When I started working with wafer paper years ago I didn’t know that it comes in different grades that have different properties. I bought the lighter weight without realizing it, but when I realized that there are different types it expanded the ways that I could use it.
So what is the difference between the grades of wafer paper? This guide will clear up the questions for you and help you decide which type you need for different projects.
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Wafer paper grades.
Wafer paper comes in three different grades, O being the thinnest, AD being thicker, and DD being the thickest.
The thinner papers are generally used to make wafer paper flowers, and the thickest can be used to make cupcake toppers that stand up on the cupcakes. The thinner the paper, the more sensitive it is to being damaged by moisture.
I use an AD grade wafer paper for most things, because the O grade is too flimsy for most of my purposes and melts too easily.
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What is the thinnest wafer paper?
The thinnest wafer paper is O grade, which is .22 mm thickness. This type of paper is extremely sensitive to moisture and won’t last very long if it come into contact with water or other liquids. It’s generally used to make very delicate wafer paper flower petals, or for cake wraps that need to be thinner for some reason.
O grade paper comes in sheets that are A4 size, and can be purchased from many different sources.
The thing to watch out for with this grade is that because it’s so thin, it will definitely be more prone to shriveling or bucking if it gets wet at all, so you need to keep your hands really dry while working with it.
I personally prefer to work with AD grade because it’s a good middle ground between O and DD and it’s flexible while still being a little more sturdy.
For the Complete Guide To Wafer Paper, click to read this article.
What is “premium” wafer paper?
AD wafer paper is often referred to as “premium” because it’s thicker than O grade and can handle being manipulated well, while still being flexible enough to use for flowers, bows, and other cake decorations. AD grade wafer paper is 0.30 mm thick and comes in sheets that are A4 size.
I like the AD grade for most uses because of its versatility. It’s flexible but not so thin that it melts easily.
It lasts longer than O grade when you float pieces of it in liquids, so it can be used to garnish drinks. You can also use it for cake wraps and it will last longer than the O grade when it’s pressed up against the icing on the cake.
You can vein the petals a little more because you can apply more pressure to a conditioned piece of the paper without tearing it.
Overall, AD grade wafer paper is a more sturdy option than the O grade paper, but it’s still more flexible than the DD grade, which is also referred to as “wafer card.”
For printed wafer paper sheets for cake and cookie decorating, click here.
What’s the thickest wafer paper?
DD grade wafer paper is the thickest at about 0.60 mm. It is also referred to as “wafer card” and “double thick” because it’s twice the thickness of AD grade. It’s the stiffest grade of wafer paper, and while it can still be bent slightly, it tends to break easier if folded due to the stiff nature of the paper. DD grade is used for stand-up cupcake toppers and cake decorations that need to be very stiff for some reason.
DD grade wafer paper is VERY RIGID compared to the other two types. It’s definitely like two pieces of the AD have been stuck together, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s how they make it.
I’ve been experimenting with some DD grade paper and it would be useful to use for cupcake toppers that you want to stick into the cupcakes so that they stand upright.
You could also use them for wafer paper leaves, because due to how thick it is, you can split the paper slightly using an exacto knife, then insert a thin wire into it.
It’s basically the same as two sheets of the AD grade, but because it’s so thick to begin with, it resists moisture a little longer and you can work it a little harder with the veiners.
I wouldn’t use this grade to decorate cookies, because I think it would be too noticeable when you bite into the cookies. Unless you’re looking to add a distinct wafer layer, it would be better to go with a lighter grade of paper.
It also costs more, so make sure you’re buying it for a specific purpose!
Wafer paper supply list:
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- Wafer paper, white or colored
- Silicone flower center molds
- Petal veiners
- Petal dust
- Floral wire
- Tylose glue
- Fluffy paintbrushes
- Flower former
- Craft scissors
- Liquid Food Coloring
- Food-grade glycerin to make wafer paper conditioner
- Corn starch
- Flower paper punches
- Steamer to shape wafer paper
Wafer paper is a fun medium and it makes it easy to decorate a cake or cupcakes quickly, but make sure that you’re buying the right grade for the purpose you need it for! If you get DD paper and want to make flowers, it might not work and you’ll end up frustrated.
On the other hand, buying O grade for drink garnishes won’t work because they’ll melt too quickly. Make sure that the grade you buy is appropriate for what you’ll be using it for.
