How to Use Edible Dust for Cake Decorating: A Complete Guide
TLDR: Edible dust adds shimmer, colour and depth. Choose lustre for soft sheen, shimmer for sparkle, petal for matte colour, and edible glitter for bold shine. Apply dry with a soft brush, or mix with vodka for paint. Always use 100% edible, food-grade dusts from Baking Pleasures.
What Are the Different Types?
- Lustre Dust: Pearlescent sheen. Best for elegant glow on fondant, chilled buttercream, chocolate.
- Shimmer/Glitter: Reflective sparkle. Check label says 100% edible.
- Petal Dust: Matte, highly pigmented for sugar flowers.
- Metallic Highlighters: Gold, rose gold for painting.
How Do You Apply It Dry?
Use a soft fluffy brush. Chill buttercream 20 mins first. Tap tiny amount into lid, swirl, buff in circles. Perfect for moulded details and embossing.
How Do You Make Edible Paint?
Mix 1/4 tsp dust with 3-4 drops vodka or rejuvenator spirit. Paint with fine brush onto fondant, royal icing, cake pops. Two thin coats. Find your colours in dusts and glitters and lustre dust.
Can You Use It on Buttercream?
Yes - chill first, then airbrush, flick for speckles, or paint set details. Don't mix dust into buttercream batter - it disappears.
Essentials From Baking Pleasures
Start with gold, pearl, and one petal shade. Add brushes, fondant, and food colouring for base colour. Shop the full range here.