HI, I am new to the cake decorating world, my friend and I are trying to make practice cakes and work on different techniques. We seem to have fondanting down. But trying to smooth the buttercream on the cake seems to ellude us. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or ideas for us.
Thanks a million in advance.

Shawna and Kirsten

what type of buttercream recipe are you using? Some just don't crust so they are harder to smooth than others. If you allow it to crust - about 8-10 minutes then smooth with a smooth viva paper towel and a fondant smoother - that works great. You can also look at the how-to's on this website and look at the Melvira method - it works great too!

Hi, I agree with wendyintx. It will be much easier to smooth if you have a crusting buttercream.

Here is a link from Serious cakes buttercream recipe video.

You need to try different methods and choose what's best for you.

I use the Viva paper towel method also. Ive tried using a hot knife but for me, the paper towel method works best. Another youtube video is how to ice a cake smooth by tonedna1.

Sharon Zambito's BC DVD is great. It shares how to make the buttercream and her recipe. She demonstrates how to ice the cake and smooth it perfectly. (Both round and square cakes)

http://www.sugaredproductions.com/

You need to make sure you are using a crusting buttercream recipe, you can find plenty of them here. I use the Viva Paper towel method and it works great. I also tried using the warm spatula this weekend with crusting chocolate buttercream and then the viva paper towel and that worked well also.

One thing I have learned and I (personally) think it's the trick, don't mix air into your frosting. I was trying to explain this to a friend I was helping this weekend. So we made two batches, one regular following the recipe, and then one double, allowing the paddle blade of my mixer to be under the frosting. When it was all mixed they were both smooth, but the double batch, the one that had less air, was the best one and she was able to visually see the difference.

But, you just have to work with them and find the one that you like and that works for you.

Hi, I think tonedna1 video on youtube will help. You can see how she gets her buttercream on and how she smoothes it. Very easy not too many supplies. I love her videos they are very helpful. She also shows you how to stack her cakes.

I use a small foam paint roller.