Printing on edible paper and fondant sheet: What is the difference between them and how to work with them?
Personalized cakes with your own photos, fairy-tale characters or original motifs are becoming increasingly popular. Thanks to printing on edible paper, almost anyone can create a similar decoration today. But what is the difference between edible paper and fondant sheets? And how to work with them correctly? We bring you a practical overview.
1. Wafer paper
- It is thin, light, and slightly crispy.
- The colors printed on edible paper appear lighter on it, they are not as saturated as on a fondant sheet.
- Ideal for decorating cookies, chocolate bars, candies and cupcakes.
- Advantage: it cuts and trims well, it is more affordable.
- Disadvantage: it is more prone to deformation when in contact with moisture.
2. Thicker edible paper (extra wafer)
- Suitable for making larger decorations, 3D flowers and larger figures.
- It holds its shape better, curls less.
3. Fondant sheet (sugar sheet, icing sheet)
- A layer of fondant mass applied to a thin carrier film.
- The surface is smooth, flexible, with a slight sheen.
- The print on edible fondant paper has beautifully saturated colors and sharp details.
- Ideal for photo cakes, birthday and wedding cakes.
- Advantage: beautiful luxurious appearance and easy application of printing on edible paper.
- Disadvantage: higher price.
Summary of the differences in a nutshell
| Paper type | Features | Use | Price |
| Edible paper (wafer) | thin, fragile, lighter print | cookies, chocolate, simple cakes | cheaper |
| Thicker wafer | stronger, holds its shape better | 3D flowers, larger decorations | medium |
| Fondant sheet | smooth, flexible, rich colors | photo cakes, weddings, luxury cakes | higher |
How to apply edible paper printing to a cake
Whatever type of paper you choose, the correct method of application is also important:
1. Cropping the image
Before applying, cut out the image with sharp scissors or a scalpel. Ideally, cut just before decorating.
2. Transfer to the cake
- If the cake is covered with fondant or marzipan, brush the surface lightly with water, glucose syrup, or use a special edible glue.
- If you are applying it to buttercream or whipped cream, we recommend underlaying it with a fondant slice or chocolate to prevent curling due to moisture.
3. Storage after application
Store your finished edible cake in a cool, dry place. Avoid excessive humidity and sudden changes in temperature, which can cause the colors to bleed or the paper to warp.
Practical tips for printing on edible paper at the end
- Store edible papers and fondant sheets in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture.
- Always print from high-quality, sufficiently sharp images for the best possible result.
- If you don't dare to print at home, use our ready-made edible printing service at Dortisimo.cz.
You can find everything you need at Dortisimo.cz
At the Dortisimo.cz e-shop you will find a wide range of products:
- ready-made edible pictures for various occasions,
- clean edible papers and fondant sheets for your own printing,
- necessary tools for transfer and application.
If you are not sure which material to choose, we will be happy to advise you personally in our brick-and-mortar stores in Prague, Brno, Hradec Králové or online in our e-shop.
