If you're painting detail or color onto fondant / gumpaste or whatever medium, what are you using...?

Food coloring thinned out with vodka.

I prefer to use clear vanilla (or lemon extract if I run out.) with gel colors. It smells fantastic and is cheaper.I use the Wilton painbrushes for small details and buy make-up brushes (or brushes at Micheal's) to use for bigger jobs. The make-up brushes work the best for dry brushing lustre dust.

I just took a class by Colette Peters, she had us painting on the fondant with air brush paint thinned down with lemon extract. Lemon Extract actually has a higher alcohol content than vodka, which means it evaporates much quicker and there is less water involved. We used all types of brushes depending on what we were painting.

Thanks for that tip. I've been wondering that myself! It makes sense when you think about the extract versus the vodka.

I had been using lemon extract. I have since switched over to vodka. It doesn't dry out as quick when you are using it, and it dries faster on the fondant.
As far as price is concerned, a small 'nip', bottle cost me ninety cents. (I think it's 2 ounces) which is cheaper then an extract.

I just mix a tiny cap full, about 1/2 teaspoon with a little food gel and have at it. The small three tier cake in my portfolio with the plaid middle tier has been painted in this fashion. The plaid pattern was painted with vodka and food gels.

My only disappointment with purchasing the vodka, was I didn't get 'carded', for proof of my age.

I use clear vanilla extract w/ gel color and absolutely love the results I've been getting.

What ratio do you use, color gel to vodka/extract ?

I use Americolor gels. I use the size less then a pea.
I purchased a small 'nip', bottle of vodka at the liquor store.
I use the cap to measure out the vodka, it's probably about 1/2 tsp.

I have an artist pallet with small cups. I put the vodka in one cup, the food color gel in the next and go back and forth with the paint brush, mixing and thinning, until I get what I want. I test it on a paper towel, before I start on the fondant.
Before each fresh stroke on the fondant, I test it on a paper towel to make sure it's not too watery, or too thick.
It's very similar to painting with water colors or acrylics.

Thanks, very helpful! will be giving it a try this weekend.

I like airbrush colors straight out of the bottle for painting. If I am mixing with dusts, then I like Everclear. I've been using the same bottle for going on 7 years, so really to me it ends up being pretty cheap.