Applying Thermal Paste. The Correct Way?

Hey I just removed the stock cooler on my E6750, rubbed out the residual TIM thoruoghly with a cloth(no rubbing alcohol) cleaned up the dust on heatsink and fan and applied some Arctic Cooling MX-2 paste and put it back together again.

Now I find theres no improvement in temps when running P95.
Max load is about 62C same as it used to be.

The way I applied the paste is how AC recommends it. Put a small blob on the middle of the CPU and put the HSF on without spreading it around, them slightly twist HSF this way and that before securing it.

should I have sprread it beforehand?.

how'd u guys do it?

 

I usually spread it out evenly with a plastic card and have always thought of it as pretty much the only good way to do it. I don't know why AC suggests otherwise.

 

To avoid trapping air (microscopic bubbles).

 

Hmm, never thought of that. Good point, I'll try it out the next time I do it.