Quote:
Originally Posted by rvbuilder2002
It is a very small amount of surface area coated with a very flexible/compressible material.
My experience is that with the wraps pulled tight it has no influence but I imagine an even coating as in your photo would be the optimal plan.
Especially if you are measuring gaps with a feeler gauge 
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That's a fair point, and I'm not gonna bore everyone with a homily about "better". The factory crew has the unenviable task of developing methods and instructions for everyone, which includes the least capable builders. Then they get to explain it repeatedly on the help line. The prescribed stripes (to prevent wear, not seal) are simple, and if they can get the builders to actually fit the baffles tightly, it's good enough. Airplanes shall fly. Grins will be seen.
As for us nut cases, zero leakage is the goal. It's a mental illness with a justification
BTW, it's important to differentiate between merely gasketing the standard cylinder wraps, and extending the glued-on gaskets further up and around the cylinders and heads. The first is just improved sealing. The second has a bunch of interesting effects, some of which, depending on application, are quite experimental.
Regardless of which path is taken, please, take the time to
fit the baffles, not just drape them on the engine.