Trick To "gilding" With Luster Dust?
Decorating By handymama Updated 27 Oct 2007 , 12:31pm by Dixiegal01
Whenever I try to paint with either silver or gold luster dust diluted with a little vodka I end up with an uneven, somewhat clumpy finish. When I try to brush over spots that haven't covered evenly I may end up taking off even more! 
Who can tell me how to get the "Midas touch"?
Here is the best tip I have ever learned and I got it from a customer service rep. from Creative Cutters in Canada. Mix one part Super Pearl luster dust to two parts either Nu Silver or Gold luster dust and then mix in enough Everclear or vodka to the consistency of unwhipped cream or a bit thinner. If it is too thick it will be globby, too thin it will streak and not cover well. Adding the super pearl will give you a true shiny metallic.
Here is a gumpaste cup and spoon done in gold this way, and a gumpaste shoe done in silver using the same method.
http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=71304
http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=69146
Well, I have only ever mixed luster dust with lemon extract...but it can't be that different...
Anyway...if I find that it's clumpy, I simply add more liquid and give it a good stir. It brushes on beautifully! Hopefully it's as easy as that!
Good luck!
Well, I have only ever mixed with lemon extract...but it can't be that different...
Actually it can be that different. There is lemon oil in lemon extract so it takes longer to dry than straight alcohol. It also tends to get a bit gummy to me.
Great tips, I used the nu silver on some candy tools for a cake for my DH and I think my problem was getting the mixuture too thin....too much vodka (*hic*)....not a good idea when painting, j/k 
!!!! I think I'll try the Everclear next time, I've heard that dries a bit quicker. Thanks Ladies!
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