I tried searching for an answer, but kept getting an error so I apologize if this has been asked before.

I see people using ribbon on cakes and would like to try it on a birthday cake I'm making this weekend. Is that just regular hobby ribbon found in the craft sections of stores? If so, does it soak up the shortening/butter from the buttercream and turn greasy looking?

Any feedback would be helpful.

I have used ribbon but only on fondant..sorry...

I've used ribbon several times. Yes, just regular ribbon. The grease can't really be helped. You will read several suggestions - none have worked for me - like lining it with wax or foil paper. It still seeped through on the edges. My opinion is to just let it soak all of it so it's not splotchy. Certain fabrics and colors will react differently. HTH

What worked best for me was to cut a piece of wax paper the same size as the ribbon, and then put it around the cake with the ribbon over it.

I tried the whole iron the wax paper to the back of the ribbon, but it didnt work for me

I haven't tried it because I haven't had to yet, but some people stick tape on the ribbon and have the side of the tape that isn't sticky touch the cake. Someone even said they used clear packaging tape and it worked great. Maybe you should even try sticking more than 1 layer of tape on the ribbon just in case. HTH

Thank you for the responses and suggestions. Working on the cake today so I may just deal with the grease seeping through. It's a paisley pattern ribbon so it may not be a big deal.

Thanks again.