I'm planning to stake down plastic sheeting to prevent grass and weeds from growing up into/throughout the rock.

Nice to own a piece of something not tied to the market :)Anyways, it's not like my parents made any bad choices- they pay off their plastic each month, house is paid for, etc.

i used to do some lawn cutting/landscaping a few years ago.i had a 44" exmark and loved it. had the Kaw engine. costs a LOT (7k), but i loved it. but mine did not stripe well.i'd NEVER, EVER, EVER get any mower from a big box store. they all have plastic rollers and plastic spindles. go to a commercial lawncare store and get to know them. you can buy a bunton, toro, exmark, but dont get a cub cadet, john deer or any of the other crap that call themselves "commercial".

If the drive going in isn't down hill so much that the doors (french or sliders) could lead out to a patio.

I'm very familiar, have helped design and build carbon fiber plastics on some this worlds best aircraft like the B-2, F-35, Boeing Dreamliner (structure, not battery lol)....It is amazing what happens in the tech world by accident.

If it's latex paint, Goof Off and a plastic putty knife work ok.

I use the below plastic gutter screen, along with the associated clips.  

How about putting down some vapor barrier plastic?

It has a 12 mil wear layer, completely waterproof (all plastic), lots of good wood patterns, easy to put down, backing pad already attached.

I have attached a photo of one of the front driveways however I have the same problem on that back patio pad.