Glow in the Dark Pumpkins

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This a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Tulip brand. The opinions, text and creative content are all my own. I hope these glow in the dark pumpkins made with dimensional fabric puffy paint inspire you to make your own!

This is my first year making glow in the dark pumpkins and I have to say I’m pretty obsessed. I’m trying to figure out what other things I can make for Halloween that glow in the dark. Maybe I should do skeletons next!

How to Make Painted Glow in the Dark Pumpkins

The best part about this project is that it’s incredibly easy. Even the most simple designs like lines, dots and drips made with glow puffy paint look awesome on a glowing pumpkin. What I also love about these pumpkins is that they look great even during the day when they are not glowing and the puffy paint gives them a great dimensional look.

Glow in the Dark Pumpkin Supplies

Pumpkins
Spray paint and primer spray in white or black.
Glow Tulip Dimensional Fabric Paint
Blacklight (optional)

Pumpkins

Use faux or real. I used these small fake white pumpkins (here’s another similar pumpkin) and these larger fake pumpkins. These large pumpkin is also a great option. I like that I can keep them and use them each year.

Spray Paint

To create your own white or black pumpkins, simply spray the pumpkin with this paint and primer spray in white or black.

Glow Tulip Dimensional Fabric Paint

The paint is activated by UV light. You can also use these Neon Tulip Dimensional Paints if you plan to use a blacklight!

Blacklight (optional)

I highly recommend this as it provides an ever brighter glow for your pumpkins. I loved this blacklight that I got for the project.

Watch the video of the glow in the dark pumpkins being made here and see the directions below:

Complete Directions For Painting Glow in the Dark Pumpkins

Lightly sketch your design onto the pumpkin with a pencil.

2. Paint the Pumpkins With Glow in the Dark Puffy Paint

I like to start near the top of the pumpkin and work my way down to avoid smearing the design. TIP: Keep a damp paper towel and Q-Tip nearby to help remove any mistakes.

3. How to Make Swirled Designs on a Pumpkin

For swirled designs like this owl wing, add lines of each color and then use a toothpick to draw a raindrop like shape.

4. Tips for Painting Spider Web Designs on Halloween Pumpkins

For spider web designs, begin with a small circle and then add rings around it alternating with each puffy paint color. Next, with a toothpick, start at the center of the circle and draw a straight line to the outside ring and slightly past it. Repeat this step around the entire circle.

5. Other Puffy Painting Ideas for Pumpkins

You can also keep your designs more simple by adding drips, dots or lines with the glow dimensional puffy paint.

How to Paint Glow in the Dark Pumpkins Easy Directions

Prepare your pumpkin with spray paint or make sure it’s clean and dry.
Sketch the design lightly with a pencil.
Paint the pumpkin with puffy paint starting from the top.
1. Use a q-tip to clean up mistakes.
Create swirls by painting the design then drawing with a toothpick over top.
Make spider webs by painting rings and then using a toothpick to add the pointed ends by dragging it from the middle to the outside multiple times.
Drips, drops, and lines are easy painting ideas on pumpkins to try with glow in the dark puffy paint.
Let the pumpkin dry thoroughly before handling it.

Setting Up Glow in the Dark Pumpkins for Halloween

When it comes time to set-up your pumpkins, I recommend using a blacklight for the full glow effect. These would look great outside on Halloween or even inside as part of your Halloween decor. If you don’t use a blacklight, you’ll need to charge the pumpkins with a UV light to get them glowing.

Hope these glow in the dark pumpkins have inspired you to make a few of your own! I’d love to see what you create. Come share a picture on Instagram or Facebook! I love showing examples of my tutorials being made!

If you like this project you might also have fun making these sugar skull puffy paint rocks.