It appears as though Viva is not for sale here in Canada (or at least not in our area). Does viva have ANY pattern (like little holes) or just no swirls or anything? Is there anyone else in Canada who has a suggestion for a different paper towel?

Thanks!

Viva is absolutely plain, no pattern, no little holes. You could use parchment paper or even plain copy paper--just make sure it crusts over a little bit, about 15 - 20 minutes. Don't wait longer than that or it will be too set to smooth.

No, Viva has no pattern at all, it is also the softest paper towel out there. I'm sure those two reasons are why people use it for smoothing.

No, Viva has no pattern at all, it is also the softest paper towel out there. I'm sure those two reasons are why people use it for smoothing.

Job Squad also makes a paper towel with no pattern

I used interfacing to smooth my last cake and it worked great. I will probably use it instead of Viva the next time I make a cake.

punkyf

Wow, interfacing! Isn't that stiff? Or was it washed and softened?

I use copy paper from my printer. It works very well.

I use copy paper to smooth my cakes, it works great. I let the BC crust for a few minutes, looks like fondant everytime.

I also use intrfacing. It works great. I live in Canada and can't find smooth Viva. It has little dots on it.

You can always use the parchment that you make paper decorating cones from.

I buy Viva for my cakes from my local Co-op grocery store. Never any problem finding it....& that's in Saskachewan of all places

Tatania, Welcome to the forum. You will find a wealth of information here from people all over the world!

You can get different types of interfacing at the fabric store. The one I used on my cake was a sew in, light to medium weight. You don't want to get iron on interfacing because it is not smooth.

punky

I have heard that you can use the blue shop towels that you find at the auto parts stores. Are those available in Cananda?

Yes, the blue shop towels are available in Canada at Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire. They work well too.
I used to use them before I got a dear friend in the U.S. to mail them up to me.

Well, after reading about smoothing the icing with Viva towels I went out and looked. I FOUND THEM IN CHINA!!!! Hooray. Bought 3 packets and will not allow anyone else to touch or use them. The other brands are for general household use. Those 3 must have fallen off a container.

regards from a very happy Ursula