hi ppl...this is my first post, im a rookie cake decorator and i really want to know..how do u get icing perfectly smooth??? mine is never smoot, no matter what i do..
On the home page of CC there are instructions on using a roller:
http://www.cakecentral.com/article83-Quick--Easy-Smooth-Icing-Using-a-Roller-Melvira-Method.html
A lot of people swear by this method but it didn't work for me. I still use the Viva paper towel which is wonderful.
Well....it depends on the type of icing that you are using. If you use a crusting buttercream then the best way to get it smooth is to go to the tutorial here on cc and learn the Melvira method.
I use a non-crusting buttercream so that doesn't work for me so I use a straight edge on the sides of the cake. (There are many things you can use for a straight edge, cheap flexible paint guards you can get from home depot or lowes, a laminated card, a bench scraper, or a spakle (sorry about spelling on that one) knife, also from hardware store.) Then I wipe off spatula or straight edge with a hot damp towel after every stroke. Can also have spatula in hot water and wipe of with damp towel, then smooth. Basically it just takes a lot of practice to figure out what method works best for you.
Welcome to decorating!
I am a rookie also. I made a cake last weekend and my bc didn't come out very smooth. I tried the viva method but didn't understand how to do it. I have since learned that you place the paper towel on top of the icing and rub your fingers over the paper towel. I was wadding up the paper towel and rubbing it over the icing. I can't wait to try it out. EVERYONE including professional decorators say they use the papertowel method.
I haven't been decorating for long, about three months. The bench scraper works best for me. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KESQIO/?tag=cakecentral-20
I was wadding up the paper towel and rubbing it over the icing.
Oh now THAT is funny! 
I use a benchscraper for the initial smoothing. If you have a turntable, that really helps. Then I use the Melvira method (paint roller) for the ultimate smooth.
Once the icing crusts, you can also use parchment paper to smooth out the icing. I take square of it and rub it lightly over the crusted icing and it takes the icing lines out.
But Melvira is the best method. Hands down.
wow..thanx for the replies everyone..i love this site already!! cant wait to try these methods out
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