Nutcracker + Blow Mold Painting FAQ & Resources

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

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

Looking for paint? I've rounded up lots of acrylic paint options in my Walmart collection, and Michaels also has a great selection of acrylic paints.

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 the paint can peel, flake or rub off over time. Primer helps paint stick and gives you a smoother, more even finish. If your nutcracker will be outside, priming is especially important. You'll need about 1.5–2 cans per nutcracker.

If your nutcracker is white, gray primer makes it easier to see where you've sprayed—but gray can be harder to cover with light paint colors. Tip: use gray primer first, then add a thin layer of white primer only where you'll be using lighter paint shades.

It isn't required, but it helps protect your work and keep the colors looking good longer. Rust-Oleum 2X Painter's Touch is a popular option because it is designed to bond to materials including plastic, wood and metal and can be used indoors or outdoors.

Yes! Acrylic paint works great. Some people thin their paint with a tiny amount of water to make it easier to work into the flocked surface.

Use the Alignment Help video in the Tips & Help section below.

Try the Every Holiday with Evelyn Design Studio, or use the coloring sheets available in the Guides tab of the group.

Absolutely! 😂 Over the years, group members have found all kinds of tools, supplies and random little goodies that make painting, detailing and decorating so much easier. I've rounded up lots of the favorites our community uses in my Walmart and Amazon collections.

There isn't one universal wait time because every product is different. For craft acrylics, let each coat dry completely before adding another. Thin coats may dry in roughly 10–60 minutes depending on the paint, how thickly you applied it and the conditions. Spray products can have very specific recoat windows, so read the exact can before you spray. Some Rust-Oleum products, for example, require additional coats within 1 hour or after 48 hours. On plastic, maximum adhesion and durability may take 5–7 days. The safest rule: don't use “dry to the touch” as your only guide. Follow the label on every primer, paint and sealer you use.

That's mostly a design choice! Matte gives a softer, flatter look. Satin adds a little sheen without looking super shiny. Gloss gives the most shine and can make colors look richer. Always test your exact sealer first—especially over metallics, glitter or specialty finishes—because a clear coat can change the final look.

It depends on the size of the item, your design, the color underneath and how many coats your paint needs. Light colors over a dark base usually need more coverage. For primer, a large nutcracker may use around 1.5–2 spray cans. For craft paint, buy based on the individual item and color placement rather than trying to estimate one amount for every project. I'm also creating item-specific paint cheat sheets with estimated bottle counts so you don't have to guess.

Yes, as long as the product is compatible with your surface. Spray paint can be great for large sections and base colors. Mask anything you don't want painted, use multiple light coats instead of one heavy coat, and follow the product's exact recoat window. Aerosol products should be used according to the safety directions on the label, including proper ventilation.

First, stop adding more layers and let the area dry. Peeling usually points to an adhesion or surface-prep issue. Bubbling or wrinkling can happen when coats are too heavy or when products are recoated outside their recommended window. Visible brush marks are often improved by using thinner coats, a softer brush and allowing each layer to dry before going back over it. For a damaged area, remove only the loose or failing material, smooth the transition as needed, clean the area, then rebuild the finish in thin compatible layers. Test your repair method in a hidden spot first.

Usually, yes—but your new finish is only as strong as the paint underneath it. If the old paint is firmly attached, clean the surface and use products that are compatible with the existing finish. If the old coating is peeling, flaking or lifting, remove the loose material before repainting instead of trapping a failing layer underneath your new design. When you don't know what product was used previously, test a small hidden area before committing to the whole piece.

Choose the adhesive based on both materials you're joining and whether the piece will live indoors or outdoors. For outdoor projects, look for an adhesive specifically rated for the materials you're using and for weather or water resistance. Clean and dry the surfaces first, follow the adhesive's cure instructions and test in a hidden area because some glues can affect paint or plastic. You can find embellishments and supplies our group has used in the Shop the Supplies section below.

Be gentle. Use a soft cloth for dust and avoid aggressive scrubbing or harsh cleaners unless you already know they're compatible with your exact finish. Make sure the piece is completely dry before storing it. Avoid stacking painted surfaces directly against each other, and use soft, non-abrasive material between pieces if they may touch. Fresh paint should be allowed to fully cure before long-term storage or rough handling.

Before you start, remove detachable electrical components when the item is designed to allow it, and mask openings, connection points and any areas that need to remain free of paint. Don't spray directly into light openings, plugs, sockets or other electrical components. Reassemble the item only after the finish is dry and cured enough to handle safely.