How to make a Unicorn Spit Glass Vase

Glass vase decorated with Unicorn SPiT stain and glaze used to store jewellery

As a DIY blogger, I’m always excited to try new products, and Unicorn SPiT Stain and Glaze was an instant favourite. After testing it on a wooden party trough table, I couldn’t wait to see how it worked on glass—and it was even better than I expected! You don’t need artistic skills to create stunning designs; even a child could do it. The best part? Each design is unique, making your project one of a kind. Though I’ve used Unicorn SPiT on other surfaces before, applying it to glass brought a whole new level of creativity to the table.

Glass vase decorated with Unicorn SPiT stain and glaze showing the gold veins

What is Unicorn SPiT Stain and Glaze?

Unicorn SPiT is a versatile gel stain and glaze that can be used on various surfaces, including wood, metal, fabric, glass, and ceramics. It not only stains wood but also gives a gorgeous glazed finish, adding depth and dimension to your projects. It’s the perfect product for adding vibrant colour and texture to any surface, including glass vases, bowls, and even plastic!

Close up of wine glasses with Unicorn SPiT surface use to store jewellery

Before we dive into this tutorial, be sure to subscribe to my bimonthly newsletter to be the first to see my latest projects.  You can also follow me on Pinterest and Facebook, where I also include my unique mixed-media art projects.

Transform Glass with Unicorn SPiT: A DIY Guide

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Materials Needed:

  • Unicorn SPiT Stain and Glaze or the new Shimmer range
  • Plain glass vases or wine glasses
  • Small plastic bottles (for diluting Unicorn SPiT)
  • Water spray bottle
  • Paper towels
  • Metallic gold spray paint
  • Clear polyurethane for protection (optional)
  • Masking tape

Preparing the Glass for Your Design

Start by choosing glass items with smooth surfaces. I found old wine glasses and a vase around the house, but any clear glass will work. Wash the glass thoroughly in the dishwasher or with warm soapy water. Clean glass ensures the Unicorn SPiT adheres properly to the surface. Cover your work surface with plastic or paper towel to protect your surface.

Plain wine glasses for unicorn spit project

Applying Unicorn SPiT to the Glass

Shake the Unicorn SPiT well before use. Apply a small amount of your chosen colours around the inside rim of the glass. If using black, be cautious—it can easily overpower the other colours. I recommend sticking to just 2 or 3 colours for each project, as too many can blend into one another and diminish the desired effect. Remember, less is more, and a little goes a long way.

Unicorn spit stain and glaze bottles

The Unicorn SPiT should flow slowly down the glass. If it doesn’t move freely, it’s too thick and needs diluting. I prefer not to dilute the main bottle, as it can change the consistency. Instead, I use small plastic bottles for dilution. A plastic syringe works well for applying the stain to awkward shapes. To dilute, add a small amount of water—about a tablespoon at a time—and stir until the desired consistency is achieved.

Small bottle for dilution Unicorn SPiT

As the Unicorn SPiT moves down the glass, you can tilt it on its side to guide the colours in a different direction.

Unicorn spit added around the top of the vase

A simple trick is to balance the vase on a roll of tape. After a few minutes, move the vase again to help the colours spread. Continue until the entire glass is covered. You can tilt or rotate the glass to help the colours move. Be patient—this part creates the unique marbled effect.

Vase laying on it side to encourage Unicorn SPiT to move in different directions

How to create the veins in the colours

Once the glass is fully covered with Unicorn SPiT, it’s time to create the veins. For this step, you’ll need a spray bottle set to a fine mist. Lightly mist the inside of the vase three times. As the Unicorn SPiT runs down the glass and mixes with the water, veins will begin to form. If you don’t see any veins, your Unicorn SPiT may be too thick—simply spray another fine mist of water to reactivate the stain.

Vase covered in Unicorn SPiT

Next, remove the excess Unicorn SPiT. Lay down some paper towels, then carefully turn the vase upside down. The excess will slowly run out. You can scoop up the runoff and reuse it on another project if you prefer not to waste it. Once all the excess has drained, return the vase to its upright position and leave it in the sun to dry. On a hot day, this should take around 30 minutes.

Vase with Unicorn SPiT upside down to drain excess paint

Add the metallic gold spray paint

I got so caught up in the project that I forgot to take a photo of the vase before I sprayed it. However, the image below shows what it will look like once the Unicorn SPiT is dry, which will give it a powdery finish.

