By Makai Cake Decorating Supplies

 

 

When decorating cakes with edible prints or toppers, three materials often come up: wafer paper, wafer card, and icing sheets.
But what’s the difference between them, and how do you choose the right one for your project?

In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through what each of these materials is, how they behave, and when to use them for the best results.

 

 

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 What is Wafer Paper? 

Wafer paper is a thin, slightly translucent edible sheet made from potato starch, water, and vegetable oil. It has a crisp texture but can be softened with moisture to allow some shaping.

 

Common uses:

• Flat edible decorations
  
  
• Flags, banners, or lightweight toppers
  
  
• Folded designs like fans or ribbons

 

Pros:

• Lightweight and affordable
  
  
• Easy to colour and cut
  
  
• Great for light decorative elements

 

Cons:

• Can crack or curl in high humidity
  
  
• Not suitable for detailed printing or wet surfaces

 

 

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 What is Wafer Card? 

Wafer card is a thicker, sturdier version of wafer paper. It shares the same ingredients but offers much better structural integrity.

 

Common uses:

• Edible cake toppers with names, numbers or logos
  
  
• Stand-up shapes that need to hold their form

 

Pros:

• Holds its shape well
  
  
• Easier to handle than regular wafer paper
  
  
• Printable for bold designs

 

Cons:

• Not flexible
  
  
• Slightly more expensive than wafer paper

 

 

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 What is an Icing Sheet? 

Icing sheets (also called frosting sheets) are thin layers of sugar paste pressed onto a plastic backing. They’re soft, flexible and ideal for detailed edible printing.

 

Common uses:

• Edible photo prints
  
  
• Full cake toppers or wraps
  
  
• Custom illustrations or logos

 

Pros:

• Prints in high detail and vibrant colour
  
  
• Adheres well to buttercream and fondant
  
  
• Great for realistic images and character designs

 

Cons:

• More expensive than wafer products
  
  
• Can become sticky in humid conditions

 

 

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 Which One Should You Choose? 

 

Purpose	Best Option	Why
Lightweight decoration	Wafer Paper	Budget-friendly, airy, easy to apply
Sturdy topper with clear shape	Wafer Card	Holds shape, works well for stand-ups
Photorealistic print or logo	Icing Sheet	High print quality and smooth surface

 

 

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 When Should You Apply It to the Cake? 

 

• Wafer paper/card: Apply close to serving time (1–2 hours before), especially if your cake surface is moist. Works best on fondant or dry buttercream.
  
  
• Icing sheet: Can be applied a day ahead. Avoid condensation after refrigeration—store in a cool, dry place until needed.

 

 

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 Related Reading 

 

How Far in Advance Can You Make a Cake?

How to Package and Transport Cakes Safely

How to Assemble a Cake On-Site – Tips for Weddings and Big Events

Cake Photography for Beginners – How to Take Great Cake Photos at Home

 

 

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