I'm still pretty new at using fondant and need some advice. When I tint it w/ alot of color to make it dark, it sticks to the mat really bad. When I'm able to get it off the mat w/o tearing it, it rips and tears as I'm getting it on the cake. I don't have as much trouble w/ it when I leave it white or just tint it lightly. Can anyone tell me how to get it a dark color w/o having the tearing problem? Thanks!!

Buy the darker colors. Really, it's just easier.

I agree with Leah, buy the pre-made darker colors... that is when the coupons at Michaels, Hobby Lobby and Joann's come in handy. If you just absolutely have to make your own color it when it is still in the melting marshmallow stage... add as much color as you possibly can at this stage and it won't affect your texture in the end. If you still need it darker when you've added all your powder sugar you can then darken without too bad of results.

Buy the darker colors, or invest in an airbrush. It is way easier and you will get consistent results.

add a little glycerine when using a lot of colour if you have to colour it yourself . You can also add some extra icing sugar if it is too sticky as it won't really affect the colour too much.

But really I agree with the others buy them.

Thanks, y'all!

Thanks, y'all!

Sharon Zambito recommends adding just a bit of tylose powder to your darkly colored fondant to help it stiffen back up, as it tends to be very "loose" or stretchy. I've got some red fondant I made a while back that had this problem and I'm going to give it a shot to see how it works.

I do dark colors all the time...for decor mainly...but I find it easier to handle if I use Crisco or other shortening on my hands and on the board I'm working with...NOT powdered sugar. It also helps to roll it up in cling wrap overnight. It's not so wet and is easier to work with the next day.