Well, the reason they recommend Viva is because it is the only paper towel without a design or imprint on it. If you can find another brand of paper towel without a design or imprint, I think it would work the same. I've tried the VIVA paper towel method and it's great if you want a smooth/fondant effect with your BC icing!! The VIVA paper towel doesn't have a pattern so, that's why it works and other paper towels do not!!
I'm a newbie too, so I hope I explained it right!!!! 
Good morning Diz 
If you go to walmart in the automotive dept. you will find a blue paper towel it works fantastic . I have used it and it has no marks on it at all . Just lay over your bc or fondant and smooth with your hand.
Have a great day
Fellow canadian
yeah, my step-sister has them shipped over to her in the UK....(although she used them for household purposes and i think she is a little over the top)
Good morning Diz
If you go to walmart in the automotive dept. you will find a blue paper towel it works fantastic .
I have used it and it has no marks on it at all . Just lay over your bc or fondant and smooth with your hand. Have a great day
Fellow canadian
I was lucky enought to have my parents (who vactaion in florida for the winter) bring me a 6 pack back, but as lou54 says, the blue shop towel in the automotive section work just as well!!
I don't have Viva either but I use all kinds of paper towels for the imprints. I have swirls, diamond-like, dots, flowers and so on. When I find a design I don't have I buy it! There's a shelf in my cup board full of paper towels and it's a don't touch shelf!!! 
My DH makes fun of me when we go to someone else's house and I look at the paper towels ask what brand they're using... 
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