Being new here can someone please tell me what the melvira method is? I'm sorry if I offend anyone by not knowing ths!
It is without a doubt, THE best, number one, undisputable, hands down, no contest method for smoothing (crusted) buttercream icing to look as smooth as fondant. I found it just a few months ago and I think I'm her biggest cheerleader!!
http://cakecentral.com/article83-Quick--Easy-Smooth-Icing-Using-a-Roller-Melvira-Method.html
Thank you for your reply. I'm going to try that this week and will let you know how it goes. Thanx again.
I'm a bit confused about what the plastic bottle thingy is for and how to make that plastic bottle...well.... thingy. Also, why would I want rounded corners on my bc cake instead of sharp, well-defined corners?
You don't use the plastic bottle thingy with Melvira's method, just the foam roller. I think you're confusing it with another method. The corners with her method aren't rounded.
I've used the Melvira method since purchasing the high-density foam rollers not too long ago. Its an awesome way to get your cakes looking professionally smooth and hands down is the way to go.
Plastic thing? Not sure what that's all about?
I'm a bit confused about what the plastic bottle thingy is for and how to make that plastic bottle...well.... thingy. Also, why would I want rounded corners on my bc cake instead of sharp, well-defined corners?
This is used for cakes that have a contour edge. It allows you to make sure it is even all the way around.
I think the plastic thing is for the faux fondant technique. It is something different than the Melvira method.
I've seen and heard of this method for several months now. I finally got a roller and tried it for the first time today. I don't know how I ever survived without it. My cakes are so much smoother.
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Theresa
I've seen and heard of this method for several months now. I finally got a roller and tried it for the first time today. I don't know how I ever survived without it. My cakes are so much smoother.
That's exactly how I feel about it. 25 years I've been doing cakes and thought I was pretty good at smoothing BC, but this is THE best technique I've learned in my entire life!
I've been doing the Viva paper towel and fondant smoother method.
I can't wait to try this. Anything to make it easier is a good thing. Plus DH ALWAYS loves an excuse to go to the hardware store.
Too true! I'm soon going to be the proud owner of several spackling tools and high density rollers. DH also getting wood to make me a display case for my flowers etc.,
I think the plastic thingy crazy4sugar was talking about is from the Viva paper towel method of smoothing?
You mean the paint spreader to spread frosting? That's a cheap plastic paint spreader -- a whole lot less than what Wilton's puts out!! Perhaps that is what you are referring to? I bought mine at a hardware store for $1.09. Can't get any cheaper than that!!!
I've been doing the Viva paper towel and fondant smoother method.
I can't wait to try this. Anything to make it easier is a good thing. Plus DH ALWAYS loves an excuse to go to the hardware store.
That's what I used to do and would get very frustrated because I could never make it look right. The Melvira method works!
If you're DH is going to the hardware store, you might have him look for a Preval Sprayer. I haven't done this yet, but have heard that it's a sprayer that you can put your luster dust/alcohol mixture in and use it like an airbrush (if you don't already have one). I don't have an airbrush so I'm going to try this one too.
Don't mean to be getting off track........
Do you all experience lint from the smoothing? If so how do you prevent or fix that problem?
When I used the Viva, I didn't notice lint. This weekend when I first tried the Melvira Method, I didn't use a Viva. I let the buttercream crust and used the roller directly on the icing. Worked perfectly!!! No more Viva for me.
I went into Sherwin Williams to get the rollers a few weeks ago, the clerk asked what the application was (you know, to help me choose because I counldn't possibly know what I was in there for). I told her it was for decorating cakes, and she actually laughed at me. Out loud. In the middle of the store. Thankfully, the next weekend I found out that Home Depot also carries them.
As far as the method goes, I LOVE it.
I went to Sherwin Williams and asked for a hi-density roller, and the clerk said that they only carry one type. Is that the hi-density roller? I want to get one, but I don't want to get the wrong one. Please help.
It should say "high density" right on the roller. It is a tightly packed foam roller, no bumps, no cracks, smooth as cloth.
If my paint store had laughed at me, I would say, "You're not making a sale!" How embarrassing for you, sorry!!
Now that paint sprayer you were referring to? Is that a food safe item? Or expensive?
edited to add: No, I've never had lint on cake from the roller. I accidently left my roller up next to a box and it has a 'bend' in it now. So I washed it and will see if the crease comes out!
I just got a smooth foam roller, will that work? It looked like it would....I have used paper towel method also and that works ...no lint
It should say "high density" right on the roller. It is a tightly packed foam roller, no bumps, no cracks, smooth as cloth.
If my paint store had laughed at me, I would say, "You're not making a sale!" How embarrassing for you, sorry!!
Now that paint sprayer you were referring to? Is that a food safe item? Or expensive?
edited to add: No, I've never had lint on cake from the roller. I accidently left my roller up next to a box and it has a 'bend' in it now. So I washed it and will see if the crease comes out!
http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=521563&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=preval&&start=15
Here's the thread where I heard about the preval sprayer. It's on page 2 posted by Melysa. You can read but it says that it's questionable wether it's food safe or not. She says she's used it and no one's died. It's also the one Duff uses on AOC's.
I used the melvira method for the first time yesterday and was AMAZED at how well my cake turned out. ME - with a smooth cake! Never thought that'd happen! Brilliant I say!
Hi guys! Just stumbled into this thread and thought I'd give you a quick solution if you have any problems with lint!! I use a lint roller (like you use on your clothes) and just quickly roll over the roller to remove any possible dust, lint, etc. that may settle on your roller while it's waiting to be used. It works like a dream! I know it can be SO frustrating if you roll your cake, get it all smooth, then there is a little piece of lint or something! AAAHHHH!! Anyway, that's just my little hint there.
And Debi, you'd better stop talking me up like that... I'm gonna wanna be your best friend!!
I would like to strongly caution against using this method of smoothing a cake. Due to the fact that this item is not manufactuered for contact with food-it may cause illness is an individual that would be allergic to any of the materials that the roller would leave behind.
I would like to strongly caution against using this method of smoothing a cake. Due to the fact that this item is not manufactuered for contact with food-it may cause illness is an individual that would be allergic to any of the materials that the roller would leave behind.
I washed mine before and after use. I know you're being nice and warning us, but I think if it's washed, it will be okay.
There have been chemical tests that show some chemicals are still leaching out of the roller even after it is washed.
I know it is a cool trick, but not a foodsafe practice.
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