As I stated... It was a professional detailer who did the work.
All I remember is that they said it was a lot of work... They did several coats and because it was raining the day they did it, I left it in their garage overnight at their insistence.
I picked it up the next day when the weather cleared and the roads were dry.
It seems following the instruction not to get it wet for 24 hours is crucial for good results.
Cladding looks MUCH better than it did and I have no complaints and none of the issues you ask about above. I will have it detailed again by the same guys 1-2 times a year whether she needs it or not.