Wafer paper has become one of the most versatile materials in modern cake decorating. From delicate wafer paper flowers to printed edible cake toppers and textured designs, decorators of all skill levels are discovering new ways to use this lightweight edible medium.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types and thicknesses of wafer paper, how to choose the right one for your project, and share creative inspiration to help you transform cakes into show-stopping designs.
Whether you're a professional cake artist or a home baker, understanding wafer paper properly will help you achieve better results - and avoid common decorating mistakes!
What Is Wafer Paper?
Wafer paper (also known as edible rice paper or potato starch paper) is a thin, edible sheet made primarily from potato starch, water and vegetable oil.
It is gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and virtually flavourless, making it ideal for edible decorations that won’t overpower the taste of your cakes.
Wafer paper is available in a selection of thicknesses, typically varying from 0.3mm to 0.6mm, with each type suited to various applications. It is also available in sweetened varieties for those who prefer a subtle sweetness or flavour.
Unlike icing sheets, wafer paper has a dry ‘paper like’ texture, and holds it shape when used correctly, making it perfect for creating structured and decorative elements.
Why Wafer Paper Is Popular in Cake Decorating
Wafer paper is widely used in cake decorating thanks to it's versatility, lightweight nature and ease of use. It allows decorators to create everything from delicate structures, realistic petals, ruffles, sails, butterflies and textured effects for their cakes and desserts, that are 100% edible.
It's also a budget friendly medium which is easy to shape, and works seamlessly with edible printers, making it ideal for both hand-crafted decorations and printed designs.
Key Benefits of Wafer Paper:
🤍 Lightweight and easy to shape
🤍 Holds structure when dry
🤍 Can be cut, printed, painted or embossed
🤍 Perfect for handmade edible decorations
🤍 Long shelf life with correct storage
Understanding Wafer Paper Thickness
One of the big questions asked by decorators looking to start using wafer paper is:
“Which wafer paper thickness should I use?”
Wafer paper is typically measured by thickness, and this plays a key role in how it performs, affecting flexibility, strength and how suitable it is for different applications.
At Edible Print Supplies, wafer paper is available in a range of thicknesses and sheet sizes to suit every application.
The most popular thicknesses of EPS wafer paper and their applications are as follows:
Wafer Paper Fine (≈0.27mm-0.3mm)
Best for wafer paper flowers, foliage and other delicate decorations
- Our thinnest type of wafer paper (approx. 90g/㎡ / 0.27mm-0.3mm thick)
- Available in: A4
- Smooth side and textured side
- More pliable - easier to shape, fold and manipulate and holds texture
- More translucent than thicker varieties - lower print quality but can still be printed for a more subtle print effect or easy colour coverage with edible printer
- Works well when softened with a glycerin-based solution such as Sweet Artist Wafer Paper Conditioner
Common uses: wafer paper flowers, foliage, ruffles and sails for cakes or edible labels for breads, pies and other savoury bakes
Cake Decorators Top Tip: for ‘burn-away’ style cakes, Wafer Paper Fine is our recommended choice for a faster and ‘cleaner’ burn, see our full guide here.
Wafer Paper (Standard Thickness, ≈0.35-0.4mm)
Best for edible printed toppers and wafer paper butterflies
- Most popular and versatile mid-thickness wafer paper (approx. 115g/㎡ / 0.35-0.4mm thick)
- Available in: A4 and A3
- Slightly more rigid and less translucent than wafer paper fine - ideal base for edible printing to create cake and cupcake toppers
- Smooth side and textured side
- Higher print quality than wafer paper fine
- Available sweetened or unsweetened for both sweet and savoury applications
Common uses: printed edible toppers, wafer paper butterflies, edible sails, edible fabric, drink and cocktail toppers
Wafer Card (Premium Thickness, ≈0.6mm-0.65mm)
Best for stand up edible toppers
- Consists of two pieces of wafer paper laminated together for double thickness (approx. 180 g/㎡ / 0.6-0.65mm)
- Available in: A4 and A3
- Rigid and opaque - ideal for cut outs, stand-up toppers and edible decorations with more structure
- Smooth on both sides
- Best print quality compared to standard and fine wafer paper - ideal for edible printing
- Available sweetened or unsweetened for both sweet and savoury applications
Common uses: stand-up cupcake toppers, cocktail garnishes
🛒 Shop the full range of EPS Wafer Paper here!
