I like 1211 also but have used other silicone style sealers, but I put very little on, in fact you really cant tell I have any on the gasket except for the fact that the gasket is shiney.
I apply it using my finger and thumb and just work it in by rubbing it on between my fingers.
For the base gasket I use Loctite 518 gasket maker which is anaerobic sealer, meaning it does not dry unless in the absense of air so the un dryed sealer that pushes into the crankcase area will wash away as the motor runs and the out side can be wiped clean