I was trying to use the paper towel method to smooth my buttercream and its not working. It has crusted, using the viva towel, and for some reason its not smoothing it! I have heard a few people talk of using a hot spoon or something. Could someone explain this technique to me? THANK YOU SO MUCH

I don't know about a hot spoon, but I have used a hot spatula before. If I am using a non crusting buttercream I keep a pan of boiling water near me and a clean dish towel. I put my cake in the fridge for a few minutes to set up, then take it out and smooth the buttercream with the hot spatula. I keep a spatula in the boiling water, take it out wipe it off so it is dry and smooth the buttercream. Works great!

What receipe did you use?

I first try and smooth out the cake as much as i can, then I keep the cake for atleast 20 minutes in the fridge and try the melveira method. works like a charm (with the paint roller) Adding a bit more of milk helps with smoothing out the icing. I have done it with the hot spatula, sometimes it leaves shadows (marks) I think a warm spatula is better than hot. dont forget to wipe the spatula everytime you take it out of the warm water.

Can you describe what happened or what it looked like when you tried smoothing it?

How long did you want after you iced the cake to smooth it?

Had a similar problem last week. If it has already crused over and you're using a white or lightly tinted icing, you can lightly spritz it with hot water. Let sit for a few minutes. Use a very hot spatula to smooth as much as possible. Let re-crust and then try the Viva again. If you're using a dark buttercream, then i would just try the very hot spatula and a lot of patience.