I tried to search for an answer to this question but it only left me more confused....please could someone help.

I understand the following:

There is Gumpaste..and there is Gumtex, then there is 50/50 Gumpaste or Gumtext.

I can't get Gumpaste and I'm not that confident in using Egg Whites, so I don't want to make my own (also I noticed quiet a few CC's buy their own ...wish I could ....) BUT I can get Gumtex.

Now at the back of the Gumtex box it gives instructions to make something...what is this something? Is this the same as Gumpaste?

When I searched Gumtex alot of CC'rs seemed have a magical method of just sprinkling it on to their fondant...can I do that Or would this give me 50/50. If so is this strong...yet edible...

Whoops I forgot to mention. I need the Gumpaste/Gumtex/50-50 for a castle cake. To make the towers and the walls.


Sorry for such a long post...thank you for your time.

Yes, the recipe on the Gum-Tex can is for an actual gum paste. You would definitely be able to mix it 50/50 with your fondant if that is what your directions call for. You can also add some Gum Tex directly to your fondant for similar results, without making gum paste (it doesn't take much--a scant teaspoon to a fist-sized lump of fondant usually works for me....more if it isn't drying as quickly or as hard as I want it to.)

Thank you very much for your reply.

Do you know how long it will take for the gumpaste (using gum-text) to dry?

I wanted to make some towers but I don't have that long to let it dry.

It depends on how massive your piece are. I've only done flowers and they dry very quickly. I would think that towers would at least be dry enough to handle after drying overnight, even if they aren't dry all the way through.

Good luck!

thank you

I just made my first gum paste flowers. I used the recipe on the back of the Gum Tex can and mixed the gum paste with my MMF. The flowers dried very quickly...about 10 minutes or so. Since I'm a little slower since I'm just learning, if I would have used straight gum paste I think it would have dried way too fast for me!

haven't tried using gumpaste yet -- but am very anxious to. have a cake coming up soon that has deer antlers and i know straight fondant will never hold up! i was wondering if it is better to mix up the recipe on the can of gumtex and mix 1/2 and 1/2 with the fondant or just add some of the gumtex powder to the MMF. whichever is best, i need some instructions. please help!!

thanks,
leelee

Hi, not sure how much help I can be being here in the UK. For modelling I use 50/50. I knead half fondant and half flower paste together (think that is same as what you call gumpaste). If i don't have any i knead in about 1 tsp of gum tragacanth powder (or tylose - tylose is the cheaper alternative here i think) to about 250g of fondant. Wrap in cling film and leave overnight. I just sprinkle the powder on a board and knead the fondant into it until its all absorbed. If you leave overnight it gets more stretch and dries pretty quick when making things. But for towers for castles I use pastillage - have any of you ever used this? its really lightweight, is excellent for building things like walls/buildings etc and as it is even lighter than gum paste it doesn't weigh anything down or collapse as easy. It also dries super hard and is more resistant to breaking. It kneads well and rolls out like gumpaste. Even if it seems hard in its wrapping a quick knead and its back to normal. it also freezes well. I have a recipe for it if anyone is interested

Wow allaboutcakeuk that is a lovely cake.

I eventually worked out what to do. My cake is in my pictures. No way as good as yours though. Well done

Just thought I would post this link I found - it lists the differences between all the powders/gums I found it quite interesting so thought i'd share if anyone wanted to have a read through

http://thesugarlane.com/2009/05/12/whats-the-difference-tylose-powder-cmc-powder-trag-powder-gum-tex/

allaboutcake. Thank you so much for your kind comments, and thank you for the link....very very useful.

no problem - any time