There are many techiques that you can use. With a crusting BC recipe you can smooth with a Viva paper towel or copy paper. You can use a high density foam paint roller (the Melvira Method). I like to use a bench scraper to get really smooth sides.
One other thing that I found when I first started decorating was that I was making my frosting too stiff and that was making it difficult to get smooth and to work with. Different types of frosting can be tricky as well. I struggle with Cream Cheese BC.
HTH
Stephanie
Try the high density foam roller (melvira method) It is posted on this website under forums. It is the best at getting cakes absolutely smooth. The viva method or parchment paper works but I found that the roller was the best!
Ditto to all that!
I think Sugar Shack's DVD on buttercream is a must. You will amaze yourself at how smoothly you can ice a cake. Her tips and tricks of the trade are well worth the money. You can check out her work and DVDs at http://hometown.aol.com/szcakes/myhomepage/index.html
Kim C
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