Anyone know of a good technique or secret to keep ribbons from getting wet when wrapped decoratively around a wedding cake? The finished cakes are usually covered in either rolled fondant or Italian meringue buttercream. The clients usually want pretty satin 1" ribbon to go aroung the base of the finished cake. I've been cutting strips of acetate to stick to the back of the ribbon to "moisture proof" it, and it seems to help, but usually the edges of the ribbon absorb some of the fat/moisture from the buttercream and then the ribbon looks uneven with some darker looking spots. The only other solution I see is to place the ribbon last minute. Appreciate the response.

By Mikeh (Mikeh) on Wednesday, July 12, 2000 - 03:18 pm: Edit

Maybe you could spray the back of the ribbon with an edible laquer, similar to the one used for sugar work? Are you saying that your ribbon is also damaged when put on a rolled fondant cake? That is strange.

By d. on Wednesday, July 12, 2000 - 05:25 pm: Edit

Ribbon only gets a little damp with the rolled fondant, only depending on how much it sweats if the temp. change is too drastic. Is this laquer expensive? Does the ribbon remain pliant even after applying this on?

By Panini (Panini) on Wednesday, July 12, 2000 - 06:07 pm: Edit

d.
Buy your ribbon from a bakery supply house. They are made of {I think polyproprlene}. They are great, I use them all the time on buttercream cakes. They look, feel, curl, strip, just like regular ribbon.
I'm leaving for Calif. tonight so I can't give you the name. I buy them from a co. called Merchants Bakery Supply. 972- 247-8282 Ask for Alegra and she'll give you the brand name or ship them to you.
good luck
panini

By Raine on Thursday, July 13, 2000 - 12:07 am: Edit

Also, Adtec is another source for ribbons. I use the flora satin ribbons. They have a slight texture to them, so they don't look shiny and plastic looking, and they are water proof. If You would like a phone number, just let me know.

Or, if your in a pinch, and can't wait for a shipment,or don't need a large shipment. Try getting your ribbon at a local florist. Most of their ribbons have to be water proof, and they will usually have a large selection on hand.

By BKeith on Thursday, July 13, 2000 - 01:56 pm: Edit

I've had luck ironing the ribbon between two sheets of wax paper. The melted wax is absorbed into the ribbon and does a pretty good job of greaseproofing/waterproofing.

Place a paper towel between the wax paper and your iron to keep from gunking up the bottom of the iron.

By d. on Thursday, July 13, 2000 - 04:09 pm: Edit

Thanks Panini. Where in CA. are you heading to? Make sure to bring lots of shorts and tees, it's pretty warm over here(I'm in the valley) and we're in for a hot weekend.
Raine, that's a great tip about going to a florist. Will try next time. If it's not too much trouble I'd like the number for Adtec.
BKeith that's also a great tip.

By raine on Thursday, July 13, 2000 - 05:35 pm: Edit

No trouble at all.

Ad-teck 1-800-255-9825. You might want them to send you a catalog first. They have a pretty extensive selection of colors, sizes, and material.