My Luster Dust Always Looks Streaky

Decorating By CakesByEllen Updated 29 Mar 2007 , 5:53pm by ShirleyW

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CakesByEllen Posted 29 Mar 2007 , 3:36pm
post #1 of 6

I have tried using luster dust on several occasions, and I can fiddle with it to make it work. However, it ALWAYS looks streaky, then I end up trying to rub it even with my finger or papertowel. I am trying to only put a little on for effect, is that my problem? Do I have to expect to put it on heavy? Is there a specific style brush I should be using?

TIA!

5 replies
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ShirleyW Posted 29 Mar 2007 , 3:55pm
post #2 of 6

It's hard to say without actually seeing it, but it's sounds to me that it may be too thin. If it is watery it will streak. I try to use a texture that is similar to unwhipped cream or latex interior house paint if that makes sense. Not thick and gloppy but not runny either.

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CakesByEllen Posted 29 Mar 2007 , 5:20pm
post #3 of 6

Actually I was using it dry. Can it be used dry? I was trying to lightly brush it on fondant pieces to give them a "little extra"

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NewbeeBaker Posted 29 Mar 2007 , 5:29pm
post #4 of 6

Sure can use luster dust dry=) A new big blush brush is the best to use for dry dusting. Jen

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summernoelle Posted 29 Mar 2007 , 5:45pm
post #5 of 6

Yes, I used it dry last week. Mine looked streaky too, so I used a dry pastry brush in long, even strokes to try and make it look like fibers on a ribbon. Does that make sense?

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ShirleyW Posted 29 Mar 2007 , 5:53pm
post #6 of 6

Oh, I misuderstood. Okay, dry.
Once you have dusted your dried gumpaste flower or item you need to steam it. Steaming will smooth out the streaks, set the dust so it doesn't flake off on your icing, and it adds a bit of shine as well. Bring a saucepan or tea kettle of water to a boil, turn down heat so it is producing steam. Hold your flower upside down by the wire stem over the steam. Roll the wire back and forth between your fingers so the steam hits all areas, front, back and sides. Do this only for a few seconds until the gumpaste begins to shine. Too long and it will soften your gumpaste. Stick the wired flower into a block of styrofoam to air dry, don't touch the dusted areas until it is completely dry or it will remove the dust and leave white spots.

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