DIY Teal Pumpkin Project Decorations

What is the Teal Pumpkin Project?

If you don't have a child with allergies, than you may not have heard of the Teal Pumpkin Project before. It's a movement that seeks to include all trick-or-treaters, even if they cannot eat food treats.

It was started by Food Allergy Research & Education to provide a safer Halloween experience for children with food allergies.

How can I support the Teal Pumpkin Project?

• Provide non-food treats for trick-or-treaters (something simple like these 5 Minute Magnets would be a fun DIY option)
• Place a teal pumpkin in front of your home so families know you have non-food items.
• Download a variety of signs, flyers and more here.
• Share online using the hashtag #TealPumpkinProject to help spread awareness.

For this project, I used my Flexio 4000 sprayer, which is so simple to use. I had it on hand for another project I'm working on for my children's bedrooms (coming soon), so I took 5 minutes to spray this piece of wood.

The Flexio 4000 is easy to maneuver and lightweight. Here are some of the other things I love about it:

• 10X faster than a brush
• Spray paints and stains right from the can
• More paint control for less mess
• Great for indoor and outdoor projects
• Easy 5-minute cleanup

Materials and Tools

• orbital sander
• 100 grit sandpaper disks
• dust mask and safety glasses
• Flexio 4000 sprayer
• white paint
• square plywood
• teal vinyl

Vinyl Decals

If you have a Cricut machine, you can purchase teal vinyl and make your own fun designs. If not, check out this Etsy shop that has awesome decals for Halloween, including the Teal Pumpkin Project. And how cute would a DIY Paper Pumpkin Garland look in teal at your Halloween party?

How to Make a Teal Pumpkin Project Wooden Sign

1. Sand the square plywood so it is smooth and remove any dust.
2. Set up the Flexio 4000 according to the instructions.
3. Set the pressure control on the X-Boost power dial to medium-high. This controls how much airpower is created by the base.
4. Set the material flow, which controls the amount that will be sprayed. Because latex paint is quite thick, you want it to be about 8-10.
5. Next, change the air cap to match the direction you’re going to paint, either horizontal or vertical.
6. Add paint to the cup and tighten the nozzle assembly.
7. Set up your workspace. I found it was easiest to paint this plywood by propping it up against my sawhorse.
8. Now you're ready to paint! Hold the sprayer about 6-8 inches from the surface and move the sprayer in smooth even passes across your surface.
9. Once the paint is dry, you can add the vinyl.
10. Place your decal upside down and rub all parts of the graphic, which will help to ensure that it sticks to the transfer tape.
11. Carefully peel off the white backing layer from the decal, leaving the vinyl and thin transfer layer.
12. Once the paint is completely dry, place the decal onto the center of the board.
13. Use the credit card again to smooth the decal onto the board working from the center to the outside.
14. Starting at once corner, carefully remove the clear transfer tape so that only the decal remains.

How do you Paint a Teal Pumpkin?

Using the Flexio 4000, I was able to quickly spray these three pumpkins teal.

• Tape off the tops of the pumpkins.
• Set up the Wagner Flexio 4000 using teal paint.
• Adjust the settings for material flow and pressure control.
• Tip the pumpkins upside down and start by spraying the bottom.
• Once dry, flip the pumpkins and spray the tops.
• Allow to try completely before moving.
• Remove the tape and discard it.
• Touch up any spots you need to using a small craft paintbrush.

Tips for Using the Flexio 4000

For the best results, I highly suggest thoroughly reading through the instructions on how to assemble and use the sprayer. Likewise, be sure to do a test spray and practice with the included spray poster. Here are some other tips:

• First, choose a good quality paint, I used Behr Premium Plus Ultra in white for the sign.
• Take the time to set up the Flexio 4000 sprayer correctly - find INSTRUCTIONS AND TIPS HERE.
• Hold the sprayer about 6-8 inches from the surface and move the sprayer in smooth even passes across your surface.
• Allow the paint to dry completely before adding another coat or touching up any spots.

More Wagner Projects

• Fairy Light Halloween Pumpkins
• Fall Porch Decorating Ideas
• How to Paint and Stencil Pumpkins

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Sweet Red Poppy has more adorable DIY Teal Pumpkin Project ideas, using glitter, ribbons, fabric and even rhinestones. Here are a few more fun Fall ideas:

• How to Make Fabric Coasters
• 35 Fall Decor Projects
• Book Page Halloween Watercolor Art
• DIY Rustic Twig Frame
• Autumn Bucket List Printable