Paper Towel/buttercream Technique
Decorating By Danielle111 Updated 15 Aug 2007 , 4:08pm by Danielle111
I'm curious about this paper towel technique I keep reading about, but can't seem to find enough info. about it to try it out... ...I've read that after you frost your cake in buttercream, you can use a paper towel to get the icing either really smooth, or to emboss the paper towel design onto your cake. I think I even read that you can use this technique in order to do "faux" fondant. Has anyone ever heard of this, and if so, can you let me know how to employ it?
Thanks so much!
This "VIVA" method is the only thing I use to get really smooth buttercream! First, you must use a crusting buttercream recipe. Once the icing is crusted, place the papertowel (VIVA if you want smooth, no pattern) smoothest side down on the cake and gently rub back n' forth, either with your fingertips, or a fondant smooth, applying light pressure! You're in essence, "ironing" out the imperfections! It works like a dream!
Hi. You have to use the "Viva" brand paper towel. If you use any other it will leave an impression or design on your cake. You just put the paper towel on the cake and gently smooth it over. When you remove the paper towel your cake is smooth. There is an article on this called the viva paper towel method. It works. Some like to your a paint roller. I haven't tried that one yet. Hope this helps
There are a lot of posts on this. I think most call it the Viva method. It is call that because if you want a super smooth finish Viva brand papertowls are the only ones with out any texture. As to how to do it, you frost with a crusting buttercream and wait 5 to 10 min for it to crust and lay the papertowel on the cake and gently smooth with your hands. The heat from you hands softens the BC and helps it smooth. If it sticks when you try to lift the paper it means you should let it crust a little more next time. I used to use this method untill the Melvria method came out. you get better results and it is quicker. You just use a foam paint roller to smooth, Good luck. Hope you get the desired results
Here's the detailed article:
http://www.cakecentral.com/article10-How-To-Create-Faux-Fondant-The-Paper-Towel-Method----Viva.html
hope it helps!
Thanks for all of your replies! I'll try this today and post the picture - hopefully with perfectly smooth buttercream! 
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