Hi,

I have a cake to make this coming weekend with playing cards on it (sheet cake with cards fanned out). I wanted to do the cards in either a frozen buttercream transfer or in color flow. I've never used either. Any suggestions as to which would work better or which you would suggest I do?

Also, is there a difference in the amount of time that either can be on the cake before it's served or the amount of time in advance I would need to make the cards out of either? I thought I remembered that FBCT have to "Set" for a few hours - what about color flow?

thanks for any help that you can give me!

Color flow will need to dry at least 24-48 hours, again depending on humidity. I usually leave it to dry as long as possible before using it. If the cake is for this weekend, you would want to think about doing the color flow pieces today or latest tomorrow. That is me though.

I would try fbct because my personal opinion is that it is easier than colourflow. With colourflow its easier (i think) if you see someone else do it. I learned CF in the wilton course 2 and i dont think i would have been able to do it with just instructions. I did fcbt with instructions told to be by a friend of my sisters over the telephone. and for my first try i think i did pretty good. good luck with what ever you decide

I would recommend using the FBCT. It's a bit easier and doesn't get hard like color flow.

If you want the cards to stand up on the cake...you would need to do color flow, but if they are just going to lay on top (flat) I would agree with everyone else and do a fbct. It's much easier and takes less time to dry.

they'll be laying on top. thanks!

I assume that FBCT can go on a refrigerated cake without any problem (as opposed to Color flow)? And that it can continue to be refrigerated afterward? And it would have the same "softness" of regular buttercream, right?

thanks so much for your help!

Yeap, no problem with the FBCT being put back in the fridge. The only thing I would wonder about is the transfer bleeding after it cooled back down to room temperature. I always leave mine out at room temperature and the last one did bleed but only after the third day I think. That was the first one to ever last that long, only because my kids were sick, LOL!! Maybe wait until the lastest you can before you add that. I don't think you can put color flow or royal icing in the fridge.

I agree with everyone else, definately do a FBCT. I did one a few months ago, following the instructions on here and it turned out great, and it was really easy and fun. I tried colorflow in my Wilton Course and I didnt like it at all.

thanks everyone! I really appreciate the advice!!