Clean the outer skin away by gently scrubbing the gourd in a sink or tub of water. A plastic kitchen scrubber accomplishes the job well. Any rough spots are particularly stubborn may be gently removed with a kitchen knife. Mold spots may be painted over.
Stems add to the natural beauty of the gourd and are generally left intact and their natural color.
If you plan to drill a hole in your birdhouse you need to do this before you begin to paint. First draw the roof on your birdhouse. The gourd needs to be divided into four equal parts. Decide where you want the front of your birdhouse to be and draw your first line center front. Using the line as your guide draw in your center black line.