Hi!

I've been asked to make a whole cake pastel purple and I only just remembered that I read somewhere that purple fades?! yikes!
I also just tried to mix a red and blue gel (Chefmaster) and I got a muted murkey purpleish colour - definitely not the violet or purple I expected!
I also read in the past threads that milk in the buttercream helps the purple colour not fade into a blue. I don't really wish to do this as I have two cakes to do at the same time and may need the cake to sit over a day plus the day itself. ( unless someone tells me that using milk really works well!? and can hold up over one & a half - 2 days)

I also tested my Wilton Violet paste and that seemed more bluish?!

I also just checked over the web that chefmaster has a "No Fade Purple".

So here's my situation...

What is my safest bet and what would you do??

a) go with the "No Fade Purple". Has anyone used this?? and this option is ONLY if it's available at my one and only cake decorating store!
If not available, then that leaves with option b) or c).

b) try to make a purple/violet colour using blue and red, pink..whatever, hoping it won't fade as bad? I would need the tips on how much of which colours to use.

c) tell the customer, who's my good friend,that it's better to use pastel pink rather than risking using pastel purple?

By the way, i'm using the Whipped-Cream-Buttercream-Frosting ( shortening based and meringue powder) receipe from cakecentral.

Appreciate any help. I'm not sure what to do!



Sorry for the long message!
Thanks heaps!!

Well--I just did a cake with purple using the Whipped Cream BC and didn't have a problem with fade or anything. It sat overnight also. However, I used "purple" color, not violet. I have found that the violet color fades a bit and looks more bluish/greyish than true purple.

Especially if you need it pastel--I don't think you should have too much of a problem. Just my experience, though.

Oh, and I didn't use Wilton colors for it--I got what my local cake store carries--I think they are CK? not sure.

Lisa

I haven't had a problem, but just in case, why don't you do your icing ahead of time, and then just remix it. Shoudn't it be better by then?....dunno

The only color change problems I have had is in bright sunlight or bright florescent light. If you are worried, just keep it covered until the festivities begin.

Try mixing pink & blue instead of red & blue.

Ok, thanks guys. Will try those tips!

Thanks again.