The only time you need anything like alcohol would be for removing any remaining compound on a cpu when changing the stock HSF to a 3rd cooler often to get those lower temps or if something does get on either surface. If both are right out of the box you shouldn't need anything but AS5. When applying AS5 you don't want to spread it around like a paint brush with paint but rather put a good sized drop in the center of the sink or cpu and stir it a little in case there is some separation. Once you set the HSF down inplace evenly the compound will spread itself. After you may want to leave everything sitt for a few hours at least for some bonding to take place.
It will still take a few weeks for any compound to set in. But you don't want to rush into running the system immediately to see cpu temps soar. I did that here to test the overheat protection on the new board. But that was under monitored circumstances to power down right away if needed. The OH protection did that fast enough when the initial temp saw 60C! Some will adivise some 4hrs. of wait time and running it for only a few hours on the first day. When it starts bonding well you will see the temps start to drop down to normal. To stir a little when appying the AS5 I simply use the tip of the tube while applying it to save time there. Some non conductive item like a tea or coffee stirrer could work. You won't need a putty knife for this.
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