i use a buttercream that doesnt crust well. And this is what she wants .. But with that said i know i can't use a paper towel... But i did see a video with someone ussing a putty knife.. Do you think thats a good idea and how many of you have used it?

Use a dry spatula that has been warmed with HOT water.
That will do it for you!

I recently did my daughter's birthday cake using a putty/joint knife. However, I used a crusting buttercream and it worked very well (not perfectly but that's me, LOL). I would try it or try putting a spatula in hot water, dry it off and quickly try smoothing.

Hi. I have used the dry hot spatula often and it works really really well. Also ~ Sugarshack's DVD on perfecting buttercream gives a flawless finish. (It's a series of steps. I don't know how much time you have before you have to complete this project.) HTH!

* edited for typo *

Sugarshack has a wonderful dvd on perfecting the art of buttercream I just got mine and it is so worth it you can get yours at www.sharonssugarshack.com I hope this helps it sure helped me

lots and lots of prayer just kidding but it never hurts to try!

One more tip. If you get a good chill on the cake, you may be able to use the paper towel. Just get the icing really cold.

Everyone has their favorite way... I like to first get the cake even and fairly smooth. Then I spray it with a hot water bottle and smooth with a bowl scraper. I like the bowl scraper b/c it has some give to it so it doesn't leave marks on the cake when you are smoothing.