Vase showing dried Unicorn Spit veins

Adding the Gold Spray Paint

Before applying the gold metallic spray paint inside the vase, use masking tape around the rim to prevent any overspray on the glass. There’s no secret to applying the spray—just ensure the entire inside is evenly coated. The gold paint will settle into the veins, enhancing the effect and giving your vase a stunning finish. Let the vase sit until the paint is fully dry.

Metallic gold spray paint finish inside glass vase

To protect the interior, you can apply two coats of clear polyurethane. In the image below, you’ll notice some overspray on the top of the vase, which I cleaned off with paint thinner.

Unicorn SPiT coloured designs on glass vase with veins
Unicorn SPiT coloured designs on glass vase with veins displayed

For a touch of mood lighting at your next dinner party, simply add some battery-operated lights inside the vases. This easy addition will create a beautiful, glowing effect that enhances the overall ambiance.

Fairy lights added inside the vase

Here is the vase with battery-operated lights inside. These vases are purely decorative and are only suitable for battery-operated lights. They are not designed for use with tea light candles or any flame sources.

Unicorn SPiT coloured vase showing veins with lights

More great unicorn spit ideas

I used Unicorn SPiT to add vibrant colour to this wooden wall hanging, giving it a beautiful and unique finish.

Wall hanging coloured with Unicorn SPiT

The colour on this wooden house number was created using just one shade of Unicorn SPiT and a burning technique called Shou Sugi Ban, which adds depth and a unique, textured finish. You can find all my unicorn spit projects HERE if you are looking for inspiration.

Shou sugi ban house number
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42 Comments

  • Reply
    Eva Desmarais
    December 30, 2017 at 11:18 pm

    Wow, I have never tried Unicorn spit, but gonna do it. Your vases should be in a Museum.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      December 31, 2017 at 6:01 am

      Thank you Eva very kind of you to say that.

  • Reply
    Leroy
    October 9, 2018 at 7:13 pm

    Very impressed, I’m off to buy some so I can make Christmas gifts (if I can do as good a job as you’ve done 😁)

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      October 10, 2018 at 12:02 am

      Thank you Leroy, If you are buying some have a look at the christmas Baubles I made using it, they turned out great too. There are a few projects I have done with Unicorn Spit if you look at my other posts.

      • Reply
        Vanessa
        July 24, 2022 at 3:22 am

        I love the look and have tried and tried and messed up I’ve left it thicker and thinned it. I tried swearing at it and it will not work for me. When I spray the water it either washed it almost all away or did nothing. I tried letting the spit dry and did it wet. Could you possibly post a video of how and when you spritz it? I am jealous.

  • Reply
    Patty Davenport
    November 9, 2018 at 4:00 am

    How do you keep the color on the log planter? I’ve been wanting to try something with spit. I thought once it was sealed,it was water proof. That’s disappointing for my bottle tree.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      November 9, 2018 at 4:53 am

      The log planter I made was sealed with marine varnish, it has been outside in the elements for over a year. The creator Michelle sells all her vases as decorative only. Because it is water activated stain if it gets wet it will reactivated. I made all mine for myself and not for sale so I am happy to take the chance that they might run if not sealed properly. I seal all mine with a few coats of spray polyurethane and the ones I used as planters I used acrylic spray. Mine are all over a year old and get watered every week and mine are still fine. I made mine according to the tutorial I posted. You did not say what happened to yours? Regards Anita

  • Reply
    Sylvia | Grace for a Gypsy
    July 22, 2019 at 12:54 am

    I have not tried the Unicorn Spit product yet, but I am going to soon! Thanks for sharing.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 22, 2019 at 1:38 am

      You will not regret it, so easy to do, a child can do it.

  • Reply
    Jennifer
    July 22, 2019 at 4:20 am

    I love the glowing light coming through the blue glass. Really cool! Thanks for sharing at the Weekend Blog Hop at My Flagstaff Home! –Jennifer

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 24, 2019 at 3:24 am

      Thank you, it did turn out very pretty.

      • Reply
        Anita currie
        August 19, 2020 at 5:06 am

        Would Unicorn spit work on a gourd. I am a gourd artist and always looking for a new idea

        • Reply
          Anita Holland
          August 21, 2020 at 8:50 am

          Hi Anita, It depends on what you want to make. Unicorn Spit dries into a powdery colour and needs an oil-based polyurethane to make the colour pop and stand out. So I would have to say I really don’t know. Maybe try a little test first.

    • Reply
      Amanda Reece
      October 2, 2021 at 12:23 pm

      Have you experimented with clear epoxy to seal the inside? I’m assuming that you would then be able to put water in the vase?? Jw

      • Reply
        Anita Holland
        October 2, 2021 at 3:58 pm

        I have not personally tried epoxy, but I do remember the creator try it a few years back. If I remember correctly she did not recommend it. She felt if the slightest gap was left the water would get under the resin. But saying that many people have the cup turners now for resin so that could work.

