·If storing more than one week we suggest storing in a THICK sealed ziplock bag.
Before Application
· If your area experiences HIGH HUMIDITY, and the image sticks to the backing, try leaving it lie opened for 10-15 minutes and test on one corner. Leave longer if necassary. Do NOT leave it lay open for any length of time or it will crack and break up. Store unused pictures in the freezer.
· If climate is EXTREMELY DRY, store pictures in the refrigerator.
Picture Applying
· Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling Picture.
· If cake is frozen, thaw slightly before icing to avoid cracking. Then apply Picture.
· If buttercream has formed a crust, spray with a fine mist of water before applying design.
· DO NOT ADD extra moisture to non-dairy whipped toppings. Keep finished cake refrigerated to extend shelf life.
· Add a generous mist of water over Royal icing before applying Picture.
· If the Picture "bubbles" after application, GENTLY TAP (do not rub) the Picture.
· Feel free to write inscriptions on top of the Edible Picture. Just be sure not to push decorating tip through Picture.
After Application to Icing
· If decorated cake is frozen, thaw slowly, preferably in a refrigerator, to avoid running of colors.
· Avoid extensive exposure to ultraviolet lighting. As with any food coloring, the Picture will fade over time.
Question & Answer
Q Edible Picture and base are sticking to backing sheet
A: Humidity is too high - refrigerate or freeze for a minimum of 30 minutes prior to application. This will stiffen the Picture and allow it to come off the backing sheet in one piece. If time is a factor, place the Picture in a microwave oven for 10 to 15 seconds on high BUT test the backing first. If backing shrinks; do not do.
A-2: In some higher humidity areas, placing in the microwave on DEFROST setting for 1 minute may work best. Repeat in 30 second increments until Picture is no longer sticky.
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Q Base is peeling from backing sheet, but Picture is not
A: Refrigerate or freeze for a minimum of 30 minutes prior to application.
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Q pictures are dry and brittle and break easily
A: pictures were left out in a climate of low humidity. Place dry pictures back in bag and refrigerate. (pictures need to re-hydrate moisture and may possibly be saved by refrigerating.)
Note: When an Picture reaches this stage of dryness, it is in most cases unusable. In relative humidity of between 10% to 30%, pictures can become dry and brittle within 3 to 5 minutes of exposure. You may wish to cut around the Picture and place on cake; not to be eaten. Add a piece of saran wrap under Picture for easy removing.
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Q Colors run after Picture is placed on icing
A: Moisture in icing is too high. Too much water was applied either before or after application. Let icing dry before application.
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Q Base is not absorbing into icing
A Lightly mist icing with water before applying Picture.
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Q Can Edible Picture be frozen
A: Yes. It is recommended to freeze the pictures prior to application. This is especially helpful in high temperature/humidity environments. You can store Edible pictures in the freezer or refrigerator as long as needed.
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Q Colors ran after putting see-through dome on cake
A: Icing must have time to dry before dome lid is placed on the cake. In high humidity climates, drying time is longer. (In some high humidity/high temperature climates, the dome creates a terrarium type atmosphere, causing the inks in the Picture to sweat and run. If the customer has to use a dome, it is recommended that it have vent holes to allow moisture to escape.
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Q Colors fade after exposing to light
A. Some fluorescent lights used in cake display cases have a higher ultra violet output used for color correctness. Some pigments used in Edible pictures are extremely U.V. sensitive and there may be fading problems in these cases after an exposure period of more than 24 hours.