The present invention teaches formulations, apparatus and a method of applying high thixotropic index polymer thick-film resistive pastes for making polymer thick-film resistors with improved tolerances by providing a squeegee with a blade tilted at an angle of 10.degree. to 85.degree. to the surface of the printed circuit board thus causing a fluid rotational motion within the bead of the polymer thick-film resistive paste as the squeegee blade moves relative to the printed circuit board. This rotational motion increases the shear strain rate experienced by the paste within the bead and results in a more effective filling of the resistor-shaped cavity without including air bubbles, experiencing elastic recovery of the paste and, without surface fractures of the paste.