isn't the royal icing hard as a rock as usual, or do you take it off, beautiful cake

Nina, if that was directed at me, I don't use RI. Don't like it for the fact that it is hard, AND it isn't shiny. And no, piping gel never really sets to hard. It stays soft and tacky, but if you put it in the fridge for a bit, it helps firm it up for easy handling until you get all of your work done.

Hi Jamie, 1st thanks so much for all the wonderful info on stenciling. I have a question for you, what would happen if piping gel and RI was mixed together and used for stenciling? I used this for string work or painting bridal figurines long time ago, the piping gel would give the RI a more shinier appearance not the flat appearance. I have a dummy cake I want to practice on, just wanted your thoughts.
Hammy

I'm not sure, I think it would take some experimenting though!