Vivian Marlowe
Luster dust is a popular product used to add a shimmer and sparkle to cakes and confectionery. It is often mixed with alcohol to create an edible paint that can be used to decorate cakes, cookies, chocolates, and more. However, not everyone can use alcohol, and some people may prefer to avoid it. So, what are some alternatives to alcohol that can be used to paint with luster dust? There are several options available, including water, clear extracts, and specialised edible paint solvents. When using water, it is important to be cautious as it can dissolve fondant and icing. Clear extracts such as lemon, peppermint, and vanilla can be used, but it is important to check the ingredients as some extracts do not contain alcohol and may not dry properly. Finally, specialised edible paint solvents, such as The Color Solution, can be used to create edible paint from luster dust and are designed to work effectively without the need for alcohol.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Luster dust brand | Rainbow Dust |
| Luster dust type | Alcohol-free, metallic colours |
| Luster dust usage | Dry dusting on cakes, cookies, chocolates, etc. |
| Luster dust mixing | Mix with edible paint solvent, oil, extracts, or water |
| Luster dust consistency | Acrylic-like, not too thick |
| Luster dust application | Use a paintbrush to blend and apply |
| Luster dust layers | Paint two layers for full coverage |
| Luster dust technique | Dry dust the second layer for a metallic shine |
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What You'll Learn
Use Rainbow Dust's range of alcohol-free colours
Rainbow Dust is a well-known and reputable British brand that offers a wide range of vibrant edible dusts, paints, and glitters for cake decoration. Their products are designed to add a bold splash of colour and sparkle to your creations. Whether you're looking for a subtle shimmer or a dazzling finish, Rainbow Dust has you covered with their high-quality, creative, and confidence-inspiring offerings.
Rainbow Dust's edible food paints come in a variety of stunning metallic and pearlescent colours that are alcohol-free. Once dry, the colour stays fixed without any dust or smudges. These paints are available in convenient click-twist brushes, making it easy to use. Simply twist the end cap until the paint fills the brush tip and you're ready to start painting!
The Rainbow Dust range also includes ProGel® concentrated colours, which are highly concentrated and only require a small amount to achieve a deep, rich colour. You can add ProGel to sugarpaste, marzipan, buttercream, and other mediums to transform them into your desired colour.
Additionally, Rainbow Dust offers edible glitter, which is the first 100% edible glitter on the market. This glitter is perfect for adding sparkle to your cupcakes, desserts, cookies, ice cream, and more. The edible silk range of lustre dusts provides a soft shimmery finish with a hint of sparkle. With over 40 colours available, you can find the perfect shade for your needs.
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Try water, but sparingly
When creating edible metallic paint for cakes, lustre dust is often mixed with alcohol-based dipping solutions or spirits. However, if you are looking for a non-alcoholic alternative, water can be used sparingly.
It is important to note that water is not the ideal choice for mixing with lustre dust. When painting with gold, for instance, alcohol gives the shiniest finish with the least risk of dulling the icing. Water can be used, but it is recommended only when absolutely necessary. This is because water tends to dissolve the icing, leaving the surface porous and somewhat dull compared to alcohol.
If you do decide to use water, it is crucial to use it sparingly. Over-wetting fondant will cause it to break down and dissolve. To avoid this issue, it is recommended to paint in layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next one. This process takes longer but yields more favourable results.
While water may not produce the same shine as alcohol, it does have some advantages. Water dries faster than other water-based alternatives like lemon juice and imitation vanilla, resulting in less time for the liquid to soak into the surface of the icing.
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Try lemon juice, but be aware it may alter the colour and take longer to dry
Lemon juice can be used as an alternative to alcohol when painting with luster dust. However, it is important to note that lemon juice may alter the colour of the luster dust and take longer to dry. While lemon juice can be used as a substitute, it may not produce the same results as alcohol.
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can act as a natural bleaching agent. This means that when mixed with certain colours of luster dust, the shade may be lightened or altered. It is important to test the mixture on a small area first to ensure that the colour is not affected adversely.
In addition, lemon juice is a water-based solution, and as such, it may take longer to dry compared to alcohol-based products. Alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving behind a rich colour with a shimmery finish. On the other hand, lemon juice does not evaporate as readily, and the drying time may be extended. This could impact the overall appearance of the paint, as it may be more prone to smudging or rubbing off before it is fully dry.
Despite these potential drawbacks, lemon juice can still be a viable option for those who cannot or choose not to use alcohol in their paintings. It is a natural and food-safe ingredient that can be easily accessed and used. When mixed with luster dust, it can create a unique paint with a subtle lemon scent.
When using lemon juice as a substitute for alcohol, it is important to consider the potential impact on colour and drying time. Testing the mixture on a small area first can help ensure the desired results are achieved. Additionally, allowing for adequate drying time can help prevent any unwanted smudging or rubbing.
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Use oil or extracts
If you want to paint with luster dust without using alcohol, you can use oil or extracts. Lemon extract is a popular choice as it has a very high percentage of ethanol, which evaporates quickly and gives an identical finish to alcohol-based paints. Vanilla extract is another option, but it usually has a lower percentage of ethanol (around 35%). It's important to check the ingredients of the extract you're using, as some may contain oil or sugar syrup instead of alcohol, which will affect the drying time of your paint.
When using extracts to paint with luster dust, you'll need to add a small amount of powder to your palette and mix in a few drops of the extract. The amount of extract you add will depend on the consistency you're looking for. You want your paint to be semi-translucent, not too thick. You can use your paintbrush to stir the mixture and ensure the luster dust is fully combined.
It's worth noting that oil-based paints may take longer to dry compared to alcohol-based paints. If drying time is a concern, you might want to consider using a high-proof alcohol like Everclear or a pre-made edible paint that contains alcohol. However, if you're looking for a non-alcoholic option that dries relatively quickly, lemon extract is a great choice.
Some people also recommend using melted cocoa butter instead of alcohol when painting on chocolate, as the high fat content of chocolate can affect the way alcohol-based paints adhere to the surface. Dry brushing chocolate with luster dust is another option that works well and doesn't require any additional liquids.
Overall, using oil or extracts is a viable alternative to alcohol when painting with luster dust. Just be mindful of the potential differences in drying time, and always check the ingredients of your extracts to ensure they contain alcohol if a quick drying time is important to you.
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Apply the dust with a dry brush
If you want to apply lustre dust with a dry brush, you don't need to mix it with any liquid. This method is great for covering large areas, but be careful, as it will get dust everywhere! The dust will also smudge and rub off very easily.
When using a dry brush, you can dust over a crusted buttercream cake. You can also use a large, fluffy brush to buff out any brush marks or remove excess dust.
If you want to avoid using alcohol, you can use water to apply lustre dust, but only when painting with gold and only when absolutely necessary. Water can be used sparingly for small areas. However, be aware that water will take longer to dry than alcohol and may dull the icing.
Another option is to use a pre-made edible paint, such as those available from Elite Colors and Edible Luster Dusts.
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Frequently asked questions
Some alternatives to alcohol that can be used to mix with luster dust for painting include water, oil, extracts, and a dedicated edible painting solvent.
Using water as an alternative to alcohol can result in a duller finish compared to alcohol, and it may also dissolve the icing, leaving a porous surface. Additionally, water may take longer to dry, increasing the risk of smudging.
Lemon extract and peppermint extract typically have a high percentage of ethanol, resulting in a faster drying time and a similar finish to alcohol-based paints. Vanilla extract usually contains less ethanol, around 35%.
Yes, Rainbow Dust offers a range of metallic alcohol-free colours that can be purchased online.
