I bought a styrofoam cake dummy and I'm excited to do some decorating, but I'm not sure what to cover it with. What do you guys use? Buttercream or royal icing? And what is the best way of getting it on there. Thanks!

I usually cover mine with fondant. I put shortening or piping gel on the styrofoam and put fondant over it.

Icing a dummy tier is a PAIN... it scoots all over the place since it's light as a feather. I use fondant... way easier... .

If you do use icing... make a buttercream using all shortening and no flavoring (why waste it) and be sure it crusts. Royal icing is doable, but you'll have to sand it to get it really smooth.

If you decide to cover the cake with fondant, sand the upper edge lightly to soften the edge. This will help to prevent the fondant from tearing on the sharp edge. I usually just spritz a bit of water on the styrofoam before I cover it with fondant.

You can roll the sharp edge on the counter too and that takes the sharp off of it without having to go through the sanding.

Thanks guys! Should I put buttercream under the fondant on the dummy cake?

No, just water or shortening or piping gel.

I use left over egg whites to attach the fondant.

Vic