I have never spray basted, but I love the sharon schamber method of hand basting! I think the boards should stick out a few inches on either side of your backing for better controll of the boards. and with the boards, you can bast a small section, then put it away for later if you can't get it all done at once. Since I have 4 small children, being able to put my quilt away in the middle of basting is vitally necessary!