How to apply Edible Imaged Cake Stickers / Helpful Hints / Frequently Asked Questions /Fondant application

How to apply Edible Images Cake Stickers

(Also known as Cake Decals)
Keep your Edible Image in the air tight bag until ready to use.  Store at room temperature.

DO NOT LET WATER COME IN CONTACT WITH THE EDIBLE IMAGE BEFORE OR AFTER ON CAKE. The sheet will melt and ruin the print. 

Please read all the instructions before beginning.  See the attached information on “Helpful Hints” if you have difficulty.

1.  Remove your edible image sheet from the air tight bag. For round edible images: using scissors or a sharp razor knife, gently cut 1/8" around edible image(s) while on the backing sheet.  Cake Stickers can also be cut after removed from the backing sheet, just be careful not to get moisture on it. For cake toppers and strips: there should be no need to cut your edible image as they are pre-cut. To customize the size use scissors or a ruler and a sharp razor knife to cut width and or length. When applying strips you may want to cut the last strip while it is on the cake to make sure your ends meet properly.  

2.  Have your frosted cake or treat ready.  Your frosting or icing should not be dry or have a skin prior to placing the edible image.  Various frostings can be used such as buttercream, store bought frosting, icings, fondant, whipped cream or non-dairy topping, fudge, chocolate ,and even frozen ice cream cakes.  Buttercream and fondant will produce the best results, whipped cream or non-dairy topping can cause image to fade a bit if left in the refrigerator overnight; the consistency of whipped cream is thin therefore the edible inks tend to sink into the cream. Your frosting should be level for the best results. When applying Cake Stickers to fondant, brush a small amount of water (no puddles) on the area prior to placing the edible image to ensure it adheres  properly; the edible image will not blend into the fondant as with frostings; it is totally touchable.

3.  Place the edible image sheet (remove from plastic bag) in the freezer for about 15 seconds (DO NOT GET WATER ON IT). Gently place on flat surface and  allow it to rest for 15 seconds, then gently roll the backing sheet over the sharp edge of a table or counter with image facing up (as shown in the photo “A “ below. The cake decal should release from the plastic backing sheet. Gently remove the edible image beginning with a corner - do not pull hard on the sheet as they are a bit delicate and could rip. See the attached information on “Helpful Hints” if you have difficulty.

                A. Release cake decal from backing sheet                                                   B. Gently remove cake sticker                    

4. Lay the edible image sheet on top or sides of your cake by holding ends and gently applying from the middle first, to the ends.  Gently smooth out the edible image making sure the edges are touching frosting. If you are applying edible image strips to the sides of your cake, follow the same directions as applying images to the top of cakes. If needed, you can trim the cake decals with sharp scissors or a razor knife on or off the backing sheet. When applying the last strip you can trim the end to fit after placing on the cake.

C. Lay on cake/cupcake starting with the middle       D. Gently smooth             

E. For Strips: Gently lay on sides, smooth out

5.  Create some piped borders around the edible image or apply festive sprinkles for an added touch.

6.  Wait about 10 minutes and the edible image will completely merge with the frosting and become part of the cake.   

See all of our festive edible image cake decals.                Check out our pre-made Chocolate Photo and Photo Cookies.

Helpful Hints on working with Cake Decals

A. Once the cake decal has been on the cake for about 5 minutes it will begin to blend with the frosting. DO NOT TOUCH IT; it will leave a finger print just like frosting does when touched.

B. If your frosting has become dry, spray a fine mist (no puddles) of water on your frosting before applying the edible image.  

C. We suggest using white frosting so your cake decal image will stand out better.  Using chocolate can darken some images.

D. If the edible image creases or rips while placing, gently rub the area back together and it hardly shows.

E. If the edible image has become dry and brittle, place a damp (not dripping) paper towel folded into a square in the bag  (against back side of the PLASTIC BACKING SHEET - not on imaged side) and let it sit for an hour. This will make the sheet moist. Before placing the cake decal on your cake allow sheet to air dry for about 20 minutes. DO NOT let water or moisture get on the edible imaged sheet. Then follow the instructions above on removing cake decals.

  In humid weather or for faster drying time you can dry the cake sticker image with a blow dryer; keep at least 12 inches away and dry on low for just a few minutes.

G. If needed, you can trim the sheets with sharp scissors or a razor knife on or off the backing sheet. .

H. When applying cake stickers to fondant, brush a small amount of water (no puddles) on the area prior to placing the edible image to ensure it adheres properly; the edible image will not blend into the fondant as with frostings; it is totally touchable

Enjoy creating your edible imaged treat!

