How to Make Unicorn Spit

Unicorn Spit is a vibrant and versatile gel stain and glaze that has gained popularity for its stunning results in DIY and crafting projects. Known for its bright colors and rich pigmentation, it allows artists and hobbyists to create unique, eye-catching designs on a variety of surfaces, including wood, glass, metal, and fabric. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to make unicorn spit so that you can get back to using it in no time! So grab your tools, and let’s get started!

What is Unicorn Spit?

Unicorn Spit is a non-toxic, water-based gel stain and glaze that has revolutionized the world of crafting and DIY. Its formula is designed to provide vibrant, bold colors that can be used to stain, glaze, paint, or create intricate designs on a wide range of surfaces. Unlike traditional stains or paints, Unicorn Spit offers incredible versatility, allowing users to blend colors seamlessly, dilute it for softer hues, or layer it to create striking textures and patterns.

It is loved for being both easy to work with and capable of producing extraordinary results, making it a go-to choice for artists, furniture refurbishers, and hobbyists alike. Whether you’re adding a personalized touch to wooden furniture or creating a masterpiece on canvas, Unicorn Spit provides endless possibilities for creativity.

Why It’s so Trendy and Loved by Kids and Adults

One of the reasons Unicorn Spit has become so trendy and adored by both kids and adults is its vibrant, eye-catching colors and versatility. The gel stain and glaze offer endless possibilities for creative expression, making it perfect for DIY projects, crafts, and art activities. Kids love its playful and colorful nature, which allows them to explore their imaginations freely, while adults appreciate the professional-quality results it delivers.

Its non-toxic and water-based formula makes it safe for the whole family to use, only adding to its wide appeal. Whether it’s used to create bold, statement furniture or fun craft projects, Unicorn Spit continues to capture the hearts of creative enthusiasts everywhere.

10 Methods How to Make Unicorn Spit

1. Create a Basic DIY Version Using Gel Stains and Paint

To replicate the magical effects of Unicorn Spit without the branded product, you can mix your own gel stain with paint. Start with a clear water-based gel medium or thick craft glue as your base. Mix in acrylic paint in vibrant colors—think magentas, teals, purples, and sunshine yellow. Blend the mixture in a small airtight container using a craft stick until the color is evenly distributed. This combination mimics the consistency and transparency of Unicorn Spit, allowing you to layer or blend colors for a similar dazzling effect on wood, glass, or canvas surfaces.

2. Mix Transparent Watercolors with Mod Podge

For a more fluid and translucent Unicorn Spit alternative, mix transparent watercolors with Mod Podge (preferably the gloss finish). Squeeze a few drops of watercolor or water-based ink into a small cup, then add Mod Podge in a 2:1 ratio (Mod Podge to pigment). Stir thoroughly to ensure consistency. This method creates a silky, luminous colorant that adheres well to porous surfaces like unfinished wood. When dry, the result mimics the ethereal, vibrant aesthetic of actual Unicorn Spit—especially when applied in swirls or gradients.

3. Blend School Glue with Food Coloring and Glycerin

A surprisingly effective homemade version of Unicorn Spit can be made using school glue, glycerin, and food coloring. Pour a quarter cup of white school glue into a container, add a teaspoon of glycerin for smooth texture and improved spreadability, then mix in a few drops of food coloring. Stir until the color is uniform. The result is a semi-gloss, tinted gel ideal for crafting or kids’ projects. Use this on wood cutouts or cardboard to achieve a stained-glass look when dried. Though not waterproof, it dries clear with brilliant color.

4. Use Liquid Soap and Acrylic Paint for a Gliding Gel

Liquid hand soap makes a great slippery base for a DIY Unicorn Spit. Choose a clear or white unscented soap and combine it with acrylic paint in a 1:1 ratio. The result is a smooth, high-glide medium that is perfect for blending and swirling techniques on wood or glass. This mixture is particularly useful for marbling effects. Allow it to dry for 24–48 hours before sealing it with a clear topcoat or resin to lock in the shimmer and protect the work from scratches or moisture.

