Just What Can You Do With An Edible Ink Printer?
Decorating By bricker Updated 6 Oct 2010 , 6:56pm by tyty
HI Jaime:
You must be so excited! Though currently we do not sell the ink for Epsons (due to the lack of the removable printhead), if you call my office today, we will be glad to send out a free sample pack of our icing sheets for you to play with. They feature our exlusive easy peal backing and our edge to edge printing...plus they taste awesome! Our icing sheets have the largest printable area in the industry giving you more for your money! For epson ink, I would recommend ediblesupply.com. I have been testing some of his Epson inks that I am very happy with. The colors are beautiful. Have fun!
I purchased a very inexpensive scanner and printer and purchased sheets and ink from Kopykake.com. I have only used it once, a little disappointed, I need t get my creative jiuces running, i have no ideas for the holidays that use an edible printer, bah humbug!
It is important with KK ink that you use the printer regularly otherwise you could end up with a clog. For the holidays, you can print out patterns and wrap them around the sides of a cake. You dont always have to print pictures. We have an area on our website where customers post their pictures. This may give you some ideas since it only refers to edible printing.
It is important with any edible printing system that you use it on a weekly basis to keep it functioning properly. If you are not doing prints for customers, print out coupons for your customers to use, or invoices, receipts, flyers, the kids schoolwork. Our edible ink looks like ink, prints like regular ink and has the most vivid and brightest colors. The only thing you can not print using edible inks is pictures of great aunt martha that you want to hang on the wall in a frame. Although with the quality of our printing systems you may want to, but after a couple weeks aunt martha is going to look more like ET ha ha.
Some great ideas for christmas using an edible printing system would be to print out strips of holly leaves for decorating the sides of your cake, or using our 1.25" circles you can get the chocolate covered oreos and make snowflake cookies by warming the top of the chocolate and placing the icing sheet print on them, you can also add a variety of pictures, ornaments, mistletoe, santa to give it some variety. We also have Christmas 3-D images and the glasses to go with them, this can make for an incredible scene at a party. Hope this gives you a few ideas for the holidays and hope everyones christmas is spectacular and wonderful. Happy Holidays everyone and Happy Printing. 
I've had a love/ hate relationship with my Epson NX200 The last order I had I spent 3 hrs. trying to get it to a.) accept the cartridges, b.) accept that there really was ink in the cartridges c.) print without lines through out d.) etc............... Finally got a usable image whew!! Two days later printed three multiple images perfectly. I really think I need a better printer. If you check out the photos of those CC'rs here that use EI's you'll see how versatile the printers are. There are a lot of post here that can help with problems that you might run into. Even with all the headaches I still love the effect.
I've had a love/ hate relationship with my Epson NX200 The last order I had I spent 3 hrs. trying to get it to a.) accept the cartridges, b.) accept that there really was ink in the cartridges c.) print without lines through out d.) etc............... Finally got a usable image whew!! Two days later printed three multiple images perfectly. I really think I need a better printer. If you check out the photos of those CC'rs here that use EI's you'll see how versatile the printers are. There are a lot of post here that can help with problems that you might run into. Even with all the headaches I still love the effect.
Great timing, we are celebrating our up and coming 15th year in the manufacturing of Edible Inks and Icing Sheets. For this event we are going to be offering some spectacular specials on new Edible Printing Systems and supplies. I will be glad to provide you with more information shortly and maybe we can get you into a higher quality printing system with a lot less headaches.
So, can all you experts clear up my confusion on how to use it on a cookie - on fondant and RI, do I have to cover the whole cookie with the edible sheet (cut to the shape of the cookie) or can I just cut out a strip with writing on it - like a name? If just a strip, does it leave a ridge and it's obvious that I used edible paper or does it dissolve into the fondant and/or RI? Also, when eating the cookie, is it really noticeable that it has edible paper on it? I would love to be able to scan different fonts onto images and put on cookies, but I am worried about how it will affect the texture/taste of the cookies....
