Hey girls, I'm new to the site and cake decorating too. What's the secret on viva paper towels?

Use a crusting BC. When the frosting crusts, take a clean Viva paper towel, set it on top of cake, and gently rub hands or fondant smoother over top. Viola, smooth frosting.

Thanks for that tip! You gals are so full of knowledge! I am really enjoying this website.

Just remember you want to let it just crust, and not crust too much before you try to smooth it. If you wait to long you will just end up pushing around wrinkles.

Do you all know the trick to placing a paper towel in the bottom of your cake pan when baking? If you do this you won't need to grease or flour your pan. It's quick and easy. I was taught this by one of my Wilton instructors, but only do it occasionally. It DOES work! Just be sure you have cut your paper toweling to size to cover the entire bottom of the pan, then when it comes out of the oven you can use your spatula to separate it from the sides before turning the pan over. Pops right out and nothing sticks.

never heard of that ... will try it next time .....thanks for the tip

Yes you can! Just take your pan and place it on the towel, trace around the pan, cut it out and place inside. Cut on the inside of your traced line a tad bit so you're making it the correct size.

No having any viva towels on hand right now, how about parchment paper to smooth icing?

deb

You can use parchment paper to smooth as well...It works just as well.

By the way, does crusting buttercream taste any different from regular buttercream icing?