & Primer

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Features

  • This listing is for one 12 fluid ounce Krylon COLORmaxx Spray Paint & Primer in Gum Drop Gloss. See link for other gorgeous color and finish options!
  • This spray paint delivers excellent adhesion, durability, and rust protection. It can be used for both indoor and outdoor projects, and dries to the touch in 20 minutes or less.
  • A single 12 fluid ounce spray paint can covers up to 25 square feet. This product is easy to use and can be applied on a variety of surfaces. The paint is fade resistant for long lasting color and finish.

*Price At Time Of Publish

3. Paint Pens

Paint pens work like regular markers, are super simple to use, and can be used on both light and dark surfaces. They make the painting process mess-free, effortless, and fast. They are a great way to create detailed artworks on dried gourds without the mess.

For painting a gourd without clean up, I highly recommend Reaeon’s Acrylic Paint Marker Set. This set comes in a pack of 14 and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor craft projects. The vivid, water-based ink dries quickly to an opaque and glossy finish.

These markers have a low odor, are fade-resistant, and flow cleanly. Paint pens are the best paint to use for beginners and allow you to paint without paint brushes! Note that, unlike acrylic paint, you won’t be able to mix and create custom colors.

Here’s a quick step-by-step for painting on gourds with paint pens.

How To Paint Gourds With Paint Pens

  1. Place newspapers under the gourd to protect your work surface. Make sure your gourd is dried, cleaned, sanded, and sealed before painting.
  2. To activate new paint pens, shake the pens for a minute and then remove the lid. Press the tip on a piece of paper until the ink starts to flow.
  3. Carefully outline your artwork with a paint pen on the gourd. For best results, paint in gentle, even strokes.
  4. Using small circles, fill in the outline once the ink is dry. Make sure the paint has dried completely before adding an additional coat or using a new color.
  5. When you are finished painting, allow your gourd to dry completely before handling. For added outdoor protection, seal the painted gourd with an UV resistant clear acrylic coating.

For Mess-Free Painting: Reaeon Acrylic Paint Marker Set

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Features

  • This listing is for one Acrylic Paint Marker Set from Reaeon. The set contains 14 paint pens with a 2-3 millimeter tip.
  • The vivid, water-based ink dries quickly to an opaque and glossy finish. It is non-toxic, acid free, and can be used on both light and dark surfaces.
  • These paint markers have low odor, are fade-resistant, and flow cleanly. This product is easy to use and suitable for both indoor and outdoor craft projects.
  • To activate the pens, simply shake them and press the tip down on a piece of paper until the ink starts to flow.

*Price At Time Of Publish

How To Seal A Painted Gourd

After painting a gourd, it’s important to seal it with a clear coating. A good sealer with protect the gourd against moisture and extend the life of your piece. It will also ensure that the paint does not chip or peel off.

For sealing a painted gourd, I highly recommend using Krylon’s UV-Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating. This sealer protects surfaces against harmful UV rays so your finished work will not fade, warp or smear. It is the perfect coating for sealing and protecting painted gourds!

Best Sealer: Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating

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Features

  • This listing is for one 11 ounce spray can of Krylon’s UV-Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating.
  • This product provides a permanent, protective gloss coating that will not yellow with age. It is moisture-resistant and smudge-proof, and dries to the touch in 10 minutes.
  • The clear finish protects surfaces against harmful UV rays so your finished projects will not fade, warp or smear. This coating is perfect for sealing and protecting painted gourds.

*Price At Time Of Publish

How To Paint Gourds: Top Picks

In this post, I’ve gathered the best methods on how to paint gourds. Here are all the recommended products in one convenient list:

Our Top Picks

Best Paint For Gourds: FolkArt Outdoor Acrylic Paint Set
Easiest Paint To Use: Krylon COLORmaxx Spray Paint & Primer
For Mess-Free Painting: Reaeon Acrylic Paint Marker Set
Best Sealer: Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating

Conclusion

Using the right tools, painting a gourd is super simple. For long lasting results, I highly recommend using dried gourds for painting. You can purchase pre-dried gourds or dry them yourself at home.

Once you have chosen your gourd, it is important to properly dry, clean, and seal it. When preserved correctly, painted gourds can last almost forever!

After painting your gourds, make sure to use an UV-resistant clear acrylic coating. This will help protect the gourd outdoors and extend the life of your piece.

I hope this post gave you some helpful tips on how to paint gourds for beginners! If you liked this post, you might enjoy the ones below:

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