I always use the Viva paper towel method to smooth my cakes.  It's the best!  BUT... the last couple of cakes I have smoothed ended up with these quite a few tiny black flecks (fibers?) on the icing.  Has anyone else had this trouble?  What is happening?

what kinda buttercream?

is it a cooked meringue?

cooked in a teflon pan that's flaking?

didja grab the pepper instead of salt?

we'd get 'pepper' in the ice at work from mold specks flaking off in the ice machine

(i gotta million horror stories i will refrain from sharing ;)

I used Viva a few nights ago and I didn't have that issue. It might be a good idea to either look at your frosting, and look at the rest of the paper towel roll. Or just buy a new one to see if the issue keeps happening.

K8memphis... This is a crusting BC that is mixed with my Kitchen Aid mixer.  No teflon involved at all.  The specks seem to appear after 2nd or 3rd pass when smoothing with Viva paper towel.  I can't figure it out!  Anyone else had this problem?
 

2nd or 3rd pass--hmmm

they're not cake crumbs?

nothing flaking off the counter top or table top?

ok one more--nothing flaking off from under the top of the ka??

you got kids punking you???

????

oh--are the towels white

is it the print off the towels???

Are you using the all white viva ( no Print)? And you might want to check your mixer and maksure it's not coming from it.

I have noticed that the inside of the paper towel used to be the smooth part, and now it is the outside, so I have to take of the first few sheets and use them for clean-up, rather than cake smoothing, since it gets all linty and the lint then passes onto the cake. 

These are all plain white Viva paper towels.  Nothing flaking off of countertops or table.  If it was from my mixer, wouldn't those flecks show up before I do a 2nd or 3rd pass of smoothing around the cake?  They don't show up until the very end of smoothing, but I will look at the mixer to make sure.  I'm using a fondant smoother tool with the paper towel.  I've done this method for 3 years or so.  I'm baffled!
 

I think your idea of the flecks being from the mixer might be right!!  I just took a damp paper towel and wiped off the metal piece that the blade hooks onto and I had some black on the paper towel.  Not a lot, but enough to possibly be the culprit.  I'm better it was from black icing color.  I still don't know why it takes so many passes of smoothing for it to show, but you guys are awesome!!!  Several heads together are better than one.  Lol!  Thanks so much : )

My Kitchenaid has been dropping metal shavings into my bowl, I had to stop using it until I can get it fixed. Run it on high with a paper towel in the bowl to catch whatever it is that is dropping out to inspect further. 

kikiandkyle... that's a great idea on how to check it.  That's scary... metal shavings!!!  I'm sending 3 cakes out the door tomorrow.  Sure hope not, but I'll check it out.  Thanks so much ♥

The metal piece where the beater blade goes collects a lot of cake batter and whatever else you mix.  I've started using a tooth brush (new) to get all the nooks a toothpick may not get.

pummy, yes... I just usually wipe it down good, but I am definitely going to use a toothbrush from now on.  Thanks for the great idea for me

Yeah I had to toss a double batch of cream cheese frosting, I was not happy! 

AI overworked mine on a batch of royal icing and dislodged the gears, which is what is causing the problem. From what I've heard its a somewhat common occurrence, they have to be babied somewhat. But I'd probably get another (with a more powerful motor), if for no other reason than the fact that there are no comparable alternatives in the same price point.

AI have 4 kitchen aids, bought one for my grandma to replace the one she had for 25 years. Told my SF to get one for my mom's birthday when I was 14. That was 19 years ago and hers is still fine. Lasted longer than their marriage! None of mine or the Others in my maternal line have ever done it. The only problem I have is the pin comes out in one of mine, and I have to stop in a push it back in, or hammer it in while mixing.

I am having the same problem RIGHT NOW, on got online to see if anyone else is having this problem. It's definitely coming from the viva towels, there little dark fibers.....it's making me crazy. I've never had this problem before. Im taking this icing off and redo it, going to try and smooth it with copy paper.

I've had the same viva issue for several cakes now, to the point I won't use them anymore. Besides, I realized when I ran out of regular paper towels I use for cleaning and had to use the viva, that it left lint all over the glass. If it'll leave lint on glass, it's leaving lint on my cakes! I'm using food safe paper wrap sheets now.
 

brand new now--nothing 're-cycled' here  

http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info.php?cPath=28&products_id=276

works perfect!!!

i should have mentioned what it was though if someone doesn't want to click on it

brand new baby diapers--works great

AI'm still have problems with the Viva paper towels. I'm convinced the black flecks are coming from fibers in the paper towels. Can you give me some alternatives that smooth just as good? I don't have luck with the hot water spatula method. Thanks everybody!!

Ok, don't laugh, but have you purchased new kitchen towels lately?   Fresh from the store you usually wash them in the clothes washer BUT just one wash won't get rid of all the new fuzz.  Sticks to your hands and floats in the air until you can wash them quite a few times.  Another idea is a new shirt, apron or smock that hasn't had time to defuzz in the washing machine.

baby diapers

seriously

they are perfect

and nice & big too

the flat ones

brand new of course

Oh, and my Kitchen Aid is one of my BEST friends. It's NEVER disappointed me and I use it EVERY DAY.  It's loud - that's my only criticism and I will never, ever, ever be without one again in my lifetime.  It is the best money I ever spent - and I bought a reconditioned one because I am cheap. LOL! It's a machine though, and things do break down on every single machine ever made.  If mine ever quits, I will buy another exactly like it.  If my house catches on fire, after my family and pets, I'm saving the KA.  Okay, I'm done. LOL!!!!