What icing should I use if I want the cake to be really smooth? I have only ever used regular buttercream and i dont have too much luck with that.

Really smooth icing, I think fondant is the best bet. However I have heard a lot of people have great luck with IMBC also, but I have not tried it.

If you are working with buttercream have you tried the vivia or melvira method? There are links in the tutorials for using these with a crusting buttercream icing.

HTH

I pm'ed you my recipe but I thought I would post here as well. My recipe crusts over really well and turns out very smooth:

My latest cake:
http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=860413

My recipe:
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-5183-2-My-Buttercream-Recipe.html

Hi and Welcome, chelsea29.

Here a comprehensive thread on different methods of smoothing frosting:
(Melvira method, using icing tip, hints, tricks and more.)

http://forum.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-81391-.html
(Also includes link to CC acronyms.)

How to Professionally Ice a Cake:

http://forum.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-82411-.html

HTH

You might also try Sugarshack's buttercream. There's a very long thread on it, and about how smooth it is.

http://forum.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=19948&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0

I haven't tried it myself "yet", but I've read the whole thread and there seems to be a lot of positive feedback. I'm hoping to make some next week.

Good luck, and I hope this helps,

Holly

I use the Melvira method with BC icing and it comes out pretty smooth. I went to Lowes and bought the high density foam roller that she described then smooth over the whole cake with waxed paper afterwards. It turns out very smooth each time. Thanks to Melvira! Check out my birthday cake and see what you think.

thanks for the ideas