Unbelievably Easy Ghost Painting On Thrifted Prints (2024)

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Unbelievably Easy Ghost Painting On Thrifted Prints (1)

With this easyDIYtutorial, you can create a simpleghost paintingon a thriftedcanvasor print. UniqueHalloween decorationsfor thisspooky season! But I keep it PG for the grandkids.

Thanks to Dixie Belle Paint Co. for sponsoring this post. While I was compensated to write this post, all opinions are my own.

* As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases and through other companies as well. You will not be charged extra when you purchase through these affiliate links, but any income I make helps me create more amazing DIY projects to share with you! To see my full disclaimer, click here!

EasyHalloweenThrifted Ghost Painting

Last year, I jumped on theghost painting trendusing oldthrift store paintings, and boy, did it get a lot of attention on Pinterest andTikTok. If you want to read theblog postand see how it turned out, CLICK HERE. It was so good, if I say so myself.

So, this year, I’ve been again on the hunt for the perfectcanvas or printwith alandscapeon which to paint mycute ghostcreations.

While visiting a friend in Mechanicsville, PA, and doing some thrift shopping together (fun girl time), I came across what I think will be the perfect addition to myHalloweendecor. Oh my goodness! It’sscenery with horses in the background—farmhouseHalloween! LOL, it couldn’t be more perfect.

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Supplies Needed For The Project:

  • thrifted scenery print or canvas
  • Cotton (white)ChalkMineral Paint oracrylic paint
  • Caviar (black)ChalkMineral Paint
  • paper towels
  • paper plate
  • disposable bowl
  • artistpaintbrushes

Where To Find AnInexpensive Painting

Here is what I learned while searching for these paintings that I thought you might like to know.

While I found the search for the perfect painting fun, I am not one to spend more than $10 if I can help it. I’m sure I spent more than that on gas, but it’s the principle of the thing. I’m cheap!

1. Start withsocial mediaif you don’t want to spend all your gas money driving all over town.Facebook marketplaceusually has a lot ofold artworkto choose from, but be sure to avoid painting over something that could be valuable. Do your homework!

2. Try your local thrift store. It’s always hit or miss with mine. I have found that the prices of thrifted art go up significantly this time of year due to the ghost painting trend.

3. Thedollar stores! I have seen many inexpensive home decor wall art pieces that would work great for ahaunted masterpiece.

4. Ask a friend or family member. You might snag one for free, sitting in their attic collecting dust.

STEP 1: Preparing TheCanvasFor Painting

To get started, remove the old artwork from the frame, carefully removing the picture framing glass. Some of the older pieces tend to get stuck to the glass over time. Inspect the artwork for damage that you might need to touch up.

Fortunately for me, mine is plexiglass.

This painting method works with most prints and canvas paintings.

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STEP 2: Consider Painting The Background

Because I wanted a darker background for myghost painting, I created a wash withchalkmineral paint and water.

It’s super simple! Add a few drops of water-based paint to a disposable bowl and add enough water until you get colored water. Use an artist’sbrushto wash over the background (or the entire painting) until you get your desired look.

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I used a mixture of caviar (black) and cotton (white) to make a dark gray for the sky. Don’t be afraid to use swirling movements with yourbrushto create a cloudy look. Apply a send coat if the first wash layer isn’t dark enough after it dries. Dig deep for your inner artist and have fun.That’s the most important part of creativity.

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STEP 3: Creating The Ghost Figure

This technique is very elementary. There are no faces or details, just a transparent outline of a ghost.

First, outline the ghost using watered-down white paint. Use your imagination. No two ghost characters are alike; I’m sure of that.

Once you have the outline, use white and black to creategray paint, blending the two colors as you paint. This helps to give your ghostshadingin areas that resemble transparency anddepth.

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If you have trees in yourthrifted art, paint one peeping out from behind it for added interest.

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STEP 4: Adding Details To Your Ghost Painting

After stepping back for inspection, I decided that my little ghosties weren’t enough, so I opted to add a few bats flying around.

Using a fine-tipped artist’s brush and black paint, I carefully added the bats. What’s a night sky without bats?

What would you add to yourghost painting? Perhaps a full moon?

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The Results Of My DIY Easy Ghost Painting

Before I show you how I styled myHalloweenart project, you have to laugh with me because maybe you do this, too.

I go from room to room, looking for the perfect spot for myDIYhome decor. My hubby laughs at me, but he knows my heart. I live for decorating.

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I started in my upstairs guest room, which I enjoy decorating—not just the grandkids. This smaller print is perfect for the bedside table in my spookalicious guest room.

HalloweenFarmhouse style!

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The next stop was the kitchen. My kitchen island is already decorated with wooden spoon ghosts, following the theme. It’s cute, but it’s a no for me.

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My Halloween Office

Well, after careful consideration, it finally landed in my office. I’m sure I’ll take it back to the guest room before my guests arrive, but I get to enjoy it while I work.

What was your favorite spot?

Now that I think about it, I should have tried it on mymantel. Good grief! My brain never stops.

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I hope you enjoyed this fun and thrifty project. So, why not give anold paintingor print anew life? I’m all about repurposing. Just be sure that you aren’t painting ghosts over a valuable piece. That’s a scary thought. A little Halloween humor there. 🙂

Thanks for stopping by. In the comment section below, let me know what you think about this ghostly idea, or say hi so I know you’re here. Have a great week!

Until the next project… xo, Do

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Unbelievably Easy Ghost Painting On Thrifted Prints (2024)

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