I am putting up walls in a shower using 1/2 inch hardieboard backer. I have the mesh tape for the joints, and plan to coat the backer with redguard. Do I need to fill the joints with mortar or thin set? Or, can I just tape them and redguard over it? Thanks in advance, Curtis

Wall drywall has just minor cracks, however, ceiling drywall in one room has about 8" hole from old light fixture. Ceiling drywall is popcorn style, so the patched hole has to be popcorned then. What do you think, do I need anything else except what I listed below? Or perhaps I don't need something from there? I just want to avoid multiple visits of hardware store and don't waste money... If you have any recommendations regarding particular brand, that would be great... To fix the walls: joint compound plus putty knife. To fix the ceiling drywall: do I really need piece of drywall or just apply plastic mesh patch (and spackling compound) would work? To paint the walls and ceiling: paint (1 gallon per 350 sqft), one cover of putty for walls (do I need it actually after joint compound?), primer (once coat before putty, one coat after that before paint), 9'' roller + extension pole + roller pad + roller cover(s), paint edger (how many?), paint stir sticks (how many?), painter's tape, putty knifes (how many and what size?) Regarding the paint, I'm thinking of Benjamin Moore Regal Select. It contains primer as well, am I right? Also, would super white color work for popcorn ceilings? Any experience? Any recommendations regarding roller covers? How many do I need for, say, 580 sqft of ceiling (same color) and 350 + 300 + 450 sqft walls (all three different colors). I read that 3/8'' nap would work almost everywhere. Do I need particular material for ceiling/walls? Say, sheepwool, mohair, etc? Does it really worth to spend money on them? Are all rollers actualy easy to clean and reusable?