Dried Up Gumpaste

Decorating By emilykakes Updated 15 May 2006 , 9:05pm by jmt1714

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emilykakes Posted 15 May 2006 , 6:38pm
post #1 of 8

I made a batch of gumpaste on Saturday, used a small amount of it then I wrapped it up really good and put it away. I went to use some today and it was kind of dry and crumbly. What did I do wrong and can I fix it?

7 replies
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AmberCakes Posted 15 May 2006 , 6:42pm
post #2 of 8

I'm no expert, but I was working with some last night and adding shortening did the trick. You add a dab of shortening to the gumpaste then knead it until soft-usually about 2 min. Add more shortening a dab at a time till a good consistency. That worked for me last night.

Good luck!

~Josie

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jmt1714 Posted 15 May 2006 , 8:13pm
post #3 of 8

It could be because it is cold. Was it still crumbly after you kneaded it and warmed it up?

if not wrapped well you might be out of luck. but try kneading in a small amount of crisco. OR, try microwaving it for 10-15 seconds (no more than 10 seconds at a time) and then kneading in the shortening.

if the whole batch is like that, you might be better off starting over.

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MomLittr Posted 15 May 2006 , 8:24pm
post #4 of 8

Did anyone see that Michael's is now carrying the pre-made gumpaste? The price was $6.99 (think it was 2lb, can't remember) but I used my 40% off coupon, so it came to a litte over $4. I am teaching myself to do the flowers, so this was easy just to buy it already made. Comes in a resealable bag.

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MrsMissey Posted 15 May 2006 , 8:24pm
post #5 of 8

...don't know if you have it handy or not but Glycerin can be added to dried out fondant or gumpaste to restore its consistency.

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jmt1714 Posted 15 May 2006 , 8:39pm
post #6 of 8

I've had luck with the gumpaste mix to which you add water, but I've heard from many people (including an instructor I totally trust) that premixed/premade gumpaste will never dry properly.

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MomLittr Posted 15 May 2006 , 8:44pm
post #7 of 8

JMT1714, I only did an apple blossom and daisy (first two in the instruction book) so far, and they seem to be drying well, especially since they are thin. How would I know if they did not dry totally?

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jmt1714 Posted 15 May 2006 , 9:05pm
post #8 of 8

length of time, really. I was just making daisies last night out of my own paste (homemade) and it was dry enough to color (the centers wee made previously, of course) in about 20 minutes. They are rock hard after a few hours and after a couple of days take on a porcelin like finish.

I think larger items (buds of lilies, for example) will take forever with the premade stuff.

Not saying you WILL have problems with the premade paste, just saying I know people who have had issues. Good luck!

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