You will likely invalidate your warranty the second you crack open the casing on your notebook.
As to thermal paste, most notebooks have a thermal interface pad instead of thermal paste. This pad is a certain thickness that can not be replaced by thermal paste depending on the length and flexibiliy of the heatsink's retaining mechanism. You may end up with an air gap if you do not use the factory thermal pad.
If you are definitely sure on the thickness, thermal paste can applied after you remove the thermal pad with a credit card. Clean the heatsink base with alcohol, then apply a thin layer of paste.
Robert Richmond