I really want to master smooth bc icing and edges, and I just can't seem to get there. I am using the Buttercream Dream recipe, Melvira method and Viva method. Those are all great, and give me smooth icing, but not the edges that I desire. I am beginning to think it may be the bc I am using.

SO...since I know I am not the only one out there with this issue, I was hoping you all would post a pic of your cake with smooth bc, edges, along with a link to the recipe (if you don't mind sharing).

This is my most recent cake (imperfect bc and edges):
http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=885623

And this is what I desire my bc and edges to look like...I know we can't all be pros, but certainly I can get a little closer...
http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=754403

Ant help you can offer would be great!

You might like to try Jeff Arnetts upside down icing tchnique, it gives nice sharp edges. But I would also suggest you try Italian meringue buttercream or Swiss meringue buttercream icings, both will give you a much smoother finish and they taste so good. None of the grittiness of powdered sugar or greasiness of shortening. Another person who does beautifully smooth cakes is Sharon (Sugarshack) here is a link to her suggestions. And a link to one of my cakes iced in IMBC so you can see the smoothness.

http://www.cakecentral.com/article6-Upside-Down-Icing-Technique-for-Perfectly-Smooth-Icing.html
http://forum.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-19948-buttercream.html
http://forum.cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-2426-Italian-Meringue-Buttercream--Shirleys-Method.html
http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=551123

I aspire for crisp edges too!

OMG I hate to burst into your thread, but you did something that I need to be able to do. You actually painted on buttercream with gold luster dust and alcohol. I have to do tons of cakes with silver flowers and if I could just do them in buttercream and paint them, my life would be so much better. Would you please give me directions for mixing the silver stuff and tell a little about how you went about painting your cake. Sorry for making this all about me, but I don't know the answer to your question, and I would be so grateful if you could take a minute to help me.
Barb

I too dream of having perfect edges!