Creative Ways to Use Wafer Paper for Cakes
There's a reason cake decorators are turning to wafer paper for their cake decorations, it's versatile, edible and lightweight, making it ideal for achieving a variety of effects and techniques, while also being budget-friendly too!
🌸 Wafer Paper Flowers and Foliage
Wafer paper flowers are quickly becoming a favourite in wedding cake decorating, offering a beautiful alternative to traditional sugar flowers or fresh blooms. Not only are they completely food-safe, but they’re also more time-efficient to create and often more budget-friendly - making them a practical choice for a high-end finish.
Why wafer paper works so well for flowers:
- Natural petal and leaf-like texture/thickness
- Can be coloured using dusts, paints or an edible printer
- Holds texture well when shaped with veining tools, moisture, steam of wafer conditioner
- Holds shape well when dry
- Lightweight enough even for taller cakes
There's an abundance of online tutorials, videos and courses on how to create wafer paper flowers and foliage for cakes, with popular choices being ranunculus, peonies, roses and eucalyptus.
Best type of wafer paper for this technique: EPS Wafer Paper Fine (0.3mm) and Wafer Paper (0.4mm) are both suitable for creating flowers and foliage, but most commonly the finer option would be used for a more delicate petal effect. You may wish to have a mix of thicknesses on hand to experiment with different textures for different florals.
🌊 Wafer Paper Sails
Modern wafer paper sails create movement and depth on contemporary cakes and can be achieved easily without the need for specialist tools. Like with flowers, wafer paper can be coloured or printed with a design using an edible printer before shaping.
Wafer paper sails are most commonly achieved by using steam to shape them, but it can also be shaped using Wafer Paper Conditioner. There is no strict method to follow, and the finished look doesn't need to be ‘perfect’ - experimenting with different techniques is part of the process!
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Best type of wafer paper for this technique: again both EPS Wafer Paper Fine (0.3mm) and Wafer Paper (0.4mm) are suitable for this effect. If you are printing with a design or pattern, you may wish to opt for the slightly thicker option for a more defined print.
⚪️ Wafer Paper Spheres
Arguably one of the easiest techniques but with stunning results, wafer paper spheres are another way to create a modern, contemporary style with your cakes using only one medium!
For this technique, you can colour your wafer paper using dusts, paints or an edible printer and will need a cutting tool for cutting out perfect wafer paper circles before folding them in half along the middle. Then you only need a little bit of water or wafer paper conditioner to adhere your circles together along the folded edges - simple!
You can make your spheres as full as you like and use different sized circles to add depth to the final design.
The ideal cutting tool for creating wafer paper spheres is the EPS Adjustable Circle Cutter, as this can cut through all types of wafer paper in any size from 1" to 6", so you can create your wafer spheres in a range of sizes.
Best type of wafer paper for this technique: we would recommend EPS Wafer Paper (0.4mm) for this technique, as it holds its shape better, and can also withstand slightly more moisture when sticking your circles together.
🔥 Burn-away Cakes
Once a social-media sensation, many cake decorators are still creating burn-away cakes for gender reveals, birthday milestones and brand deals and this show-stopping effect never gets old!
As fully explained in our Burn-Away Cake Tutorial, the ‘burning’ layer of these cakes, most commonly revealing another image underneath, is printed on to wafer paper using an edible printer to reveal an image printed onto an icing sheet underneath. Wafer paper is the best choice for this effect, thanks to its high starch content, which allows it to burn quickly and cleanly when lit.
🔗 Read our step-by-step guide on How to Create a Burn-Away Reveal Cake
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Best type of wafer paper for this technique: Wafer Paper Fine (0.3mm) will burn faster and more cleanly, so is a popular choice for this technique. If you have a really vibrant or dark image to reveal underneath, you may wish to use the slightly thicker EPS Wafer Paper (0.4mm) as it is less translucent.
