Buzz
Discover the ins and outs of the viral TikTok ghost painting phenomenon
If you're into Halloween or have spent any time on TikTok, chances are you’ve come across the viral thrifted ghost painting trend. This quirky trend offers an affordable way to refresh old artwork and add a spooky touch to your Halloween decor. In this guide, we’ll walk you through creating your very own ghost painting, choosing the ideal artwork for the job, and share ideas to make your piece stand out. We’ll also talk about how to enjoy the process and weigh the pros and cons of jumping on this trendy bandwagon.
How to Master the Thrifted Ghost Painting Trend
Start by selecting a painting that speaks to you, then choose the spot where you want to add your ghost. Dip a brush into white paint and sketch an upside-down 'U' shape, connecting the bottom with a ruffled, uneven line. Fill in the shape with more white paint, then use gray paint to add shading and texture. Complete the look with two black oval eyes to give your ghost some character.
Steps to Create Your Ghost Painting
Creating Your Own Thrifted Ghost Painting
Select your painting and prepare it for your project. If you don’t already have a painting ready to transform, head to a thrift shop and find one that catches your eye. Many people opt for landscape or scenic art. Once you’ve got your painting, remove it from its frame (if needed), then clean it using a cloth to remove any dust and freshen it up.
- Don’t forget to clean the frame and glass if there’s any protecting the painting.
- Depending on the style, you may need to take off the frame and peel away any finishing paper. A putty knife or butter knife can help loosen the metal staples to free the painting.
Set up your workspace and gather materials. Choose a spacious table or flat surface for your project, then cover it with newspaper, an old towel, or something to protect it from the paint. Grab some acrylic paint in your favorite colors (typically white and black), a set of brushes, and a jar of water to clean your brushes. Paper towels and a pencil for sketching your ghosts are also essential.
- While other paints can be used, acrylics are generally the best choice.
- Many artists prefer using acrylic paint pens for more precision.
Plan where to place your ghostly creations. Once you begin painting, moving the ghosts around can be tricky, so take a little extra time to decide where each one will go. Look over the painting and carefully choose the right spots for your ghosts.
- For a visual preview, cut out ghost shapes from paper and place them over the painting to test the layout.
- If you decide to sketch with a pencil, be sure to erase gently to avoid damaging the painting.
Outline and fill in your ghost with white acrylic paint. After deciding on the placement of your ghost, dip your brush in white paint and create an upside-down 'U' to form the ghost's outline. Add a ruffled line at the bottom of the 'U' to complete the shape. Use more white paint to fill in the ghost's body and bring it to life.
Add depth and shadows using gray paint. Since your painting likely features shadows in other areas, adding some to your ghost will help integrate it seamlessly into the scene. Use a small brush dipped in gray paint (or mix your own gray by combining white and black) to draw a few vertical lines from the center of the ghost’s body down to the bottom, creating creases in the sheet. This technique will give the illusion of folds and dimension.
Detail your ghost with eyes, props, and extra touches. Wait until the white paint is completely dry, then use black paint to add two small oval eyes. If you’d like, now’s a great time to introduce other elements to the painting—perhaps your ghost is holding a pumpkin or sporting a witch’s hat. Don’t hesitate to add additional ghosts if you want to make your scene more lively and spooky.
Allow the painting to dry and reassemble the frame. Once you’re finished painting, let the artwork dry completely. If it was originally framed, reassemble it. If not, consider adding a frame for protection and display. Finally, hang up your spooky masterpiece and take a moment to admire it. You might even want to share your creation on TikTok or another social media platform to show off your artistic skills!
What exactly is the ghost painting trend?
The ghost painting trend involves adding sheet ghosts to thrifted paintings. The viral thrifted ghost painting trend first gained popularity on TikTok in 2023. The idea is simple: participants visit a thrift store, find an old painting that catches their eye, and then add a ghost to the artwork—usually a sheet ghost. It’s a fun, creative way to reimagine vintage art while keeping costs low for Halloween decorations.
How to Choose the Perfect Painting for Your Project
Search for vintage artwork at thrift stores. The thrifted ghost painting trend is all about finding old paintings and transforming them into fun Halloween decor. Head to your local thrift store and see if you can find a vintage piece that speaks to you—older paintings tend to work best. You can also check out garage sales, Facebook Marketplace, or ask friends if they have any unwanted artwork they’d be willing to part with.
