An Urgent, Important Question - Please Help
Decorating By drgaddy Updated 4 Jul 2007 , 1:54pm by SeptBabyMom
Hi. First, I love the site and discussion forums - so much I can learn from you, decorating wizards. This is my first forum entry. I need help, of course. The question is fairly simple, but I cannot seem to find an answer to it anywhere. Can you use a file or something else to fix some rough edges on dried gumpaste? I made a shoe cake and I do not like the way the heels look, but the shoes are already dry and there is no time to make a new pair. Is there a way to fix it now or am I just out of luck? Thank you.
Try adding alittle thinned out gumpaste. Like a slurry...brush it on lightly with a craft brush or soft paint brush. That should do the trick.
And....WELCOME to CC!!!
Welcome!! I have an emery board in with my cake decorating tools. I use it all the time to smooth rough edges of flowers, etc. Just make sure it's really hard first, and be very gentle!
Try adding alittle thinned out gumpaste. Like a slurry...brush it on lightly with a craft brush or soft paint brush. That should do the trick.
And....WELCOME to CC!!!
Thank you for your reply and the warm welcome. Now I have more questions - how and with what do I thin the paste? Sorry, I am really a newbie! Thanks again.
Welcome!! I have an emery board in with my cake decorating tools. I use it all the time to smooth rough edges of flowers, etc. Just make sure it's really hard first, and be very gentle!
This is what I would use as well. I did some flowers for a class and the edges of the petals did not have a nice clean cut so when the flowers were dry I took an emery board and gentle filed the roughness away.
You guys are soooo great!!! 
I spend hours trying to figure out how can all these goodies even be real!!! They look so perfect. I have minimal experience with cake decorating and no classes, and my cakes are very simple, but I am trying to learn because I like it. 
I will try uploading some of my cakes so you will know what I'm talking about. Thanks again for your support.
Emery boards are just the ticket for use on thicker pieces of gumpaste. and yes, gentle is the key.
If your flowers have rough edges your cutter may be the culprit. Metal cutters give nicer edges but you have to keep them clean. Sometimes gumpaste will build up on the edges and can cause ragged cuts.
Your cakes are gorgeous!!! You've done a great job. Love all those pink flowers!
No one would ever laugh at you here. Your cakes are very pretty and its obvious you have a talent. You should upload your pics to the gallery so you have an on going folder.
Hi. First, I love the site and discussion forums - so much I can learn from you, decorating wizards. This is my first forum entry. I need help, of course. The question is fairly simple, but I cannot seem to find an answer to it anywhere. Can you use a file or something else to fix some rough edges on dried gumpaste? I made a shoe cake and I do not like the way the heels look, but the shoes are already dry and there is no time to make a new pair. Is there a way to fix it now or am I just out of luck? Thank you.
ever watched Ace of Cakes? Duff and gang use a big ol' belt sander!
your cakes are beautiful! WELCOME TO CC 
I second the advice you've received. just remember, we are ALL here to learn new techniques and ideas from each other...that's what's so fun!
So glad I came across this. I made my first bow yesterday and the edges look very rough. I do not like that. I wondered if it was possible to 'file' it away and by the looks of things, it is. I will have a try at this tonight. Thanks so much!
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