Since I started using silicone as lubricant I have been putting less and less in each successive cube I assemble, because less is definitely more, particularly on the internal faces, if you want to minimise the gummy. I use a tiny amount on the washers, springs and screws, just enough so they can rotate without being 'sticky' and to lube the cubies I get some silicone on my fingers, rub it in and handle the pieces. When you can see smeared fingerprints on the internals, you have lubed enough. This is particularly relevant to the Zhanchi, I find.