I was applying luster dust to some fondant/gumpaste lettering and it didn't go on evenly -- a few letters came out with too much dust on them. I tried to make sure that the individuals pieces were dry (36 hours), so I don't think that's the reason for the uneven application.

I was using a blue luster dust on blue fondant/gumpaste. (I haven't had problems with applying dust to smaller pieces, like rolled roses and such, but these letters were about 2-1/2 inches tall, so it was pretty visible.)

I tried to take off the dust where it went on too heavily, using Everclear and waiting for that to dry. But, it still never went on evenly after that.

Any suggestions or tips to prevent uneven application? TIA -- I really appreciate it!

Maybe a stiffer, dry paint brush. That might loosen up the luster dust and you can spread it around or "sweep" it off.

Or maybe rub over it gently with a dry paper towel.

Thanks, DeeD!

Generally, I use the back end of the brush to loosen the powder/dust (make sure there's no dried pieces or globs), then I use a fuller brush to brush the dust on. I tried lightly tapping the letters where it went on too heavily, and then wiping that area with a Q-tip. Still didn't take off the excess. Shouldn't that have worked? Or, is there something else? Thanks, again!

Should I have mentioned that in this instance I was applying the dust "dry" -- w/out alcohol, extract, etc.? Does that make a difference in how you brush it on?

I did some additional searches, and came up with this: http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-534.html, but it really deals with using the "paint" method, where you mix the dust with alcohol, in case someone else is looking for help with that method.

Again, thanks for any help on this!

Okay, maybe I've solved my own problems with the application, along with DeeDelightful's generous help. Thanks, Dee!

For anyone else who's interested in this topic, here's one more site: http://hanielas.blogspot.com/2010/05/luster-dust.html. The author discusses both dry and liquid application.

Uneven absorption of either powdered sugar/corn starch or Crisco could make the surface unevenly moist/dry/oily which can make the powder adhere patchy. If you used powdered sugar or cornstarch lightly wet the surface with a damp brush and let dry a few minutes before applying. If you use Crisco make sure to apply it evenly on the surface when finished making the letters.

It never will be perfect in application but you will get much better results.

Thanks, Sarah! I left the letters to dry on a surface lightly dusted w/cornstarch. Probably, there was some residue on the lettering. I'll definitely make sure the surface areas are "cleared" better next time. Thanks for the help!