Enjoy all the smiles you will receive!

Enjoy the money you saved!

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How should I store Edible Image® decorations?

Store Edible Image® decorations in the original bag in a cool, dry place. Always make sure that reclosable bags are completely sealed.

My Edible Image® decoration is brittle and cracking; what can I do?

Your image(s) may have been stored in conditions that are too dry, or the reclosable bag was not completely closed. Be certain to always close the original bag. Exposure to low humidity may cause Edible Image® decorations to become too dry and brittle, thus cracking or breaking upon peeling from the backing sheet. If you experience difficulties due to low humidity, try the following: If possible, move the image you are ready to use to a more humid environment. Keep the remaining images sealed in the original silver bag. A portable humidifier can solve the problem of low humidity in a room. Place the bag containing the Edible Image® decoration(s) in a proof box, open the bag and then close it. Open the bag of Edible Image® decorations near a faucet of hot running water, allowing steam to enter the bag without getting any water into the bag, close the bag. Place the Edible Image® decoration you are ready to use in an airtight plastic container with a warm damp cloth. Make sure the damp cloth does not touch the image. Keep the remaining images sealed in the original silver bag.

My Edible Image® decoration is moist and difficult to remove from the backing sheet; what can I do?

Place the backing sheet on a table edge (with the image facing up) and roll the backing sheet over the sharp edge of the table. This technique will help to pop the image off the backing sheet. If this doesn’t work, the humidity is too high. Exposure to high humidity may cause Edible Image® decorations to absorb moisture and stick to the baking sheet making them difficult to peel. If you experience difficulties due to high humidity, try the following: If possible, move the image you are ready to use to a drier environment. Keep the remaining images sealed in the original silver bag. An air-conditioned room will usually be dry enough to condition the image so that it can be peeled. A Dry Box may be used in areas of high humidity to help dry Edible Image® decorations so that they can be easily peeled from the backing paper. The Dry Box is a large plastic airtight container with small food-grade desiccant packets placed inside to reduce the humidity of the air inside the container. Dry Boxes are available from Food Decorating Company. Place the Edible Image® decoration in a freezer for a 30 to 90 seconds, after which the image will usually peel easily from the backing sheet.

My Designer Prints™ are not adhering to my ice cream cake. What can I do?

If your ice cream cake is covered in a thin layer of ice crystal, let it sit out for a few minutes. This will allow the thin layer of ice to soften and provide the needed moisture for the Designer Prints™ to adhere to the side of the cake.

The colors in the Edible Image® decoration ran; how can I prevent this?

The moisture content of the product you are placing the image on may be too high. Do not add any extra moisture when applying the image. Also take precautions with freeze/thaw cycles to avoid build-up of ice crystals. Thaw finished frozen decorated products slowly, preferably in a refrigerator, uncovered, to avoid running of colors and sweating.

Can Edible Image® decorations be frozen?

Yes, Edible Image® decorations work on ice cream and other frozen products, and can be frozen after application. It is important to take precautions with freeze/thaw cycles to avoid build-up of ice crystals. Thaw finished frozen decorated products slowly, preferably in a refrigerator, uncovered, to avoid running of colors and sweating.

The colors in the Edible Image® decoration faded, how can I prevent this?

All FD&C approved food colors are sensitive to light, especially pinks, purples, and some reds. It is best to avoid direct exposure to sunlight and strong fluorescent lights.

The Edible Image® decoration is not absorbing into my food product; what can I do?

Your product is most likely too dry. Edible Image® decorations need a small amount of moisture to adhere to and meld into a product. You may need to apply a fine mist of plain water to your product before applying the Edible Image® decoration.

The Edible Image® decoration “bubbles” after application, what can I do?

Gently TAP (do not rub) the image. When first applying the image to the product smooth from the center of the image first and then smooth outward toward the edges.

Can I write inscriptions on top of the Edible Image® decoration?

Yes. Just be sure not to push the decorating tip through the image.

Can I use Edible Image® decorations for other products besides cakes?

Yes, Edible Image® decorations are versatile and work on numerous types of food products. Our standard catalog products are specially formulated to work ideally on buttercream icings, but also work for other food product applications. We also have the capability to custom formulate Edible Image® decorations based on the type of food product it will be applied to.

How do I store my product once I have applied an Edible Image® decoration to it?

Store your finished product as normally required for food safe handling. Edible Image® decorations will not effect the shelf life of your product and are freezer, refrigerator and shelf stable.