I keep reading that people smooth out the icing with a Viva papertowel but I can't seem to find out how you actually do it. Would someone please let me in on the secret? I also read that you need to use a specific side of the papertowel. Please let me know that as well...much appreciated!

Hi cristinasconfections
I just started using the Viva papertowel method and I love it. Once you have your frosting smoothed with a warmed spatula, let it sit for about 10 minutes. I use the plain white Viva paper towels. Lay it on the cake and rub over the paper towel with either your hand or a fondant smoother. Repeat on the sides.

I have used both sides at times-I would say the softer side works better for me though-but everyone has their preference. I use the papertowel method all the time, have a difficult time with the spatula getting it completely even so I feel I have more control with the papertowel. Like anything else with cake decorating, it is what you practice and get used to that will work best for you. You will do great.

I just recently tried to Viva paper towel method (my anniversary cake in my profile) and now I know what everyone is raving about! It's the BEST! A few words of caution---let the cake sit before trying (slightly crusting but not too much) and you do have to get the cake somewhat smooth for this to work well. I had a few places where there were blobs of non-smoothed icing and it was harder to get it smoothed b/c I ended up just pushing the icing around! Otherwise I LOVE it!

I also use the paper towel method for smoothing. I let my icing sit for about 10-15 minutes and then lightly smooth with the paper towel. I also think the softer side works the best. Just keep practicing with it...it does work!
traci

i got my hubs to buy the paper towel. was wanting to go and use it but then had to leave for west v for a funrel.and didnt get a chance to use it...

Where in WV?

what about non crusting buttercream? can you use viva to smooth that too? what can you use?

I have read that the paper towel method would not work so well on a non crusting buttercream. I am not sure what would work...maybe a hot spatula.
traci

I too am a huge fan of the paper towel method. Learning that was a life changing moment and I have the woman teaching me a big hug! It really is great, people always ask if it's fondant!!! I tell them no, it's faux fondant! Non-cakers ask how, but I try not to tell them because they just wouldn't understand. God Bless Viva!

I use the up-down-method also. Then I tried the paper towel method and feel in love with this also. Try the Brawny with different designs such as the circles and diamonds, they make your cake background look pretty.

yes its great

I tried the papertowel technique and now understand why everyone rants and raves about it. It is wonderful. I've tried using parchment paper, the hot & cold water spatula methods, even the warm hands on the frozen cake but this is the best. I was reading a book from Collete's Cakes (who is a very famous US cake decorator) and she too even mentions the paper towel method in her books. Many thanks to whomever thought to try this out in the first place. Thanks too to all of you who have helped me out in my quest for a smooth cake

I too use the Viva paper towels and think it's the greatest! It's about the only way I can get my icing smooth.

Oh I'm so with everyone on this! I LOVE this method!!! When I first bought the Viva papertowels I looked at it and thought 'yeah right!' but I'm hooked now!!
Just make sure you don't wait too long after icing to start smoothing. Let it crust slightly but I find it gets a little harder if you wait longer.

I came across this post and decided that I'd like to try it out for my parents' upcoming anniversary at the end of the month. I just have one question. Once the cake is smoothed and ready to be decorated, what type of cream should I use?? Can I also use crusting buttercream or is royal icing a better choice??


TIA Daniela

Okay, I checked out the link to the instructions on creating faux fondant and I'm still confused (checked out the same link several weeks ago)...

How is the pop (soda in these parts) bottle cut? I cannot make out the shape or figure out how it would be used to create the fondant look. Can someone explain this in simple terms so I can understand? Do you use the piece of the bottle that you cut out or do you use the bottle after the piece is cut out? Small, easy words work best for me... LOL.

Sorry to ask a question on your post, but I'm so confused! I'd like to try this technique on my next cake...

rvallee I don't use the soda bottle as they show in the instructions. One of the things I love about the Viva method is that you can just drape the paper towel off the edge and round or square the edges as you want. I've even had places where I have slightly more icing than others and I've actually been able to "push" the icing to make it even. It's SO easy, TRY it!

And Daniela, you can decorate the cake however you want after that point!!

I had one heck of a time this summer...with the humidity and crusting buttercream. It really never set up and "crusted"...it drove me to drink.

I agree about the soda bottle - I've not quite figured it out either, and just re-read it this morning. I just place the paper towel on the cake and smooth with my hands. Sometimes I try and use the fondant smoother, but I find it does better when I just use my hands.