Flower, Modelling and Sugarpaste (5)
What's the Difference Between Sugarpaste, Modelling Paste and Florist Paste?
If you're new to cake decorating, it's easy to wonder which paste you should choose. Although they may look similar, sugarpaste, modelling paste, and florist paste are designed for very different jobs. Choosing the right one will make decorating much easier and give you the best results.
Sugarpaste (Fondant)
Sugarpaste, often called fondant icing, is a soft, smooth icing that is primarily used for covering cakes and creating a flawless finish. It can also be used to make simple decorations, cut-out shapes and basic models.
Best for:
- Covering celebration cakes
- Cupcakes
- Simple cut-out decorations
- Basic figures and toppers
Benefits:
- Soft and easy to roll
- Creates a smooth professional finish
- Available in a wide range of colours
- Pleasant vanilla flavour
- Remains slightly flexible after drying
Top Tip: Sugarpaste is not ideal for delicate flowers or intricate models as it remains relatively soft and can lose its shape.
Modelling Paste
Modelling paste is firmer than sugarpaste and has been specially formulated for creating 3D cake decorations and figures. It holds its shape much better, allowing you to add fine details without your creations collapsing.
Best for:
- Animal figures
- Characters
- Cake toppers
- Bows
- Decorative models
Benefits:
- Firmer texture
- Holds detail exceptionally well
- Dries harder than sugarpaste
- Less prone to sagging
- Easier to sculpt
Top Tip: If your sugarpaste is too soft for modelling, you can often improve it by mixing in a little modelling paste.
Florist Paste (Flower Paste / Gum Paste)
Florist paste is the firmest of the three and is designed specifically for creating realistic sugar flowers and delicate decorations. It can be rolled incredibly thin without tearing and dries very quickly to produce strong, lightweight petals.
Best for:
- Sugar flowers
- Leaves
- Petals
- Wired flowers
- Delicate lace-style decorations
Benefits:
- Rolls paper-thin
- Dries quickly
- Sets very hard
- Ideal for fine, delicate work
- Creates realistic flowers
Top Tip: Florist paste dries rapidly, so always keep any unused paste wrapped tightly in cling film and stored in an airtight container while you work.
What's the Difference Between Sugarpaste, Modelling Paste and Florist Paste?
If you're new to cake decorating, it's easy to wonder which paste you should choose. Although they may look similar, sugarpaste, modelling paste, and florist paste are designed for very different jobs. Choosing the right one will make decorating much easier and give you the best results.
Sugarpaste (Fondant)
Sugarpaste, often called fondant icing, is a soft, smooth icing that is primarily used for covering cakes and creating a flawless finish. It can also be used to make simple decorations, cut-out shapes and basic models.
Best for:
- Covering celebration cakes
- Cupcakes
- Simple cut-out decorations
- Basic figures and toppers
Benefits:
- Soft and easy to roll
- Creates a smooth professional finish
- Available in a wide range of colours
- Pleasant vanilla flavour
- Remains slightly flexible after drying
Top Tip: Sugarpaste is not ideal for delicate flowers or intricate models as it remains relatively soft and can lose its shape.
Modelling Paste
Modelling paste is firmer than sugarpaste and has been specially formulated for creating 3D cake decorations and figures. It holds its shape much better, allowing you to add fine details without your creations collapsing.
Best for:
- Animal figures
- Characters
- Cake toppers
- Bows
- Decorative models
Benefits:
- Firmer texture
- Holds detail exceptionally well
- Dries harder than sugarpaste
- Less prone to sagging
- Easier to sculpt
Top Tip: If your sugarpaste is too soft for modelling, you can often improve it by mixing in a little modelling paste.
Florist Paste (Flower Paste / Gum Paste)
Florist paste is the firmest of the three and is designed specifically for creating realistic sugar flowers and delicate decorations. It can be rolled incredibly thin without tearing and dries very quickly to produce strong, lightweight petals.
Best for:
- Sugar flowers
- Leaves
- Petals
- Wired flowers
- Delicate lace-style decorations
Benefits:
- Rolls paper-thin
- Dries quickly
- Sets very hard
- Ideal for fine, delicate work
- Creates realistic flowers
Top Tip: Florist paste dries rapidly, so always keep any unused paste wrapped tightly in cling film and stored in an airtight container while you work.
£2.15Squires Kitchen Ready-to-Roll Sugarpaste | 12 Colours | 250g, 1kg and 2.5kg Trusted by professional cake makers worldwide, Squires Kitchen Sugarpaste delivers a flawless, polished finish every time. Developed with leading decorators and made in...
£2.50Trusted by sugar artists and cake decorators, Smartflex Velvet Sugarpaste is a premium-quality sugarpaste that's a joy to work with. Silky smooth, firm yet flexible, it covers cakes beautifully and holds its shape without cracking,...
£3.55Squires Kitchen High Definition Modelling Paste | 5 Colours | 200g Formulated to be stronger and finer than regular modelling paste, Squires Kitchen High Definition Modelling Paste dries hard while retaining even the most intricate...
£3.90Squires Kitchen Sugar Florist Paste | 11 Colours | 250g & 1kg Crafted in partnership with leading sugar artists and made in Preston, England to strict BRC food safety standards, Squires Kitchen Sugar Florist Paste...
£4.99Saracino Modelling Paste is a firm favourite among professional cake decorators and sugar artists. This black modelling paste is specially formulated to be firmer and more pliable than standard sugarpaste, making it ideal for creating...
