Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

Hi, I am trying to paint the spitfire cake, I do not have an airbrush so using rainbow dust. I tried mixing it with vodka but it went all patchy and then I tried mixing with water, but have the same problem. It is really sticky to touch now, I thought this was how you used these colours. I have put the first coat of cream on and hoping that over night it dries and then I can put on the green camouflage on top, Can you please help.

Hi norfolk

I think first you will have to try and dry the icing so it’s no longer sticky, use a fan if you have one. If it’s too wet you may have to re ice. I know that feeling all too well!
Once dry use small amounts of powdered colours ( dry ) to build up the shades. For each colour start with a lighter shade and gradually build on it with a darker shade of the same colour until you’re satisfied. Don’t try and paint over the wet icing now, it’ll just get more messy. Once completed use PME spray glaze to seal it. Please shake the can well and follow the instructions as getting too close to the cake will cause runs. Painting cakes with vodka and colours takes a bit of practice, water ruins the icing because it takes too long to dry, but it can be done using a moist rather than a wet brush. Alternatively you could re ice the cake and begin again which would be costly. See how you feel. x

Many thanks, may have a very unhappy 7 year old on Tuesday if it does not work out. Will try out your answer and let you know. Might just try re-icing tomorrow. Thanks again

If you do re ice let the icing dry first before attempting to paint or dust on it, if damp it will cause the powders to streak and makes shading difficult. Obviously re icing is the worse case scenario if what you have now is definitely unsalvageable. Keeping fingers crossed for you, good luck!

Hi Madeitwithlove, I managed to dry it off by fanning it as you said, I then dusted it lightly with icing sugar. And am now really please with the results, A valuable lesson learned will definitely let the icing dry before I paint every again. For future reference should you leave it over night to dry out? So glad that I have not got to re-ice. Many thanks for your prompt reply I did not have a clue what to do with it. One happy Grandson coming up.!!

Hi Norfolk

Yes, it’s always better to leave the iced cake overnight to dry before painting or dusting with colour.. I’ve learned the hard way. I spoiled a whole cake once by painting it before it was dry, the more I tried to correct the mistake the worse it got! Still like me you’ve learned something valuable. I’m just so relieved for you, I hope your Grandson has a wonderful birthday, he’s a lucky little lad. x