How to Print Edible Photos at Home: A Beginner's Guide to Edible Ink Printers

 

Printing technology and the development of edible inks and papers have made it super easy to customize delicious cookies and cakes at home. For example, you can personalize a birthday cake with a picture of the birthday boy. All you need to customize cakes at home is to buy an edible ink printer. 

How does edible printing work?

Edible printing works like regular inkjet printing. You can print any design from a publication, your phone, or the web. Cut the print into shape of the cake you want to customize and fix the design on the dessert. The only difference between edible printing and regular inkjet printing is of materials.

Food-safe supplies

Inks: Only FDA-approved dyes are used for edible printing. These inks are called food-safe because they contain zero chemicals. They enrich the designs with multiple colors and flavors.

Papers: Food-grade paper made of edible materials is used for printing edible designs. This paper blends well with baked material without affecting the color, flavor, or design of the cake or cookie. The paper can be cut to size for convenience. It looks like a part of the cake design.

Variety of papers

Frosting Sheets (Sugar Sheets): It is a thin layer of icing just perfect for printing edible photos. The colors look rich and vibrant on this sheet. A long shelf life is also an advantage of this sheet.

Wafer Paper: It is a scratch-based sheet, specially developed for printing designs with delicate artwork. The colors get a washed effect on this semi-translucent sheet.

Rice Paper: It is a lightweight food-grade paper developed for more detailed prints. It feels smooth on the touch and gives a luxurious feel when added to a cake.

Best Edible Printing Machines

1. Canon PIXMA TS9521C with Edible Ink: It is a versatile printer that can print all types of edible papers. Its color quality and print speed is unmatchable. 

2. Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000: Its ability to produce high-definition prints with rich colors makes it a preferred choice for professional bakers.

3. Icing Images iPrint: This printer works well with frosting sheets and wafer paper. For this reason, it is more suitable for home-bakers. Low maintenance is also a highlight of this machine.

4. Edible Printer Bundle Kits: This edible ink printer is designed and developed for beginners. Available with food-grade ink cartridges and paper sheets, it is a great choice for DIY bakers.