I'm curious why you don't like the tape, is it the shine, the hairline ?
I've pretty much never used tape, that's why I ask.

Getting the right glue for your personal chemistry will be key. If the glue
doesn't work for you, it make break down in 3 days. My first glue was I-Glue,
and that one broke down fast, in days, and left a dark line due to breaking down.

Almost any other glue was better.

Order a few glues to try, I would say.

I don't find the few thin coats vs. one coat an issue, I always use one coat
nowadays. Don't go too thick, that's the biggest newbie issue I think.

Good luck.

- AG