Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

Hi can anyone advise me on any foolproof way of moving my models onto the cake after drying and hardening or is there something I can do to my icing to prevent my models from breaking when I move them? The last two models I’ve made have been absolutely fine, I’ve mixed cmc with my sugar paste and made them over a couple of days to give them time to dry properly but everytime I move them onto the cake I can guarantee that some part of my model will break! The first time a lot of the hair snapped and then the second time a leg fell off! Was very frustrating!

Hi jaime

I’m not the best person to advise you on this as it happens to me too. I found using stronger supports for limbs makes a difference. I use lolly sticks. When hair falls off on my models I just stick a bit more on, it can be difficult to blend on the dry bits, just do it gently. Do you think perhaps you’re not drying the models long enough? Instead of CMC powder try gum tragacanth, it drys stronger. I’m sure other members will help with comments.

Hi MIWL, I’m so glad you’re on here, you always give great advice! I gave the model a day to dry so I could try a little longer. And i’ll give the gum tragacanth a try aswell. Do you use the same amount as the CMC?

Yes use the same amount of gum trag but it’s best to rest the gum paste for 12 – 24 hours before using, unlike tylose and cmc which can be used straight away. One day for drying models is not enough, I dry mine for a week, perhaps a little excessive but I have no luck with models so I dry them on longer than most people. For bigger models it does take a lot longer and of course if the weather is humid that too will affect drying time. x

Oh wow that is a long time to dry! but if it does the trick I’ll give it a go. Thanks again x

I always allow 3 to 4 weeks for larger models and I’ve never had any break