Sterling Seal, Inc Black Graphite Flexible Reinforced Gasket Material, 40" x 40" square, 1/16" thick You will get maximum performance from our gasket materials when you use our Gasket Installation Procedure. Clean and inspect the flanges, surface or parts that require gasket. Clean or replace your bolts, nuts & washers. Lubricate the bolt's, thread, nuts, washers and the underside of the head with Graphite based compound. Flat washers are recommended to assure even distribution of the bolting force. Ensure lubricant doesnt contaminate gasket. Carefully insert the gasket between the mating surfaces. The use of a torque wrench is highly recommended. This assures a longer life and leak free performance. Whether an automotive head gasket or a flange gasket, it should be torqued. Make four even increment passes in a 12-6-3-9 o'clock pattern sequence. The appropriate stress on the gasket material you use is key to its success which varies depending material chosen.