Can I use a bonding agent to wet my packing instrument to reduce stickiness or to smooth a composite before curing?

Use of the unfilled resin component of a bonding agent as a “wetting” agent appears to be a common practice. Choose the unfilled resin portion of a 4^th-generation bonding agent [3M ESPE Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus Adhesive System (3M ESPE)] rather than an adhesive system with a primer. Use a small amount so that surface properties (color stability, wear resistance, hardness) are not affected.