[KTL]

I'd not worry over putting sealant on the base gaskets. The copper "crush" is the seal if you're using new gaskets.

In fact, when I did my top end last spring, my cylinders came loose from the case spigot. I was concerned about the base gaskets leaking. In my top end gasket kit I have the new base gaskets. But I didn't want to remove the cylinders and potentially mess with the piston rings. So I rolled the dice and left the old gaskets in place. Bolted it all back together and no leaks whatsoever after around 3000 miles which includes 3 track days- one of which was hot & humid and had the car running hotter than i've ever experienced.

Point being? I have no leaks after REUSING copper gaskets. So i'd not worry about putting sealant on the new ones.