How do I smooth the icing on a cake using Viva paper towels. I have been visiting the forums and I have noticed that you all use this technique. I attended one of Wilton's cake decorating classes and they told us to use wax paper to smooth the cakes - are the paper towels better? I have a cake to prepare for Saturday and I would really love some feedback. Thank everyone in advance.
http://cakecentral.com/article10-How-To-Create-Faux-Fondant-The-Paper-Towel-Method----Viva.html
This made such a difference for me on my cakes. I think Viva is the only brand too that gets you the result.
I also use the Viva method. I didn't at first, I used to use Parchment paper but I have been practicing and found that the Viva method is much better. I start by smoothing with my hand as the heat helps to soften the icing just enough, then I use my fondant smoother to finish the job. It comes out great. I get the Viva towels that you can tear into smaller sections it makes it much easier to smooth the sides. Make sure you get the Viva that does not have a pattern on it. Hope this helps.
Bradymom
The wax paper works ok - being that this was the only method I knew about - it may be that I just didn't know any better. I have been going through the galleries and the forums on this wonderful site and I have noticed that the people who say they use the viva method, well their cakes just look better. So I am going to give it a try. I was a bit confused with the soda bottle thing - I am not exactly sure what that's about. My guess is that it is to give the cake the countoured edges like with the fondant covered cakes - but I don't necessarily want that look so can I eliminate the soda bottle thing? Thank you all for your great input.
To tell ya the truth, I didnt understand the bottle method either...even with those pics...I have done the viva method...it worked ok....I just need lots of practice....I have the darndest time getting icing nice and smooth. Have you seen Melvira's method? She uses a paint sponge roller thing....I have not tried it yet. There are directions on here somewhere or you can pm her directly. She is really sweet and LOVES to help out 
I have tried Melvira's method and it didn't work for me. But then again the Viva method didn't work for me at first either. The more cakes I do the better the Viva method works. Maybe I will give Melvira's method another shot but right now I am going to just stick with what works for me.
Bradymom
I have done two cakes using Viva. My last cake had a lot of bulges, but that's because I put minimal effort into it due to the fact I hated the cake and it was only going to be eaten by my family! I've found it to be really easy and it works as it is supposed to. I smooth with my hands first and then use the fondant smoother too. That said, I am a beginner and the frosting could still use a lot of work, but it's MUCH easier than trying to smooth solely with a spatula! I would think wax paper could really cut up the frosting if the edges were to accidentally come in contact with it. Paper towels can too, but Viva is very soft.
We dont have the viva towels in montreal all our paper towels have patterns 
so I tried the Melvira method using the sponge roller and WOW that is sooooo easy and my icing comes out so nice and smooth I love love love it. 
I know I dont have any cake pics yet to show you as I just got my digital camera not long ago and havnt made any special cakes since getting it but (hmm did I already say this?) lol I LOVE the sponge roller 
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