I know a lot of you use the Viva method. How smooth do you ice a cake before letting it crust?

Thanks!

It doesn't have to be smooth. You just need to make sure its not lumpy.

I use parchment paper to smooth my buttercream whit a fondant paddle.

As long as the buttercream is not sticking to the parchement paper I am good to go!

Usually takes about 15 mins give or take.

HTH

I use a bench scraper! gets perfectly straight smooth sides everytime!