I considered that method since I have access to a sprayer and compressor but I just got a bug up my rear about a smooth ceiling.

I finally finished the job today and it seems to look as good as I've seen in many homes I've been in. It was a lot of work and some day I'll do the two bedrooms...NOT! I'll HIRE someone to do it FOR me! The living room/hallway/laundry area was hard enough, and if anyone DOES and criticizes it I'll offer them a trowel, taping knife and a50 lb. bucket of joint compund and challenge them to improve on it. Who the heck looks at the ceiling anyway?

As for the tile...I have one of those laser levels that shoots a vertical and horizontal line so I can hopefully get it right. My brother-in-law did his bathroom and offered to help me, so we'll see. What scares me is that once the tiles set I'm stuck.

The tub is NOT cast iron but it IS steel and it IS heavy but I'll have help. One problem is that the fiberglass enclosure was installed BEFORE the drywall so it's going to be a b___h getting it out and putting the new one in. I've been told that I'll actually have to nothch out the studs to make the cement board AND the tub fit. Sounds like fun, huh?