MOLDING  CANDY COATING

 

Candy or confectionary coating can be used for molding many things to use for cake decorating.  Molds are available for fruits, vegetables, leaves, sea shells, animals, fish, baby cradle, holiday items of all kinds, etc. etc.

 

It is best to purchase the coating in wafer form as it is easier to melt.  Candy coating can be stored in tightly sealed plastic bags at room temperature about 72 degrees or less.

 

Candy coating may be flavored with oil based flavors only.  Add the flavoring when the coating is almost melted.  Do not use extracts because they contain water and cause the coating to thicken.

 

Moisture, water or steam will stiffen and ruin the coating.  Melting at too high a temperature will burn the coating and cause it to streak.

 

MELTING CANDY COATING

 

I always use a double boiler to melt candy coating.  Fill lower pan of double boiler half-full with water.  Put over heat and bring to a boil.  Remove pan from heat, place candy coating in the upper pan to melt.  Let coating sit for a few minutes, then gently stir until completely melted.  Remove top pan and place on hot pad to keep it from thickening.  If you do not have a heating pad or warming tray, should the candy coating become thick while molding, bring water to a boil again and place the candy coating over the water again to melt.  While waiting for the molds to harden in the freezer, place the pan over the water.  This will help to keep it from hardening.  Candy coating will remain workable as long as it is kept over hot water.

 

Candy coating can also be melted using the microwave. 

Sometimes candy coating does not melt well.  You can add Paramount Crystals to the coating to thin it down.  If you do not have Paramount Crystals, you can melt some solid shortening such as Crisco and add to the coating until it thins down.

 

MOLDING CANDY COATING

 

Fill the mold with melted candy coating and gently tap the mold on the countertop several times to remove any air bubbles.  Then place in the freezer for a few minutes.  The size of the mold will determine how long it must be in the freezer to harden.

 

Wearing plastic gloves will keep you from getting fingerprints on the molded candy coating

Candy coating picks up odors very easy.  Store candy coating away from perfume, soap, smoke and onions.  If you wear perfume, do not wear it while working with candy coating.  

 

MOLD PAINTING

 

To paint a mold, using a good brush, paint inside the mold the portion you desire.  In between each color, put the mold in the freezer to set.  Remove from freezer and bring back to room temperature before pouring in the remaining color.  If the coating is to warm it will cause the colors to run.  Always tap the mold to remove air bubbles.

 

CARE OF THE MOLDS

 

Wash the molds in warm (not hot) soapy water.  Rinse well in warm water and dry with a soft cloth.  Do not scratch the inner cavity of the molds.  The smoother the mold, the more shine the finished product will have.

 

LUSTER DUSTS, SUPER PEARL DUST

 

I dust many of my molded items with luster dusts or super pearl dust.  After removing from the freezer and unmolding, I dust them with the desired luster dust or super pearl dust.  I sometimes add 3 or 4 drops of vodka to some luster dust or super pearl dust to paint with.  Add just enough vodka to make a good consistency to paint with.  If too thin, it will not cover the coating well.