So, can all you experts clear up my confusion on how to use it on a cookie - on fondant and RI, do I have to cover the whole cookie with the edible sheet (cut to the shape of the cookie) or can I just cut out a strip with writing on it - like a name? If just a strip, does it leave a ridge and it's obvious that I used edible paper or does it dissolve into the fondant and/or RI? Also, when eating the cookie, is it really noticeable that it has edible paper on it? I would love to be able to scan different fonts onto images and put on cookies, but I am worried about how it will affect the texture/taste of the cookies....
Hi Ruthi,
To answer your questions, our Icing Sheets work on multiple products, fondant, RI, BC, and even products like cheesecake, chocolates, hard candies, jello, and more. With all that variety there is different methods in application. For fondant you would want to use a damp paper towel, or light mist of water, or even tylose. The effect is still the same that it will adhere and merge with the fondant and cut like it was part of the cake.
When it comes to cookies, we have specialty sizes that will work with your designs and yes you can just cut out a strip and put it on as well. If you are using a BC or piping gel or something like that you might see a slight edge to where the icing sheet is placed. It will merge and become part of the cookie though. Each company that makes icing sheets have different properties. Some say that their icing sheets taste great or otherwise. We like to say that our icing sheets are only as good as your frosting. Our icing sheets do not alter the taste or flavor of the product that you are using them on as they shouldnt. The texture is hardly noticeable when you are consuming the product either. I hope this answers your questions and if you have any others please let me know. I am always glad to help out here on CC.
okay - next question: when they adhere to the fondant or icing, does the sheet become transparent? In other words, if say i wanted to print a monogram on an image for a cookie that is decorated in swirled multi-colored royal icing, will the icing image blot out the background colors on the cookie or will it blend in and the colors will still be visible? Would the icing sheet fade and only where there is ink on it that would be visible on the cookie?
okay - next question: when they adhere to the fondant or icing, does the sheet become transparent? In other words, if say i wanted to print a monogram on an image for a cookie that is decorated in swirled multi-colored royal icing, will the icing image blot out the background colors on the cookie or will it blend in and the colors will still be visible? Would the icing sheet fade and only where there is ink on it that would be visible on the cookie?
I understand what you are referring to, the icing sheet itself will not become transparent. If you have a colored fondant or colored royal icing the icing sheet will block out the color underneath it, but in some cases you would want it this way, especially if it is a monogram. You need the solid background to really allow the monogram to stand out against the overall product.
That's what I wonder also Andy.....If I print the EI sheet and put it on the type of icing which I use all the time is Whimsical Bakehouse BC...a soft whipped non-crusting bakery icing....which is primarily shortening based...I want to know if the sheet will completely dissolve into the icing or will it just sit ontop..I am looking for a EI sheet which will pretty much dissolve when put down after a few hours.Does photofrost dissolve or not? Does any of them?
That's what I wonder also Andy.....If I print the EI sheet and put it on the type of icing which I use all the time is Whimsical Bakehouse BC...a soft whipped non-crusting bakery icing....which is primarily shortening based...I want to know if the sheet will completely dissolve into the icing or will it just sit ontop..I am looking for a EI sheet which will pretty much dissolve when put down after a few hours.Does photofrost dissolve or not? Does any of them?
Disolving is a loose term that is used. A better term is merging. If the icing sheet actually disolved, the ink would run and the image would be come blurry. If you put the image on a white icing sheet, than any background that is not printed would have a white background. Our Premium brand is somewhat opaque but mainly white. If you put it on a yellow fondant, you will see some of the yellow come through on the white part only, but not entirely. Other icing sheet brands would show the white background. Understand that they do not disolve, only merge. To help the merge, the wetter then icing or fondant, the more it more it merges. Some fondants like Fondariffic has a greasy texture and allows the image to stick right to the fondant. But for better merging, you would want to use water. You can either mist it or place a damp paper towel on the fondant or icing surface. I also use a paint brush sometimes and paint the back of my icing sheet. You can only do this with the premiums as the back of the icing sheet can handle this without the image falling apart.
