FAQ & Resources

Yes! Especially if you've primed and sealed yours — they're good to go outdoors.

Acrylic is the most popular! Fan favorites: FolkArt, Apple Barrel, DecoArt, and Craft Smart. Some people also use chalk paint, spray paint, or even house paint.

Yes! It's much easier to manage that way.

You don't have to, but you really should! Even though they're labeled "DIY-ready," many arrive with chipping primer. Plastic (especially slick polyethylene) resists paint, so without primer, it just sits on the surface — leading to peeling, flaking, or rubbing off over time. Primer helps paint stick and gives a smoother, more even finish. If your nutcracker will be outside, priming is especially important — it protects against moisture. You'll need about 1.5–2 cans per nutcracker. Use a plastic-safe primer.

If your nutcracker is white, gray primer helps you see where you've sprayed. But gray can be tough to cover with light colors. Tip: spray gray primer first, then do a thin layer of white primer only where you'll use lighter paint shades.

Not required, but it'll protect your work and make the colors last longer. Go with Rust-Oleum 2X Painter's Touch (it's more utility focused than the American Accents line). Designed to bond to plastic, wood, metal, and more. Dries in ~20 minutes. Can be used indoors or outdoors.

Yes! And they turn out so cute. Use acrylic paint and have fun with it!

Watch the quick video linked in the Alignment Help section below!

Try painting at everyholidaywithevelyn.com/designstudio or find the coloring sheets in the Guides tab of the group!