It is without a doubt, THE best, number one, undisputable, hands down, no contest method for smoothing (crusted) buttercream icing to look as smooth as fondant. I found it just a few months ago and I think I'm her biggest cheerleader!!
http://cakecentral.com/article83-Quick--Easy-Smooth-Icing-Using-a-Roller-Melvira-Method.html
I'm a bit confused about what the plastic bottle thingy is for and how to make that plastic bottle...well.... thingy. 
Also, why would I want rounded corners on my bc cake instead of sharp, well-defined corners?
I'm a bit confused about what the plastic bottle thingy is for and how to make that plastic bottle...well.... thingy.
Also, why would I want rounded corners on my bc cake instead of sharp, well-defined corners?
This is used for cakes that have a contour edge. It allows you to make sure it is even all the way around.
I'm just so happy to have stumbled upon this thread. I can't wait to try this method! 
I've seen and heard of this method for several months now. I finally got a roller and tried it for the first time today. I don't know how I ever survived without it. My cakes are so much smoother.
Hmmm...not sure what post I was reading then. I love the high-density foam roller! 
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Theresa 
I've seen and heard of this method for several months now. I finally got a roller and tried it for the first time today. I don't know how I ever survived without it. My cakes are so much smoother.
That's exactly how I feel about it. 25 years I've been doing cakes and thought I was pretty good at smoothing BC, but this is THE best technique I've learned in my entire life!
You mean the paint spreader to spread frosting? That's a cheap plastic paint spreader -- a whole lot less than what Wilton's puts out!! Perhaps that is what you are referring to? I bought mine at a hardware store for $1.09. Can't get any cheaper than that!!!
I've been doing the Viva paper towel and fondant smoother method.
I can't wait to try this. Anything to make it easier is a good thing. Plus DH ALWAYS loves an excuse to go to the hardware store.
That's what I used to do and would get very frustrated because I could never make it look right. The Melvira method works! 
If you're DH is going to the hardware store, you might have him look for a Preval Sprayer. I haven't done this yet, but have heard that it's a sprayer that you can put your luster dust/alcohol mixture in and use it like an airbrush (if you don't already have one). I don't have an airbrush so I'm going to try this one too.
Don't mean to be getting off track........
Do you all experience lint from the smoothing? If so how do you prevent or fix that problem?
When I used the Viva, I didn't notice lint. This weekend when I first tried the Melvira Method, I didn't use a Viva. I let the buttercream crust and used the roller directly on the icing. Worked perfectly!!! No more Viva for me.
I went into Sherwin Williams to get the rollers a few weeks ago, the clerk asked what the application was (you know, to help me choose because I counldn't possibly know what I was in there for). I told her it was for decorating cakes, and she actually laughed at me. Out loud. In the middle of the store. Thankfully, the next weekend I found out that Home Depot also carries them.
As far as the method goes, I LOVE it.
It should say "high density" right on the roller. It is a tightly packed foam roller, no bumps, no cracks, smooth as cloth.
If my paint store had laughed at me, I would say, "You're not making a sale!" How embarrassing for you, sorry!!
Now that paint sprayer you were referring to? Is that a food safe item? Or expensive?
edited to add: No, I've never had lint on cake from the roller. I accidently left my roller up next to a box and it has a 'bend' in it now. So I washed it and will see if the crease comes out!
I just got a smooth foam roller, will that work? It looked like it would....I have used paper towel method also and that works ...no lint
It should say "high density" right on the roller. It is a tightly packed foam roller, no bumps, no cracks, smooth as cloth.
If my paint store had laughed at me, I would say, "You're not making a sale!" How embarrassing for you, sorry!!
Now that paint sprayer you were referring to? Is that a food safe item? Or expensive?
edited to add: No, I've never had lint on cake from the roller. I accidently left my roller up next to a box and it has a 'bend' in it now. So I washed it and will see if the crease comes out!
http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=521563&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=preval&&start=15
Here's the thread where I heard about the preval sprayer. It's on page 2 posted by Melysa. You can read but it says that it's questionable wether it's food safe or not. She says she's used it and no one's died. 
It's also the one Duff uses on AOC's.
Hi guys! Just stumbled into this thread and thought I'd give you a quick solution if you have any problems with lint!! I use a lint roller (like you use on your clothes) and just quickly roll over the roller to remove any possible dust, lint, etc. that may settle on your roller while it's waiting to be used. 
It works like a dream! I know it can be SO frustrating if you roll your cake, get it all smooth, then there is a little piece of lint or something! AAAHHHH!! Anyway, that's just my little hint there.
And Debi, you'd better stop talking me up like that... I'm gonna wanna be your best friend!! 
I would like to strongly caution against using this method of smoothing a cake. Due to the fact that this item is not manufactuered for contact with food-it may cause illness is an individual that would be allergic to any of the materials that the roller would leave behind.
I would like to strongly caution against using this method of smoothing a cake. Due to the fact that this item is not manufactuered for contact with food-it may cause illness is an individual that would be allergic to any of the materials that the roller would leave behind.
I washed mine before and after use. I know you're being nice and warning us, but I think if it's washed, it will be okay.
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