hl,

That is also the side of the strop I would use for the paste if the paddle strop is to be used both for touching up the edge via an abrasive paste and also for daily stropping. Were I to devote the paddle strop to just touch up use, I'd use the smooth side for the paste and then use a hanging strop for daily use before shaving.

Moderate application of the paste is considered to be the best as you can always add more if you find the action of the abrasive too slow. My traveling hanging strop has the TI paste on the flesh side and nothing on the grain side.

TI paste goes on not unlike well chewed bubble gum. Don't use a lot of pressure, just rub it briskly forth and back. You can work the paste around a bit with the heel of your thumb and use pressure now.

I actually like the way that stuff works. You should be able to see the leather media turning black after a couple of uses - this is the steel that's no longer on your razor.

good luck, good shaving,