Hi all! Big time lurker, first time poster . I am doing a top tier paint splatter, and its for a childs birthday party. Never done it before, but the way I am seeing it done is by mixing gel coloring with vodka. Is this ok? What is the difference between mixing with vodka or water? What about the liquid food coloring? I don't have an airbrush, so I'm ging to just fling it on. This may sound ridiculus, but I would rather not feed 9 year olds laced frosting! ! Also, if anyone has any other pointers on getting a really good effect, I welcome all ideas!
I've googled and haven't come up with anything, so thought I'd try the pro's! Thanks!!

The vodka evaporates. Don't worry you won't have any drunk kids lol.

Water seems to leave dots for me so I don't mix with that.

The reason people use vodka is because it dries fast. You can also use lemon extract, because it alcohol in it, which will dry fast. Water doesn't mix as well and will dry slower.

As for the splatter, I just splattered orchids. I loaded up my paintbrush, then hit it with a spoon. Had a perfect effect. You can also use a toothbrish and scrape it with a knife. Don't see any reason you couldn't just use the liquid colors from the grocery store.

Good luck.

The liquid colors from the grocery store seem a little too runny and don't like to dry fast enough. But they are still doable

I always use whatever clear extract I have that I have the most of - lemon, clear vanilla, etc. Works just as well.

Ahhh. Thank you so much for the fast replies! I wondered if it had to do with the way it dried. Good tip with hitting the brush with a spoon. I'm off to try out some different techniques. Cakes being picked up Friday. This website is WONDERFUL!!
By the way - is there any wiggle room for changing the dye colors without wasting to much gel?

Even if you don't have an airbrush, the bottles of airbrush colors are perfect for splattering, and you don't have to do any mixing.

The correct question is "Why not vodka?"

I feel it enhances the artistic qualities of the decorator, therefore producing a better end product.