To apply new thermal paste, use the application method recommended for your specific processor type—vertical line, horizontal line, middle dot, or surface spread. Note that surface spread has the potential to trap air bubbles.

If you're using the surface spread method:

Wrap the tip of your index finger with a piece of plastic (such as a sandwich bag or Saran wrap).

Dispense a very small amount of thermal paste onto processor core(s).

Use your finger to gently smear the thermal paste over the entire processor core(s).

If you accidentally apply a small amount of thermal paste on the green surface of the processor, it will not cause any harm.

The processor(s) is now ready for heat sink installation.

You do not need to apply any thermal paste on the heat sink(s), although Arctic Silver gives instructions on "tinting" the heat sink to reduce the break-in time of the thermal compound.