Ok, is there a special technique out there when it comes to combing the sides? I was doing some dummy cakes for a wedding with the wilton combing set, the one where you can do the different designs on the sides. I get it started well, and then it scrapes too much icing off. I am holding it at an angle and I'm not pressing too hard. Do I need to let it crust or something?

Every time I've tried to use the comb, the same thing happens. Just thought it was me. I just gave up on it. It's easier to smooth the forsting than to reice and scrape it off again. I'm glad I only paid $1 for the thing! Good luck!

well i have to hold it high enough so the bottom of the handle part doesn't hit the cake stand, so I do that and it still doesn't help.

It really takes practice, to learn how much pressure, and how deep to put the comb into the icing. I find that I have to put a lot of icing on the cake, because it really scrapes off a lot. I did finally get it, but it was frustrating getting there. Keep trying.

I was starting to wonder how much icing I needed to put on, I kept caking it on. Maybe I need even more

I haven't used the Wilton combs but are you putting your icing on thicker than usual? That might help some....not sure.

I've always used a serrated edge knife to comb the sides when I needed to. Works great! Of course you can only get one or two different looks (wavy verses straight), but it never takes off too much icing.
Good luck with the Wilton tool!
elly

hmm... never thought of that one. The wedding cake is a cheesecake, so there are dummies because of it being so hot. They told me to do whatever. Maybe I'll try the knife and see how it works, or try a basketweave or something.

I have the triangle comb. You have to make sure that you are not holding the comb straight to the cake, it has be be at an angle to keep the comb from digging in.

yeah, I used to use those when I worked in a store bakery, I wanted it to look a little more elegant that just straight lines.

yeah, I thought about trying that. I'll have to go through all my knives I'm assuming it's a lot quicker than traditional basketweave.

Yes, you definitely need to put a ton of icing on the sides because alot will come off using the comb but I love the look. Have fun!

i like to comb the sides too-- i use a triangle comb that's sharp and metal but i don't think it matters. i put it on thick and run my comb under really hot water and dry it all the way before i comb.

when i've had trouble with the cake showing though (maybe frosting too thin or room too hot), i've stuck the cake in the freezer for a few minutes to let the first layer of frosting get nice and firm, then refrost with thin layer to comb. works well! good luck.

Thanks. I ended up just smoothing the sides and doing scroll work in red to match the strawberries going on top, and the bride has red in her dress too.