I have always applied the CA the same way, I use a length of 0.12mm copper wire, dipping the end of the wire into a small drop of CA will supply enough for most PE jobs, the wire will pick up a very small amount which in turn can be transferred to the PE, if more is required simply dip the wire into the drop of CA again. Bear in mind that CA 'goes off' fairly quickly so a new small drop will be needed in less than one minute, fresh CA is important if you wish to maintain it's viscosity and its adhering properties. To pick up a larger amount of CA for larger sizes of PE bend the end of the wire into a small loop, doing this will allow more CA to 'stick' to the wire. Runny CA has the ability to run into small spaces or along the part being glued using capillary action. As with nearly all super glues, drying time is extremely fast, a retarder can be used to slow it down a bit but I have never found the need to use it. Don't forget, if glue is applied to a painted surface there is a strong possibility that the paint will be pulled off taking the PE with it, so remove any paint before gluing. What I have written here are my techniques, everyone is different so please do what you feel comfortable with.
Des.