Nutcracker FAQ + Troubleshooting Guide

by Evelyn Goudelock

Welcome, friend! đź’ś This is your all-in-one guide for painting, glittering, sealing, and fixing your nutcrackers and blow molds.

On this page you’ll find:

  • My groups most-asked FAQs
  • Direct shopping links for supplies
  • A full Troubleshooting Guide when things go wrong

You can also download a printer-friendly version of this guide at the bottom of the page.

Quick Jump Links

Getting Started: Primers, Paint & Sealers Blow Mold & Nutcracker Links Glitter, Brushes & Extras Step-by-Step: How to Paint Your Nutcracker Troubleshooting Guide

Getting Started: Primers, Paint & Sealers

Do I really need primer?

Short answer: yes – especially if your nutcracker will be outside.

Plastic (especially slick polyethylene) resists paint, so without primer the paint just sits on the surface and can peel, flake, or rub off over time. Primer helps paint stick and gives a smoother, more even finish.

  • Expect about 1.5–2 cans per nutcracker
  • Use a plastic-safe primer: Primer link #ad

Which primer color should I use?

If your nutcracker is white, gray primer helps you see where you’ve sprayed — but gray can be harder to cover with light colors.

Best combo:

  1. Spray gray primer first
  2. Add a thin layer of white primer only where you’ll be using light or pastel paint

Same primer link: https://walmrt.us/3TkEzv9

What paint should I use?

Acrylic is the most popular. Fan favorites:

  • FolkArt
  • Apple Barrel
  • DecoArt

Some people also use chalk paint, spray paint, or even house paint. Spray paint (like Rust-Oleum 2X) is great for big areas: hats, jackets, boots, and stands.

Is sealer necessary?

Not required, but it:

  • Protects your hard work
  • Helps colors stay bright
  • Makes outdoor display more durable

My go-to is Rust-Oleum 2X Painter’s Touch – it bonds to plastic, wood, metal, and more, dries in about 20 minutes, and can be used indoors or outdoors.

Sealer Links #ad

These may be affiliate links; they don’t cost you extra and help support my content. 💜
#walmartpartner #amazonpartner #step2partner

Step2 Nutcracker Prince

Walmart Blow Mold Collection

More collections (updated often):

Glitter, Brushes & Cute Extras

Recommended brushes

How do I apply glitter?

  1. Paint the base color that matches your glitter
  2. Apply Mod Podge: https://walmrt.us/3NjSUo5
  3. Sprinkle glitter
  4. Seal with a glitter-safe clear that won’t dull it: https://amzn.to/3zWfujN

Embellishments & stencils

Nutcracker squares, diamonds, and more:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/evelyngoudelock/list/2E98KJZP2VJLL

Step-by-Step: How to Paint Your Nutcracker

  1. Clean it – especially if dusty or greasy.
  2. Prime it – plastic-safe primer, 1.5–2 cans per nutty.
  3. Paint it – acrylics for detail, spray for big sections.
  4. Glitter (optional) – Mod Podge → glitter → seal.
  5. Seal it – especially if it’s going outdoors.

Can these go outside?
Yes! Especially if you’ve primed and sealed them. Rain, dew, and humidity are much kinder to pieces that are:

  • Primed
  • Painted with good-quality paint
  • Sealed with an outdoor-safe clear

If you can, place them where they aren’t under a dripping gutter or sitting in standing water.

Nutcracker Troubleshooting Guide

Paint problems

Streaky paint

  • Add a white base coat
  • Use matte paint
  • Do 2–3 thin coats instead of 1 heavy one

Spray paint crackling/wrinkling

  • Usually sprayed too thick or recoated too soon
  • Lightly sand, re-prime, and spray in light passes

Color looks dull

  • Pastels need a white base
  • A gloss clear sealer will brighten colors back up

Glitter problems

Patchy glitter

  • Mod Podge wasn’t applied evenly
  • Work in smaller sections
  • Extra-fine glitter gives smoother coverage

Dull glitter

  • Use gloss, not matte, over glitter
  • Add a second layer of glitter and reseal

White glitter turning yellow

  • Use water-based sealers
  • Double-seal white
  • Avoid long-term direct sun if possible

Sealer problems

Cloudy or foggy finish

  • Sprayed too close, too thick, or in humidity
  • Let it dry 24–48 hours
  • Then mist a very light coat of gloss on top

Tacky, never-drying surface

  • Bring it indoors
  • Use AC or a dehumidifier
  • Give it more time – humidity slows curing

Face too shiny

  • Use matte on skin next time and gloss only on eyes/lips
  • Avoid matte on eyes (it frosts them)

Adhesion & peeling

Paint peeling off

  • Not primed well enough
  • Sand glossy surfaces lightly, then re-prime and repaint

Glitter not sticking

  • Use matte paint as your base
  • Apply more Mod Podge
  • Choose a finer glitter

Outdoor issues

Cloudy after rain

  • Bring indoors and let it dry completely
  • Mist gloss clear to revive clarity if needed

Glitter washing off

  • Make sure glittered areas are sealed (ideally twice)
  • Use an outdoor-safe clear

Repairs

Crack in a blow mold

  • Use clear Gorilla Glue
  • Clamp/tape until dry
  • Touch up paint afterward

Paint where it shouldn’t be

  • Toothpick + baby wipe
  • Magic Eraser very gently for small oopsies

Glitter where it shouldn’t be

  • Painter’s tape: press down, then lift
  • Repaint edges if needed

Other common issues

Chalky or dusty look

  • Needs a light coat of gloss sealer

Uneven pastels

  • Always start with white primer
  • Add multiple thin coats of acrylic

Sealer changed the color

  • Matte will mute colors a bit
  • Gloss will deepen and brighten them

Looking for More?

Check the Guides tab in the Facebook group for tutorials, browse the Photos tab for inspiration, and use the group search bar for anything from “ghost” to “glitter”.

If you’re stuck, just post a photo in the group and tag me. I love seeing what you’re working on. 💜

Download the Printable Version

You can download a printer-friendly PDF of this guide here:
Download the Nutcracker FAQ & Troubleshooting PDF