🧁 Stand Up Edible Toppers
Primarily made from thicker wafer card, stand-up edible toppers are a fun way to add fun shapes, images and elements to cakes and cupcakes! Wafer card can easily be printed, cut out and placed directly into buttercream to customise your designs with your chosen theme and are super popular for kids birthdays and themed events.
Best type of wafer paper for this technique: as EPS Wafer Card (0.6mm) is a thick, rigid material, this is the best choice of edible paper for stand-up edible toppers, produces high-definition print quality and also comes in a sweetened variety which is perfect for cake and cupcakes!
🦋 Wafer Paper Butterflies
Making your own edible butterflies from wafer paper has never been easier! Simply print your chosen butterfly designs onto wafer paper, cut them out and fold before placing directly into buttercream for a whimsical and elegant decoration for cakes and cupcakes. You can also use florist wires for an even more dramatic effect.
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Best type of wafer paper for this technique: wafer paper butterflies can be made with any thickness of wafer paper depending on your desired look. EPS Wafer Paper Fine (0.3mm) produces delicate butterflies which can be shaped in the same way as wafer petals for realistic looking butterflies in subtle pastel colours. For a bolder look, EPS Wafer Paper (0.4mm) has a higher-print quality while still maintaining a delicate, pliable finish. EPS Wafer Paper Card (0.6mm) is a good choice for more structured butterflies that hold their shape.
And it doesn't stop there! Bakers are using wafer paper in a number of different ways to create textures around their cakes for a truly elevated finish! See some more inspiration below…
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Other Uses of Wafer Paper
Wafer paper is not just for cake decorating, it has many other applications across many areas of the food and drink industry too! Here's just a few of the most popular and trending applications of wafer paper.
🍞 Edible Labels & Packaging
Imagine being able to brand your breads, pies and pastries without the need for any packaging… with wafer paper, you can do just that! Due to being made mostly from potato starch, wafer paper is the ideal solution for edible labels as it does not affect the taste of baked goods. It's also allergen-free and suitable for vegans and can be printed with edible ink and cut to any shape or size to add your logo, branding or flavour information to all kinds of baked items.
Best type of wafer paper for this technique: Unsweetened EPS Wafer Paper Fine (0.3mm) is the best option for edible labels, as it will blend more seamlessly into your baked goods with minimal impact on texture.
🍸 Edible Drink & Cocktail Toppers
Make your drinks an instagrammable moment every time, with fully edible cocktail toppers. With printed wafer paper, you can add fully customisable edible garnishes directly to drinks, coffees and cocktails. Edible cocktail toppers are a popular trend for weddings, events and celebrations. They allow you to add custom images, logos or text to drinks - creating a memorable and personalised finishing touch.
Best type of wafer paper for this technique: there are a few popular ways to apply edible toppers to drinks and cocktails depending on the drink type.
- Foam-Topped Cocktails - EPS Wafer Paper Fine (0.3mm) or Wafer Paper (0.4mm) are perfect for drinks toppers intended to be applied directly on top of foam (cocktails and lattes etc.) to float on top and blend seamlessly. Wafer paper drink toppers will last around 5-15 minutes before disintegrating, so it is best to apply these right before serving for the best results!
- Non-Foam Drinks & Cocktails - for drink toppers without a stable foam top, you can print your designs onto EPS Wafer Card (0.6mm) for a more stable edible drinks topper which will last longer when placed in the drink. Again, it is recommended to add these just before serving as they will disintegrate over time. You can also clip the edible topper onto the side of the glass, which is extremely popular to add customised edible garnishes to drinks like Champagne and Prosecco at weddings and functions.
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🔗 Read our full guide on using wafer paper to create edible toppers for drinks and cocktails!
Tips For Working With Wafer Paper
Working with wafer paper requires a little knowledge on correct storage and handling to get the most out of this medium. We've outlined some of the post important points for wafer paper success.
Storing Wafer Paper
It's important to keep it in a sealed bag or container between use to maintain the flexibility of the wafer paper and prevent it from becoming brittle or curling due to changes in humidity.
Once printed, wafer paper toppers should be kept sealed and away from direct sunlight to avoid the print from fading. If stored correctly, wafer paper toppers and prints can be kept for 6 to 12 months before use. All EPS Wafer Paper has a shelf-life of at least 12 months.
