How to Paint a Pine Cone

Prime the pine cone before you paint it.

Before you attempt to paint a pine cone, consider an important point. Like ordinary bare wood surfaces, untreated pine cones are not suited for adhesion and will reject new finishes unless they're conditioned with a base primer, prior to application. Once the pine cone is primed, it will accept paint. Choose an attractive finish, formulated for strong durability. Apply the top and finish coats in a particular manner or dripping may occur. Clean the pine cone before you apply primer and paint or adhesion difficulties will result.

Things You'll Need

• Water hose
• Coarse sponge
• Fabric drop cloth
• Latex spray primer
• Acrylic spray paint
• Craft brushes

Instructions

1. Rinse the pine cone, using a water hose. Scrub dirt from the pine cone, using a coarse sponge. Place the item in the sun and allow it to dry for a full day.

2. Place the pine cone on a drop cloth.

3. Coat the pine cone with latex spray primer. Hold the spray can at varying angles to ensure even coverage. Maintain 8 inches between the pine cone and spray nozzle as you apply. Allow the pine cone to dry for two hours.

4. Coat the pine cone with acrylic spray paint. Hold the spray can at varying angles to ensure even coverage. Maintain 8 inches between the pine cone and spray nozzle as you apply. Allow the pine cone to dry for two hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Use craft brushes to paint details on the pine cone if you desire.

• Always maintain 8 inches between the pinecone and spray nozzle or dripping may occur.

• Do not paint a pine cone that is not primed or peeling will result.