Decora - Food Colorings
Decora Gold Food Coloring for Airbrush 20 g
Liquid water-soluble metallic gold effect colorant for airbrush spraying on pastries
The Decora gold food coloring in 20 g format is a ready-to-use liquid water-soluble colorant, specifically formulated for application with a pastry airbrush. Its fluid texture and the fineness of its metallic pigments ensure homogeneous spraying, without nozzle clogging, to create bright shiny gold finishes on your pastries.
The shiny metallic gold finish is achieved thanks to the combination of pigments E555 (pearly potassium aluminum silicate) and E172 (iron oxides), two food additives authorized in the European Union. Composition complies with current European regulations on food additives.
Format resealable 20 g bottle compatible with all standard pastry airbrushes (Dinair, Cake Boss, Cookie Cutters Airbrush, Wilton airbrush kit, etc.) and suitable for professional cake designers as well as advanced cake design amateurs.
Airbrush consumption calculator
Estimate the colorant consumption according to your cake design project.
Technical features
- • Brand: Decora (Italy)
- • Format: resealable 20 g bottle
- • Type: liquid water-soluble food coloring
- • Color: shiny metallic gold
- • Use: pastry airbrush (compatible with all models)
- • Spraying distance: 10 to 15 cm
- • Application: several light crossed layers (never a thick layer)
- • Storage: keep away from light, at room temperature
- • Packaging: sold individually
Composition and regulatory compliance
Ingredients: water, colorants (E555, E172), acidifier (E330), thickener (E415), preservative (E202).
- • E555 : pearly alumino-potassium silicate, shiny metallic pigment
- • E172 : iron oxides (EU-approved mineral colorant)
- • E330 : citric acid (acidifier)
- • E415 : xanthan gum (natural thickener)
- • E202 : potassium sorbate (preservative)
Regulatory compliance: this Decora coloring uses only food additives authorized by current European regulations. The combination of E555 and E172 ensures the metallic gold finish fully complies with current EU standards.
Allergens: may contain traces of nuts and milk.
Airbrush instructions
- • Step 1 - Preparation: shake the bottle vigorously for 30 seconds to distribute the suspended metallic pigments
- • Step 2 - Pouring: pour the required amount into your airbrush reservoir (do not fill beyond 3/4 to avoid leaks)
- • Step 3 - Test: test the spray on parchment paper before starting your pastry to check for uniformity
- • Step 4 - Application: spray from 10-15 cm away, in a continuous and smooth motion, never still
- • Step 5 - Multiple layers: 2 to 4 light crossed passes, letting dry 30 seconds between each pass
- • Step 6 - Cleaning: rinse the airbrush immediately with warm water after use to prevent nozzle clogging
Patissland tips for perfect gold finishes
Tip 1: Perfect dryness of the surface before spraying
The surface must be completely dry before spraying. For fondant, wait at least 4 hours after shaping. For royal icing, wait 24 hours for complete drying. A wet or sticky surface causes uneven spots and an inconsistent finish.
Tip 2: Always light layers, never thick
The temptation is strong to apply a thick layer to save time. This is the classic mistake that causes drips, visible buildup, and loss of the shiny metallic effect. 3 to 4 light crossed passes always give a better result than a single thick layer. Patience and consistency are the keys to a professional finish.
Tip 3: Immediate cleaning is essential
Metallic pigments dry quickly inside the airbrush nozzle and create a clog that is hard to remove. Rinse the airbrush with warm water immediately after use, run clean water through the reservoir for 30 seconds. For a thorough weekly cleaning, disassemble the needle and soak the parts for 10 minutes in warm soapy water.
Frequently Asked Questions
On which surfaces can I apply this gold coloring?
Decora gold coloring is ideally applied on well-dried fondant, baked shortbread cookies, cupcakes (cream top or liner), royal icing dried for 24 hours, fondant, and marzipan. Avoid wet or very greasy surfaces (fresh cream, fresh whipped ganache) as the coloring adheres poorly.
Is it compatible with all airbrushes?
Yes, the water-soluble fluid texture is compatible with all standard pastry airbrushes (gravity feed, suction, or side feed). The fineness of the metallic pigments prevents nozzle clogging, even with fine 0.3 mm nozzles.
Can it be used with a brush if you don't have an airbrush?
Yes, the coloring can be applied with a soft brush on small surfaces (fine decorations, touch-ups, gilding on figurines). For large surfaces, an airbrush is still recommended to preserve the uniformity of the metallic finish. When using a brush, be careful not to leave brush hair marks in the gold layer.
How much is needed to cover a wedding cake?
A 3-tier wedding cake (for example Ø 18, 24, and 30 cm) requires about 18 to 25 g of coloring for full coverage, or 1 to 2 bottles depending on the desired coverage. For a partial gradient effect concentrated on the top tier, a single 20 g bottle is more than enough. The calculator at the top of the page gives you the exact estimate based on your project.
Is the gold coloring gluten-free?
The composition contains no gluten-based ingredients. However, the coloring may contain traces of nuts and milk according to the manufacturer's information. For customers with severe gluten allergy requiring certified gluten-free, request an allergen certificate from the manufacturer.
What metallic pigments are used?
The metallic gold effect comes from the combination of E555 (pearly potassium aluminosilicate) and E172 (iron oxides), two food additives authorized by current European regulations. Decora has formulated its gold color range according to current EU standards to ensure compliance and safe use in pastry.
How long does the bottle keep once opened?
The resealable bottle, properly closed between each use and stored away from light and heat, retains its effectiveness for 12 to 18 months after opening. Always check the best before date indicated on the bottle. If visible separation appears in the liquid after storage, shake vigorously before use.
To go further
Complete your metallic effects cake design station:
- Find our entire catalog of food colorings in liquid, powder, and gel versions.
- Discover the Decora brand and its professional Italian cake design accessories.
- For matte velvet finishes, browse our edible velvet sprays.
- Dress your final pastries with our cake toppers and our birthday candles.
Shipping and Delivery
Processing and Delivery Times
- Order Preparation: 0 to 2 working days
- France, Belgium, Germany: 1 to 2 working days
- Europe: 2 to 5 working days
- Click & Collect Osny: 24-48h
Shipping Fees
- FR, BE, DE: based on weight
- Europe: based on country and weight
- Click & Collect Osny: Free
Exact fees are calculated at checkout.
