How to Paint Gourd Vases

Once dried, gourds will accept a painted finish.

Gourd vases are dried fruit shells made out of plants from the Cucurbitaceae family. Typically created by hollowing and dehydrating squashes, these items are used as decorative holders for floral arrangements. Though you can paint a gourd vase, the finish won't prove durable unless you properly prepare the dried fruit shell for good adhesion. Learn how to provide your gourd vase with an attractive finish that won't flake away. Seal the painted vase with a clear finish able to withstand duress, or fading and scarring may prove possible.

Things You'll Need

• 100-grit sandpaper
• Tack cloths
• Canvas drop cloths
• Acrylic spray primer
• Acrylic spray paint
• Polyester craft brushes
• Acrylic paint
• Water-based polyurethane
• 2-inch natural-bristled paintbrush

Instructions

1. Scour the entire gourd vase with 100-grit sandpaper until the exterior of the fruit shell fells slightly rough. Don't skip this important step, or the gourd may shed paint.

2. Wipe the gourd with a tack cloth. Place the vase on a canvas drop cloth.

3. Coat the gourd vase with acrylic spray primer. Ensure a professional-looking finish free from ugly flaws by maintaining 8 inches between the dried fruit shell and spray tip. Let the gourd vase dry for three hours.

4. Coat the gourd vase with acrylic spray paint. Maintain 8 inches between the dried fruit shell and spray tip. Let the gourd vase dry for three hours.

5. Paint designs and details on the gourd vase if you wish, using polyester craft brushes. Let the gourd dry for three hours.

6. Apply two fine coats of water-based polyurethane to the gourd vase, using a 2-inch natural brush. Wait two hours between coats. Don't handle the finished gourd vase for two hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Though you do not have to seal the gourd vase, the finish will appear more glossy and attractive if you do; and finish failure will prove less likely.

• Don't seal the gourd vase with a solvent-based polyurethane, or cracking and flaking could ultimately follow.