The answer is *drumroll* - it depends. What are you painting besides props, and in what scale?
In 1/700, I too use Testors gold No. 1144 in the little square bottle, although they also have a brass color that you may want to look at. For the small amounts I use, I sometimes use the brass, No. 1182, for things like compass or engine telegraph stands. Either of which I apply with a brush.