Dear Herb;
I'm not sure what your question is and there many types of products these days.
When installing 'sheet metal' parts to cast iron most Mechanics do this;
1) Make sure both surfaces are clean.
2) Glue/cement/attatch the gasket (cork/rubber) to the iron surface making sure the bolt holes all match and It's in the proper position etc.
3) Put a generous coat of 'hi temp' grease to the mating surface of the sheet metal to be installed. Install the part and tighten the bolts to spec.
Should this part need to be removed (soon after) the gasket will stick (iron) and not require replacement.
Head gaskets don't (generally) require any special attention or the use of glue/cement, but some may.
Manifold gaskets generally don't either, but there are exceptions. The shiny or 'silver side' goes out on the Chevrolet 6s (most inlines) with aluminum, steel, or cast iron manifolds.
Good luck.
