fondant rolling surface nagging question

When I first started cake decorating I purchased a regular rolling mat, I think it was made by Wilton, and I used that for a while until I got annoyed of it lol then I just started using my marble countertop. I was able to roll any size without any problems. But before I used my countertop I cleaned it very well with Lysol spray and then wiped it off with a clean paper towel and let air dry

Last week I purchased the MAT (by Sweetwise) which is food safe. I havent used it as yet, but I will be using it at the end of the week for the first time. The reviews are great, so maybe you can consider using the MAT

Thanks a lot for that information. Will appreciate your feedback, concerning your usage of the mat.

-- Xclusive, http://www.xclusivecakes.com.ng

I use my formica countertop for rolling. It’s food-safe, and is as clean as you make it (if you know what I mean).

Just an FYI.. I have the MAT and love it… it is the best purchase I made!

-- Jennifer, https://www.facebook.com/PrimacakesPlus

I also have the Mat. I use it when I have large cakes. My tip would be make sure you season it (prep it with shortening) before you first use. Sweet wise has a YouTube video showing how to do it. I didn’t see it till after the first time I used it and my fondant stuck. But it works great once you get used to it.

-- Diane, South Eastern Connecticut, http://www.facebook.com/bellacakesandconfections

3D sweets, PrimaCakes & BellaCakes, i really apprecite your feedback. Concerning the mat, is it prone to retain colour stains; when you use it for dark coloured fondants like red, black & purple? Cos with formica surfaces, you need to clean really very hard especially; when the next fondant you want to roll is a lighter colour e.g white.

-- Xclusive, http://www.xclusivecakes.com.ng

I haven’t rolled those colors with mine yet. The darkest I have rolled is green and it was a store bought green. It has not left any color on the mat.

-- Jennifer, https://www.facebook.com/PrimacakesPlus

Mine never retains any color. I make and color my own fondant even black and I’ve never had a problem with it.

-- Diane, South Eastern Connecticut, http://www.facebook.com/bellacakesandconfections

I hope it doesnt retain colors because the first color I plan on rolling is black

I use a 24×18” Non-Stick Board – they only seem to come in a dark green. I find it big enough for almost everything. Various places in the UK sell them – not sure if they’re available in the US or other countries. It varies in price from £40-50 depending on where you buy it. HTH.

-- Helenna at http://ClearlyCake.com

Thank you ClearlyCake for your input. I have had situations, where i had to cover big cakes – 26’’ & 30” both 4” tall, so I use a size 33×27” formica counter top. The 24×18” non stick board will be too small .
Have watched the YouTube clip on using the mat by Sweet wise. Will try my hands on the Mat as recommended- the Pro mat of size 30×30”, should suit my requirements size wise.
My sincere gratitude to every one who took their time, to point me in the right direction.

-- Xclusive, http://www.xclusivecakes.com.ng

I use the Wilton Mat as well. My only complaint is that I have to tape it down to whatever surface in order for it not to slip. I always use Shortening and powdered sugar over the mat too in order to stop the fondant from sticking. I wish there was a non-stick mat on the market!!!

-- Simply Cake

wow, xclusive, you roll fondant by hand for 26” and 30” cakes?? Thats super impressive!

Well ladies, I used my MAT this weekend and I love it!!! It worked like a charm, and did not retain fondant colors or have a stain.

I seasoned it like the instructions said and it worked perfectly. Very easy to use and I’m glad I made this purchase, well worth the money!

Thanks for the positive feedback MzCuteCupcakes, you have given me a very good reason to invest in the MAT. Thanks for the compliment on the cakes.

-- Xclusive, http://www.xclusivecakes.com.ng

A few tips I could share about The Mat—(which I love )

When storing it- roll one mat then roll the other around the first- that will keep the crinks and wrinkles out of it

When I roll out on The Mat I put a square of the non-skid shelf liner underneath- it keeps it from moving around and does not leave any texture marks-

Hope those help :)
Mo