Magazine-Worthy Painted Metallic Foil Pumpkins

Do you love glitz and glam as much as I do? Then you’re going to love these pumpkin decorating ideas using paint and metallic foil.

Pumpkins are gorgeous as they grow, but I’m also of the opinion that everything looks better with a little shine! These painted and foiled beauties are one of my favorite pumpkin decorating ideas I’ve ever shared.

Would you believe they started out as bright orange pumpkins from the dollar store? Talk about a glow up!

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These pretty pumpkins have been featured in Cottages & Bungalows magazine and lots of other roundups of creative pumpkin decorating ideas. I originally shared the tutorial on This Grandma is Fun. Keep scrolling or click on the table of contents below to learn how to make them.

How to Decorate with Foiled Pumpkins

I love matching my seasonal decor with what’s already in my home, so I used nontraditional colors —  blue, aqua, purple and gray — on these painted pumpkins embellished with metallic foil.

I used them as part of this elegant fall tablescape.

I also used some to make this pretty fall grapevine wreath, using seed pods, mums and lamb’s ear.

Supplies for Metallic Foil Pumpkins

To make this project, you will need the following supplies

• faux pumpkins
• craft paint or chalk paint
• paint brushes
• adhesive size (a special kind of glue for leafing)
• foam paintbrushes
• assorted foil sheets (You can find lots of different colors and patterns)
• clear acrylic spray sealer
• Rub ‘N Buff wax (optional)

I’ve created a shoppable list with all the supplies you’ll need for this project on Amazon.

I’ve gilded before with gold, silver and copper leaf sheets you find at the craft store. (There are some gorgeous options and patterns available in leafing.

For this project, I used the kind of metallic foil decorative painters and faux finishers use. I bought mine from a local paint and home decor store, but you can also find it online from places like the Artistic Painting Studio Store and Royal Design Studio.

I like using the foil because it’s easy to work with and comes in an array of finishes: antique gold, copper, bright gold, silver, bronze soft gold and even colors and patterns.. Just make sure you are buying transfer foil that works with adhesive, not heat.

The foil is definitely easier to work with because it’s not as delicate as traditional gold leaf sheets.

Creative Pumpkin Decorating. Ideas: How to Make Metallic Foil Pumpkins

I started out with some cheap foam pumpkins from the dollar store, similar to these.

I gave each one a couple coats of DecoArt Chalky Finish paint until none of the original orange showed through.

Next, I used a foam brush to coat each pumpkin with adhesive size. Allow that to dry until it’s tacky, or sticky, following the instructions on the glue.

Then you want to take the metallic foil sheet, shiny side up, and press it on the sticky surface of the pumpkin.

Press firmly to transfer the foil to the pumpkin, then peel off. Repeat all over the pumpkin.

Your goal is a mottled effect, with some of the paint showing through.

You can foil the stems, as well, or use a product like Rub’n’Buff wax or DecoArt Metallic Lustre to coat them.

As I’ve said, you can use gold leaf sheets or silver leaf sheets for this project. But if you want to achieve the mottled look, be sure to just randomly brush the adhesive size on the pumpkins. Don’t coat the entire pumpkins.

Be sure you check out my tips on working with gold leaf.

After you’ve applied the foil, the pumpkins may remain sticky with the adhesive size. Use a clear acrylic spray to seal them.

I just love these glitzy pumpkins, and I can’t wait to make more for this year’s fall decorating.

Last year, I used them as part of a fall wreath, to decorate the front porch for fall, and also in the dining room.

More Gilding Inspiration

If this project has you wanting to “gild all the things,” you’ll want to check out these other projects.

• Oversized Fall Leaf Garland
• Gilded Seashells
• Gilded Fall Leaves
• Faux Mercury Glass Gilded Mirror
• Metallic Apples for Fall
• Metallic Foiled Chinoiserie Ornaments
• DIY Aged Copper Easter Eggs

more fall and pumpkin decorating ideas

Looking for. more pumpkin decorating ideas and crafts? Check out these projects.

• Pumpkins that Look Like Food
• Wedgwood Jasperware Inspired Pumpkins
• Lace Pumpkins
• Scrapbook Paper Pumpkins
• Pumpkin Patch Sign

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