Just a note for an excellent OP and fabulous answers. I have similar questions in 2014, only I'm the one skim coating the walls. I wanted to know when to stop fussing over it, and what primer to use to help me get a nice smooth look. Now I know. I have drywall that was put up in 1963-4 then covered with builder grade wallpaper (same texture AND background color as the drywall paper) covered in 1985-6 foil wallpaper. It was horribly difficult to remove (scorer + DIF + a steamer + a putty knife + a shaving tool + patience + over a year of stopping and starting), and I had easily a thousand divots in the walls (and ceiling, ugh) of my tiny powder room. I probably could have stopped sanding, cleaning, touching the walls, adding a little more mud, sanding, cleaning, touching the walls, adding a little more mud a few days ago! Now I'm off to buy Zinnser's 1-2-3 primer. Your well-asked and generously answered question is a gift that keeps on giving. Thanks for your help.

Your soil looks like one of my batches did. I was told the particles should have been closer to the same size than I had. The plant I had in it was ok. I found some smaller rock at the dollar store of all places that comes in two sizes. One barely smaller than your rock, and one about half the size. It was not a problem for that plant, however I do believe the soils with more consistent sizes was better for how it behaved for me when watered. It's so challenging to get all those supplies, and I know how much time and effort it takes. It's great you are learning about Als recipes. I think most of us have had to settle for less than perfect supplies as it's difficult to find all the ingredients. Good job. Hope it goes great.

Yes, Angel, I found someone. And I was never interested in "telling them how to do their job." If you bothered reading and considering the intent of my question instead of immediately assuming some threat to the sanctity of your Pro-hood you'll see I was not dictating but simply wanted to know what to ASK OR LOOK for. Two pros told me they'd use PVA which, thanks to those who actually answered my question, I now know to avoid. One was recommended by my local Sherwin Williams, another by a neighbor and a couple other references. They all knew what end result I was looking for which, if you had your way, would have remained as vague as "I want smooth paint, please" and just trust the pro to know what we mean. The pro I ultimately hired provided specs that I now understand better, thanks to those who answered my question. They were pretty close to what I was suggesting tho without PVA. Without Propainter I might have taken those lower bids. All the bids came with good references. They all promised smooth paint on Level 5. How else could I know which to pick? I'm glad doctors don't kick us out of their offices for coming in with ideas and questions. But now that I see home design and construction are more complicated. I suspect if you had your way Houzz would just be a glorified Pinterest - a collection of pretty pictures that homeowners can share with the Pros, then shut up, sign the quote, and pay the bill.

LOL That's right, Maire_Cate, and we all either passed or failed the psychological quiz--I'm not sure which. :-) Maifleur, whatever you spotted in the photo must be a result of the lighting. I didn't use my normal lighting setup for either picture; I just snapped them on a white piece of paper at my desk. The ring is completely smooth inside and out. Unlike most of the rest of the jewelry, there's no obvious sign that it has been worn. As I mentioned above, the ring was made in China. The China stamp is farther along inside the band. I'm sorry it won't fit you, Raven. It does fit me, and the more I look at it on my hand the more I'm tempted to keep it. It would be an easier decision without the pandemic. Since I don't go anywhere these days, I haven't been wearing any jewelry.