You know the worming effect that occurs with the FBCT? Has anyone tried the Melvira Method of using a high-density foam roller to smooth out these devils ? Did it work?

I would worry about the colors spreading...

I used the melvira method on a fbct that I did last week. It was for piglet, I didn't get it as smooth as I had hoped for, but it did work. I just made sure that the roller had plenty of corn starch, and I didn't press hard. I hope it works for you! Good luck!

Sorry to be so dense, but what is the worming effect?

Thanks,
Christine

Well, the transfer nevers seems to come out perfectly smooth. There seems to be some indentions or wrinkles in the transfer after it is done. Sort of like a worm crawling through the dirt. At least that is why I think it is refered to as the worming effect. I heard it called that somewhere, don't remember where.

It may take me a few minutes but I'll try to post how I get mine so smooth. I did 4 this weekend ~ boy was I tired.

I use the melvira method every time and I know several people too. My first two FBCT (the peanuts halloween and elmo) I didn't, the rest I did. I don't use corn startch. I wait until it crusts and roll it once or twice lightly across the image and voila all worming is gone.

Check my photos to see.

Melissa

I haven't done one, but there was a thread about this subject earlier. I believe it stated to but the transfer in the freezer for 10-15 minutes and then roll to smooth it out.

When making the FBCT, always go over each section with the foam roller. This helps press out the holes to avoid the "worm effect". After the whole pic is done, roll it again. Then add the background layer of icing and roll it again. Now it's ready for the freezer.

After it's frozen, flip it out on the cake and peel of the parchment paper. You should have less holes "wormies " than normal but there will probably still be some.

Immediately start rolling . As the icing warms you'll notice the colors get on the roller and you'll roll them onto the lighter colors ~ and then you'll FREAK OUT and think you've ruined your FBCT. But, at least the holes will begin disappearing

Okay ~ don't totally freak out about the colors transfering to different sections. There's a remedy for that Lay a Viva papertowel on the FBCT and lightly rub over it. When you lift it off you'll see your lovely pattern on the papertowel (our kids love this part ). Don't reuse it! Throw it away (or save it to wipe leftover icing out of your bowls). If your papertowel sticks to the icing, give it a minute or two and try it again.

Keep using the roller and Viva paper towels until all the unwanted colors are removed and your FBCT is smooth.

For a different effect, you can look at my dirt bike cake and see where I used a Bounty papertowel to emboss a design on the cake.

Have Fun!

Just shows you how many ways there are to do this - I don't put a backing on my transfers. I make them really thin (as can be seen on the backyardigans cake) and I don't do any smoothing or patting or ANYTHING while making the FBCT... I just put it on the cake, let it thaw, let it crust adn then roll roll with the slightest touch and voila no worming and not transfering of colors.

Melissa

I think I'm ready to move and get out of this humid state (KY) It sure does mess with colors on cakes.

Some of my cakes I do without a background but that's only when I'm doing a small FBCT. But most of my FBCT's are large enough to cover the whole top of the cake so I do the FBCT and background together. Adding a background usually helps keep the FBCT from cracking, but this weekend 2 of mine cracked . Thankfully the "roller" saved the day .

Wow! What great ideas! I will definitely be trying these on my next FBCT cakes! Steady2Hands, I live in KY also! I wanted to clarify something you said about the Viva paper towel. You used the paper towels to remove the transfered colors that occurred from rolling it? So, essentially the paper towel absorbed the color?

Thanks to everyone who has responded! I'm hoping I won't have color transfer, but as Steady2Hands mentioned, KY is HUMID!