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    Home » DIY » Crafts

    How To Burnish Plastic Pumpkins

    By: Jane · Updated: 20 Jan, '18 · This post may contain affiliate links · 37 Comments

    Sharing is caring!

    This Labor Day weekend, I've been painting plastic pumpkins and gourds to use in my fall decorating.

    Burnished gourd
    Burnished Plastic Pumpkins

    Painting cheap plastic pumpkins

    I've been using these inexpensive plastic gourds and pumpkins that I found at Walmart. Not a bad price, but they look way too artificial and bright to me. So I've been doing something that I'll just call "burnishing."

    Painting cheap plastic pumpkins

    It's really a simple process to change these pumpkins and gourds.

    Painting cheap plastic pumpkins

    First, I brush them with antique gold Rub 'n Buff. Yes, I know, most people rub it on but I prefer to brush it. It dries very quickly and then you're ready to move on to the next step. To knock back some of the shininess of the gold, I use some metallic copper paint.

    Painting cheap plastic pumpkins

    The copper paint came in this set of metallic and glitter paint that my sister-in-law gave me. I'm not sure where she got the set but Bella Glitter and Metallic Paint available on Amazon HERE. (I must disclose that I'm an Amazon affiliate and I do make a few pennies if you order through this link!) I've used several of the other colors in the set, and they create a really pretty finish.

    Painting cheap plastic pumpkins

    Using a brush, I put some of the copper paint in the ridges.

    Painting cheap plastic pumpkins

    Then I lightly brush more of the paint on the surface. If I feel that I've added too much, I simply wipe some off with a paper towel.

    Painting cheap plastic pumpkins

    I love the color. It's not quite gold nor is it copper, so I just call it "burnished!"

    Painting cheap plastic pumpkins

    You can see my technique a little better on this wooden pedestal bowl that I've "burnished."

    Painting cheap plastic pumpkins

    After applying the antique gold Rub 'n Buff, I roughly brushed the metallic copper paint on. Work in small sections because it dries quickly.

    Painting cheap plastic pumpking

    Rub the paint around with a paper towel until you achieve the look that you like.

    Painting cheap plastic pumpkins

    As you can see, I painted some larger pumpkins, too. They were $4.99 at Walmart and they've all gotten a treatment.

    Painting cheap plastic pumpkins

    I can't reveal my decorations just yet, but here's a little sneak peak at my mantel. The easily burnished gourd picks up some of the colors in my dried hydrangeas!

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    1. Rebecca

      September 23, 2022 at 6:17 pm

      i LOVE COPPER METALIC PAINT! i use it on many items / mirrors, metal items, etc. your blog/ pictures are beautiful Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    2. Jill Reed

      September 18, 2014 at 1:43 pm

      Well here I am a year late! But had to say that after using fake gourds and pumpkins for years I had never considered more than spray painting them copper and gold. Now I'll go back and this year 2014 and "burnish" them! Everything is 1/2 off in September so perfect timing.
      Thanks so much, Jill from Hurst Tx

      Reply
    3. laurie

      September 03, 2014 at 12:06 pm

      You are so clever, Jane. Those look beautiful! Thanks for the how to. laurie

      Reply
    4. Judith Bush Polcari

      September 30, 2013 at 7:56 pm

      Hi Jane. I'm a newbie, but I like your idea. I always have so many small gourds left from a bag and don't know what to do with them. Thank you for sharing. Have a lot of paints on hand....

      Reply
    5. Kim L

      September 30, 2013 at 5:17 pm

      Love the end result. I do have one question. Since these are plastic does the paint scratch off of them easily?

      Reply
    6. Christy @ Creating a Beautiful Life

      September 26, 2013 at 1:27 pm

      These are some great tips to make something inexpensive look luxe! Thanks for the tips. I'm visiting from The Lettered Cottage link party.

      Christy @ Creating a Beautiful Life

      Reply
    7. Mary-Alice DeSpain

      September 20, 2013 at 3:13 pm

      Love it and so easy. they look so rich now. I clicked on your link for Amazon to purchase the paints and it does not work. Just thought I would let you know. I will wait to see if you can fix it. I have clicked on it so many times and every time I get a message.

      Reply
    8. jp

      September 16, 2013 at 8:14 pm

      I'll be getting out my rub and buff tomorrow....thanks for sharing your technique. I pinned it and am your newest follower!

      Reply
    9. Hope @ Fairhope Supply Co.

      September 14, 2013 at 9:30 pm

      And I thought they just grew that way in some magical pumpkin patch I couldn't find!
      Boo-tiful!

      Reply
    10. Mary

      September 09, 2013 at 6:08 am

      Your burnished gourds and pumpkins are beautiful Jane! I'm looking forward to seeing your mantle!

      Reply
    11. Moni ~ Zu Haus at Home

      September 08, 2013 at 5:45 pm

      I love the new look, much more sophisticated! Looking forward to your mantel reveal!

      Reply
    12. [email protected] Charm

      September 08, 2013 at 5:30 pm

      Luv what you have done here Jane and so looking forward to your mantel reveal. I have nothing at home yet...just got my window display done at the shop...Fall has arrived there.

