Hi Alex;

One of the contributors here (I believe it's Larry) rubs it into the wood until it's nearly dry - It's ready for recoat almost immediately. I used his approach on my last paddle and it works good. Most of the time I work with a wetter rag and use the last few strokes to level the surface, just as with a brush. I find this technique faster than a brush, and gives a reasonable build-up. Not everyone likes to use a rag, but it's the way I was taught in woodshop class back as a kid . . .

Best Regards, Spidey