Working with Sugar Pastes

Pastillage is a pure white sugar paste that dries very hard. It is not sensitive to ambient humidity, making it possible to assemble pieces well in advance and hold them at room temperature. Pastillage should not be refrigerated. Sugar paste décor may be made in advance and stored almost indefinitely in controlled conditions of temperature and humidity. Gum paste is a medium often associated with beautiful flowers, and it is more elastic and may be rolled thinner and manipulated more easily without cracking. Most gum paste and pastillage décor elements should be dried overnight before use.