Sorry this is so lengthy... Now we have recently come out with two types of new icing sheets. One is a chocolate which is really awesome. I think I have tlaked about it in the thread already but it would take on a chocolate colored background. Kind of a neat effect. We also came out with standard cocoa transfer sheets. This is used with chocolate and it does dissolve, not merge. THe ink is what stays behind when you remove the backing. It would be interesting to see if this can be applied on fondant some how. I will play with this to test it out. But we are the only ones who carry full sheets of customizable transfer sheets. Now, on other postings, I have heard...but I have not tried... rolling out fondand very thin and placing it on a backing sheet and putting it through a printer. I would be a little nervous about doing that, but we are goign to experiment so that you have more options. Keep in mind that no matter what color you may print on, it will effect the colors that you are printing on. For example, we have tested yellow icing sheets and the yellow effects the colors of the inks. I hope all this rambling helps!
I guess merging is a better term 
...So if my icing is a greasier icing the merging will be better or worse? It kinda is waterproof..It takes alot of soap and water to get the darn stuff off my hands 
so my concern is the image may become resistant to the merging and it won't melt into it so to say....I just don't want a crunchy opaque sheet that is difficult to cut into...
So much to learn!
Thanks 
I've had a love/ hate relationship with my Epson NX200 The last order I had I spent 3 hrs. trying to get it to a.) accept the cartridges, b.) accept that there really was ink in the cartridges c.) print without lines through out d.) etc............... Finally got a usable image whew!! Two days later printed three multiple images perfectly. I really think I need a better printer. If you check out the photos of those CC'rs here that use EI's you'll see how versatile the printers are. There are a lot of post here that can help with problems that you might run into. Even with all the headaches I still love the effect.
How horrible! I am so sorry you are going through this. Our newer printers offer our exclusive Gold Label Ink. Its awesome. We have not had it clog ever....I know eventually it will, but 3 hours of yoru time is worth a lot not to have that frustration. We only work with Canons. Picturecakes is selling these printers at a low price on Ebay as a special till the end of the year. You may want to consider an upgrade. I remember when there were 2 cartridge printers and we use to fight with them. Then I upgraded to the 4 cartridge printer and wondered why I spent so many hours fighting with the printer. I swore I would never wait again! I still wait because I am frugal and stubborn. But I always kick myself afterwards!
I guess merging is a better term
...So if my icing is a greasier icing the merging will be better or worse? It kinda is waterproof..It takes alot of soap and water to get the darn stuff off my hands so my concern is the image may become resistant to the merging and it won't melt into it so to say....I just don't want a crunchy opaque sheet that is difficult to cut into...So much to learn!
Thanks
Based on the fact that you are using that style topping, you should be fine, I know we have tried our Icing Sheets on many types of Icing and have only found one that has been a problem and that is the whipped toppings you find at like walmart. Even then if you put a little powdered sugar down where you are placing the image it will still merge properly. So yes it should do well. If you like you can email me an image you need done and I will send it out to you to try out for yourself. Another nice part we have done is with our Icing Sheets you can even use these on dark chocolate and the colors are not faded or altered by the darker colors, the colors are still vibrant and stand out.
I've had a love/ hate relationship with my Epson NX200 The last order I had I spent 3 hrs. trying to get it to a.) accept the cartridges, b.) accept that there really was ink in the cartridges c.) print without lines through out d.) etc............... Finally got a usable image whew!! Two days later printed three multiple images perfectly. I really think I need a better printer. If you check out the photos of those CC'rs here that use EI's you'll see how versatile the printers are. There are a lot of post here that can help with problems that you might run into. Even with all the headaches I still love the effect.
