I'm just starting to experiement with gumpaste characters. I've got a rough (very rough!) first one done. The colors look so flat. I used Wilton paste colrs and also some Americolor gels. I also used a pre-made SatinIce gumpaste. While the colors are pretty, they're just so... matte. How can I shine them up a little so they seem more vibrant?

Thanks so much in advance for your help!

Steam Just pass them thru steam very quickly. Also you could brush them w/luster dust.

WoWoWoW!
What a great 2for1 deal that was! I now have a nice shiny piece of beginner sculpture AND I also got a nice cup of tea out of the process!

Thank you so much kakeladi, that sure did the trick... and hit the spot!!

Is the steam better tan using , piping gel or vodka?

good to know information !! I too want to start with gumpaste but seem to be scared to try!!

I've used a clear piping gel before and it worked out fine . . . if I can remember correctly, it remained tacky but I didn't mind. It also was great for adhering accent pieces to it.

the other way to get more of a shine than with steam is to use confectioners glaze,.
xx

i used crisco last night on a purse cake. It works fine but you have to make sure to get every spot and it takes time on a large cake. I will try the steam but don't know how. Can anyone explain what to use for this and how?

P.S. Do not use the varnish posted here on CC it will ruin your cake, it's gummy and it's thick to spread on. . Not soo good for your cake

i dont know about using steaming machines, i've only done small bits. i just set a pan to boil, and pass it through the steam a few times. if you have used lustre dust it sets the colour as well as giving it a shine.
xx

Steam 'machines' are a hand held item that is often sold to travelers to steam the wrinkles out of packed clothing.

I used pam cooking spray over my cake last night to give it shine ( a tip from a CC member) and it ruined my cake. The fondant became soft...never hardened and started to buldge and buckle. Never happend to me before. Don't use pam to shine your cakes. I am wondering if the steam because it is water will have the same affect? How long do you steam it and has it ever gone soft on you?

too much steam will also affect the covering, the trick is to use only a little bit, let it dry up and see how it looks.
xx

I would definately use the luster/pearl dust. I won't ruin your cake and can be applied with a brush or put threw an air brush. You could also choose a color close to the gel color to give it a different look.

when i used it (it was mixed with the thinner, so it was 1/4 glaze-3/4 thinner, and 1/2 glaze-1/2 thinner), it was for flowers and leaves, in a class, we dipped the items in the jar. didnt take too long to dry, but it is messy if it drips anywhere.
ive not tried any painting with it though, so im sorry i cant help you more with that.
xx