I want to buy some piping tips, but Im not sure what sizes to invest in.
I see people using 00,0, 1.5, 2, 3, etc. And arguments about Wilton, Ateco, and PME.
What tips would a newbie need to get started? Looking for tips for flooding, linework, and brush embroidery.
Posted Mar 13, 2014, 11:03 PM UTC
If you're just starting out, I would think you would be just fine with Wilton. I have had a business about a year now, and I'm still slowly changing over to PME tips because of the cost. Wilton are typically $1/ea, and they are perfectly fine for most work, especially flooding.
If you're going to be doing a lot of writing or fine detail work, that's where I would get PME or Ateco, though I prefer PME simply because I can get them locally rather than order online. They are both great. I rarely use my 0 tip, but I use my PME 1, 1.5, 2 pretty often. I have a handful of each, but I do lots of detail work. I only get them out for outlining and details. All my flooding is done using a 3-5 Wilton tip.
If I am going to be flooding lots of cookies the same color, I use a bottle since it's easier to refill than a piping bag. If I'm only flooding 3-4 cookies the same color, I use a piping bag rather than having to fill up a whole bottle or wash it out in between colors.
I also use the icing bullet trick, which is great for clean up or switching colors. It also allows you to reuse disposable bags with minimal effort, so you get more bang for your buck.
HTH!
I've never seen that trick with the plastic wrap. Thank you for linking that!
Yeah, I was looking for tips mostly for writing. I can flood just fine with sandwich baggies. Others have suggested just using the piping bag with no tip. But thats where the easy part ends and the difficulties begin, short of very basic cookie designs.
Thanks for the advice!
I only do this as a hobby, so I only use Wilton tips because I can get them locally for cheap, but I have noticed that the sizes aren't consistent. I have two #3's and one is noticeably bigger than the other.
yeah, Wiltons are fine when you can get them the right size. I have four size 2's that are the same size as my 3's.
If you're only going to get one tip, get a #2. If you want another one for fine details go with a #1 or smaller. For flooding large areas I usually just cut a very small hole in the piping bag (if I'm using disposables)
Up till now Ive been using sandwich bags. Thinking about it now, I guess it makes more sense to keep using those to flood with.
Thanks!
If you're looking to invest in new equipment I would suggest buying squeeze bottles for flooding. I buy them at the dollar store and find that I have better control when flooding, especially when I have multiple colors to flood on the same cookie.
I actually have a couple of bottles that belong to my sister. I havent tried them yet to do flooding though.
I should give them a shot next time.