How horrible! I am so sorry you are going through this. Our newer printers offer our exclusive Gold Label Ink. Its awesome. We have not had it clog ever....I know eventually it will, but 3 hours of yoru time is worth a lot not to have that frustration. We only work with Canons. Picturecakes is selling these printers at a low price on Ebay as a special till the end of the year. You may want to consider an upgrade. I remember when there were 2 cartridge printers and we use to fight with them. Then I upgraded to the 4 cartridge printer and wondered why I spent so many hours fighting with the printer. I swore I would never wait again! I still wait because I am frugal and stubborn. But I always kick myself afterwards!
The Epson NX200 is a 4 cartridge printer but the print head isn't removable which makes unclogging it very frustrating, I love using the images, I bought it to save time LOL , thanks for the info I'll check out Picturecakes. Merry Christmas
How often would you use your printer...assuming it printed well?!!
How often would you use your printer...assuming it printed well?!!
3-4 times a month sometimes more, probably more if it wasn't such a PIA
Hi Kory
We are actually working on a new printer. It has passed all the tests but we are designing a package for it now and it will be ready I beleive 1st part of January. But.....before you splurge, how often do you use 11x17 prints? If you do not use them that often and 8.5x14 is big enough, do not spend the money unless you can wait for our newer printer. Reason being the 4000 does not use our Gold Label ink. Beleive me the ink is worth it. The printer we are testing will use a Gold Label type ink. But we should have it out after all the holidays. I do, however always tell my customers not to over buy. For example, if you have a scanner, dont spend the extra money on a model with the scanner. If you will be happy with 8.5x14" then save the money and buy the Gold Label Premium rather than the more expensive one that you will only use that feature a few times. But you must balance that carefully and if you would get good use out of it, spend it as you dont want the regrets!!!! So, I will be working today and I will see if I can get to designing the "perfect" kit with the wide format. I will be glad to update you on it as soon as the decisions are finalized. You will love it!
How often would you use your printer...assuming it printed well?!!
3-4 times a month sometimes more, probably more if it wasn't such a PIA
3-4 times per month should not be such a headache for you. I wish I had inks for that model for you so that it would make your life more enjoyable. Edible printing is really a lot of fun as it gives your imagination one more outlet to go in! If you told me you were going to print 1-2 times per month, it would not be worth purchasing a printer. We offer print and ship images for those who would only print a few times, but it sounds like if it worked better you would get more use out of it and increase your volume. It really would be worth an upgrade to the Gold Label. You will love it. If you were in a Canon, I could have probably helped fix your problems and saved you from an upgrade. But being Christmas eve... I will brake one of our rules. We have a promotion on our website that allows our existing customers to upgrade their printers to the Gold Label Printer with a large discount. That is how much we love our printer. So, I will be in the office by noon est today. If you PM me I will offer you ...and anyone else who wnats to be included the same price as is on our website ffor our current customers who want to upgrade. The link is on the front of our website at www.icingimages.com. I know it is worth it for you and I really dont want to see you spend alot as you already have an evestment of money and frustration..and its Christmas!
I guess merging is a better term
...So if my icing is a greasier icing the merging will be better or worse? It kinda is waterproof..It takes alot of soap and water to get the darn stuff off my hands so my concern is the image may become resistant to the merging and it won't melt into it so to say....I just don't want a crunchy opaque sheet that is difficult to cut into...So much to learn!
Thanks
Actually, wetter, not greasier. Greaser will adhere, but water mergers better. Dawn is the best for "taking grease right out of the way" Wetter is a better method to avoid the crunchy or difficult to cut image
Hi Kory
We are actually working on a new printer. It has passed all the tests but we are designing a package for it now and it will be ready I beleive 1st part of January. But.....before you splurge, how often do you use 11x17 prints? If you do not use them that often and 8.5x14 is big enough, do not spend the money unless you can wait for our newer printer. Reason being the 4000 does not use our Gold Label ink. Beleive me the ink is worth it. The printer we are testing will use a Gold Label type ink. But we should have it out after all the holidays. I do, however always tell my customers not to over buy. For example, if you have a scanner, dont spend the extra money on a model with the scanner. If you will be happy with 8.5x14" then save the money and buy the Gold Label Premium rather than the more expensive one that you will only use that feature a few times. But you must balance that carefully and if you would get good use out of it, spend it as you dont want the regrets!!!! So, I will be working today and I will see if I can get to designing the "perfect" kit with the wide format. I will be glad to update you on it as soon as the decisions are finalized. You will love it!
