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Edible Paper

Helpful instructions and tips

Edible Wafer Images

Wafer Paper

Wafer paper is a thin, slightly transparent edible sheet made from starch, usually potato or rice. Wafer paper has a slight texture, can be shaped and cut into a variety of shapes. Many cake designers use wafer paper for floral sculptural elements and it can be hand tinted or print.

Icing Sheet

Icing sheets are a thin layer of icing which is smoother than wafer paper and has a film backing. Icing sheets are brighter when printed are flexible and would need a firm backing to hold its shape. A little more care is required when attaching to buttercream or fondant.

Edible Wafer Custom
HOW TO USE ICING OR WAFER SHEETS

 

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake
Make sure your cake is freshly frosted and smooth. Don’t add any decorations yet — those come after the image!

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  • Try gently bending the backing sheet over the edge of a table — the image should start to release.

  • If it’s still stuck, use a hair dryer on the backing side to warm and dry it slightly. It will loosen as the moisture evaporates.

  • Or pop it in the freezer for 5 minutes — that often does the trick!

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Step 4: Apply the Image
Hold the image from both sides, gently lay the middle onto the cake first, then lower the ends.
If you see any wrinkles, softly pat them out with clean, dry fingers.

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Step 5: Finish Decorating
Add your piped border or decorations around the image — and voilà! You can even write over the image using icing gels or frosting.

 

HOW TO DO A “BURNOUT” REVEAL EFFECT

Step 1: Cover the Cake
Frost your cake smoothly with buttercream.

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Step 2: Apply the Icing Sheet
Carefully peel your printed icing sheet from its backing (freezer for 5 mins if stuck).
Place it flat on the cake and gently press it down.

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Step 3: Pipe a Border Ring
Using a piping bag, create a buttercream ring around the cake’s top edge, leaving at least a 2 cm gap between the icing image and the outer edge.

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Step 4: Add the Wafer Paper
Place the wafer paper over the top. Lightly press around the edges so it sticks inside the buttercream ring.
Finish with a decorative piped border to secure everything in place.

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Step 5: Light and Reveal!
Use a long match, taper candle, or gas lighter. Gently hold the flame to the center of the wafer sheet until it catches.


Step back and watch as the image below is revealed — like magic!

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HANDY TIPS

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  • Don’t refrigerate your image until it's on the cake.

  • Avoid very wet whipped toppings — they can cause the image to fade.

  •  If using a frozen cake, allow it to thaw slightly. Wipe off any moisture before applying the image.

  •  You can cut your image with scissors or a sharp blade (with backing still on) if you only need part of it.

  •  Keep your image out of direct sunlight and store it flat in the sealed bag, face down, until ready to use.

  • Always handle with clean, dry hands. Moisture can cause colors to run or the sheet to become too soft.

  • When designing your cake layout, leave room around the image for any decorative piping — so your image stays visible and gorgeous!

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