The Difference In Petal, Luster, Highlight And Disco Dusts

Decorating By ShirleyW Updated 15 Apr 2007 , 2:04am by stephanie214

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ShirleyW Posted 3 Dec 2006 , 5:17pm
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Nearly every day on the forum someone asks what the difference is in petal dust, luster dust and highlight dust. How they are used and where to find them
They can be found on line at many different sources and some difference in price. You have to shop around. They are carried by most companies that carry gumpaste supplies. Nicholas Lodge, Scott Woolley, Winbecklers etc.

The dusts are considered Non Toxic but not a food additive, I tell people not to eat the flowers. They may be made of edible gumpaste but because of the dust colors I don't recommend eating them. Most flower petals contain floral wire too, so another reason for not eating them

Petal dusts are matte colors, not shiny. They can be brushed onto the dried gumpaste with artist brushes. If you want deeper colors you can thin them with alcohol, lemon extract, something with an alcohol base dries faster and paint them onto the dried gumpaste. You can also dust with dry petal dust and then hold your finished flower over a pan of steaming water to set the color so it doesn't flake off on your icing. It also darkens the color a bit and adds a sheen. Let the flowers dry after steaming and be careful not to touch the colored areas because it will remove the color and leave white spots in the petal.

Luster dusts are a shiny, metallic looking dust that can be brushed on dry to add some color and sparkle, to get a deep, shiny pearl or gold you mix them with alcohol and paint them onto the dried gumpaste. They can also be thinned with alcohol and used in an airbrush to spray the color onto gumpaste. The mixture wants to separate, so you need to stir it from time to time. Clean your airbrush thoroughly after spraying so the luster dust doesn't clog the airbrush parts.

Highlighter dusts have sparkle and can be brushed on dry over white or even colored dried gumpaste. It will add sparkle without changing the color too much. You can also add alcohol and paint them on, but they won't have the intensity of luster dusts.


missyek posted the following on Disco/Pixie Dusts

Disco and Pixie dusts are the same thing. They are non-toxic just like the luster dusts. They are VERY sparkly and are pretty much like real glitter--but have a finer texture. You can sprinkle tem on BC iced cakes--or one trick that I do now that someone here on CC mentioned is to take a bit in the palm of your hand and gently blow the dust across the cake for full coverage. I like to use them on my BC roses and other flowers too. I have also mixed them with vodka and painted on gumpaste (my tiara in my photos). I have also mixed them with luster dust to paint on as well. Pretty much I will put pixie dust on anything I can. icon_lol.gif

49 replies
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karateka Posted 3 Dec 2006 , 7:01pm
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Hey, thanks! That's really helpful. thumbs_up.gif

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ShirleyW Posted 3 Dec 2006 , 7:28pm
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Good, I'm glad it helped.

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Zmama Posted 3 Dec 2006 , 9:41pm
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Thanks, Shirley!

And as for Wilton dusts, FORGET IT! They are edible glitter, not nearly the same as these.

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nglez09 Posted 18 Dec 2006 , 9:11pm
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Do any of you find anyuse for the Wilton shimmer dusts? The only use I remember was for some flower in Course III, is that right?

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missyek Posted 18 Dec 2006 , 10:27pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nglez09

Do any of you find anyuse for the Wilton shimmer dusts? The only use I remember was for some flower in Course III, is that right?




Not really anymore. Once you get your hands on luster dust and pixie/disco dusts, there is no going back to Wilton shimmer dust or cake sparkles!

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ShirleyW Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 5:58pm
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Stephanie PMed and asked if I would add on to this thread regarding Disco and Pixie Dusts. I have not used Pixie dust and have only used Disco dust once. On the gumpaste shoes, when dried I sprayed the black shoe with edible lacquer, waited for it to become tacky and then sprinkled it with black disco dust and shook off the excess. I have not used it on anything edible and don't know enough about it to say if it is considered edible or non toxic.

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JanH Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 6:26pm
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Great job! Thanks so much icon_smile.gif

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doescakestoo Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 6:36pm
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Here is a link from an earlier post of the same questions: http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-51272-gold.html+paint

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missyek Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 10:01pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ShirleyW

Stephanie PMed and asked if I would add on to this thread regarding Disco and Pixie Dusts. I have not used Pixie dust and have only used Disco dust once. On the gumpaste shoes, when dried I sprayed the black shoe with edible lacquer, waited for it to become tacky and then sprinkled it with black disco dust and shook off the excess. I have not used it on anything edible and don't know enough about it to say if it is considered edible or non toxic.




