Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

I’m new to the school and wondered if Paul uses sugarpaste (such as the Renshaw red used to make Santa) straight out of the packet, or if Tylo is added to it first?

Many thanks! Louise.

Hi Louise

I’m sure Paul must use a little tylose or gum trag with the fondant otherwise the models just wouldn’t keep their shape. I was modelling with Renshaws ruby red last evening and it simply would not keep shape until I added gum tragacanth.

There are premaid modelling pastes out there – i have used Squires modelling paste, their mexican paste and also fondarific gumpaste. All are good.

Hi I have just made the xmas cake with santa on the top and I used Renshaw red and did not use any tylose or gum trag. Paul uses spaghetti to support the model which is exactly what I did and It turned out perfectly and is very secure. It looks beautiful even if I do say so myself 🙂

Hi,

Having been on some of Paul’s courses, I’ve never seen him add anything to the sugarpaste to make models. He just works quickly so the sugarpaste doesn’t get too warm (and soft).

I’ve tried using this technique and I’m finding I get a better finish to my models than when I use tylo, as the paste doesn’t get dry and crumbly at the edges. Although I have a long way to go before I can work as quickly as Paul does!!

Hope that helps 🙂

JC x