How Do I Do Shading On A Cake?

Decorating By missmarko Updated 18 Nov 2014 , 9:12pm by missmarko

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missmarko Posted 18 Nov 2014 , 3:36am
post #1 of 13

AI'm fairly new to cake decorating and I was wondering if anyone has suggestions on how to do shading on a cake without an airbrush machine? I'm making a muscle arm in a couple weeks and wanted to do some shading on the fondant to look more realistic. Paint with gel food colouring mixed with water?

12 replies
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kakeladi Posted 18 Nov 2014 , 5:00am
post #2 of 13

I would suggest using powdered colors.  Dry brush them on.   If the color isn't the shade you want, lighten it by mixing in cornstarch.

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Isabelh Posted 18 Nov 2014 , 5:28pm
post #3 of 13

Hi, be careful to use water-based colors as they will likely make the fondant too wet so the whole thing won't stay in shape! You can still use them, however by applying little by little and massage it in the fondant. If you want something really dark, try the pre-colored fondant at a nearby cake shop. 

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missmarko Posted 18 Nov 2014 , 5:52pm
post #4 of 13

A

Original message sent by Isabelh

Hi, be careful to use water-based colors as they will likely make the fondant too wet so the whole thing won't stay in shape! You can still use them, however by applying little by little and massage it in the fondant. If you want something really dark, try the pre-colored fondant at a nearby cake shop. 

Thanks very much but it's shading that I'm asking about, not coloring fondant. I use gel colors to Colour fondant all the time with no problem, it's just doing shading on a cake I was asking how to do. (I'm making a muscle arm cake and wanted to do some shading around the muscles to give it depth) Most people use an airbrush but I don't own one so I'm asking if anyone knew another method.

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-K8memphis Posted 18 Nov 2014 , 5:58pm
post #5 of 13

Quote:

Originally Posted by kakeladi 
 

I would suggest using powdered colors.  Dry brush them on.   If the color isn't the shade you want, lighten it by mixing in cornstarch.

 

sage advice from kakeladi in post #2 and if you don't have powdered colors you could use some cocoa

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radtech Posted 18 Nov 2014 , 6:21pm
post #6 of 13

AI agree, dry cocoa powder works well. if you look at my baseball cake you can see how the shading turned out on my fondant.

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-K8memphis Posted 18 Nov 2014 , 6:28pm
post #7 of 13

radtech -- nice cake!

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radtech Posted 18 Nov 2014 , 7:54pm
post #8 of 13

AThank you! :) I'm learning so much from everyone on CC- you are all amazing

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missmarko Posted 18 Nov 2014 , 8:19pm
post #9 of 13

ASo am I. I'm so glad I found this site. It's been so helpful and thank you all for helping out!

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ropalma Posted 18 Nov 2014 , 8:53pm
post #10 of 13

To paint with Gel Color use Vodka or lemon extract to mix not water

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missmarko Posted 18 Nov 2014 , 8:59pm
post #11 of 13

A

Original message sent by ropalma

To paint with Gel Color use Vodka or lemon extract to mix not water

Why does water not work?

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dkltll Posted 18 Nov 2014 , 9:05pm
post #12 of 13

Vodka evaporates and water just makes the fondant sticky.

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missmarko Posted 18 Nov 2014 , 9:12pm
post #13 of 13

A

Original message sent by dkltll

Vodka evaporates and water just makes the fondant sticky.

Oh good to know. Thank you!

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