Impression Mat - Advice & Tips Please
Decorating By nicolag Updated 13 May 2006 , 11:56am by nicolag
Just ordered a diamond impession mat....I can use all the tips you can give me to use it. I want to have a quilted look on the sides of a 16" round cake, then use dragees to finish the look.
Any advice is welcome as this will be a first for me.
Thanks in advance.
I regularly use the fmm wooden and cobblestone impression mats for my cakes and have found the best way to impress a fondant cake is to first cover it in fondant, gently curve one hand around the back of the cake to keep it still and with the other hand press the impression mat into the front, then sides and then back, taking care to place it so that the design is consistent (lines meet up etc). By the way, I press really firmly with it as I like a decent impression and have never had any problems with the fondant.
I am not sure if I have explained very well, but I hope it helps!
I've only used mats on crusting buttercream. It took more pressure than I expected to get a clean impression. This is one place where it's essential (for me, at least) to dowel a simple cake so the layers won't shift when pressure is applied. I found that it works best to keep the mat flat and kind of rock it - then pick it up, carefully reposition to match the design, and rock it again - as opposed to trying to bend it so it will wrap around the cake. I don't know if I'm making mysel clear. Sorry.
Wanting instant gratification the impression mat was too much trouble. Although I am sure with practice it's great. You have to be so careful about the presssure so everything comes out even and then the problem of maybe too much pressure so you go through the icing. Patchwork has a diamond cutter that is worth trying. When it arrives and I try it the results will be posted.
Hi,
I have only used the impression mat once, on buttercream. My advice would be to ice the cake get it smooth, and put it in the fridge for a while!!Don't be impatient, or it won't come out good. I waited about an hour, and it came out great!! 
I can't wait to do it again!! ( Cake in my photos I used the impression mat)
JoAnn
I wouldn't rely on the dragees just staying if you are using fondant. I would give them a tiny dab of something - royal icing is what I use, but you have to use such a tiny bit or it will be visible. Otherwise water has worked well, as would clear vanilla or egg white.
Fill a new knee high with some corn starch...pat it on the mat sparingly if you need to.
you must use a crusting BC for this to work..."rolling" the mat works well..you don't need too much pressure just even pressure when rolling. Stop about an inch from the ends..if you don't you will have a line that will impress from the end of the mat.
The advice is greatfully received - thank you all.
I should have said that the mat is to be used on fondant rather than bc.
I would hate the dragees to fall off so will definately use something to help them stay put - I am using piping gel elsewhere on the cake - that will help them stick - won't it?
Yes, I think piping gel would be fine to make the dragees stick.
Good luck, I am sure it will look fantastic!
GO LIGHTLY on the piping gel for the dragees...or else they'll just slip right off before the gel sets and dries!
I've a feeling the dragees are going to try my patience - should I apply the gel then wait for it to 'set' a little before I attempt to stick them on? If so how long do you suggest.
I was planning to use it as 'glue' for fondant details, also does it have a taste (using red gel)? I have not used the piping gel before, what other uses does it have?
Once again thank you - your advice and knowledge is invaluable.
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