I tried spray basting once and went into an immediate asthma attack. If you have breathing problems, don't even try it. I have tried iron on batting. IMHO it is fine for wall hangings, table runners and place mats, but not bed or lap quilts. I think the texture is "off" for that use. I pin baste with regular safety pins. They hold the sandwich layers solidly. I don't have a problem opening or closing them, although many people do. I only use steel based pins as I like the ease of a magnetic pin caddy (mechanic's parts dish) and a magnet on a stick for when I drop one. Several brands of glue are used by many for attaching applique before quilting. If you do this, make sure th type you get will wash out. I have not heard of using it for whole quilts. Hmmm. I have many friends who prefer the bent pins. I have tried them and I don't. It is strictly personal preference. I have also used a couple different basting guns. I found that for me, they jammed too easily and the fabric could wobble a bit out of position. Ugh. I have had a couple of friends who loved them, but they were using the commercial price tag attchers. Now I gues I've said more than you wanted to hear.