I used terrycloth covered foam applicators. Round ones from walmart. They came in a pack of 6. Actually 2 terrycloth ones and the rest microfiber covered ones. The microfiber one I tested worked just as well.
As to why I used so little of the product? Well you obviously have more cladding than I do. haha...
Sue I can only surmise that you needed more product due to the fact that your cladding was in worse shape. After all, your cladding was more grey for whatever reason and thus needed more colorant. Overall my cladding wasn't badly faded at all, my intent was to mask the superficial (and some not too superficial) scratches from trail rash and it was a task this product handled with aplomb.