It’s important that you wipe on the proper amount of Vaseline. It doesn’t take very much at all. It’s hard to tell you how much is the right amount. I’ve put on too much before and it did smear and it was a disaster. Try applying the Vaseline with your fingertips. Also just apply the Vaseline where you want to distress the paint. I believe I need to do an in depth tutorial on the Vaseline trick. Thanks!