We recently bought a new/used house, built in 1972. The ceilings were done in a brush type splotch pattern (looks like the brush was pushed into the plaster). It seems to be the same pattern that you would find in most newer houses. Could anyone tell me what type of plaster and what type of brush would be used to match this pattern?

I recently read Myron Ferguson's book "Drywall - Professional Techniques for walls & ceilings". In it he recommends using mesh tape on tapered joints but to use it with a setting compound. If a drying compound is to be used he recommends a taping compound not a topping or all purpose compound. On a recent trip to home depot to buy my stuff I noticed that they only carried all purpose premixed joint compound. Can this be used with the mesh tape and get good results despite what I've read in the book? I also came across self-adhesive paper tape - Anyone have experience with this? Is it better than the standard paper tape? Can you really apply it without a base layer of compound first? How does it compare to the self-ashesive mesh tape? Can you use any type of joint compound with it? Thanks for any info.