How to print on cakes: a beginner's guide

Printing on cakes turns an ordinary bake into a personal gift in minutes — with a photo, logo or the recipient's name. This guide covers everything you need to know before your first print.

Which surfaces can you print on?

A JetLT food printer prints on smooth, slightly absorbent surfaces. The best results come from:

• Fondant
• Sugar paste sheets
• Mirror glaze
• Wafer paper
• Chocolate plates

The surface must be dry, smooth and uniform — colours look brightest on white or light backgrounds.

Which inks should you use?

Only certified edible CMYK inks that meet EU safety standards. They are tasteless, do not affect the cake's flavour or texture, and are safe to consume.

Never use ordinary printer ink — it is not safe to eat.

Step by step: your first print

1. Prepare the image: 300 DPI, CMYK colour space, sized to your cake surface.
2. Insert a sugar sheet or wafer paper into the printer.
3. Select the "Edible" profile and confirm the media type in the software.
4. Run a test print on a draft surface.
5. Place the printed surface onto the cake and press gently.

Common mistakes

• Surface too wet — ink bleeds and the image looks blurry.
• Background too dark — CMYK inks have no white, so colours lose vibrancy on dark surfaces.
• Prints stored too long — we recommend using within 24 hours.

How much does it cost?

A single print costs from €0.02, including ink and surface. The JetLT food printer starts at €1,600 with a 12-month warranty and initial training.