Look for scenery or landscape paintings. While almost any type of artwork can work for your ghost painting, many people gravitate towards landscapes or scenic pieces. These paintings offer more space to work with and allow you to get creative with ghost placement.
- Seek out paintings with autumn hues to match the spooky Halloween vibe.
- If landscapes aren’t your thing, consider urban scenes or even domestic settings like kitchens or bathrooms for a unique twist.
Creative Ideas for Your Ghost Painting
Have your ghost engage in everyday activities. Make your ghost painting stand out by having your ghost interact with its surroundings. For instance, if your painting features a garden, place a watering can and sun hat on your ghost. If there’s a bathtub, show your ghost relaxing in a bubble bath. The possibilities are endless!
- If your painting depicts a beach, imagine ghosts playing volleyball, enjoying a picnic, or even surfing!
Base your painting on a holiday beyond Halloween. Although the ghost painting trend is closely linked to Halloween, why not bring a spooky touch to your home all year long? Imagine your ghost decorating a Christmas tree, crafting paper Valentines for Valentine’s Day, dressing up like a leprechaun for St. Patrick’s Day, or even adding fireworks to the sky for the Fourth of July.
Incorporate ghost animals into your painting. Add some life to your artwork by giving your ghost a cute animal companion. You can draw an animal’s head (like a cat or dog) in the usual shape, but finish its body with ruffled sheet-like folds just like the ghost. Paint it white and use black ovals for eyes. Picture your ghost walking a dog, or lounging with a cat while reading a book.
Give your ghosts a color other than white. If you find the traditional white sheet ghost too simple, feel free to experiment with different colors! Paint your ghost in your favorite hue, or create a unique pattern like little flowers, similar to bed sheets. This is a fantastic way to make your ghost painting stand out.
Making the Trend More Fun
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Get your friends or family involved. Turn the ghost painting trend into a fun, social event! Spend the day with your loved ones, visiting thrift stores to find the perfect paintings, and then enjoy painting together. It’s a great way to bond while celebrating the season.
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Enjoy Halloween-themed snacks. Get into the spooky spirit by preparing some Halloween-inspired treats. You could bake Pillsbury Halloween cookies, make mummy hot dogs, or whip up some Halloween Chex Mix with candy corn.
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Watch spooky movies while you paint. Whether you enjoy spine-chilling horror films or prefer a family-friendly Halloween classic, there’s no shortage of great movies to set the mood. Play one in the background while you paint, and who knows? It might just inspire your next creative move.
Pros & Cons of the Ghost Painting Trend
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It’s a fun and cost-effective craft. Halloween decor can get pricey, so upcycling an old painting is a fantastic way to enjoy the holiday without breaking the bank. If you already have an unused painting and some paint, you don’t need to spend anything extra! Plus, you end up with a unique, one-of-a-kind piece instead of mass-produced decor.
- Even better, you don’t have to be a professional artist to create a charming ghost painting. Since the ghosts are essentially simple white shapes, anyone can jump in on the trend without worrying about artistic skill.
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It helps keep paintings out of landfills. Without buyers, thrift store items often end up discarded, and paintings can be one of them. By repurposing a painting for the ghost trend, you’re contributing to sustainability and preventing a work of art from being lost for good.
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Artists might not appreciate painting over their work. While the ghost painting trend is mostly positive, some people believe it diminishes the value of the original artist’s creation since it involves adding something new over it. It’s worth considering your own perspective and ethics when deciding whether to participate.
- Others feel that since the paintings were already sitting in a thrift store, painting ghosts on them is simply a way to give them a new life and purpose.
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The original artwork’s value may be reduced. Before painting on a piece, it’s worth researching the artwork and artist to see if it has any value. You might regret painting over something valuable if you later discover its worth. But if this isn’t a concern for you, feel free to have fun and add your own ghosts!
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If you’re looking for ideas, try searching for "thrifted ghost painting" on TikTok for inspiration.
Things You’ll Need
- A painting
- Paint (white, black, and any other colors you prefer)
- Paintbrushes
- A pencil (optional)
