If you are looking for a weekend project, why not try painting gnomes? There are a variety of ceramic and wooden gnomes that are super easy to paint, so even if you’re not experienced in the arts and crafts department, you’ll be able to create a masterpiece in no time.
What are the best ceramics and wooden gnomes to paint? Ceramic gnomes are best as garden ornaments, and you should get terracotta gnomes that can be painted with acrylic paint. Wooden gnomes are usually made for indoor decors, and unfinished wood is also easily painted with acrylics.
In this article, let’s take a look at some great options for ceramic and wooden gnomes that you can paint to add to your home and garden decor!
Buying Guide
Gnomes come in so many sizes, designs, and durability, so we have prepared this buying guide to make it easier for you to know what to look for.
Indoor Vs. Outdoor Materials
Garden gnomes are mostly known as adorable garden statues. If you’re painting a garden gnome, it’s best to opt for ceramics. The outdoors is quite harsh for most materials, but ceramics are durable enough to handle the fluctuating temperatures and the rain and snow.
On the other hand, if you are painting a piece of home decor and ornament, wood is definitely the way to go.
Craft wood can be easily painted with various types of paint, including acrylic paint. It’s also super lightweight, making it suitable for things like ornaments and other home decor.
Size
If you are getting a garden gnome, the most common sizes are from 8-12 inches. However, ceramics garden gnomes are also available in huge sizes, like 2-3 feet tall, so the size definitely varies hugely!
On the other hand, wooden gnomes designed as ornaments or indoor decors are usually only 5 inches or smaller, making them easier to handle and paint.
Of course, the bigger the gnome, the more paint you will need to use, so keep that in mind when you shop for a suitable size.
Design
The design of the gnome is where you can really have fun since wooden and ceramics gnomes come in many different designs that can spark your creativity.
There are ‘famous’ gnomes that you can get, the Garth the Gnome or Gordon the Forest Gnomes, both are popular in pop culture. You can also get a classic gnome design and add your own touch.
Ceramic gnomes usually come with a greater level of detail, with pronounced edges and prominent decors that make it super easy to paint. Thanks to the 3D shape, you have more room to showcase your personal touch.
On the other hand, wooden gnomes are usually flat, and there are carvings designed to help guide your paint. Painting wooden gnomes are usually very straightforward, and this activity is quite suitable for children.
Painting
If you’re buying a gnome for painting, then how easy it is to paint should be a big consideration!
Ceramic gnomes can be painted with acrylic paint at home. However, without firing in a kiln, the colors will fade very quickly, especially when they are exposed to harsh outdoor environments.
Alternatively, you can also bring your ceramic gnome to a local potter, where you can paint it using ceramic glaze. After firing in the kiln, the colors will become glossy and permanent and won’t fade for years.
Wooden gnomes can be painted with acrylic paint or other types of craft paints you have around the house. You can even paint them using paint pens, making them super accessible even to children.
If you want to preserve the colors, you can also seal it with a layer of Mod Podge to add a glossy or matte finish and prevent the paint from fading.
Ceramics And Wooden Gnomes To Paint
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | New Hampshire Craftworks Happy Stack of Gnomes | Ceramics |
| 2. | Bright Creations Mini Paint Your Own Garden Gnome Statues | Ceramics |
| 3. | New Hampshire Craftworks Gordon of The Forest Gnome Lantern | Ceramics |
| 4. | Creative Kreations Ceramics Garth Gnome | Ceramics |
| 5. | Peony Man Christmas Wood Gnome Cutouts | Wood |
| Bonus | Generic Unfinished Wood Gnome | Wood |
1. New Hampshire Craftworks Happy Stack of Gnomes
This Paint-Your-Own Happy Stack of Gnomes is a great way to add your own personal touch to your home décor. This is an unglazed, unpainted bisque that is shaped like three stacked gnomes that you can paint with acrylic paints or ceramic glaze.
The bisque is made of high-quality ceramics, which is super durable and suitable for displaying in your garden after painting. At 9″ x 5″, this is also the perfect size for a garden.
This design is great for those who want to experiment with painting their own garden gnome, but it’s not too complicated that it would take hours to paint. This gives you room to experiment and showcase your personality with the paint, and then you can proudly display it in your garden.
2. Bright Creations Mini Paint Your Own Garden Gnome Statues
This set of two Mini Paint-Your-Own Garden Gnomes is perfect for anyone who wants to add a personal touch to their garden.
The set includes two different gnomes, each with its own unique features. The first gnome is holding a flowerpot, while the second gnome is holding a welcome sign. Made from high-quality ceramics, these gnomes are ready to be painted and customized however you like.
The high level of detail in these statues is quite admirable, and it also acts as a guide to help you practice your painting skills.
Thanks to the beautiful details, the results after painting can be quite vibrant and rewarding. With a little paint and your imagination, you can create your very own work of art!
3. New Hampshire Craftworks Gordon of The Forest Gnome Lantern
This Gordon of The Forest Gnome statue is a paint-your-own ceramic gnome that is perfect for those who love to be creative.
The gnome is designed with a tree hat, which gives it a whimsical look. You can customize the look of the gnome with paint to make it more festive or even spooky, depending on the season.
The body of the gnome is made from durable ceramics that you can paint using acrylic paint or ceramic glaze.
If you want to add a focal point to your garden, this paint-your-own Gordon of The Forest Gnome is a great way to let your creativity shine.
4. Creative Kreations Ceramics Garth Gnome
This Paint-your-own Garth Gnome with Sign and Flowers is a ceramic bisque gnome that you can paint for your garden. This product is made of high-quality ceramics designed for durability.
The design may look simple at first, but if you look closely, you can see the small details like the texture of the flowers or the wood grains on the signs. These details make painting the gnome much easier and will make your final result even livelier.
This is a basic yet highly customizable design that will fit with any garden and any theme, which is a great way to add personality to your garden.
5. Peony Man Christmas Wood Gnome Cutouts
These Christmas Wood Gnome Cutouts will make perfect Christmas ornaments!
They come with 40 wooden gnome designs; all are made from unfinished wood that can be painted with acrylic paint or even paint pens, making them fun for even young children.
The wooden gnomes are designed with carvings designed to guide you while painting. If you want, you can also paint both sides of the gnomes.
Additionally, this set also comes with wooden beads and ropes to help you hang your finished products when you’re done painting them!
Bonus: Generic Brand Unfinished Wood Gnome
These unfinished wood gnomes are the perfect addition to any home décor project. Made from durable pine wood, they are easy to paint and customize to match any décor. The light pine color will compliment any paint color without the need for primer.
The set includes two identical gnomes with pointed hats that you can also use as a hanger to display your painted wooden gnomes. The wooden gnomes also have line carvings that can help guide your paint and make your design pop.
With a little bit of creativity, you can turn these plain gnomes into personalized works of art. Whether you’re looking for a fun project for yourself or a special gift for someone else, these unfinished wood gnomes are sure to please.
