Which can be applied thicker durabond or diamond veneer finish?

2nd question on past jobs my rule of thumb has been veneer finish over old horsehair plaster or textured plastered finishes to smooth. And durabon over painted walls or sheet rock walls.
I was just wondering if anyone has had any other techniques in straightening really bad walls. In this case someone sheetrocked over a door which protrudes 1/2" and there is another atrea where the wall bows out 7/8" or better. It is a painted wall (poorly but at least the paint is sticking to this one) and it needs to be trowled/screeded smooth and I reccommended to texture the wall because it is just so bad.

I have an 1800 dollar buget for 153 square ft (this like many of my jobs is a middle class application so charghing big bucks is out of the question)

Dana:
If you are looking to make a perfect wall then you would have to add shims to the recessed areas and then hang 1/4 or 3/8 inch rock over the top. Otherwise you are going to have to do the best with what you have to work with.
You can do almost any type of texture with a glaze or aquarello finish. I would do some type of texture and make it heavier in the low areas to give the wall an illusion of being straighter than it actually is. You haven't stated what type of look you are going for. If a "textured aquarello" is acceptable (not darbied) then it would fit in nicely with your budget and have a new/old look.

PS. These type of questions might fit better in the applicators forum.

I hope i understand your question. I am drywall finsher by trade. If it is easier home depot sells a quick setting material (hot mud). Drying time ranges from 5 to 90 min. You can float up to a 1/4 inch safely to help level out your wall. I have gone up to 5/8 of an inch however I don't recommend it. If your not familiar with the material I would use 20 min it will give you enough time to work and not dry up on you. It does sand fairly easy.