By Makai Cake Decorating Supplies

 

 

Edible prints are a brilliant way to personalise cakes with photos, logos, or themed designs — but a few common mistakes can ruin the final result.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 5 issues decorators face and how to fix or avoid them.

 

 

---

 1. Applying to the Wrong Surface 

 

The mistake

Putting your edible print directly on wet buttercream, whipped cream, or ganache.

 

Why it matters

Moisture causes icing sheets to melt or wafer paper to wrinkle and dissolve.

 

What to do instead:

• Use fondant or crusted buttercream (firm to the touch)
  
  
• Chill the cake beforehand, then apply the sheet right before serving

 

 

---

 2. Storing in the Fridge or Freezer 

 

The mistake

Storing your edible prints in the refrigerator or freezer.

 

Why it matters

Cold storage creates condensation, which smudges ink and causes sticking.

 

What to do instead:

• Keep your sheets flat in a cool, dry place
  
  
• Avoid temperature changes just before applying

 

 

---

 3. Touching the Printed Surface with Wet Hands 

The mistake

Handling the edible sheet with damp or greasy fingers.

 

Why it matters

Moisture from your hands can distort or remove the print.

 

What to do instead:

• Always handle with clean, dry hands
  
  
• Cut with food-safe scissors and avoid smearing the ink

 

 

---

 4. Printing Low-Resolution or Poorly Cropped Images 

 

The mistake

Sending a blurry image or not accounting for the crop/margins.

 

Why it matters

Your image might come out pixelated, distorted or misaligned.

 

What to do instead:

• Use high-resolution images (300 DPI or higher)
  
  
• Leave a margin or guide for trimming
  
  
• Ask for a preview or mock-up if available

 

 

---

 5. Applying the Sheet Too Early (or Too Late) 

 

The mistake

Applying too early — colours fade or the sheet absorbs moisture. Applying too late — it doesn’t adhere well.

 

What to do instead:

• Wafer paper and wafer card: apply 1–2 hours before serving
  
  
• Icing sheets: can be applied the night before, but avoid refrigeration

 

 

---

 Related Reading 

 

• How to Apply Edible Sheets to Cakes
  
  
• What Is Icing Sheet – And How to Use It on Cakes
  
  
• How to Store and Handle Edible Sheets

 

 

---

 

 

 Final Thoughts 

 

Edible prints are easy to work with — once you know what to avoid.

With these simple tips, your printed decorations will look as amazing as your cakes taste!

 

 

---