How to Paint My Nutcracker (FAQs)

CAN MY NUTCRACKER BE OUTSIDE

YES.   You need to prime and seal your Nutcracker, then it's totally safe to be outside or inside.

CHOOSING YOUR COLOUR THEME

Templates of your Nutcracker will be included with your Nutcracker purchase (Unpainted only), so you can trial your inspirations before creating your masterpiece.

PAINTING TOOLS

Available at Spotlight, Bunnings, Arts/Craft Stores or online (Amazon, etc)

Brushes -  A wide range of bristle (fine detail to 3/4").  Suggested option from Bunnings - Boyle Essential Brushes (10 pieces)

Foam Brushes -   Great for larger areas.

Fillable Brush Tip Paint Pens - for smaller areas including detail and repairs.

PAINT SELECTION

Undercoat/Primer  -  Undercoat is not essential but it will give you a better base to work with when painting your Nutcracker, decreasing the chance of peeling paint.  Approximately 1-2 cans per Nutcracker will be required.  You will need to use a primer made for plastic.  If you intend to paint your Nutcracker in colours then an undercoat in light grey works well and will enhance your colours.   If you intend to paint your Nutcracker in light colours (white, etc) then an undercoat in white would be best. 

Suggested option from Bunnings -  Rust-Oleum 2x Ultra cover Flat Primer Spray Paint (white or light grey).

Prime Colours -  Acrylic paints are best to use for painting with a brush or sponge.   Folk art, deco art, craft paint, artist paint, chalk paint or even house paints are favourites.  Some paints are thinner than others and may need a few coats.  If using a spray can as your Prime Colour, please keep in mind you will need to mask to protect your Nutcracker from overspray.  It is a faster option to paint but the cost of a spray can will be sometimes more expensive than a large jar of acrylic paint.  Painters masking tape is available in different widths and helps with creating sharp lines.  There are many paint colours to choose (including metallic) or mix your own unique colour.

Suggested options - Acrylic paints available from Spotlight, Bunnings, your favourite Arts/Craft store or Online (Amazon, etc).

Sealer  -  You don't have to seal your Nutcracker but it will help protect your masterpiece, especially if your Nutcracker will be outside.   Your colours will also pop more with a sealer coat.   Use a spray Sealer in either Satin or Gloss finish (avoid Matt).   The gloss finish will help your Nutcracker shine.

Best options are -

Rust-oleum 2x Ultra Cover Gloss - best for loose glitter and glitter paint, wont dull metallics, fully waterproof with good preservation won't yellow;

Krylon Glitter Blast - best for loose glitter and glitter paint, dries fast, needs to be protected from the weather with very good preservation;

Rust-oleum Triple Thick Glaze (best for chunky glitter and embellishments) great outdoor durability with very good preservation;

Mod Podge Outdoor (best for loose glitter) water resistant but not waterproof with basic preservation.

CAN MY NUTCRACKER BE ACCESSORIED  

YES.   Let your imagination and creativity run wild.

Glitter - It's best to paint the area you wish to glitter with the same colour as the glitter.  Then add a layer of Mod Podge, sprinkle your glitter and then you can use a sealer that doesn't dull your glitter.

Suggested options - Mod Podge Glue is available from Spotlight, Bunnings and Office Works.  Please refer to Sealer for best glitter sealants.

Stencils -  Can add patterns to your Nutcracker (Squares, diamonds, etc.)

Embellishments - So much to choose from - beads, jewels and rhinestones, decoupage, ribbon, embroidery patches, resin charms, fringe, tassels, trims and buckles.   A hot glue gun or E6000 Adhesive are great to attached these items.   E6000 is the preferred adhesive and is available through Spotlight, Office Works and Bunnings.  Checkout Spotlight, Art/Craft stores or online (Amazon, etc) for an amazing range of embellishments.

DISPLAYING YOUR MASTERPIECE

Don't forget to share your Nutcracker Masterpiece on our Facebook page.   We love to see everyone's amazing creations.

 Last updated 20 July 2025