How to Colour Fondant Without Staining Your Hands

Colouring your own fondant means you can match any shade you want. The downside is that gel colours stain, and if you’ve ever kneaded black or red fondant by hand, you’ll know how long it takes to wash off. Here’s how to keep your hands clean.

1. Wear Food-Safe Gloves

The easiest way to avoid stains is disposable food-safe gloves.

• Choose thin, close-fitting gloves so you can still feel the fondant.
• Rub a little shortening on the gloves if the fondant sticks to them.
• Change gloves between dark and light colours so you don’t transfer colour.

Tip: No gloves? Rub a thin layer of vegetable shortening over your hands first. It acts as a barrier and makes cleaning up much easier.

2. Add Colour With a Toothpick

Rather than squeezing colour straight onto the fondant, use a toothpick to control how much goes in.

• Dip a toothpick into the gel colour and spread it onto the fondant.
• Use a clean toothpick each time so you don’t contaminate the bottle.
• Start with a small amount and build up to the shade you want.

3. Knead Inside a Bag

This is the best trick for strong colours like black, red and navy.

• Put the fondant and colour inside a large zip-lock bag.
• Seal it and knead from the outside until the colour is evenly mixed.
• You can also fold and press the fondant between sheets of baking paper.

4. Work on a Mat

A silicone mat gives you a smooth, non-stick surface that’s easy to wipe clean.

• Knead on the mat to cut down on hand contact.
• A little shortening on the mat keeps fondant soft and stops it sticking.
• Wipe away colour with a damp paper towel when you’re done.

5. Getting Colour Off Your Hands

If colour does get on your skin, wash it off as soon as you can, before it sets in.

• Rub a little vegetable or coconut oil into your hands first to loosen the colour.
• Then wash with dishwashing liquid and warm water.
• For stubborn stains, a scrub of sugar and oil helps lift the colour.

The Short Version

• Wear gloves, or coat your hands with shortening.
• Add colour with a toothpick, a little at a time.
• Knead strong colours inside a zip-lock bag.
• If you do get stained, rub in oil, then wash with dishwashing liquid.

Need colours? Shop Chefmaster gel colours or Vivid gel colours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What colouring is best for fondant?

Gel colours. They’re strong, so you only need a little, and they don’t add much moisture. Liquid colours can make fondant sticky.

How do I get food colouring off my hands?

Rub a little oil into your hands to loosen the colour, then wash with dishwashing liquid. A sugar and oil scrub helps with stubborn stains.

How do I make black or red fondant without stained hands?

Knead the colour in inside a sealed zip-lock bag, or wear gloves. These colours need a lot of gel, so they stain the most.

Related reads: Common Fondant Problems and How to Fix Them · Essential Tips for Working with Fondant