Translucent icing?

[Amanda]

It seems like everytime I do small detail work with white buttercream it turns almost translucent. I've just finished yet another cake where the border is beautiful bright white, but the small details have almost disappeared. They look more like a dull white, and they don't pop against the main color of the cake. Is there anything I can do, or add to my icing to keep it bright white even when working in small details? I would appreciate any advice.
Thanks
Amanda

[chocolateandpeanutbutter]

What type of buttercream do you use? Sometimes if it contains butter, it melts very quickly in your hands. Try using a new bag for details, fresh from the bowl, and see if that helps. Also, you can use an all-shortening version of buttercream for your small details, if needed. It doesn't taste as nice, but it is less likely to melt and it is much whiter than butter-containing-buttercream.
There is so little of it in the details that the taste wouldn't be noticeable.

I know I have seen white icing colour, but I have not used it.

That's all I can think of for now, I hope you find something that works for you!

[Amanda]

I'm still pretty new, so I haven't experimented with icing recipes yet. I am still using the buttercream that I learned in the Wilton classes, which is shortening based. I will absolutely try your suggestions, though. Thank you for your advice!
Amanda
ps...I'd love to try some other buttercream recipes if anyone has any good suggestions.

[chocolateandpeanutbutter]

The easiest buttercream is to use the Wilton recipe that you have, but use half butter and half Crisco. You might need to decrease the amount of liquid, since this seems to make a softer buttercream. But it tastes so much better!

You can also vary the flavourings you add. I like to experiment a little with different flavours. Creme bouquet is my current favourite, and I just got the pineapple emusion from here at Into the Oven. I'm in heaven! It tastes absolutely fabulous in buttercream icing.

So try some experiments! You will soon discover how many different options you have for different flavours of buttercream!