What is thrifted ghost painting? Viral TikTok trend explained

As the weather gets colder and the pumpkin spice lattes come out, TikTok users are going to thrift stores to buy paintings perfect for a viral Halloween trend.

TikTok has given users a long list of fads to try something new and boost their creativity on the platform, with trends involving the viral A-ha filter, or the ‘Humans saw this’ meme.

One trend that has come back after going viral in 2023 encourages users to showcase their creativity with the help of fun activities. However, you would need to shop a little before diving into this challenge.

How to do the thrifted ghost painting trend

The ghost painting trend involves users going to their local thrift stores to find the perfect cozy, autumnal, or “creepy” paintings to bring home.

As they get home, they take out the painting supplies before removing the painting from the frame to add ghosts to the art.

People have really gotten creative with the trend, as ghosts have been seed added to a bathtub, playing and taking care of an autumnal garden, and watching over geese.

Videos of people participating in the painting trend have been viewed by millions of users across the globe as they get ready for the spooky season.

However, not everyone are liking the idea, as some argue it “ruins” the original artists’ works of art.

One person commented on a video saying: “It hurts my soul to see all the pretty pictures that are getting ruined.”

Another viewer said: “Imagine you did that and found out it was like a 50 million dollar painting.”

However, most viewers are loving the trend with people saying: “I would pay for a copy of this” and “I have NEVER needed something so badly.”

A second person also came up with a new version of the trend, saying: “Ok but instead of ghosts what about scenes from actual horror movies/books. I would have done something with The headless horseman.”