Could someone please help me? I am new to this site and have noticed people referring to the paper towel or wax paper technique to make smooth icing. Could someone please explain to me how this works?!

Welcome to cakecentral..glad to have you. this has always been a popular topic. Here is a link to a previous thread that explains the Viva Paper towel method!

http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-8734-viva.html

HTH!

You need to use a Viva paper towel. Viva has no design imprinted on it. Just allow your buttercream to crust and then place the paper towel on top of you crusted icing. Then run your hand over the paper towel. Remove the paper towel and your icing will be smooth. Works like a charm.

I am also new to cake decorating only about 4 classes under my belt. I found wax paper didnt work so well for me. I love the papertowel method. I unfortunately didnt have Viva and yes Bounty works but you will have some little bumps. I thought the bumps looked better than my frosting job.