No need to cut it, also do not shake the can, stir it, shaking will put a bunch of air bubbles which will transfer to you wood. Brush it on, I personal get a decent soft brush to put mine on. Tip for the brush, between use, zip loc bag and put in fridge.

For you guys that use 220 don’t you find it leaves scratches in it? I usually use 0000 steel wool and never had an issue. I used the 220 lightly, wiped really good and reapplied and had scratches.