Sheen Genie metal polish + cleaner can be applied by hand with a terry cloth towel or by using a compound buffer (under 3200 RPM). A. Applying Sheen Genie metal polish system by hand. Since Sheen Genie metal polish + cleaner, is not only a polish, but also a cleaner, you do not have to clean the surface before application. However, might consider giving the surface a quick wipe down to remove any lose contaminants from the surface. This helps to make sure the maximum amount of polish reaches the surface of the metal. The temperature of the metal surface does not matter. The warmer the surface, the faster the polish will dry. If you’re trying to remove discoloration from the surface, we’ve found that a warmer surface will help break down the underside of the color and therefore removing it faster. This makes the restoration process faster. Apply a small amount on a soft cloth (terry cloth works best!) and apply it with the grain of the metal surface. Allow the product to 30 seconds to 2 minutes to dry and feel less tacky to the touch. Application with the same cloth for each application is recommended, however, when wiping off use a clean area of the cloth or a clean cloth. If you’re not sure how well it will work on your application, please test the polish in a small area first. If you’re planning to completely refinish or restore the surface, it’s actually recommended that you apply and wipe against the grain of the metal to produce the smoothest surface. Follow this same process with the sealer + repellent. Wipe on, wait for a moment, and wipe off. You’ll notice that you’ll find a slick surface with all of your minor scratches in the metal nearly gone. For chrome or highly polished metals, the sealer + repellent will produce a mirror like finish. This sealer + repellent will allow you to keep a grime and oxidation free surface for months to come. B. Applying Sheen Genie metal polish with a compound buffer. Apply a small amount onto the buffing pad (sheep’s wool is recommended). The buffing pad should make direct contact with the metal surface. Using a buffing pad will allow a quick spread of the metal polish. Ultimately, this will help the polish to dry more quickly. Changing to a clean pad, repeat the same process to remove the residue. You can also use a clean terry cloth towel for this part as well. You’ll find that the residue will be removed with ease and your metal surface will instantly look and shine better. If covering a large surface of diamond plate area you may want to take extra notice to wipe between the raised design to remove the product from the surface and the crevices. If removing by hand, just wipe off the residue and you’re done!