When painting pumpkins, it is recommended to use acrylic paint instead of oil-based paint because it is quick-drying, easy to use, and clean-up is a breeze. Acrylic paints are water-based, which makes them easier to use and clean up with just water. They also dry much faster than oil-based paints. Most acrylic craft paints will require more than one coat to prevent the bright orange of the pumpkin rind from showing through, but acrylics fast-drying properties and low cost let you layer several applications for solid coverage in the shortest amount of time. It is also important to clean the pumpkin so that the paint will stick to the surface. Wash the pumpkin and dry it well so that youre not putting paint on a fine layer of dirt.