A trick I use on the UTC seal is to use a thin piece of plastic between the cover and the top of the gasket, as described:

*THOROUGHLY clean the surface areas where the gasket will set and meet the cover.

*Clean metal surfaces with alcohol, thinner or similar solvent so they are completely dry, clean, and free of any lubricants.

*Prepare a small rectangular piece of plastic that will be placed between the fitted upper cover and the gasket. The piece should be slightly wider than the width if the timing cover and about an inch or so deeper as well. The plastic should be stiff and as thin as possible but strong enough not to break or stretch when pulled out (being pinched under the cover). You'll find that you'll need to cut a wide "U" shaped notch in the front of the plastic to accommodate the timing chain. The plastic won't need to extend all the way to front edge of the head, within about a 1/4" should be good.

*before laying the gasket in place, using only the recommended MB black sealant, apply a liberal (but not excessive) bead to the corners where the lower cover meets the head. Set the gasket in place and apply another bead of sealant on top of the gasket at the same corner against the head where it will meet the upper cover. Apply it in those places ONLY, taking care not to let any fall into the lower timing area. It is recommended that you probably shouldn't use any on the other gasket surfaces, just in the corners as described.

*You'll need to proceed without much delay as the sealant starts to set fairly fast.

*Lay the prepared piece of plastic on top of the gasket. Remember, it doesn't need to go all the way to the head (and so it won't be in contact with the bead of sealant, but it probably won't hurt anything if it is).

*Now, when you slide the upper cover into place, it won't roll, catch on or otherwise move the gasket and it should slide in place somewhat easily. Insert the cover bolts a few threads but do not yet tighten them. While holding pressure on the cover with one hand, pull the plastic out.
Quickly or slowly and carefully? Not sure if one way is better, but you might want to try a dry run (without the sealant) first and see what works/feels best.
If you think a lubricant is needed, I would probably just use a light coat of water or spit, which will dry quickly and repel oil until it does.

Well, that's it, the big "trick"! Not much but it made the ones I've done trouble free, and neither has sprouted a leak yet (over a year). Hope it helps.