When you guys are re-applying thermal paste after cleaning with alchohol are you applying a thin layer with a piece of plastic/razor so the entire chip is covered or do you just put like a 1/2 pea sized drop in the center of each chip and let the heatsink smoosh it around?
Technically, the 2nd procedure you mentioned is correct. Applying it w/ plastic or razor has the potential to create micro air bubbles in the paste and hinder its ability to transfer heat away from the chip.
I would test a small amount on one chip, and see what the coverage is like.
Once you have roughly the ideal amount, simply repeat the process down the line...
A little dab will usually suffice...