So here's the 1st layer of veneer as I head back aft towards the stern. If you haven't dealt with "edge set" before, cold molding a boat will make it very clear. It's all about letting your plank lay naturally before you spile. I'm using plastic binding strap off of a job site to hold down the planks and in regards to staples, on this 1st layer I've found my best luck with 3/8" and 1/2" staples fired from a gun that uses T-50 staples. The green tape you see is just barely catching the oak apron and sternpost to keep the glue from passing on down the side