I made sure I got the edges and the cut out part good.

I read the instructions a little closer and they say coat the bottom if you don't have fenders to protect from spray. I did even though I do have fenders. Buffed out the top before the ride but did still got a little grey on my jeans (yes, i ride in jeans). Minor and looks like it will easily wash out.

Update on the Imperial part (cut out) of the B17. I would normally have a little "discomfort" (I have referred to it as numbness in earlier posts, but it is really just shy of actual pain) later in the evening after riding to and from work - in the place that you don't want it. Tonight I have none and that is after my first 10 miles on the new saddle. I did stop on the way home and bump the front up a little more so as to help me find the "sweet spot" for my sit bones (doing this seems to drop you in just the right place). On the Pre Aged this would have caused the saddle to have more direct and firm contact on my perineal area. On the Imperial it does not have any discernible pressure there. It may change as the saddle changes, but I see not only the sit bone area (the wide part) softening, but the wings next to the cut out softening as well - all acting to drop to the same level, where the center part of the Pre Aged would likely remain higher and harder for the life of the saddle.

Also, I really like the looks of the black even though I didn't think I would. Even better than the honey from the Pre Aged. The honey color was getting dark even after 1.5 months (starting to look cool, but still not as clean looking as the black).

Lastly, i got the Pre Aged n the first place because I thought the rougher finish would not be as slippery as the B17. Actually, I don't find the B17 slippery at all after all! Go figure. It is smoother, but not slippery.