Every October, makers love a good spooky project, and few are as satisfying as a ghost that seems to float in thin air. That floating effect has a name, the Pepper's Ghost, and it is easier to build at home than you might think, especially with a 3D printer.
The trick dates back to Victorian theatre. A hidden object sits out of the audience's sight, and a sheet of angled glass reflects it so it looks like it is hovering on stage. Today the "hidden object" is often a bright screen or a small LED display, and the glass is a cheap clear sheet of plastic. Hobbyists use the same idea to make animated eyes, tiny holograms, and creepy Halloween decorations.
3D printing fits in because the hard part is the frame. You need parts that hold the clear sheet at the right angle and block stray light, and that is exactly what a printer does well. You can also print the ghost itself, such as a tealight holder, in white or translucent filament so light glows softly through its walls.
How to get started
Start simple. Pick a small ghost model from a site like Printables or MakerWorld, and print it in white PLA with a layer height around 0.2 mm. Use two or three walls and modest infill so the light can pass through. Add a battery-powered LED tealight inside, switch off the room lights, and watch the glow. When you are ready for the illusion itself, print a viewing frame that holds a clear sheet at a 45-degree angle above a phone or small screen playing a ghost video.
Try it on your printer
Ready to print something spooky this weekend? Browse beginner-friendly models, filament tips and printing guides at Flarelab, then share a photo of your floating ghost with the community.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pepper's Ghost illusion?
It is a 19th-century stage trick that uses an angled clear surface to reflect a hidden object, so the reflection seems to float in mid-air.
Can I 3D print a Halloween ghost for a beginner project?
Yes. Small ghost shapes and tealight holders are great first prints because they need no supports on many models and finish in a couple of hours.
Which filament glows best with an LED inside?
White or translucent PLA lets the most light through. Print with fewer walls or a lower infill so the glow shines evenly.
Is it safe to use a candle in a printed holder?
Use a battery LED tealight instead. PLA softens at fairly low temperatures, so a real flame can warp or melt your print.
Inspired by a maker livestream originally covered on Adafruit. Rewritten for beginners by Flarelab.
