/ Register

Foam Display Cakes

Discussion in 'Professional Pastry Chefs' started by spicyjalebi, Feb 17, 2010.

  1. Feb 17, 2010 #1
    spicyjalebi

    spicyjalebi

    Messages:
    25
    Likes Received:
    10
    Exp:
    Professional Pastry Chef
    I'm going to be doing a bridal fair shortly and am looking to keep things simple and do the display cake(s) in foam rather than actual cake for once.

    However, I'm having a bit of a trial finding appropriately sized foam.  Michael's failed and www.univfoam.com requires a $250 minimum order, I'm running out of time and luck.  Any clues as to where I can try to look or order online? Should I just give in and make the darn thing?  I’d flip my pans and use them, but I want more height per layer than that.

    Appreciate the help!
     
  3. Feb 17, 2010 #2
    chefelle

    chefelle

    Messages:
    208
    Likes Received:
    18
    Exp:
    Professional Pastry Chef
    Do you have a Bulk Barn in your area?  That's where I buy mine. 
     
  4. Feb 17, 2010 #3
    charron

    charron

    Messages:
    231
    Likes Received:
    13
    Exp:
    Owner/Operator
    You might try someplace like Len's Mill, or an apholsterer.  Some of the foam they have/use is very dense and will hold pretty much any shape you desire.

    If you are really stuck you can line your pans and get some expanding spray foam insulation from the hardware store and fill em up.  Once the foam is dry it is pretty innert, and can be carved somewhat with a bread knife to get the perfect shape (might give you the most realistic results, even if it's not as easy as buying pre-made)

    Good luck!
     
  5. Feb 18, 2010 #4
    rat

    rat

    Messages:
    562
    Likes Received:
    21
    Exp:
    Professional Chef
    You could also use stacks of cake circles too? I like the insulation foam in the lined cake pan idea alot.
     
  6. Feb 21, 2010 #5
    chefpeon

    chefpeon Kitchen Dork

    Messages:
    669
    Likes Received:
    132
    Exp:
    Professional Pastry Chef 27 years
  7. Feb 28, 2010 #6
    pastrymama

    pastrymama

    Messages:
    40
    Likes Received:
    10
    Exp:
    Professional Pastry Chef
    I have bought them from Taylorfoam.com   they offer sets or individual cake dummies.  Very reasonably priced, and they ship pretty quick.
     
  8. Mar 4, 2010 #7
    spicyjalebi

    spicyjalebi

    Messages:
    25
    Likes Received:
    10
    Exp:
    Professional Pastry Chef
    Thanks for all the responses!  I found a bunch of places to order them reasonably online, but due to time constraints needed to find something locally.  I ended up stacking a bunch of 1" rounds from Michael's and securing them with wooden skewers and dowels.  Not the cheapest solution - by far! - but it worked.

    If you go this way, note that covering the foam in gesso will seal it, but will not fill in all the styro bumps and will look glossy.  I found that out the hard way.  Everything worked beautifully in the end, but took way more time/effort than it should have, all things considered.