In article ,
says...

Remember, the idea is NOT to form a layer between the two surfaces.
The purpose of the paste is to fill the valleys in the contact
surfaces with something which is more efficient at transferring heat
away from the CPU core than the air which would otherwise fill the
gaps

How I apply mine..

Small pea sized lump on the heatsink. Spread thinly then scrape off
with a razorblade.

Very small dot on the CPU core. Spread extremely thinly so it is hardly
visible.

--
Conor

If you're not on somebody's **** list, you're not doing anything
worthwhile.