What is the best surface to work on when assembling cakes and decorating them as well? Also, what's the best surface for rolling out fondant?

Thanks in advance!

For rolling out fondant, I like to use the cheap vinyl you can get on a roll at Wal-Mart. Put a little bit of water or a damp paper towel under it and roll to your hearts content. You really don't need to use much, it any, cornstarch at all. I prefer to use just a little Crisco if needed.

Are you talking about the vinyl kitchen shelving stuff?

I do most of my decorating at my work island. It has stool so I canrest my bad knee and still decorate for hours if necessary. I use a silpat to roll my fondant. There no need for cornstarch or Crisco because nothing stick to it. I have several sizes . one oif my better investments.

Actually I think she is referring to vinyl that is in the fabric department. You could have it cut by the yard. But since I bought mine, Walmart has done away with the fabric departments in my area. You can try Joanne's fabrics. They should have it there.

As for rolling out my fondant....I just roll it out on my stainless steel prep table (I sprinkle the table with cornstarch). After I roll it out, I then take my rolling pin and roll the fondant over it. Lift the rolling pin and unroll the the fondant over the cake. I use cornstarch to keep it from sticking. I have also rolled fondant out on just a regular kitchen counter top. Everyone seems to be different. I tried using the vinyl, but it did not work for me. Just keep practicing and you will become comfortable with one way that works for you.

I use a silcone mat from Ateco with grid markings. I love it. Nothing sticks and it doesn't move on the counter at all. I always hated the Wilton mat. IMO

I usually work straight on my countertops, solid granite so easy to clean and nice and smooth to roll out on.

I got the blue mat, the silpat, and the wilton mat - only to find that it was easiest for me to just work directly on my counter (silestone) and I don't have to mess with any of it.

I agree with Serenatea....try to find what works best for you. But don't make the mistake of trying something different on an important cake!!!! Good luck!

I use MMF and I have covered a board w/ contact paper/shelf paper.. the fondant does not stick at all and I use no ps,cornstarch or shortening...

I think I am going to invest in a few of the silpats. Thanks Granpam! I normally just use my counter, sometimes I will tape the Wilton mat down but I hate using it. If I'm doing small detail work and use only a very small amount of fondant or gumpaste, I love to use the yellow Wilton practice boards. Nothing sticks to it which makes it very easy.

Hello, I figured I would pipe in, just my opinion. ATECO makes an absolutely amazing silicone mat that is so easy to roll fondant out on. It is also such an amazing size and texture that you can just turn it out onto your cake and there is no need to lift and handle the fondant and worry about tearing it. It is a blue ATECO silicone mat 36" x 24". It runs anywhere from 26 to 40 dollars depending on where you get if. If you google ATECO silcone mat, it should brind up a host of places that you can buy it. I hope this helps. It has been amazing for me.