Disco and Pixie dusts are the same thing. They are non-toxic just like the luster dusts. They are VERY sparkly and are pretty much like real glitter--but have a finer texture. You can sprinkle tem on BC iced cakes--or one trick that I do now that someone here on CC mentioned is to take a bit in the palm of your hand and gently blow the dust across the cake for full coverage. I like to use them on my BC roses and other flowers too. I have also mixed them with vodka and painted on gumpaste (my tiara in my photos). I have also mixed them with luster dust to paint on as well. Pretty much I will put pixie dust on anything I can. icon_lol.gif

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ShirleyW Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 10:11pm
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Thanks Missy. I could have looked up information on the Disco and Pixie dusts, but would rather it came from someone who has actually used them.

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itsmylife Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 10:23pm
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I hope this doesn't sound dumb.....can either the luster or highlighter dusts be used on fondant or buttercream (vs just gumpaste)?

I have a wedding cake to do next month and the bride would like fondant covered cakes with bc scrolls...... then she was asking if there was a way to add some silver color to the scrolls. So... I was thinking of this dust, but I've never used it before.

Thanx you!
Denise

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ShirleyW Posted 19 Dec 2006 , 10:30pm
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I honestly haven't tried highlighting buttercream decorations with luster dust. But if the buttercream designs are chilled firm and the luster dust is mixed to a fairly thin consistency and applied with a soft artists paintbrush it would probably work. Try it on some design in the back of the cake first to see how it goes.

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stephanie214 Posted 20 Dec 2006 , 12:56am
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Thanks so much Shirley and missyek for the information.

I was in the cake supply store today and they are now carrying the solid white, purple, blue and several other colors of Disco Dusts for $6.99 each icon_surprised.gif . They are very pretty but I can't believe the big difference in price icon_confused.gif...the regular Disco is $3.99 each.

missyek,

I use my small angular spatular to pick up the Disco and with gentle shakes, I cover the whole cake.

Once you use the Disco or Pixie, you won't want to use anything else...I just love the stuff icon_lol.gif

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missyek Posted 20 Dec 2006 , 2:38am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stephanie214

missyek,

I use my small angular spatular to pick up the Disco and with gentle shakes, I cover the whole cake.




Oh cool! Thanks Stephanie! I'll have to try that. Blowing works great, but I also get it everywhere and all over me! icon_redface.gificon_lol.gificon_lol.gif Nothing like walking into work and having people say, "work on a cake lately?" icon_lol.gificon_lol.gif Ah, they know me too well!

Shirley, glad to help! thumbs_up.gif Love my Pixie dusts, so I live talking about them too! icon_biggrin.gif

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missyek Posted 20 Dec 2006 , 2:42am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by suttle

I hope this doesn't sound dumb.....can either the luster or highlighter dusts be used on fondant or buttercream (vs just gumpaste)?




Denise, I have used luster dust on BC before--fairly easy. It works a lot easier if you mix it with a clear extract or alcohol and paint it on--and yes, a good quality soft brush. Doing it dry gets a bit gummy. Fondant would be the same as gumpaste, so yup, definitely dry or painted on. And the same goes for color gels--mix those with a clear extract or alcohol and paint away--on BC or fondant. thumbs_up.gif

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Zamode Posted 4 Jan 2007 , 3:56am
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Use an old salt shaker to spread the stuff around. I'm not sure what the consistency of disco dust is but if it's too big, get yerself a mortle and pestle. I use an old shaker for otherwise useless Wilton Shimmer dusts and now I don't have to toss it in the trash.

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missyek Posted 4 Jan 2007 , 1:15pm
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Disco and Pixie dusts are actually a super fine consistency/texture--so no need to gind them up. thumbs_up.gif

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MikeRowesHunny Posted 4 Jan 2007 , 1:29pm
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Cake Central has the best price anywhere.. even with international shipping (which i might add is very low)
http://shop.cakecentral.com
As the self-proclaimed Disco glitter queen (rarely does a cake leave my door without some!), I can tell you that they are considered non-toxic - however, the worst they are going to do to you is give you glittery poo lol! icon_lol.gifthumbs_up.gif

Edited to add - I have 48 pots - (in about 35 different colours), and they last a long time, I just put some in the lid and tap it very gently as I move across the cake to sprinkle mine - works great!

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cib Posted 4 Jan 2007 , 1:36pm
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How are disco and pixie dusts edible if they say non-toxic on the jars? These are okay to paint/dust on edible stuff? I thought they only went on flowers and things you were not going to eat?????

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missyek Posted 4 Jan 2007 , 1:53pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kathy-mi

How are disco and pixie dusts edible if they say non-toxic on the jars? These are okay to paint/dust on edible stuff? I thought they only went on flowers and things you were not going to eat?????




