Gasket sealer on 292 timing cover question.

[37 Coupe]

Should a sealer like Permatex be used on timing cover itself but not on block surface where it could interfere with the factory groove. Do you need to use a certain type of sealer since a lot of surface and time could be a factor, like oil pan front and cover itself so maybe one of the hi tack Permatex would be troublesome? I always liked the black Form -A -Gasket in a tube but think it is brush on now. Any suggestions?