Wait, is patching a ceiling really that deep? Like, I get the shellac thing if there's a serious water stain or mold, but most people just need to cover a screw hole or a small crack from a door knob. Sealing every little spot with shellac primer seems like overkill unless the stain is actively bleeding through. And mesh tape vs paper tape? I've used both and honestly, for a tiny patch, it doesn't matter much. Drying time in Tucson is the real wildcard though, that part's true, but sanding between every single layer? That's for people who want a flawless mirror finish, not for a rental you're gonna get your deposit back on. Maybe it's a pro vs. weekend warrior thing, but I've seen slap-and-dash patches hold up for years.