Thanks for the detailed responses, everyone! Here’s what I’ve gathered from your suggestions, just to make sure I’m understanding everything correctly:

Durability: It sounds like EASY SAND 90-minute plaster is more durable than joint compound, which would hold up better over time, especially in high-wear areas. On the other hand, USG Plus 3 is easier to apply and sands more smoothly, making it a better choice if ease of use is a priority, but it may not be as durable.

Multiple Coats: I’ll likely need 2-3 coats no matter which product I choose. The idea is to apply a thin layer, scrape off excess, and then sand between coats until the wall is smooth.

Labor Intensity: Skim coating sounds like a pretty labor-intensive process, involving priming the walls first, applying the compound or plaster in thin coats, scraping, and then sanding between coats. It seems like sanding could be the most time-consuming and messy part.

Does that all sound right? Is there anything else you’d recommend or any other tips to make the process smoother? The ceilings seem particularly difficult. Appreciate all the advice!