hey all, I just used (actually a few weeks ago) the wheel coating from DP and I found the best way to apply the product is to use a very HEAVY application.
Trying to skimp on the application causes the most problems. Simply put, 1, 2 or even 3 sprays is not enough. no doubt about it. If you applicator is squeaky and grabby you are dry rubbing the surface. I dont care what anyone says, thats not the correct way to apply this.
If using foam, you have to really saturate your applicator first. with about 10 sprays. get it good and primed. and only then can you possibly use 2 or 3 sprays per small area. Again, the foam causes issues though as the product migrates the the center of the pad, and what stays near the surface of the foam drys extremely fast.
the best solution I personally have found is to use a Microfiber applicator. You can also use the Carpro suede block setup, but for wheels its not very versatile for tough to reach areas. you will wind up removing the suede and rubbing it in by hand for all the hard to reach areas.
The MF applicator holds product at the face of the pad and it stays wet far longer than foam. I was able to get a VERY smooth application of product using this setup. No grabbing or jumping. And I was able to visually see exactly what was going on. Like I said I used a decent amount of product, but I know I coated the surface with a lot of product and wiped off the residual with ease.
I think DP should include a MF applicator with the coatings and change the instructions. It will save first time users a LOT of headaches IME.
Also be careful using the DP Prep Polish. Its a very nice product but its far from foolproof. It leaves a very light film of residue that is difficult to remove. IPA really helps pull up that list bit of residue. I tried a water dampened towel, and while it did help, there was still product left on the surface. So I settled on IPA. The bad part is that its VERY difficult to see this light film. So I can see that most people will probably coat right over it. The only reason i saw it was because I was working on black painted barrels of the wheel which is soft , so I always check for toweling marks. (BTW the prep polish removed an absolutely incredible amount of imbedded dirt. So much so that my white MF applicator looked like I polished single stage black paint !!! This was after a thorough decon and tar removal of the wheel)
anyway, hope this tip helps anyone out planning to use this product. Go with MF for application !