Decorating Systems21051 NE Hwy 27, Williston, FL 32696
phone: 352-528-9292
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Which PhotoFrost printing system is right for me?
Is my computer compatible with the PhotoFrost System?
How do I get great quality prints?
Is image editing hard to do? Which program should I use?
Where can I find pictures & images?
Will the colors run? Can I use the Icing Sheets on whipped cream frosting or fondant/pettinice?
Will the PhotoFrost Color Cartridges fit my printer?
Will using the Edible Color Cartridges void the warranty on my new printer?
Do the Icing Sheets need refrigeration?
How long is the shelf life of the Icing Sheets?
How long do the Color Cartridges last?
Can I switch back & forth with ink?
What is the sugar/fat content?
Are they affected by humidity?
Is my computer compatible with the PhotoFrost System?
Our system is intended to be compatible with any computer. As long as your computer has at
least the minimum memory requirements (described in the next paragraph) and an adequate
amount of hard drive space (see Memory Problems)
just about any computer will do fine. With a little bit of practice you should be able to
produce fantastic results.
How do I get great quality prints?
We like to keep our printers set on High Quality print setting. Other tips that can help:
First, make sure your computer has enough RAM & processor to do a good job with
graphics processing. We recommend a minimum of 64mb RAM and a PII, 233mhz processor or
higher. You can work with less but it may be slow and can hinder quality. Avoid working
with thumbnail pictures. When you enlarge them to print size they lose their resolution
& clarity. When you scan we recommend 100 to 300dpi resolution setting for your
scanner and an image size of somewhere in the 600x1000 pixel range. If you are working
with enough picture size & image data it will translate better to a higher quality
print. There are about 10,000 other tips I could give but this is not an image editing
course. Use these suggestions as general guidelines to get started. We have maintenance
procedures & troubleshooting tips for print heads & cartridges on our Maintenance Tips page.
Is image editing hard to do? Which program should I use?
Image editing, like any other program, is not difficult if you are familiar with the
general tool setup of Windows-style programs. It may take some reading in the Help files
or visiting the manufacturer's tutorial website to get a head start. At PhotoFrost we can
answer some questions to help you understand Object-based Editing. Once you grasp that
concept & practice with the different attributes and properties of the program tools
you should be on your way. The choice of an image editing program is one of personal
comfort. There are many good ones and each individual finds different program features to
his/her liking. We can recommend several that we find very useful.
These can be viewed on our Software Page
Where can I find pictures & images?
We now have available the PhotoFrost Library Collection, a 6CD set of fantastic photos,
scenes, frames, ToonArt & more. A fabulous resource for images at your fingertips.
Our CD with 1380 images is also a good start and you can scan from magazines, calandars,
comic books or fill out our Request Form and we
will email several Web addresses for great collections of FREE pictures, clipart &
fonts. Edit your personal photos into famous scenes or add cartoons. Let your imagination
run wild!
Will the colors run? Can I use the Icing Sheets on whipped cream
frosting or fondant/pettinice?
On Buttercream Icing we have had no problems with colors running provided condensation is
not allowed to build on the cake surface. With Whipped Cream Icing we recommend
refrigeration. You might consider adding a touch of pudding or other thickening agent to
your recipe to assist in retaining form. For fondant/pettinice application spread a skim
layer of thin icing or glaze (or spray a fine mist of water) over the fondant surface to
moisten & assist in the merging of our Icing Sheet image.
Will the PhotoFrost Color Cartridges fit my printer?
Only if you have one of the Canon models listed on the Supplies
Page or your printer is compatible with Canon print heads listed. Since HP &
Lexmark new ink tanks are not available on the aftermarket (because the print head is
built-in, making them a patented item) this eliminated the possibility of making the
cartridges available for these brand printers with our edible colors. We had very good
reasons for choosing Canon printers. These are explained on our Systems
Page.
Do the Icing Sheets need refrigeration?
No. As long as you keep them sealed in their reclosable bag they should remain fresh up to one year.
How long is the shelf life of the Icing Sheets?
We have not yet found a limit to the shelf life if kept properly protected from the environment. We suggest they should be used within the first six months but we have intentionally stored them for longer periods and found them to be still good.
How long do the Color Cartridges last?
This will vary depending on the printing you do and which cartridge style your printer uses. If you print characters on small sheets with white background you may get many more prints per set of cartridges. If you print mostly full-scene images or large sheets with heavy colors your cartridge life may vary. We now have available Genuine PhotoFrost Refill Sets if you wish to save on cartridges.
Can I switch back & forth with ink?
This is not a good idea. The Health Dept requires that a machine dedicated to production of food products should not be contaminated with non-foodsafe use. Rather than asking what you can get away with, think how you would feel if you were eating the finished product.
What is the sugar/fat content?
Our Icing Sheets are made without the use of animal products and a minimum of sugar
content. Our ingredients label shows 0% on fats, sugar, sodium & cholesterol per
serving.
Are they FDA approved?
All of our ingredients (including the edible color dyes) are approved by the FDA.
Are they Kosher approved?
Yes. Our Icing Sheets and Edible Inks have met with the requirements for Kosher
approval.
Are they affected by humidity?
To some degree, yes. In very damp or humid environments simply allowing the Icing Sheets to sit in the open air may not dry them quickly enough for convenience. We have found that a hair dryer (ours has been dedicated to cakes since new) can speed up the process so you can finish your cake quickly. By contrast, if your climate is very dry this can affect the Icing Sheets also, especially if you leave the bag open for long periods. In this case a slightly damp paper towel placed inside the bag & under the bottom sheet backing page (never put it in direct contact with the Icing Sheet) can refresh the sheets. Refrigeration is not required but may help in this situation. Do not leave the paper towel inside with the Icing Sheets for long periods. The moisture may encourage mold growth. Instructions are included.
Decorating Systems
21051 NE Hwy 27, Williston, FL 32696
phone: 352-528-9292