What is the best way you pros have found to cover a 18 in cardboard cake board in fondant? Can I do it ahead with out it looking horrible or fading?

Hi, if its a round or square cake, I would use the bandage method. Here is a link how you do it,

http://www.flickr.com/photos/extra-icing/sets/72157594575839118

I think this way is much easier and you can save lote of fondant too!

HTH.

NICE!! thanks for sharing that, I never even thought to do it that way, gonna try it out this weekend