  • Reply
    Michelle
    August 24, 2019 at 8:18 pm

    These vases are absolutely fantastic!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 24, 2019 at 11:40 pm

      Thank you, Michelle, No skill needed at all, lol

  • Reply
    Mother of 3
    August 30, 2019 at 10:27 am

    Those look amazing! What a fun and unique crafting idea.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 31, 2019 at 2:44 am

      Thank you so much, they all turn out so unique.

  • Reply
    Dee | Grammy's Grid
    September 1, 2019 at 7:52 am

    Never heard of unicorn spit but the vase looks so pretty. I really like the blue one. Thanks so much for linking up at the #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 4. Shared.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 2, 2019 at 12:35 pm

      Thank you, It is really a wood stain, but I prefer it on glass.

  • Reply
    Julie
    September 1, 2019 at 10:09 am

    What a lovely technique with such a funny name! Your tips for getting good results are great – thanks.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      September 2, 2019 at 12:38 pm

      Thank you so much, I thought it was a strange name too. It is becoming very popular in the last year.

  • Reply
    Anita Holland
    September 7, 2019 at 10:47 pm

    Thank you so much, Beverly, for the great comment and the feature.

  • Reply
    Debbie-Dabble
    September 9, 2019 at 12:51 am

    These are so pretty!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

  • Reply
    Linda at Mixed Kreations
    February 24, 2020 at 5:28 am

    That is so cool! I haven’t tried unicorn spit yet but I need to. I LOVE how these turned out. Lovely! I like the ones with the lights in them too. So pretty lit up. Love the tree stump as well! 🙂

  • Reply
    Maria
    February 27, 2020 at 11:31 pm

    It turned out beautiful

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      March 3, 2020 at 11:15 am

      Than k you Maria, it is so exciting to wait and see how they turn out because each one is different.

  • Reply
    Terri Kent
    August 9, 2020 at 1:02 am

    The glassware looks fabulous. I’m about to order some Unicorn Spit for some furniture projects – I didn’t know it could even be used on glass! I was wondering if you can actually use the glasses or vases when they’re painted?

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 10, 2020 at 5:34 pm

      Hi Terri, Thanks for the kind comment. In my experience unicorn spit on glass is purely decorative. It is water activated, so even the tiniest amount of water getting under the seal will activate the paint again.

  • Reply
    Veronica
    December 31, 2020 at 5:08 am

    I love this process. I am a tad bit confused. I could not tell if you put the initial application of the “spit” so it runs inside the vase or on the outside. I think inside but I would like to b3 certain. Thanks much!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      December 31, 2020 at 10:50 am

      Hi Veronica, The spit goes inside the vase. I could not get it right on the outside. lol

  • Reply
    Sue
    April 17, 2021 at 11:22 am

    I’ve never left a comment on anyone’s post before but this post was exceptional and very easy to fillow. I can hardly wait to be mobile again so I can try it. Thanks for brightening a rather dull day while my leg heals. Please keep up these pists, they are marvelous.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      April 18, 2021 at 9:41 am

      Thank you so much Sue, I feel very honoured. Thanks for stopping by.

  • Reply
    Claudia McDiarmid
    August 1, 2021 at 1:48 pm

    What kind of gold spray did you use in your beautiful vases?

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 1, 2021 at 3:13 pm

      It was just a cheap and cheerful metallic gold one from the hardware store.

  • Reply
    Teresa Hocevar
    January 28, 2022 at 1:48 am

    Can you paint the inside of the glass with brush rather than spray? In your example, what happened to all the other colors? I only see the green in the finished product. Looks beautiful!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      January 28, 2022 at 11:26 am

      If you are using unicorn spit you cant use paint and a brush. Unicorn spit is reactivated by the liquid in the paint, it only seems to work with a thin coat of spray paint. As for the different colours, they all blend in together.

  • Reply
    Carolyn
    June 5, 2022 at 11:14 am

    I can not get it to crackle after the inside is covered. What am I doing wrong. I do not think my paint is to thick. Once the paint covers the inside do you let the paint dry and then spray? I water sprayed right after it was covered. Help.The sides are just getting diluted in colour not crackling.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      June 5, 2022 at 11:29 am

      Sorry to hear you are having trouble. You have the inside completely covered first, while it is still wet add the sprays of water and turn it upside dry to let the excess run out. If you are still not getting the cracks once it is dry your paint is definitely too think.

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