How to Airbrush a Cake

One of the quickest and easiest ways to add color to a cake is by using an airbrush system. Airbrushing is a technique in which liquid paints are sprayed through a needle tip by using compressed air. While you may have to spend a little money to purchase an airbrushing machine, it's probably worth the investment if you plan on decorating cakes regularly.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Airbrushing system specifically designed for cakes
• Edible paint
• Stencils (optional)
• White icing

1. Purchase paints that can be used in your cake-airbrushing machine. Be sure to purchase edible paints or your birthday party guests might end up in the emergency room!

2. Invest in an airbrushing system designed for cakes. You can purchase these products at specialty cooking stores or through websites. Prices can vary significantly, so shop and compare prices.

3. Turn your cake into a canvas by covering it with an even layer of white icing. Popular white icings include vanilla and cream cheese.

4. Load the first color paint you'll need into the airbrush machine. You'll have to do one color at a time.

5. Sketch out a design before you start decorating and know which colors you need to use. Practice airbrushing on a paper towel before attempting to airbrush your cake.

6. Point the airbrush nozzle at the cake's surface and pull the trigger. Keep the nozzle at a 45-degree angle, no more than eight inches from the cake's surface. Sweep your hand across the cake while spraying paint to make soft swaths of color.

7. Clean your airbrush equipment (including all piping) with hot water every time you change paint colors.

8. Use stencils to help keep your lines crisp and clean. Otherwise, it's too easy to spray outside the lines when using an airbrush machine.

9. Outline your airbrushed designs with conventional cake decorating icing. This will add some extra dimension to creative designs and can make your cake even more delicious.

10. Garnish with candles, flowers or plastic decorations to add the finishing touches.

Tips & Warnings

• If your airbrush system experiences "spitting" of paint, it might be time to clean the pipes. If you're still experiencing spitting problems even after the system has been thoroughly cleaned, check to make sure that the airbrush needle isn't bent or damaged.
• Create black paint to decorate your cake edges by combining all your leftover paints into one container and mixing well.
• Airbrush kits purchased at hobby stores are not designed for use with cakes. They may be cheaper to purchase, but your decorating results will be better if you invest in the proper equipment.
• It can take a lot of practice to develop your airbrushing skills. Intricate designs can be difficult. You may want to use cake-airbrushing kits to paint backgrounds and then use conventional decorating techniques to add finer details.

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