I use Wilton's BC recipe and when I smooth my cakes with Viva or a hot spatula the result is great but the icing then looks a bit greasy and when you touch it you can see the "grease" on your finger. It only looks this way when it's smoothed. Is that normal? I asked my instructor about it last night and she couldn't figure it out because my frostings had the right consistency, etc. so we're pretty sure I'm not using too much shortening. I follow the recipe exactly so what's the deal?
Your icing gets greasy because the heat from the spatula melts the topmost layer of shortening.
Rather than use heat, use water. Spritz your cake with water from a fine misting bottle, wipe your spatula clean, and then smooth. It works like a charm! The water evaoporates from the cake in just a short while, and the icing will crust. 
I agree, have tried everything. For me it is the misting trick. Now, haven't tried this with with Swiss or Italian buttercream but imagine that will work too. Often times, after frosting and smoothing, I find all that hair pulling just was not worth it because of all the decorations that cover the cake.
I've iced my cake immediately after making the BC and have also used some that had been refrigerated. I can't say that I've had a problem with it looking greasy. I don't mist it or use the hot spatula - I just don't like the look. I strictly use Viva, but that's just because I get the best results that way. I know some others really more on misting and hot spatulas. It's just a matter of practice and preference.
I do like using Viva but found that the icing needs to be pretty smooth before using it otherwise it's hard for me to get out an dings or dents. I need to learn to be a lot more gentle and careful around my cakes b/c I'm always sticking a finger in the side!
My teacher tought us to use the wooden roller from wilton. I have tried a lot of methods to get a smooth cake and I love this one!!
I have a cake to do this afternoon I will try to remember to take pictures and post them for you--I will put a big note on my fridge so hopefully i remember =)
Leily
Chocomama, I don't know for sure how Leily does this, but our Wilton instructor said to let the frosting crust and then just gently roll out the 'wrinkles' with the little wooden fondant roller that comes with the Course 1 kit.
I've modified this a bit by putting a Viva paper towel on the top and sides and rolling over that. Then after a few minutes to let any 'wet' spots recrust, I go back over it with just the roller (this gets out any pattern left behind by the paper towel.) The advantage of using the paper towel between the cake and roller is that the frosting won't stick to the roller.
DENISE
I am sorry I didn't get pictures last night... I hope to do another cake this week and will try to take pictures.
Denisemarlaine explained the technique close to what I do.
Although I must say I am envious b/c I didn't get the roller in my course 1 kit....I had to go buy it =( oh well it was a great investment!
I usually go over it with just the roller b/c I let my BC crust for at least 10-15 mins.
Hope this kinda helps. I will still try to get some pictures so everyone can See it (pictures are so much easier than trying to explain hehe...)
I have to say that Upside Down Icing Technique for Perfectly Smooth Icing
on this website is still my FAV.
http://www.cakecentral.com/article6-Upside-Down-Icing-Technique-for-Perfectly-Smooth-Icing.html
I have used the paper towel technique but I don't like the impression the paper towel makes.
I would love if someone can tell me how not to do this. I have used every paper towel under the sun
Leily, you get a roller in your Course 3 kit.
Good to know-thought my class missed out on something =)
Ok, so here are some pictures, they aren't the best example b/c I am working on a topsy turvy cake and i'm not ready for the final coat of buttercream, but you can get the idea with this one.
Hopefully you can tell the difference in the before and after.
Leily
Leily, you get a roller in your Course 3 kit.
I found out in my class tonight that we don't get the roller in our course 3 kit. My teacher pulled out the book and it doesn't have the roller listed in there. Kinda dissapointed could always use two of everything, hehe. Oh well, at least I have one.
Leily
I have two of them and thought I must have bought one and gotten the other in a course kit. I guess maybe the second one came with my "toolbox". Anyway, it's a small item and worth the investment.
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