One thing I found through the years that makes a big difference with patterns staying on the surface when cutting. I always sand my wood with 220 grit paper on my orbital sander. It matters not how well it comes presanded, then I wipe the wood with a clean rag, followed by the palm of my hand. After that, and only after that process, I aply my pattern directly to the wood. Even with very small and close fret work, I do not have pattern lift. I also used to use blue painters tape for years but I no longer find it necessary and the remaining pattern pieces almost fall off by theirselves with a little mineral spirits. I buy my spray on adhesive from Harbor Freight and I know what a lot of people think about Harbor Freight products, but in this case they carry a very well known brand,(CRC) and it usually sells for under $10 for a large can.
Dick
heppnerguy