I finally broke down and decided to see if using the Viva towels really made a difference. I am amazed...my cakes are so smooth. I also went to the local hardware store and bought myself a 6 inch wide spackle knife...that made a huge difference also....I am learning so much from all of you....keep the tips coming!

Thanks

The Viva paper towel trick is THE best tip I've ever received. Cake Central rocks!!!

I use the paper towel trick. I can get my cakes so smooth I have actually had some of my customers think my buttercream was fondant! They ask how I do it and I just say "practice I gues" ha, ha, ha...

Practice with a little old paper towel...who knew!!!

When you all get really good we will share the hedge clipper and old rusty hoe technique!

I know I've read it before but could someone explain the Viva technique again? I'm forgetful due to Mommy Brain! lol

Check out the tutorial on this site:http://cakecentral.com/article10-How-To-Create-Faux-Fondant-The-Paper-Towel-Method----Viva.html

Myself, I just use me hands though, I've never used a bottle or anything else.....keep trying and you'll find what works best for you!

Thanks, everyone!

is using viva paper towel better than using wax paper to smooth your icing?

It is for me, riagirl. I always seem to end up getting a few nicks in my cake with the corner of the waxed paper, you have to be super careful. And that makes for even MORE smoothing out! That doesn't happen with the Viva.

And...to take it one step further....

You can also use other brands of paper towel to emboss your icing surface with really cool patterns. I noticed a baby shower cake in the galleries sometime in the last day where this had been done. It is really pretty.

Can Viva be used with any BC or is one better than the other? I'm really not loving Wilton's BC and I'm looking for something a little less sweet and more subtle.

You have to have a crusting icing for the Viva trick to work.