In a previous post, "Lisa & Ntertayneme" both couldn't live without "Viva Paper Towels" to smooth out their cakes. I work mostly with Fondant, but this whole paper towel thing intrigued me. How is it done? Are you smoothing out butter cream? Tell me, Tell me, Tell me - enquiring minds want to know! Thanks in advance

yes, it is used to smooth buttercream icing. this is the only thing i use. just let your buttercream crust over a little bit and then place your viva paper towel, no design on it, on top and smooth. i like to use my hand, but you can also use your fondant smoother to rub over the paper towel. when you finish one area, lift your paper towel and move to another area. it's really simple and works great!

HI
You can go here for detailed instructions
http://cakecentral.com/article10-How-To-Create-Faux-Fondant.html

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-1597-Crusting-ButterCream-Faux-Fondant-II.html

Wandy

Viva paper towels are great! I don't know what I would do without them. The other methods just never worked for me.

Well I am new to this whole decorating thing-Baked my first cake ever just after Easter. I LOVE this site and have learned sooo much including the Viva paper towel method. I couldn't get a cake smooth without one before. Yes, it is for smoothing buttercream icing (a crusting receipe). You wait 5-10 min. after icing your cake to let it begin to crust so your paper towel won't stick. Lay the Viva towel over the cake and smooth with your hand. I generally smooth the sides first, then the top, then bend my towel over the sides the get a good edge on the top of the cake. You use Viva plain towels because they are very cloth like and have no print, or quilting on them.
You just have to try it

I love VIVA paper towels. I use to use wax paper all the time. I had on my shopping list once to get ONE roll, and my boyfriend did my shopping for me. Granted the man doesn't buy anything small quantity, and he bought me a 6 pack. Told him that I just wanted to try them...afraid I would like them, and their too expensive to use for everyday use (in my opinion). Let me just tell you...they are wonderful! I am so glad I have all those rolls now...I LOVE THEM! You MUST try them!

Thank you for all the quick and detailed responses. This sounds like something I gotta try! Wandy27, Thanks for the links!

Anyone have any tips on smoothing out a non-crusting recipe???
This is where I am having a really hard time. Don't want to get it perfect... but I can't get it even somewhat smooth or with nice looking strokes at least! ARG!

Also... anyone have a crusting recipe that uses butter or half butter/half shortening? I like to use at least half butter most of the time...

THANKS!

I haven't used a non crusting BC, but when I have fillings in a cake that require refridgeration, my BC doesn't crust. The last time this happened I used the Viva paper towels anyway and it worked! I just layed the paper towel over small areas at a time and smoothed it very, very, lightly with my fingers. It might work for you. Hope that helps.

Hi scoobam,

Try the Up-Side-Down Smoothing Method.