A Guide to Edible Gold Dust and Metallic Paints for Cakes
TLDR: For soft shimmer brush dry with fluffy brush. For solid metallic gold, mix edible gold dust with vodka 1: few drops to make paint and apply in thin layers on fondant, royal icing, or chocolate. Always check label says 100% edible.
Gold Dust vs Metallic Paint - What's the Difference?
Edible gold lustre/highlighter: Fine powder that becomes paint when mixed with liquid. Highest metallic payoff.
Ready-made metallic paint (e.g. Edible Art Paint): No mixing, brush straight on - convenient for small details.
Edible gold leaf: Real leaf or flakes for luxury accents - different look to dust.
For Australian bakers, food-grade gold dusts approved by FSANZ are the safe choice - avoid craft 'non-toxic' dusts which may contain unsafe metals.
How to Make Edible Gold Paint
1. In small dish, add pinch (~1/8 tsp) edible gold dust.
2. Add 2-3 drops high-proof vodka, rose spirit, or lemon extract. Vodka evaporates fastest. For alcohol-free, use rejuvenator spirit or clear vanilla extract - needs more drying time.
3. Mix to smooth ink consistency. Too thin = streaky, too thick = blobby.
4. Paint with fine art brush onto firm surface - fondant, chilled buttercream ridge, royal icing cookies, macarons, chocolate. Two thin coats, let first tack up 1-2 mins.
5. For cake sides, chill cake first so brush doesn't drag. Or airbrush spray for even coverage.
Dry Brushing for Soft Luxury
Want a brushed antique gold rather than solid metal? Dip fluffy brush in dry dust, tap off excess, lightly buff over textured buttercream, moulded fondant details, or toppers. It catches raised edges beautifully.
Best Surfaces for Metallic
Best: Fondant, gumpaste, royal icing, modelling chocolate, cold chocolate.
Trickier: Soft buttercream - chill 30 mins first, or pipe detail and let crust.
Add sparkle: Add gold lustre over neutral sprinkles or combine with champagne food colour base.
Shop Your Metallics
Baking Pleasures stocks edible gold dusts, lustre dust range, brushes, and fondant for the perfect canvas. Visit us in Tweed Heads or online - we will help you pick the right gold tone from pale champagne to antique brass.