on vinyl and then flipping the whole thing over on the cake is ok ... but what I notice is because I grease the vinyl with crisco when I flip it and then start to smooth it around the cake, when it comes to using the fondant smoother it drags and does not move around the cake in a smooth fluid movement ...
Any suggestions ???

When I smooth the fondant initially, I use my hands. That helps to work off some of that crisco. Then a little while later (like 2-3 minutes) I use the fondant smoother and it seems to work better.

Or you could just switch to powdered sugar to roll out fondant rather than crisco. Whatever works best for you really.

Hey Rose_N_Crantz
That is true ... If I went back after a few moments I shoule be good to go ... Probably the texture would firm up/dry out a little more !!!
I will give it a shot !!!

Thank you,
TSEG

you could also sprinkle a little cornstarch on it or dip your smoother or hands in cornstarch before you try to smooth it out.

I roll on vinyl with a smear of crisco, but I never flip the fondant onto the cake, turning the "backside" of the rolled piece into the topside.

I want the smooth "top" of the fondant that I rolled on to be the visible surface of the cake (this is how I was taught 5 years ago and after experimenting, I continue to prefer the results). Doing it this way, I can immediately use the fondant smoother(s) easily.

I pick up the fondant piece on my long vinyl Wilton rolling pin and then drape it over the cake. If I have a piece wider than 18-20 inches, I use a piece of pvc pipe that I had cut at the hardware store. I think it's about 2.5 ft. across.

Rae