Issues with neons and pearls..

I just can't get them to show up vibrantly. I played with Tag Petal one stroke tonight and either the colour was too translucent due to too much water, or the brush was splitting. Is it just a case of practising to get the perfect amount of water? Or do I just have to dig into the cake more to get more paint loaded? Same problem with the little neon rainbow cake I was using.
Ideas?

It takes some practice and failings to get it right. Too much water is what makes it translucent and not enough water makes your brush split. And yes, you do have to push down firmer on the paint. It really is just a matter of getting the formula right and practicing. After awhile you will just know when it's right!

Also make sure you swipe it enough times. I drag that brush back and forth along the cake at least 6 times to get a good amount of coverage on the brush.

It just takes some practice!

I have the same problem with my neon one stroke. I finally figured out I had to really push the sponge to pick it up.

Neons are really trick to paint with a brush! You need a lot more paint on your brush than with a regular colour. I usually add slightly more water than usual, load my brush, wipe off drippy paint onto a cloth and reload again and again.. I can usually get one swipe with my brush before I need to reload and then often I will still need to go over and add an extra layer.

I do go through a lot of the neon paint, but then they are also my most requested design (and I like that they are nice and quick!)
I only use my neon rainbow cake for rainbows or tiny one stroke butterflies.. any thing else takes too long.

Pearls are usually a lot easier to use but do require slightly less water. Also depending on the colour (the lighter colours in particular) you may need a second coat.

Thanks for the tips and advice.. I'll keep playing and experimenting

Neons can be quite tricky. I prefer to sponge them. I also mainly sponge the pearls, especially the lighter ones.