All the methods work. But I find a project may determine which method I will use. If I'm using good hardwood & want a nice light stain - I might not want to apply the patten straight on the wood because mineral spirits might stain in areas when removing the pattern. I also watch how good a tape is if I'm going to be on the project for, say, a week or month. Some tapes get really married to the wood fibers and pull up some loose grain. Experience for your projects will bring you round to your preferred method. I don't mind the smell or stickiness of spray adhesive it was part of my old job & for me it's quick. Brian