Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

what do you pipe royal icing onto before placing it on the cake

Hello helenacampbell

If you mean royal icing decorations, it can be piped either on parchment paper, clear acetate sheets or rolls or food safe cellophane which can be purchased in cake decorating stores. Basically any food safe surface which will easily release decorations.

If you need more information please post again, hope this helps.:)