GreenMachine:
Couple of hints and tips on applying uniform, thin layers of products properly:
This applies to hand application and using a PC. (The rotary is another conversation altogether)
First, remember that you are trying to do just that… "apply" a thin "uniform" layer of product. In the case of a paint cleaner, polish, or swirl remover, you are trying to "work" a thin "uniform" layer of product. The word "uniform" is just as important as thin. Think about it… when you apply the product to an applicator or PC pad and just place it on the surface and start working/applying it… the "concentration" of the product is the first part of the application. By the time you work/apply the product to a small area, the last part of that area is receiving "less" product. When that happens, most people will… get more product and apply it to part of the area "again"!
So, with a hand applicator, try this:
Apply several small drops of product to the applicator or apply a small bead of product to the app in a "swirl" fashion from the outside edge of the applicator to the center of the app.
Then, spread the product around on the app with your finger so that it covers the surface or take the app in your hand and fold it together like a clam shell. You have now "primed" the pad.
Now, take the pad and lightly make a horizontal line and a vertical line over… say a 2' by 2' area. It should look like this "+". This starts distributing the "bulk" of the product over the area you are going to apply/work.
Then, working in a clockwise (or counter-clockwise) direction, start "pulling" some of the product from the line of product that you laid down into the area with no product.
Continue until you have completed the square or rectangle or whatever. Try to avoid adding more product before you complete the area. If it seems that you do not to have enough product to complete the section, try working a smaller "+" area the next time, or apply a tad more product.
Once you get the knack for this, you'll see exactly what I'm talking about and you will modify this process to suit your own taste. If after a day or two you see "smearing or streaking in the shape of a "+", you know you've started the process with too much product or haven't "pulled" enough of the product from those lines into the areas with no product. At least, now you will KNOW what your issue is and you can adjust for it.
With the PC, try this:
As with the hand applicator, apply several large drops or use the "swirlie bead" method.
Then, place the PC on the paint (without turning it on) and lightly spread the product over the approximate area you intend to work/apply. (you are also "priming" the pad)
Next, turn the PC on to a slow speed (say 3) and distribute the product over that area even more.
Now, turn the PC up to the speed you want to "work" the product, or contine at 3 to 3.5 to apply your wax or sealant.
This is particularly important when using an abrasive polish. If you simply apply the polish to the pad and place it on the paint and start polishing, you are working more polish and abrasives where you "start" and less product where you "finish" on that area. This is one of the reasons why people have a hard time judging when a product is properly "worked" or they end up with "spotty" results when trying to remove swirls, as more of the product is "concentrated" where they started. While not as important with a wax or sealant, the results can be similar.
Hope this helps.
Take your time, and don't rush yourself. That's an ingredient in the mix that is often times more important than the products you decide to use and often times overlooked.