I don't use them at all now because I have no access to them. So we have to do these half sheet cakes with these awful little images in the middle lol
And we do a lot of multiple images on one sheet to cut out and place separately, so that would save me there. I could also advertise it out like you suggested previously to the other bakeries in town since no one else has one either.
I'm sure you mentioned it before, but what is the difference with the Gold ink?
Okay Debbie...sorry to be a PIA but if I wet the back of the EI sheet before I place it on the cake it will adhere and merge better no matter the icing I am using?
You would probably need to mist the cake vs. wetting the image you might not have time to apply image. The other Debby LOL
How often would you use your printer...assuming it printed well?!!
3-4 times a month sometimes more, probably more if it wasn't such a PIA
3-4 times per month should not be such a headache for you. I wish I had inks for that model for you so that it would make your life more enjoyable. Edible printing is really a lot of fun as it gives your imagination one more outlet to go in! If you told me you were going to print 1-2 times per month, it would not be worth purchasing a printer. We offer print and ship images for those who would only print a few times, but it sounds like if it worked better you would get more use out of it and increase your volume. It really would be worth an upgrade to the Gold Label. You will love it. If you were in a Canon, I could have probably helped fix your problems and saved you from an upgrade. But being Christmas eve... I will brake one of our rules. We have a promotion on our website that allows our existing customers to upgrade their printers to the Gold Label Printer with a large discount. That is how much we love our printer. So, I will be in the office by noon est today. If you PM me I will offer you ...and anyone else who wnats to be included the same price as is on our website ffor our current customers who want to upgrade. The link is on the front of our website at www.icingimages.com. I know it is worth it for you and I really dont want to see you spend alot as you already have an evestment of money and frustration..and its Christmas!
[quote="KoryAK
I don't use them at all now because I have no access to them. So we have to do these half sheet cakes with these awful little images in the middle lol
And we do a lot of multiple images on one sheet to cut out and place separately, so that would save me there. I could also advertise it out like you suggested previously to the other bakeries in town since no one else has one either.
I'm sure you mentioned it before, but what is the difference with the Gold ink?[/quote]
The Gold ink is a new formula and a new style cartridge we have been using. The cartridge is spongeless and the ink is beautiful. Best I have had ever. I am always striving to find the best products and I am very excited about the line of products we are carring. From our Premium Icing Sheets to our Gold Label ink, we are really enjoying our product line. Hope this helps answer your question!
Okay Debbie...sorry to be a PIA but if I wet the back of the EI sheet before I place it on the cake it will adhere and merge better no matter the icing I am using?
You are not even close to being a PIA. You would only want to wet the back of the image if you are using our Premium brands. Do NOT wet the back of any other icing sheets as they will fall apart prior to getting it on the cake. With other brands you are better off wetting the cake. If you wet the back of a premium icing sheet do it with a paint brush being extra careful not to get the front of the image wet.
My dd just got me the set up for Christmas off of Debbie.WooHoo. I would love to see pictures of cakes, cookies, etc besides the regular picture cake. Does anyone have any of these that I could view?
I havent tried mine yet, but I will be soon.
You will have a blast! If you have any mailbox news magazines, you will see the more unusual cakes we have done with images on the back of the magazine. You can also view some of our customer's creation on our website. Did you get a sample pack with your setup? If not, next time you order, ask for some. We have some cool types of icing sheets in there!
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