Hi everyone. I'm new to cake decorating. I guess you can say it is a hobby and I only make them for family and friends. I have seen pictures of here where people hand paint the cakes. How is this done? What product or products to I use to achieve this? I would really like to know. I've tried to find a thread on this but I was unsuccessful. Please help. Also can this be done on crusted buttercream or just fondant?
It can be done on crusting buttercream (see my skate board cake) or on fondant.
You can use gel colors, often mixed with lemon extract, alcohols (vodka, gin, everclear) or some even use it straight out of the bottle.
You can also use airbrush colors which are already in liquid form.
You can also mix luster or pearl dust with lemon extract or alcohols (vodka, gin, everclear).
Thanks so much TexasSugar! That was so helpful!! I appreciate it!
I find Americolor the best gels to work with when painting.
You can also use airbrush colors which are already in liquid form.
TexasSugar, you always have the most useful information! I had received a bottle of air brush color in a gift bag and just figured I'd never use it 
! It never occurred to me that I could use it for painting. Thanks so much!
When you paint with gel colors and extracts, will it ever dry completely? I hand painted some cupcakes a while ago and noticed some of the black paint came off onto people's teeth when they were being eaten (It didn't leave a stain, thankfully).
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