Dusting powders, also known as dusting chalks or decorating dusts, are used to decorate just about anything on cakes, especially Fondant covered cakes and Gum Paste flowers. It can also be used on buttercream to add a shimmer. 

Dusts contain only ingredients that are NON-TOXIC and are ideal for use on or  flowers, plaques, lettering, chocolates, etc. Dusts can be blended together and present a range of creative color possibilities, a unique liveliness and impact. 

The dusting chalks are used to add a gentle touch of shading to all flowers and foliage, bows and frills, anything made from gum paste, floodwork, pastillage, marzipan, or fondant. These colors are applied to dry icing, using an art brush. In some cases, it may be applied to wet gum paste.

Dusting chalks may be blended with white "luster" also known as "satin" or "pearl." As the name implies, it will give a satin appearance to the article. Lusters should be used sparingly on flowers and foliage. For special effects, a little dry gold or silver may be blended with dusting chalks and used for flowers or foliage.

Many companies make these dusts but not all are the same. Depending on what you want to do, will determine which companies colors you will want to use and it is a very personal choice. It takes trial and error as well as practice just like everything else in cake decorating. Each company makes their own range of colors. Experiment with different ones; mix them to make a custom color try your hand at painting with them. Be creative and have fun.

DECORATING DUST TYPES: Not food approved in the U.S.A. but are non toxic or harmful to eat, the same as silver dragees we've used for years. Used extensively in Europe. These dusts are not a food additive and should not be considered as such. Intended for use in the dry form, any of the powders may also be mixed with oil based flavorings, piping gel or alcohol for painting and highlighting.

Petal dusts (or blossom tints) are used to achieve deep hues with a matte finish. They are used mainly for dusting flowers made from Gum Paste, where a realistic effect is created.

However, they can also be used for painting on plaques and Fondant. They are extremely versatile - they mix or match, complement or supplement and present a rainbow of colors that blend easily. Mix with water, alcohol or oil-based flavorings for painting, highlighting or deepening of colors. Can also be used to color powdered sugar. Contains no cornstarch. Colors intensify when mixed with liquids. Pearl or Luster Dusts can be applied over or mixed with Petal Dust for a variety of effects. Water soluble. Non toxic. 

The flowers can be dusted before or after they have dried by using different types of artists brushes.  If a strong color is desired, then a flat brush would be used, but if soft coloring is wanted then a soft round brush should be used.  

Luster dusts give subtle colors with a high sheen metallic-like finish. They can be used either alone, or mixed with similar colored matte dusts to create a lustrous sheen, without lightening the color. Brushed on white, they exhibit color and a metallic sheen. Not water soluble. Non toxic.

Sparkle dust is similar to luster dust in effect, but has a larger grain size & gives Gum Paste flowers a wet or dewy look, with just a touch of color. Not water soluble. Non toxic.

Pearl dust When pearlized powder is dusted onto Fondant it takes on a shimmering luster which can be striking on cakes. It comes in names such as Petal, Luster, Sparkle or Pearl. These dusts are often confused with the powder form of concentrated colors. They are nontoxic.

When dusted on white petals, other pearls such as blue, gold, green, orange, red or violet exhibit a subtle translucent or iridescent reflective colored sheen while displaying no apparent or strong color. 

May be combined with, or applied over Petal Dust to create custom colors or effects. 

Good on cattleya orchids where the throat is colored and the sepals left white, etc., or on small white filler flowers as it allows for the continuation of the color scheme although the flowers are white.

Pearl dust can be mixed with vodka (not water soluble) and sprayed on with an airbrush. Follow a few simple rules and you will be amazed at the result. Bear in mind, however, that all airbrushes are not created equal, and that a little experimentation may be necessary to achieve the best result. Please note: The instruction are only guidelines and different colors may require more or less white spirit as the viscosity differs.  

Gold and silver These are imported dusts. To use gold and silver, mix with clear spirits such as vodka or gin then paint article. Gold and silver letters or words are very popular especially in the case of silver and gold wedding anniversaries, 21st birthdays, Christmas cakes, and novelty cakes. NOTE: Gold or silver may also be mixed with piping gel for a glistening affect.* Please note that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not approve of the use of any metallic on a cake that will be eaten.