This is the first cake I'm doing with buttercream. I always use fondant just because it's so easy to get a smooth surface. so what is the trick to getting a smooth surface and making it look professional?

http://www.cakecentral.com/article83-Quick--Easy-Smooth-Icing-Using-a-Roller-Melvira-Method.html

Good Luck!!!

There are a couple of different methods that people use on here. I think it's just finding the one that works best for you. There's the Melvira Method (smoothing w/ a paint roller) Viva Method (smoothing with Viva papertowels) hot spatula, or printer paper.

Lots of techniques are out there and you're going to get some very good advice from other CC'ers.

I'm a BC-only baker. Your icing should be a good spreadable consistency ... not too stiff. A turntable is a must. Just a few weeks ago, I started using the 4-6" metal paint scraper tool ( a tip I learned on this site!) and it is fabulous!!!!!!! Spin and go! It's great for smoothing the top of the cake too. After the icing crusts, if there are any rough spots, I use some parchment or wax paper to smooth it down. Other advice you will get are the Viva method and the Melvira Method (do a search for LOTS of threads on these).

Here are some articles:

http://www.cakecentral.com/article83-Quick--Easy-Smooth-Icing-Using-a-Roller-Melvira-Method.html

http://www.cakecentral.com/article6-Upside-Down-Icing-Technique-for-Perfectly-Smooth-Icing.html

http://www.cakecentral.com/article10-How-To-Create-Faux-Fondant-The-Paper-Towel-Method----Viva.html

HTH! Good luck!

My recommendation is the Melvira method. I learned the viva and wax paper methods in class and they work but they are a lot of work compared to Melvira method, AND, I get my cakes smoother with this method as well.

Be careful with some of these methods. It depends on the type of buttercream you are using. I use IMBC and the paper towel method would not work for this type of frosting. I use a bench scraper type product for this frosting.
Jacqui

I always use buttercream when I bake too...love the Viva paper towel method. Definitely works best with thin consistency (I add the full 2tbsp of water to icing)...after icing, let it crust for a bit - you can usually tell immediately if it needs more time to crust - the paper towel will stick to the icing a bit. I start on the top of the cake then use my turntable while smoothing the sides. I use gentle, smooth side to side motion with my four fingers together, making sure my hand is flat. Hope this helps! Good luck!

Definitely...Hands down...Without a doubt or second thought....Melvira's method..the paint roller. I have been decorating for 25 years and have always hated to smooth buttercream...until now. Try it, you'll never do it any other way!

THANKS MELVIRA!!!!!

can anyone tell me what the melvira method is i understand you use a paint roller, but how? and what kind of roller is needed?

there is an article describing the melvira method...you can do a search and it should come up....

a dense foam roller- at least 4-6 " long, i bought mine (rubbermaid) from walmart in the paint aisle for a few bucks. once the icing crusts (5-10 minutes) just GENTLY roll over the cake. if you push too hard, you'l l displace the icing, but done just right and you'll smooth creases and bubbles and it looks so much better.

http://www.cakecentral.com/article83-Quick--Easy-Smooth-Icing-Using-a-Roller-Melvira-Method.html

Here is the link describing the method, with pics....

Melysa, I just got my high-density rollers a couple of days ago and I can't wait to use them! I am anticipating great results because I have seen alot of threads where everyone is raving about Melvira's Method! Wish me luck you guys!! YEPPIE!!

I use the craper to apply my paint and then use the Melvira method. I love using the roller. However the first time I let it crust too long and the roller didn't do anything!! oops! Now I only let my BC crust till I can touch it lightly (with fingertip) and not stick at all.

oops that is SCRAPER not craper!