Spray Painting A Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

Spray painting a wedding cake is a unique way to decorate and design a cake. It is a technique that can be used to create a luxurious and opulent look, especially when using gold or metallic colours. There are a variety of methods and tools that can be used to spray paint a wedding cake, including airbrushing, edible gold sprays, and gold paint applied with a sponge. It is important to note that when spray painting a wedding cake, one should use edible and food-grade sprays and paints to ensure the safety of those consuming the cake.

Choosing the right spray bottle

Spray painting a wedding cake is a unique way to decorate and add a touch of glamour to the cake. It is important to choose the right spray bottle for this task, and there are several factors to consider when making your decision. Firstly, the type of paint you intend to use is crucial. Different sprayers are designed for specific types of paint, ranging from lighter fluids like lacquer to thicker fluids like heavy latex. It is essential to match the sprayer to the paint type to achieve optimal results.

The size of the project and the amount of paint needed are also important considerations. If you are spray painting multiple tiers or a large surface area, you will require a sprayer that can accommodate a larger volume of paint. For smaller cakes or more detailed work, a sprayer with a smaller paint reservoir might be more suitable. Additionally, the material or surface you are painting will influence your choice of sprayer. For instance, spray painting fondant or buttercream will require a different approach than spraying a cake covered in icing.

The speed of application and the desired finish are other factors to keep in mind. If time is a factor, you may want to opt for a sprayer that can cover larger areas quickly. The finish you want to achieve will also dictate the type of sprayer you choose. For example, if you are looking for a smooth and uniform finish, an airbrush or airless sprayer might be the best option. On the other hand, if you want a more textured or detailed design, a spray bottle with a smaller nozzle might be more appropriate.

Lastly, comfort and ergonomics should not be overlooked. Spray painting a wedding cake requires precision and control, so choosing a spray bottle that is comfortable to hold and easy to manoeuvre is essential. Consider the weight of the sprayer, especially if it has a refill cup attached, as this can impact your ability to create smooth, even strokes. Taking all these factors into account will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right spray bottle for spray painting a wedding cake.

Selecting the correct paint

Firstly, ensure that the paint is edible. Edible spray paints and edible metallic paints are specifically designed for cake decorating and are safe to consume. These edible paints come in a variety of colours, including gold, silver, and pearl, adding vibrant colours and shimmering effects to your wedding cake.

Secondly, consider the colour of your fondant or buttercream. The colour of the icing underneath will impact the final shade of the paint. For example, a white-iced cake will require more spray to achieve a strong gold sheen than a caramel or beige-tinted icing. Experiment with different colours to achieve the desired effect.

Thirdly, decide on the finish you want to create. For a smooth finish, consider using metallic dust mixed with alcohol or rejuvenator liquid, which can be painted on with a round dusting brush. This technique will help you achieve a lustrous and streak-free surface. Alternatively, for a "rubbed gold" effect, you can apply gold paint with a sponge.

Additionally, if you are using an airbrush, ensure that you select the appropriate colours and shades for your desired effect. The market offers various metallic gold, light gold, dark gold, and "antique gold" shades specifically designed for airbrushing.

Lastly, if you're feeling adventurous, consider using gold leaf. While it can be tricky to apply, it adds a luxurious and impressive touch to your wedding cake. You can find tutorials online that guide you through the process of applying gold leaf and creating antiqued metallic effects.

Preparing the cake's surface

To prepare the cake's surface for spray painting, it is important to ensure that the cake is smooth and free of any crumbs or imperfections. Here are the steps you can follow:

Firstly, start with a well-chilled cake. Place the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight to firm up the icing or fondant. This will help create a smooth and even surface for spray painting.

Next, you need to cover your work area with a drop cloth or newspaper to catch any excess spray. Place the cake on a turntable or a flat surface that can be easily rotated. This will make it easier to spray the cake evenly from all sides.

Before you begin spraying, it is crucial to do a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of the cake to ensure that the spray paint or edible colour does not bleed into the icing or fondant. This is especially important if you are using non-edible spray paint, as you need to ensure that it will not damage the cake's surface.

If you are using an edible spray, shake the can well before use, following the manufacturer's instructions. Hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the cake's surface and start spraying in light, even coats. It is better to build up the colour gradually rather than applying a heavy coat all at once.

When spraying, use smooth, even strokes and try to avoid spraying too much in one area to prevent dripping. If you are using multiple colours, allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next colour.

Remember, if you are using non-edible spray paint, it is important to let the paint dry completely before adding any edible decorations or serving the cake.

Spraying technique

Spray painting a wedding cake is a unique and creative way to decorate and add a touch of glamour to your cake. Here is a comprehensive guide to the spraying technique to achieve the best results:

Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of spray paint. Edible spray paints are specifically designed for cake decorating and are a must-use to ensure the cake remains food-safe. Lustre sprays and edible gold sprays are popular choices and are readily available. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even make your own edible spray paint by mixing lustre dust with Everclear alcohol or rejuvenator liquid. This method allows for a smooth finish and a more intense colour.

The next step is to prepare your work area. It is crucial to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling spray paint fumes. Cover your surrounding area with newspaper or a drop cloth to protect surfaces and make cleanup easier. Place your cake on a turntable or a rotating cake stand to ensure easy access to all sides of the cake during spraying.

Now, you are ready to begin spraying. Hold the can or bottle approximately 6-8 inches away from the cake's surface and start spraying in light, even strokes. Begin at the top of the cake and work your way down in a controlled manner. Apply several thin coats, allowing each coat to dry slightly before applying the next. This will create a more even and drip-free finish.

For a more textured look, you can experiment with different spraying techniques. Try using a stippling technique, where you quickly press the nozzle, creating a dotted effect. You can also try spraying at different angles to create unique patterns and designs. If you want to add some sparkle, there are spray paints with glitter particles that can be applied using the same technique.

Finally, allow the paint to dry completely before handling the cake further. This will ensure that your design sets properly and reduces the risk of smudging.

With these spraying techniques, you can confidently add a unique and artistic touch to your wedding cake.

Finishing touches

Spray painting a wedding cake is a great way to add a touch of luxury and opulence to the big day. Whether you're creating a cake for a loved one or are a professional baker, there are many ways to achieve a stunning spray-painted effect.

If you're looking to create a gold wedding cake, there are several options for the finishing touches. One popular method is to use an airbrush with metallic gold airbrush colours, which come in a range of shades from light gold to "antique gold". This method allows for a smooth finish and can be built up to create a strong gold sheen.

Another option is to use edible gold sprays, which are available to buy online and from specialist cake decorating suppliers. It's important to consider the colour of the fondant or buttercream underneath when using edible sprays, as a white-iced cake will require more spray to achieve the desired effect.

For a more textured look, gold paint can be applied with a sponge to give a "rubbed gold" effect. Alternatively, gold metallic dust can be mixed with Everclear alcohol or rejuvenator liquid and painted onto the cake's surface, before being dusted in circular motions with a round dusting brush to create a smooth, streak-free finish.

If you're feeling adventurous, gold leaf is a luxurious and impressive finishing touch. While it can be tricky to apply, it creates a truly special effect, especially for a 50th anniversary cake. Partial gold leaf coverage can also be used to create a faded gold or antiqued metallic finish.

Finally, for a non-edible display cake, regular spray paint can be used, but it's important to ensure that it doesn't come into contact with any edible elements. Practising with edible sprays and dusts is crucial to ensure you can replicate the design and effect for a real cake.

Frequently asked questions