Shake well before use. Wipe the inner slide with a clean cloth and swab the outer slides before each application. Apply a 2 - 3 inch (5 - 7 cm) stripe per slide tube at the stocking end. Spread evenly up, down, and side-to-side one slide at a time. If the slide begins to feel stiff, apply one more drop per tube or clean slide and reapply. No water mist needed (or very little mist). Apply fresh every day or two for best results.When you are first changing from another brand to Ultra-Pure Trombone Slide Lube, make sure to thoroughly swab the outer slide with fresh cheesecloth twisted onto your cleaning rod.