How to Paint Unicorn Rocks Four Different Ways

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The only thing more magical than a unicorn is a painted unicorn rock! These unicorn rocks are so fun to make and there is a different style for every rock painting skill level. From using paint markers and acrylic paint to learning how to use watercolors on rocks, there’s a lot of fun techniques listed below for painting unicorn rocks.

FINDING THE RIGHT ROCKS (affiliate rocks provided for convenience)

If you are having trouble finding smooth rocks outdoors, here are some great rocks that can be purchased on Amazon:

• Grey smooth stones
• Light colored smooth rocks
• 3″-5″ smooth stones
•  2″-3″ smooth rocks.

SEALING YOUR UNICORN ROCKS

After you complete one of the designs shown below, you’ll want to seal your finished painted rock to keep it from fading or chipping. Here are a few of my favorite sealants.

• For a glossy, glass-like finish – Rust-Oleum Triple Thick Spray Clear
• For a matte finish – Design Master Clear Matte Spray 
• If you need a brush on sealant that can be used indoors – DecoArt Americana Duraclear Varnish High Gloss 

UNICORN ROCKS USING PAINT PENS

These unicorn rocks are super easy to make and a ton of fun. They are also the perfect kindness rocks to hide outside for someone to find.

Supplies

• Posca paint pens – I used the full set that has 21 colors and an extra fine tip. You could also just use the set of 12 posca paint pen colors.
• Gold paint marker
• Black fine liner pen – I used the xs and fine tipped pens in the set.
• White acrylic paint or white flat paint + primer spray – When I’m painting multiple rocks, I always like to use the white spray paint + primer because it’s much faster to cover rocks this way and I like the backgrounds to be flat when I’m keeping them white.

See the video here and the step-by-step direction below:

Directions for Unicorn Face Rock

1. Start with a white painted rock. I like to use a flat white flat paint + primer spray. You can also just paint the rock white using white acrylic paint.
2. With pencil, lightly sketch a unicorn face design. 

2. Add gold details using a gold paint pen. 

3.  Add colorful flowers using extra fine tipped Posca paint pen markers. When doing the flowers add the main color first and then go over with a second color once the first color is dry. For the eyes, use a black fine liner pen.

4. Add a touch of sparkle by using clear glitter nail polish.

Directions for Unicorn Cake Rock

1. Start with a white painted rock. I like to use a flat white flat paint + primer spray. You can also just paint the rock white using white acrylic paint.
2. Slightly outline a unicorn cake design onto the rock.
3. Add details with colored paint markers and a gold paint pen.
4. Add outlines with a black fine liner pen.

UNICORN ROCKS USING WATERCOLORS

Many people don’t realize that watercolors can be used on rocks. They are perfect for creating lighter, blended designs. The key is just to know how to make them work. 

Supplies for Watercolor Unicorn Rocks

• White acrylic paint
• Paint brush
• Watercolors – I used this set and the colors are perfect for painting rainbow gradients.
• Black fine liner pen – I used the xs and fine tipped pens in the set.

Directions for Watercolor Unicorn Rocks

1. With a pencil, draw a silhouette of a unicorn onto the rock. If you are having trouble drawing one freehand, print one from online onto card stock, cut it out and then trace the outline onto the rock.
2. Paint the inside of the unicorn outline with white acrylic paint.
3. With watercolors, paint the areas of the unicorn that you want to have in color.
4. Add a cloud if you want an area to write a message.
5. With a black fine liner pen outline the unicorn silhouette and add additional details like an eye and nostril. 

UNICORN ROCKS USING ACRYLIC PAINT

Supplies

• Acrylic paint – Below are a few of my favorite brands:
  • Martha Stewart Acrylic Paint
  • Folkart Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint
• Paintbrushes

Directions

1. Start with a white painted rock. I like to use a flat white flat paint + primer spray. You can also just paint the rock white using white acrylic paint.
2. With pencil, lightly sketch a unicorn design.
3. Paint the background color first. Then paint the unicorn mane, tail and horn.
4. Outline the unicorn with a black fine liner pen and add eye and nose details.

If you paint any unicorn rocks I’d love to see what you create. Come show me on Instagram or Facebook! I love to share examples of my tutorials being made!

Get My Rock Painting Book

Looking for more rock art inspiration? Check out my new book, The Rock Art Handbook! It has over 30 different rock art tutorials featuring dot painting, marbling, embellishments, decoupaging and much more. In the book I go in-depth on different art supplies that you can use on rocks and provide a ton of tutorials to get your creativity flowing.

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