I am doing a mosaic cake with a Mexican like mosaic design and I was wondering how do I make the tiles shiny or glossy? I was thinking about using piping gel, but I am not sure if that will work since it will leave it too sticky! Anyone have any ideas??? 
THere are 2 methods...1) spray oil...brush it on lightly. 2) steam it lightly...use a clothing steamer...just becareful not to get too close..do't want to melt the fondant.
You can also use confectioner's glaze or a homemade glaze that is 50% vodka and 50% corn syrup. Good Luck.
I always want to point out that anytime I have used steam to make things shiny that it only works for a day or two. If you are working ahead with your gum paste and steam it it won't stay shiny, steam the day you present the cake.
Lol, I'm glad you posted the ratio of vodka:corn syrup. I made a cake the other day and remembered reading that those should be mixed. So i threw some in a cup and my bow came out real shiny.. then I tried again and it didn't work as well. Now I know the right ratio. thanks .Oh and it wasn't sticky after it dried.
Alicosani, I used the corn syrup/vodka mix on the bow in my pink "2" cake in my photos if that's the kind of shine you're looking for (that cake was a day old when the pic was taken and it stayed real shiny)
The Barbie cosmetic bag I think I just did the steam (with my iron) it came out somewhat shiny, but not as much, I don't know how long it lasted, cause the cake did last long lol
Hmm well you cant really see how shiny the bow in the pic was, except if you look at the middle light purple loop where you can see a reflection. haha but take my word for it, it was shiny, my camera just sucks
When I use gumpaste, I let it dry completely and then paint it with a wash of food color and vodka. Just use a little color if you don't want to darken it.
You can see how shiny the gumpaste is in this picture.
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-photo_1504579.html
can I ask what about the taste or presence of vodka on cakes esp for kids how does that work??
The vodka evaporates. That's why people use it, because it's cheaper than using clear extracts and doesn't leave any taste behind. When it dries, the alcohol is completely gone.
can I ask what about the taste or presence of vodka on cakes esp for kids how does that work??
The vodka evaporates. That's why people use it, because it's cheaper than using clear extracts and doesn't leave any taste behind. When it dries, the alcohol is completely gone.
thank you very much!! 
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