Luster Dust & Petal Dust | How to Use Every Type Like a Pro

In this tutorial: Types of Cake Decorating Dusts · Safety Classifications · Petal Dust · Luster & Pearl Dust · Sparkle Dust · Twinkle & Disco Dust · Highlighters · How to Mix & Apply Dusts · Painting with Dusts · Layering Colors · Super Pearl Dust · Cleanup Tips

Cake decorating dusts are one of the most asked-about supplies in the sugar arts – and for good reason. With so many types on the market – petal dust, luster dust, pearl dust, sparkle dust, highlighters, and more – it can be hard to know which one to reach for and how to use it. In this comprehensive tutorial, Chef Alan Tetreault of Global Sugar Art breaks down every category of decorating dust, explains the differences in finish and safety classification, and demonstrates application techniques on gumpaste flowers so decorators can choose and use the right dust with confidence.

What You'll Need

• Petal dust – for full-coverage matte color on flowers and decorations —
• Luster dust – for satin-finish color with a subtle sheen —
• Pearl dust / Super Pearl – for pearlized finishes on cakes and decorations —
• Sparkle dust – for dewy sparkle accents on petal edges —
• Twinkle / disco dust – for bold glitter effects —
• Highlighter dust (gold, silver) – for metallic finishes on removable decorations —
• Flat natural-bristle brushes – for dry dust application —
• Small round brushes – for painting with liquefied dusts —
• Lemon extract or clear alcohol (vodka) – for liquefying luster dusts, sparkle dusts, and highlighters
• Shortening – for cleaning dust off work surfaces
• Corn starch – for cleaning brushes
• Paper towels – to protect work surfaces from dust mess

Cleanup Tips

▶ Watch this section (14:54)

Decorating dusts get into the pores of boards, silicone mats, and countertops – and water alone will not remove them completely.

↪ Cleaning Work Surfaces

Rub a small amount of shortening onto the stained surface with a paper towel. The shortening pulls the dust right out of the pores of boards, cel pads, cel boards, silicone mats, and countertops.

↪ Cleaning Brushes

1. Swirl the brush in dry corn starch first – this draws out much of the color.
2. Wash with a grease-cutting dish soap (such as Dawn) and hot water.
3. Rinse thoroughly in hot water.
4. Air dry completely before storing.

This tutorial is part of Global Sugar Art's library of free cake decorating videos by Chef Alan Tetreault. Browse all tutorials →