The Mat is the only one I will ever use again. There is a slight learning curve to it, but they offer a great tutorial on Youtube. I also found certain fondant doesn't work well, but with the right combo, Satin Ice & The Mat for me . I get flawless , glass smooth fondant. Love, love , love it!
It sonds like you're looking for something fancy, but a plain thick piece of vinyl (like they use to cover tables) from the fabric store has always worked really well for me. I just replace it about once a year.
It sonds like you're looking for something fancy, but a plain thick piece of vinyl (like they use to cover tables) from the fabric store has always worked really well for me. I just replace it about once a year.
I am with you 100%.
Guided by this forum, I purchased a plain, thick, smooth piece of clear vinyl from the local furniture store.
It works brilliantly.
Because I got the end of the roll, I got a 3 metre sheet for around eight dollars.
I cut it into two pieces and put one away for when needed, later.
As I have to count every dollar, I was delighted with the outcome.
I'm new here and was reading previous posts about The Mat. I'm surprised people don't prefer a product that is food safe over saving a couple dollars.
Many of us have been using fondant a lot longer than The Mat has been around. I've been using vinyl for years. That was the only way to get a big enough rolling surface. I don't believe that vinyl is dangerous to use...it's used for blood bags and medical tubing, kids toys are made from it, it's used in pipes for drinking water, car interiors, shower curtains, floors, kitchen countertops (that's what laminate countertops are made with). Why change what's been working well for me for many years, just because somebody came up with a new product?
Does anyone have advice for using the mat and how to avoid bubble marks? When we roll out our fondant, it is never completely smooth and has little air pockets that develop between the mat and the fondant. Using MMF.
Thanks!
Sugarbellies-there is a great tutorial on The Mat on Youtube that shows all the tricks and techniques. You might try that, to see if it has answers...
Well, I went a head and ordered The Mat. I live in rural, NY so most of my supplies have to be ordered online, anyway. I figured I'd pay the few dollars more to get The Mat. We shall see when it comes : )
Thanks Ren. I have watched it but not really helping, unfortunately. When I roll out the fondant, I find the mat invaluable for moving it and rolling evenly. It just doesn't leave a very smooth surface. If you find a good trick when you get yours, let me know! The Mat has made covering my cakes a lot less stressful!
I am not a big fan of mats. I find it is a lot more mess and difficult to roll it out.
May be i should try the vinyl once. Thanks Texas Rose
Thanks Cake Day!! I will try that next time (dusting with powdered sugar and rolling slightly). I hadn't seen that video before and it was a big help!
[Many of us have been using fondant a lot longer than The Mat has been around. I've been using vinyl for years. That was the only way to get a big enough rolling surface. I don't believe that vinyl is dangerous to use...it's used for blood bags and medical tubing, kids toys are made from it, it's used in pipes for drinking water, car interiors, shower curtains, floors, kitchen countertops (that's what laminate countertops are made with). Why change what's been working well for me for many years, just because somebody came up with a new product?
Texas Rose, sorry for the slow response, I wanted to check around a bit. About why change???... Not all that long ago, doctors used to prescribe smoking cigarettes to alleviate coughing/lung problems. Then we learned that smoking cigs causes coughing rather than cures coughing. Years later, we learned about smoking affecting fetuses and put warning on labels. Then we learned about second hand smoke and banned smoking in the workplace. Now we know certain plastics are good and food safe while other plastics are not. We now know better about cigs and we are learning about plastics. You are correct about blood bags, medical tubing and PVC piping. Those are all food safe plastics. Shower curtains are not and neither is craft store or Wal Mart vinyl. The smell test is a good test. I'm sure you know the smell of a new shower curtain... very strong chemical smell. Try the smell of plastic food wrap like Saran Wrap... smells nice and clean. I went to JoAnns today and smelled their vinyl. It had a very strong chemical smell. When I get my new Mat from Sweet Wise that I just ordered, I'll write back about what it smells like.
I just think that as we learn more about what is harmful to our bodies, we should try to do better. Since I make cakes for friends and family, I want to know I'm giving them the best and safest food I can give them.
[Many of us have been using fondant a lot longer than The Mat has been around. I've been using vinyl for years. That was the only way to get a big enough rolling surface. I don't believe that vinyl is dangerous to use...it's used for blood bags and medical tubing, kids toys are made from it, it's used in pipes for drinking water, car interiors, shower curtains, floors, kitchen countertops (that's what laminate countertops are made with). Why change what's been working well for me for many years, just because somebody came up with a new product?
Texas Rose, sorry for the slow response, I wanted to check around a bit. About why change???... Not all that long ago, doctors used to prescribe smoking cigarettes to alleviate coughing/lung problems. Then we learned that smoking cigs causes coughing rather than cures coughing. Years later, we learned about smoking affecting fetuses and put warning on labels. Then we learned about second hand smoke and banned smoking in the workplace. Now we know certain plastics are good and food safe while other plastics are not. We now know better about cigs and we are learning about plastics. You are correct about blood bags, medical tubing and PVC piping. Those are all food safe plastics. Shower curtains are not and neither is craft store or Wal Mart vinyl. The smell test is a good test. I'm sure you know the smell of a new shower curtain... very strong chemical smell. Try the smell of plastic food wrap like Saran Wrap... smells nice and clean. I went to JoAnns today and smelled their vinyl. It had a very strong chemical smell. When I get my new Mat from Sweet Wise that I just ordered, I'll write back about what it smells like.
I just think that as we learn more about what is harmful to our bodies, we should try to do better. Since I make cakes for friends and family, I want to know I'm giving them the best and safest food I can give them.
Saran wrap has an odor. So does PVC pipe at first...it even has a taste (ever lived in a brand-new house?). I used to use vinyl decorating bags from Wilton (been doing this that long LOL) and they had an odor at first too. Our noses can't tell what's safe for us and what's not. Find some proof somewhere that's more than just that "it has an icky smell" and I'll be the first one ordering the mat.
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