I use store bought Icing for my base coat, and I guess that is just because I don't like using up so much of my mum's confectioner's sugar. Is there a way I can get it nice and smooth like buttercream, or do I need to use BC? If I did use BC, how do you get it so smooth. Do you have to have a certain kind of towel to do the paper towel method?I have seen videos when the lady goes around the edge of her cake with what looks like a drywall trowel to get it smooth. I have done at least 14 cakes, and still can't get my icing smooth at all. I have just one of those small angled spatulas. Do I need a bigger one? Thanks!

I use Viva paper towels and the Wilton Fondant smoother. But, I honestly have never tried to smooth the store bought because whenever I use it, it's too wet and sticky. I always make the bc. If my daughter was making my cakes, I wouldn't worry about her using up my ps!!!

all i can say is practice makes perfect. i have tried paper towels, the roller, the metal scraper, nothing is the perfect remedy. it takes me forever to do something that i've seen tonedna do on youtube in about 4 seconds. pick whatever you're comfortable with and practice...

@Malakin: You use the Wilton fondant smoother as in laying the paper towel down, and then just sorta running the fondant smoother over it? Do I make any sense?

Yes, Rachel, a bigger spatula would be very helpful. I put my icing on with the icer tip in a bag and it makes a big difference. After you get it smoothed as much as you can, get a tall glass of very hot water and dip your spatula in it, wipe the water off the spatula and try smoothing it again. Let your cake crust and then use a paper towel and smooth it with the fondant smoother or your spatula. Smoothing is a multi step process for me. Good luck!!! Keep up the good work, you are doing great!!!

You might want to take a look at Tutugirl's post on how she does the smooth b/c. It looks amazing. I'll have to try it out too!

http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-682196-icing.html