It is fairly normal that a primer plus two coats of finish doesn't fully cover the stained wood when you are using white. White covers poorly and will cover especially poor when you are using a a bright white because there is less black in it. There is no disadvantage to applying more coats...usually, each coat will look better until you reach that point of maximum saturation and full color coverage at which point additional coats will do nothing. With modern day paints, I really don't think that you are going to get more durability from a gloss than you will get from a semi-gloss...not so much that will actually notice anyway. Some companies even make matte finishes that are pretty darn durable these days.

They are probably micas, but you can get fine cosmetic glitter too. Here is a link that might be useful: Brambleberry

It has been cooler for the past 3-4 days. We are into the heat again today and for at least the next week. I will post photos of the new blooms. We will be getting a good rain this evening. Martian Moons has not had a clean bloom yet. I think I’ve had 5 blooms on the only scape, just disappointing. The fan is big and healthy looking. With space at somewhat of a premium here I don’t have room for a poor performer here, it’s leaving. Would you want to try it in your garden? Sherry

Thanks for this thread. I used to swear by O'Keefe's Lip Repair. but this year I have the worst chapping problem I've ever had, and it's notworking at all. Pre-pandemic, I wore lipstick whenever I left the house, but for the past two years none of my lipsticks have even made it to my purse. I read the whole thread and just ordered the Burt's Bees Ultra Conditioning product and also Aquaphor Lip Repair. They arrive tomorrow from Amazon. Thanks, all!