5. Create a Chalk Paint Hybrid for Textured Surfaces

To achieve a more matte, chalky version of Unicorn Spit, try combining chalk paint powder (or cornstarch) with water and gel food coloring. Mix one tablespoon of chalk paint powder into two tablespoons of warm water, then add your chosen pigment. Stir until smooth. This method results in a chalky, yet vibrant paste perfect for textured surfaces like upcycled furniture or carved wood décor. It also works well as a base coat for layering with other Unicorn Spit recipes or for rustic or boho-styled finishes.

6. Mix Fabric Paint with Aloe Vera Gel

For a softer, flexible finish ideal for fabric or paper crafts, mix fabric paint with aloe vera gel. Use a ratio of 1 part paint to 2 parts gel. The aloe gives the mixture a smoother application and transparent quality while preserving color vibrancy. This blend is excellent for t-shirt designs, canvas wall hangings, or journals. It glides on with ease, dries with a soft sheen, and doesn’t crack when the surface is flexed—qualities reminiscent of the genuine Unicorn Spit formula.

7. Use Water-Based Ink with Cornstarch Gel

Cornstarch gel offers a unique medium that mimics the tactile feel of gel stain. To make it, heat 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until thickened, then let it cool. Divide the gel into containers and mix each with a different water-based ink or food coloring. This mixture is ideal for experimenting on wood slices, signs, or mixed media crafts. It spreads beautifully and gives a luminous finish, especially when sealed with clear varnish or resin. It’s an economical, safe alternative for schools or group workshops.

8. Add Iridescent Pigment Powder for a Shimmery Effect

To take any DIY Unicorn Spit mixture to the next level, add a touch of mica powder or iridescent pigment. Whether you’re using glue, gel medium, or liquid soap as your base, a pinch of mica powder creates a shimmering, color-shifting effect under light. This technique is great for creating fantasy-inspired crafts, including dragon eggs, fairy houses, or custom coasters. Mix thoroughly to prevent clumping, and always seal your final work with a clear gloss coat to preserve the sparkle.

9. Combine Hair Gel and Watercolor for Smooth Flow

Hair gel—especially the clear, unscented type—makes a fantastic base for a silky Unicorn Spit substitute. Mix in watercolors or even washable markers by squeezing the pigment into a small dish, then stir in the hair gel until the colors are suspended evenly. This recipe produces a blendable, slow-drying medium that works great for canvas art or fine woodcraft projects. The slow drying time allows you to manipulate the color easily, whether you’re layering, blending, or wiping away to create textured effects.

10. Finish with a Glossy Topcoat for Authentic Shine

Regardless of the recipe you choose, the finishing step in making and using Unicorn Spit is sealing. A glossy polyurethane, acrylic spray, or epoxy resin topcoat will amplify the color depth, add durability, and replicate the rich sheen of store-bought Unicorn Spit. If working on wood or coasters, polyurethane gives a furniture-grade finish. For jewelry or accent pieces, epoxy resin magnifies the shimmer and texture. Without this final step, your work may appear dull or be prone to wear. Always apply topcoat in a dust-free environment and allow full curing time.

Things to Consider When Using Unicorn Spit

1. Surface Preparation: Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free of debris. Sanding the surface lightly can help the product adhere better.
2. Layering: Unicorn Spit is highly pigmented, so thin layers often work best. You can build up layers gradually to achieve the desired intensity and texture.
3. Drying Time: Allow sufficient drying time between layers and before applying a topcoat to prevent smudging or uneven finishes.
4. Topcoat Selection: Choose the right topcoat based on your project. Polyurethane is ideal for wood, while epoxy resin works well for jewelry or surfaces needing extra shine.
5. Ventilation: Always work in a well-ventilated area to ensure a safe and comfortable crafting experience.
6. Test First: Before applying to your final piece, test on a small or unseen area to assess how the colors interact and verify compatibility with your chosen topcoat.

Carefully considering these factors will ensure optimal results and help bring your creative vision to life.

Conclusion

Creating your own unicorn spit techniques on wood is a creative adventure filled with color, texture, and imagination. Whether you prefer natural, safe ingredients for kid-friendly crafting or a more sophisticated mix for furniture upcycling and artwork, there are multiple DIY methods to choose from.

Each approach offers unique advantages in terms of finish, consistency, and surface compatibility. By experimenting with these ten elaborated techniques, you can find the perfect formula that suits your artistic needs and bring any project to life with vibrant, magical color. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to make unicorn spit! We hope you found it helpful and informative.