I can't seem to get my frosting as smooth as I would like at times. My first cake worked out ok but this last one would not smooth. It looks ok to me (was not a really formal type cake). I tried the Viva but it would stick.. do you wait until it crusts? Maybe I was too impatient. I am still very new... only 2 cakes "under my belt" It can only get better right?
TIA for your feedback.

I wait about 10-15 minutes and then smooth mine with a Viva papertowel. It's always worked for me

Yes you have to wait until it crusts.. That is the only way to do the VIVA paper towel method and even then you cannot leave the towel on there very long because again it will stick.. You can also try the hot spatula method. I sometimes get a glass big enough for my spatula to fit in all the way. I put hot water in the cup dip my spatula in it and shake the water off and smooth your icing.. GOOD LUCK
P.S. your cakes are wonderful!

thank you briansbaker.... I think I pushed it too hard or got impatient... I will try again.. I have to finish another one for tomorrow after I get out of work tonight.... Beach cake so I dont have to smooth which is good cause I am out of Viva... I have tried the hot watr thing but I didnt like it... on to the viva once again.. thanks for the help..

I had a request for chocolate buttercream this weekend. No matter what I did or tried to do it just wouldnt come out smooth. I tried the hot water, viva paper towels. It smoothed but not like I wanted it to. Everyone loved it, but I dont think it was all that good. Any ideas on how to get chocolate bc smooth? TIA MC

I had a request for chocolate buttercream this weekend. No matter what I did or tried to do it just wouldnt come out smooth. I tried the hot water, viva paper towels. It smoothed but not like I wanted it to. Everyone loved it, but I dont think it was all that good. Any ideas on how to get chocolate bc smooth? TIA MC

smooth frosting still eludes me I've tried smoothing crusting icing with parchment, tried the hot knife trick, tried the upside down technique. Guess I still need more practice.

Practice still hasn't made me get mine as smooth as I would like! I think the weather is the biggest problem! One day the cake will be perfectly smooth then the next time I can't get it even a bit smooth!

For Choco BC I use the hot spatula method. It is easier that way.

I'm still working on this myself. The things that I have found so far are that one, yes, you have to let it set. Two, you can't let it set too long or it will start to crack and three, you have to use the correct side of the Viva paper towel. Ok, I know this may not help much but it is what seems to work for me so far. I can't tell you why it makes a difference on the side of the paper towel but it seems to for what ever reason so that's what I try and watch for Whatever works right??!! (even if it is all in my mind!! lol. anyway, don't give up and if you find a spot that you don't like, just cover it with a flower or something. lol

Whoooo Hooo I got it to work!!! YAY!!!! thanks again ladies!

Yea!! So glad it worked for you!! It's a great feeling isn't it!!