I learned a great way to patch tubes from another BF member. I will post pics soon.

Basically, you take buffering liquid and wipe the area down (no need to use that sand paper crap). The buffing compound takes the gloss off the tire. Then put the valicanizing "glue" on it with a thin layer. Let air dry until just tacky. Add the patch and then stitch it in with a stitching tool (sorta like a roller). Work from the middle to the outside. You are looking to get the edges stitched in.

When you do this right, the patch is like welded on and to get it off, you will rip the tire before getting the old patch on!

Go to the mechanical forum and go through some pages and you will find this method.

I was like you before..... having all sorts of problems with patching. I was about ready to give it up until a BF member taught me this. From then on.... no problems at all and it works 100% of the time. I was amazed.