I often paint details onto my modelled figures (like faces) using powdered black food coloring mixed with vodka or lemon extract. However, my "paint" sometimes comes out too thin (and not black enough) or too clumpy. Does anyone have a better painting mixture? Or a suggested brand of powdered food coloring? I'd like my "paint" to go on more smoothly since often I apply a lot of tiny details to my work with a very fine paintbrush. Thanks.

I havent tried it yet but I was planning on painting my faces on my faries with my airbrush coloring set...Ill let you know how that works..

I am new to the sculpting thing. But I have been using Wilton's color gel and put it directly on the brush and paint with that

I used powdered colours when I painted my wine bottle cake and my paint (mixed with clear lemon extract) was a bit grainy..but OK..

A better mix IMHO to use when you do figures is the gel colours mixed with a tiny bit of clear lemon extract or vodka...it is very smooth and the colours are pretty true.

i use wilton gel (thus far) mixed with a little almond extract

I just painted a cake this weekend with airbrush colorand a brush. It went on super easy and the fondant didn't get sticky or gummy. The colors were very vibrant and there was no taste. I just uploaded the picture to my gallery if anyone wants to take a look.

pardon my ignorance, but is airbrush color a brand name or do mean color for an airbrush?

It's color that is for an airbrush. It is already thinned out, so you don't have to add anything to it like you do with the gel paste or powders.

Thanks! You've all been helpful. Do you have problems with the finished product smearing when you use either the gels mixed with extract or the airbrush color?

I had no problems with smearing using the airbrush color. It dried within minutes. I assembled the cake on-site, and didn't have to touch-up anything.