Handling Wafer Paper
Here's our top tips for handling wafer paper:
- Handle with care as wafer paper is a very delicate medium and can tear or break easily.
- Use sharp scissors and tools to ensure clean edges on your edible toppers, like the EPS Craft Knife or Adjustable Cutter
- Don't use excess moisture to avoid wafer paper from becoming sticky or disintegrating. Only a small amount of Wafer Paper Conditioner, water or edible glue is required when softening or sticking wafer paper.
- Use a glycerin-based conditioner when folding or shaping wafer paper to increase it's flexibility, like Sweet Artist Wafer Paper Conditioner.
Top Tip: If wafer paper becomes too sticky, lightly dust it with cornstarch (cornflour) using a food-safe brush to make it easier to handle.
Colouring Wafer Paper
Wafer paper can be coloured with a number of different methods, depending on the tools available and desired effect:
- Edible Dusts or Lustres - brush one or both sides of your wafer paper with edible dust or lustre until the desired coverage is reached, take care when handling after as the colour will transfer!
- Edible Paint - paint one side of the wafer paper with edible paint and leave to dry before turning over and painting the other side. This method may cause some curling or warping of the wafer paper sheet.
- Edible Printer - the quickest, easiest and cheapest way to colour wafer paper is to print using an edible ink printer. You can choose any colour(s), print gradients across the sheets and even add patterns for a fully custom effect. Once dried, edible ink will not transfer and the sheet should remain smooth. Both sides of wafer paper can be printed, but we recommend printing the smooth side.
Instead of colouring your wafer paper, you can buy pre-coloured wafer paper from EPS in a variety of colours - Pink, Blue, Yellow & Green.
Printing Wafer Paper
Here's our top tips for handling wafer paper with an edible printer:
- Always use a dedicated edible ink printer for printing wafer paper, to ensure your prints and toppers remain food-safe and compliant.
- Print on the smooth side of wafer paper for a higher-quality print.
- Allow wafer paper to completely dry after printing for at least 5-10 minutes before handling and cutting.
- Always use the rear-feed of your edible printer to prevent wafer paper from breaking when printing.
- Avoid excess ink when printing wafer paper to prevent warping and bubbling - keep designs simple, avoid large areas of dense colours and use ‘paper’ as the media type.
🌟 EPS Recommends:- the A4 Canon TS705A Edible Printer Starter Kit from EPS comes with our most popular edible paper types, including Wafer Paper and Wafer Card.
Wafer Paper Application
Applying wafer paper to your cakes and bakes is easy when done correctly. As wafer paper is delicate, it's important to use minimal moisture to avoid it dissolving or curling during application. If using water, only a tiny amount is required to make the wafer paper sticky enough, or you can use edible glue or piping gel as an alternative. If applying to buttercream, you shouldn't need much (if any!) adhesive but make sure to apply wafer paper as close to serving or displaying as possible. Once applied to cakes, avoid putting wafer paper in the fridge if possible or it may absorb moisture.
Why Quality Wafer Paper Matters
As wafer paper is both delicate and sensitive to moisture, using a high-quality product is essential - especially when creating intricate decorations or using with an edible printer.
If wafer paper is too dry, it can become brittle and prone to cracking or breaking. On the other hand, if it contains too much moisture, it may curl, stick, or struggle to hold its shape.
At Edible Print Supplies, our wafer paper undergoes strict quality control checks to ensure consistent performance. Each sheet is produced with carefully balanced moisture levels and a smooth surface finish, helping you achieve reliable, professional results every time.
Due to the natural composition of wafer paper, slight variations in texture or surface appearance are completely normal and do not affect its usability.
🛒 Shop the full range of EPS Wafer Paper here!
Ready To Get Started?
Now that you’ve explored the different types of wafer paper and how they can be used, it’s time to start experimenting and bringing your own designs to life. Whether you’re creating delicate wafer paper flowers, modern cake sails, or textured decorative finishes, choosing the right wafer paper will make all the difference to your results.
You can explore our full range of wafer paper and find the perfect option for your next cake design or project here. If you have any questions or are unsure which type of wafer paper is right for you, simply get in touch by emailing sales@edibleprintsupplies.co.uk and our helpful team will be happy to guide you!