TikTok Viral Thrifted Ghost Painting Trend: Easy Painting Ideas

Try this easy painting idea trending over on TikTok of ghost painting on thrift store artwork! This super fun DIY project not only allows you to upcycle old artwork, but it’s also not limited to just Halloween! Take this easy painting idea and use it to bring new life to any piece of artwork.

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I’ll show you how to create a simple painting using basic forms, perfect for beginners. It’s incredibly easy and all you need are some old, thrift store paintings, and acrylic paint or in my case, chalk pens.

Check out the step-by-step instructions and a video tutorial on painting a ghost on a thrift store find.

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What is the Ghost Painting Trend on TikTok?

This latest trend is simply thrifting old, inexpensive paintings and then transforming them into adorable yet eerie Halloween masterpieces by painting cute ghosts over them.

Most people are adding The Cramps’ Goo Goo Muck music in the background of their viral videos giving it a spooky twist. Prepare to be haunted by this creative craze!

Here is my Instagram Reel video below.

More Ghost-Inspired Fun

Supplies Needed to Create a Thrifted Ghost Painting

• old painting (I found mine at Goodwill)
• acrylic paint or permanent ink pens (aff link)
• artist brush
• optional frame (I used a Dollar Tree plus canvas)
• optional 3-D bat stickers (aff link)

YouTube Video Tutorial

Watch this tutorial along with 4 other Halloween-inspired DIY ideas over on my YouTube channel. I’d love to have you subscribe and hit the notification bell while you’re over there! Leave me a comment, too!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ghost Painting

Thrifted art is perfect for this painting idea since it usually comes with its own pre-existing frame. Mine was a poster without a frame, so I picked up a Dollar Tree canvas and removed the frame from the canvas. To recreate this ghost painting trend, opt for artwork that features a house and scenic landscapes or gardens.

Step One

Draw a ghost using your acrylic paint or chalk paint pens.

How to Draw a Ghost the Easy Way

This is an easy way to draw a quick and cute ghost. Be sure to add some black eyes for a super cute ghost face. You can make your ghost face happy or sad. I think mine is indifferent. LOL!

Step Two

Add a few bats in the sky area. My thrift painting had seagulls on it, so I simply took a black-colored chalk pen and painted bats right over the birds.

If your painting has no birds, just draw a bat like an upside-down “w” or “v”. It doesn’t have to be fancy.

Step Three

Next, embellish any other areas of your painting that you think would add to its spookiness.

I made a flower pot into a cauldron and painted most of the flowers blood red.

Step Four

This step is optional, but I added a few bat stickers that were three-dimensional to the larger seagulls on my painting. This made them really “pop”.

Step Five

Finally, you can paint the frame for your ghost art in black or add a frame if needed. I used a “reverse canvas” method to remove a wood frame from my Dollar Tree canvas.

I then hot-glued it to the four corners of my poster. I opted to leave my frame natural, but you can certainly paint it to match your decor.

Step Six

Display your thrifted ghost painting for all to admire! I placed mine on my entry table to greet my guests for Halloween!

Everyone will be asking you about this easy painting idea.

Check out how adorable my ghosts and their pals look in the painting! The backdrop of the French Quarter’s style painting adds an awesome spooky touch.

This easy painting idea is a delightful way for both kids and adults to get creative. You can even include a pumpkin or two if you want.

I hope you will try this viral trend! Let me know what you think in the comments below and get ready for some ghostly fun!

More Ghost Painting Ideas

This trend has produced so much amazing ghost art. I’ve gathered a few of my favorites from TikTok and Instagram for you below.

My super-talented artist friend Jennifer Rizzo even shares with you step-by-step instructions on how to paint a ghost.

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More Halloween Decoration Ideas

See 8 more DIY Halloween decorations ideas that are equally simple and cute here👇👇

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TikTok Viral Thrifted Ghost Painting Trend: Easy Painting Ideas

I’ll show you how to create a simple painting using basic forms, perfect for beginners. It’s incredibly easy and all you need are some old, thrift store paintings, and acrylic paint or in my case, chalk pens. Check out the step-by-step instructions and a video tutorial on painting a ghost on a thrift store find.

Materials

• old painting I found mine at Goodwill
• acrylic paint or permanent ink pens aff link
• artist brush
• optional frame I used a Dollar Tree plus canvas
• optional 3-D bat stickers aff link

Instructions

• Draw a ghost using your acrylic paint or chalk paint pens. Be sure to add some black eyes for a super cute ghost face. You can make your ghost face happy or sad. I think mine is indifferent. LOL!
• Add a few bats in the sky area. My thrifted painting had seagulls on it, so I simply took a black-colored chalk pen and painted bats right over the birds. If your painting has no birds, just draw a bat like an upside-down “w”. It doesn’t have to be fancy.
• Next, embellish any other areas of your painting that you think would add to its spookiness. I made a flower pot into a cauldron and painted most of the flowers blood red.
• This step is optional, but I added a few bat stickers that were three-dimensional to the larger seagulls on my painting. This made them really “pop”.
• Finally, you can paint the frame for your ghost art in black or add a frame if needed. I used a “reverse canvas” method to remove a wood frame from my Dollar Tree canvas. I then hot-glued it to the four corners of my poster. I opted to leave my frame natural, but you can certainly paint it to match your decor.
• Display your thrifted ghost painting for all to admire!