To make gel food coloring paint, you'll need a clear, high-proof alcohol (like vodka) or lemon extract and your gel food coloring.
Here's how to do it:
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Gather Your Materials: You'll need:
- Gel food coloring (any colors you desire)
- Vodka or lemon extract
- Small bowls or palette
- Paint brushes
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Mix the Paint:
- In a small bowl or on a palette, add a few drops of vodka or lemon extract (approximately 1 tablespoon per color).
- Add a small amount of gel food coloring to the alcohol/extract.
- Mix thoroughly until you achieve the desired color intensity. Add more food coloring for a deeper shade or more vodka/extract to dilute the color.
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Apply the Paint:
- Use a clean paintbrush to apply the food coloring paint to your desired surface, such as fondant, gum paste, or cookies.
Important Considerations:
- Alcohol vs. Lemon Extract: Vodka is preferred because it's flavorless and evaporates quickly. Lemon extract can leave a slight lemon flavor.
- Evaporation: The alcohol/extract will evaporate, leaving only the color behind. This helps the paint dry quickly.
- Surface Compatibility: This paint works best on dry, non-greasy surfaces.
- Color Intensity: A little gel food coloring goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more as needed to reach your preferred color depth.