Stove Cement in Pipe Joints- Best Practices?

[formula_pilot]

I am in the middle of trimming / installing the stove pipe on our new Jotul Firelight, and plan to put stove cement in the joints to maximize draft.

For those who have done it, what works better- putting cement on the crimps before fitting them, or stuffing the joint after everything is assembled?

Thanks

 

[cmonSTART]

I usually put in on the female portion. It seems to come out a bit less messy.