They are the same as luster dusts--non-toxic. They are considered edible in the UK, just the FDA has marked them as non-toxic for the US. As long as one person does not eat entire jars at one time, a little bit dusted on a cake should be fine. Most people have probably eaten more crayons in their life time. icon_lol.gif

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MikeRowesHunny Posted 4 Jan 2007 , 1:55pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kathy-mi

How are disco and pixie dusts edible if they say non-toxic on the jars? These are okay to paint/dust on edible stuff? I thought they only went on flowers and things you were not going to eat?????




lustre dusts are exactly the same, but we paint plenty of that onto cakes that are meant to be eaten, right?! I think because in the UK we've been using such things on cakes for a lot longer than you guys in the US, we are more relaxed about it - no-one has gotten ill from a little sparkle on their cake, you won't be eating whole pots of glitter or lustre (well, I hope not icon_lol.gif )!

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missyek Posted 4 Jan 2007 , 1:58pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bonjovibabe

Disco glitter is probably so expensive in the USA because it is imported from the UK (is Edible Art the brand you buy?). Even in the UK, the cheapest price is £2.25 (about $4.35), so add import/taxes, and that the reason they cost a lot! As the self-proclaimed Disco glitter queen (rarely does a cake leave my door without some!), I can tell you that they are considered non-toxic - however, the worst they are going to do to you is give you glittery poo lol! icon_lol.gifthumbs_up.gif

Edited to add - I have 48 pots - (in about 35 different colours), and they last a long time, I just put some in the lid and tap it very gently as I move across the cake to sprinkle mine - works great!




Okay, Disco queeen, we are going to have to duke it out! icon_lol.gificon_lol.gificon_lol.gif I try to put some on whenever and wherever I can! I can get all my dusts from cakecentral.com for $1.89!!!
http://shop.cakecentral.com

Oh, and now I am going to have to play catch up--I think I have half the amount of jars of dusts--always willing to buy more. thumbs_up.gificon_lol.gif

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cib Posted 4 Jan 2007 , 2:03pm
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Missey..crayons....lol.... icon_lol.gif too funny. Bonjovibabe...thanks for clearing that up for me.

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MikeRowesHunny Posted 4 Jan 2007 , 2:12pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by missyek



Okay, Disco queeen, we are going to have to duke it out! icon_lol.gificon_lol.gificon_lol.gif I try to put some on whenever and wherever I can! I can get Edable Art Disco dust from Beryl's for $4.95. Not too bad. The pixie dusts at Cakes by Sam run a little more at $5.49. But I'm willing to pay that too.

Oh, and now I am going to have to play catch up--I think I have half the amount of jars of dusts--always willing to buy more. thumbs_up.gificon_lol.gif





I started using them about 2- 2 1/2 years ago - so does that make me the Queen or Princess icon_lol.gifthumbs_up.gif ? I love, love, love mine! What are your favourites? I adore all the Baby Pastels, especially the pink, white hologram and primrose. I don't know how many colours you have available to you, but I buy mine from here: http://www.shop.cakecentral.com/
and they have them all. They do reasonable international shipping too (signed-for, so guaranteed!).

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stephanie214 Posted 4 Jan 2007 , 2:49pm
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I love the Disco/Pixie Dusts better than the other dusts!!! I use them every chance I can icon_biggrin.gificon_biggrin.gif

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karenm0712 Posted 4 Jan 2007 , 2:52pm
post #27 of 50

Thanks for this post! I was actually going to search today for a post on this same topic so that I didn't have to make another post asking the same question. (did that make sense?) icon_smile.gif

THANK YOU!!

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stephanie214 Posted 4 Jan 2007 , 3:05pm
post #28 of 50

Yep, it sure did icon_biggrin.gif

Everyday someone was asking the question about the use of dusts so this is the reason it was stickied...easy to find for reference thumbs_up.gif .

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missyek Posted 4 Jan 2007 , 3:52pm
post #29 of 50
Quote:
Originally Posted by bonjovibabe

I started using them about 2- 2 1/2 years ago - so does that make me the Queen or Princess icon_lol.gifthumbs_up.gif ? I love, love, love mine! What are your favourites? I adore all the Baby Pastels, especially the pink, white hologram and primrose. I don't know how many colours you have available to you, but I buy mine from here: http://www.design-a-cake.co.uk/
and they have them all. They do reasonable international shipping too (signed-for, so guaranteed!).




Okay, okay, you win! You are queen, I am princess! icon_lol.gificon_lol.gificon_lol.gif I've only been using them for about a year. I have more of the pixie dusts than the disco, but I have a lot of different shades of pinks and purples and then just a few of other major primary colors. I do absolutely love the Clear Gold and Hologram pixie dusts and use those the most. I'll have to check out the site--I'll get my fix from anywhere! icon_lol.gificon_lol.gif

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KHalstead Posted 21 Jan 2007 , 3:08pm
post #30 of 50

so glad this came up............I just bought some disco and pixie dust from http://shop.cakecentral.com (great buy.......it only took two days from the day I ordered til it was on my doorstep).......
thank you all for this post! I definitely need some SPARKLE on this cake LOL

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