I use a smaller MF pad to apply OS and I like the ease and results.
In addition to thin coats, I learned by trial and error that the lightest pressure is the way to apply OS.
If I may share one more thing: I apply to a panel, work it to full coverage. Then I immediately go back over it -- with even lighter pressure and at a faster pace to increase air flow/friction. This seems to help the OS to flash off or evaporate. More importantly, it mitigates streaking and splotching. FWIW