I know we already have a pretty good thread going on cake boards, but I have some questions and thought they'd be better under a new thread.

I just have a couple questions for those of you who have experience covering cake boards with contact paper... particularly those of you who use foam core.

The first problem that I'm trying to work out in my head is this... I originally thought it would be cool to make my boards larger than the standard to allow myself room to decorate the board with extra decorations, ribbon, fondant characters or what have you. So, I cut my boards about 3 extra inches in each direction. Now I'm realizing that maybe this isn't a good idea since finding a box to fit the board will be a problem. Wonder though if I could somehow construct a top that lifted off the board itself... in such a way it wouldn't shift during transit. Should I just cut the boards smaller and ditch this idea?

Also, do you find that the depth of the foam core limits you on the height of the cake... like with decorations and such. I'm thinking of trying to close a box.

The other question that came to mind concerns the use of contact paper. Do you find that it is easily nicked or scored when people cut the cake? If so, seems like it would be a pain to keep replacing the contact paper. I sort of invisioned making a few really nice fabric covered boards, with contact paper to protect... then using them over and over. Thought it would be cool to add a business card just under the contact paper so as the cakes were being served people would be sure to see who the decorator was. Anyway, will the contact paper hold up with the use of a cake knife or am I just worrying for nothing?

I know a lot of you do the contact paper thing, so hope you'll give me your two cents on this! Thanks in advance. ; )

BUMP!!!

I never have A problem with finding boxes. If I can't find a cake box that fits I use a regular box that I cut down to size and I tape cling wrap to the top. I know a few cake decorators that also do this.

I use contact paper on my boards and it's tough enough to withstand cutting the cake. The only way it would gouged is if someone is really hacking away at it. And it would tend to stay together as opposed to flaking of like aluminium foil.

As for placing the business cards under the boards. I would not suggest doing that. I think it would detract from the cake. If you wanted to leave your cards. Simply ask your client if it would be possible to place them close to the cake or in a spot where people can notice them.

Wendysue, I wouldn't put my card on the board without asking...but then, when I buy new cars I request that they do not add their little decal advertising their dealership!!! If someone wants your cake they'll find you by asking the hosts!

I use plywood and prefer covering with foil and then fondant if the cake needs it. I DO have cards attached to the UNDERSIDE of some of them so I'll have a chance of getting them returned to me!

I also rig up my boxes with plastic wrap, the box never seems high enough for me. I think I had only 1 in 2 months that actually had a fully closing box.

I use foam core and contact paper all the time. I do it this way for it to be discarded, but at times have had the board returned to me. The biggest problem with a returned foam core board is someone usually places it in the dish water to be washed and then the board warps. So personally, if you are looking for reusable boards i would go plywood or masinate.

As far as the business card under the cake, i don't think it would detract from the cake, but since i usually use a solid color paper it wouldn't work for me.

Here is an idea that i use, i find it very effective. I have printed up some white shipping labels, same as my business cards and then stick one to each cake box that goes out, place a card in the box with the cake, so that they don't loose your number. You can also, but magenates that are business card size and just stick your card to that, chances are it will be on thier fridge when they are looking for a cake, they will be able to locate your number.

As far as a cake being too tall for its box, if its a fairly normal shape/size cake, i cut the top off of two boxes and place bottomes together. If i have a 3d cake that just isn't going to fit in a normal cake box, i head out to staples and buy a shipping box, just remember to figure the cost of the box into the cake because that can get real expensive.

Where do you all buy the form core?

[quote="Cake_Princess"]I never have A problem with finding boxes. If I can't find a cake box that fits I use a regular box that I cut down to size and I tape cling wrap to the top. I know a few cake decorators that also do this.

I do the same. Also, I go around to the stores for empty boxes and cut my own cake boards.

Never had a problem getting my plywood boards back. I wash the contact paper with detergent and a little bleach and leave on in case I have a cake that the paper will go with again...no cut marks on the contact boards.

Thanks for the information!
I'm trying to imagine what the cardboard boxes you make from other boxes and hold together with cling wrap look like. I'm not very imaginative I guess! For some of my cakes I wouldn't necessarily even need a box... once I arrived at the location that is. Most are for friends and family anyway.

The business card idea was to go board center, so as the cake were cut it would be seen, but maybe I'll scratch that idea and just attach something with my name and number to the bottom of the board. There aren't many occasions when I wouldn't have an opprotunity to get my boards back, but if I lose one or two I'll deal with it. : ) The boards I'm using are from foam core presentation boards from my husbands business firm and they were going to toss them. He rescued them for me and saved me mucho money! Also, gave me a reason to try and do the fancy boards. : )

So I still wonder, do any of you cut your homemade boards larger than what is standard in order to have a more impressive looking product?

I have not used foam core before. What would you say would be the largest cake you could put on it? For some reason I am thinking that it would not be that sturdy.

Thanks,
bj

How would you compare it to the thick Wilton Cake Boards covered in silver that you get two in a package? I am asking because I would hate to put a cake on it and have it fold. I usually do double and triple tiered cakes.

I like the idea of 3/4 inch and being able to decorate the sides with ribbon or some other edging.

bj

THANKS I am going to give it a try!

I'm confused about the cutting part. I use a cake board directly under the cake and then place that on the foamboard. Are you guys placing the cake directly on the contact paper covered board?

Front and back of 3/4" foam core covered in fabric and contact paper. Matt board covered in contact paper is on the back side. Under a smaller sheet of contact paper I placed a business card, but my replace it with just my name and number.

I think it looks great! I like the idea of your information the back side too.

bj