I have always used gum glue adhesive for my fondant or gumpaste applications but I have noticed several ppl mention using piping gel instead.
Maybe because I've never tried it before, it doesn't seem like a good idea since the gel doesnt dry. In my head the piping gel would cause sliding and wouldn't hold its place. For instance, in the billowing tutorial (cake_architect I think?) piping gel is used, not gg adhesive.
How is it possible that all that weight is supported by gooey gel without sliding right off?
Should I just try it? Which do you all prefer?
Thanks for listening!
~E

What is gum glue? I've only used piping gel or egg white. The gel actually does dry though it can take awhile and in more humid or HOT environments will melt but once a piece is adhered to it's fondant backing it's not going to slip anywhere.

Experiment with it. I actually find that for adhering purposes Wilton's piping gel is better than the smoother cake decorating store gel. Wilton's is thicker and holds better. There's my two cents!!

I make the gum glue I use for figure modeling by adding 1/4 tsp. of Tylose powder to 2 Tb. of hot water. Mix it up, refrigerate and let it sit over night before using. I am sure there are other good recipes.

ohhh okay... yes, I've made that gum glue before. Long time ago. Guess it just depends on one's preference or the application it's needed for.

Piping gel will dry. You don't use goobs of it, just a little bit of it. If you get too much on there or the piece is too heavy you may need to hold it in place for a min, but the same thing really goes for the gum glue, if you put too much on the back of it you will have issues.

I have used a variety of things to glue stuff to fondant. I'm not sure there is a right or wrong thing, just what ever works best for you.

Gum glue adhesive (the Wilton way at least) is roughly a 1/4 tsp of gum paste torn into tiny little pieces and left to dissolved in 1 tbsp of water (after about 1 hr) in a small container with a tight fitting lid for storage. Then using a decorating brush I just brush one (or both) of the parts I want stuck toegther and it dries in no time, as long as its not too heavy.

If piping gel works, I may just have to try it. I've only really been decorating with fondant for less than a year and not very many times at that. Mostly buttercream. I think I'll try the billowing method soon and will try using my piping gel as my "glue"

Not trying to hijack thread but what qualifies having to use gum paste or piping gel for decorators?

I'm asking because I'm a newbie and need some guidance. I read a hundred different things and it all gets overwhelming. I've read to just use water (brush the fondant pieces). I've heard to use vodka. I've read to use piping gel. And now gum paste!

I'm making a cake coming up that will be covered in bc but with fondant stars all over it. I was just planning to use water?! Now I'm not sure..

So picking your adhesive, is it a matter of personal choice or are there certain circumstances where you should use gel or paste instead of water?

On a buttercream cake I've used buttercream as my "glue" for fondant.