How to use Tylose Powder
What is Tylose Powder?
Tylose Powder is a hardening agent which when added to fondant creates a quick and simple version of gumpaste/modelling paste.
When using fondant to model figurines and sugar craft it is important that you add a hardening agent such as this so the fondant sets hard.
If you were to try and model without using a hardening agent in fondant your figurines would not hold their shape. This would be very disappointing after all the hard work that goes into modelling work.
How much Tylose Powder should you use?
The most common question we are asked about using Tylose Powder is "How much should you use in the fondant"?
Unfortunately there is no real exact guide as there are different factors that influence the end result such as humidity. In areas with high humidity you will need to use more Tylose than is places with low humidity.
The best way to gauge how much to use is by kneading a little at a time into the ball of fondant you are using.
For example: Try taking a small ball of fondant the size of a golf ball and knead in approx. 1/2 tsp of Tylose powder. You will start to feel the fondant consistency change and start to feel firmer.
You will know if you have added too much Tylose as as the fondant will be too hard to knead and work with. In this case you can add some more fondant to the mix.
Handy Hints:
- Only mix the Tylose Powder into the fondant when you are going to use it. If you mix the fondant too far ahead of time it will set before you are ready to use it.
- When you have made your decorations leave them overnight to completely set.