      Blessings,
      Linda

      Reply
    13. Janelle

      September 08, 2013 at 12:51 am

      Meant to also say I'm looking forward to see all your autumnal splendor! (Can you tell I love the word autumnal?)

      Reply
    14. Janelle

      September 08, 2013 at 12:50 am

      Now that looks very doable! I have a ton of those autumnal plastics. I might have to give this a try.

      Reply
    15. Kim

      September 06, 2013 at 8:11 pm

      Jane, those look so much better than the cheap orange look. Great idea.

      Reply
    16. Ruth Anne

      September 05, 2013 at 8:15 pm

      Thanks for posting your tutorial on burnishing the faux gourds, etc. I have a bunch of them that can expect to get this treatment! Yours look very upscale.

      Reply
    17. Jean WindhamJeanwindham

      September 05, 2013 at 4:50 pm

      Jane I love the new burnished look. It is fresh but pretty and perfect with the fall colors. I cannot wait to see the mantel. Your teaser remarks have me excited. Jean

      Reply
    18. Shan

      September 05, 2013 at 1:39 pm

      I LOVE it. Fall is by far the season I get the most excited about after our southern smoltering summers.
      Thanks for the ideas chicka!
      blessings,
      Shan

      Reply
    19. Leah

      September 05, 2013 at 1:15 pm

      I love this idea! I had thought the gourds and pumpkins looked fake as well but never thought of 'burnishing' them. Wow!

      Reply
    20. Texcilla

      September 05, 2013 at 8:43 am

      These are fantastic! But I noticed your dining table has a similar "decor" to mine!

      Reply
    21. Pam

      September 04, 2013 at 11:44 pm

      Well done Jane! I will have to try this. Thanks for the tutorial.

      Pam

      Reply
    22. Ann

      September 04, 2013 at 9:02 pm

      Oh my gosh I can't believe the transformation! Good job and I love the pedestal. Looks like you had quite an assembly line going!

      Reply
    23. Holly

      September 04, 2013 at 8:17 pm

      Jane, I bought the same pumpkins and I love what you've done with them! I was lazy and simply spray painted mine gold and white... but after seeing your post, I'm rethinking that! I love the combination of the rub 'n buff and copper paint. Thanks for the inpsiration!

      Reply
    24. laurie

      September 04, 2013 at 7:33 pm

      Jane, those are so pretty, and you are so clever to have made them look that way. I'm impressed. Can't wait to see your full mantel. laurie

      Reply
    25. Betty

      September 04, 2013 at 5:40 pm

      Hi
      I just bought the same gourds at Walmart and I have printed out your burnishing pumpkins and gourds tutorial. I'll be working on my project in a few day. Thanks for the great idea.
      Betty @ My Cozy Corner

      Reply
    26. Bernadette

      September 04, 2013 at 3:01 pm

      I was wondering what "burnishing" is and now I know. Thanks for sharing. As an aside, I saw a burlap wreath on sale at Kirkland's for $29.99 and it isn't nearly as nice as the one you made. They have an online catalog if you want to look at theirs.

      Reply
    27. Rondell

      September 04, 2013 at 10:34 am

      I saw those the other day at Walmart, I'll have to pick some up and try some with your style because they are adorable. They look so pretty on your white mantel.

      Reply
    28. Bonbongirl

      September 04, 2013 at 8:57 am

      Move over, Martha Stewart! I love the look of these and can't wait to try your method- thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    29. Christine

      September 04, 2013 at 8:11 am

      Such a great idea....and walmart's prices? cannot be beat it seems! LOL

      Your gourds and pumpkins turned out amazing...good job!

      Reply
    30. Carlene @ Organized Clutter

      September 04, 2013 at 7:02 am

      They look great, Jane!

      Reply
    31. Martina

      September 03, 2013 at 11:22 pm

      They look fabulous!!

      Reply
    32. Yvonne @ StoneGable

      September 03, 2013 at 10:11 pm

      What a great idea! I love your pumpkins pretty new patina! I have a bunch of old pumpkins in the basement that are in need of a new look! Thanks!

      Reply
    33. Denise at Forest Manor

      September 03, 2013 at 10:09 pm

      Great idea, Jane! These look so pretty and much more expensive now. 🙂 Thanks for sharing the technique with us.

      Have a great week!

      Denise

      Reply
    34. Kathy

      September 03, 2013 at 9:55 pm

      Looks like fun, and it makes them look so much better too! Gotta remember this!

      Reply
    35. Donna Wilkes

      September 03, 2013 at 8:38 pm

      What a beautiful patina - you would never know they were plastic.

      Reply
    36. Savannah Granny

      September 03, 2013 at 8:27 pm

      Jane, Your pumpkins and gourds look great. So much better. I love how the dish turned out.
      Thanks for sharing.
      xoGinger

      Reply
    37. Sandy

      September 03, 2013 at 8:24 pm

      Great ideal they look wonderful, so much better. Thanks for sharing.
      Sandy

      Reply

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