Revolution slide fixed as background, icon size

I’m almost finished setting up my first site with Newspaper and am impressed with how many optional settings there. That’s a great thing, although occasionally I’m not sure where to find the setting window for a small adjustment I need. I explore the CSS and add some custom CSS but would prefer to make the changes in the settings dashboard if possible. I have two questions;

1.) How/where can I adjust the size and location of the default ‘Share’ social media icons; Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest? Currently they always load on post ‘pages’ in a horizontal row above and below the text content. Can I reduce their size smaller and locate them, a) only after the text content, or, b.) in a block sidebar?

2.) I’ve built a couple Revolution sliders and have a question I don’t find answered on this forum or in Google search, or on the Revolution site. I’m not a paid owner so can’t post a Support ticket on their forum.
How do I set the first slide image as permanent background that is pre-loaded, displays at beginning and end of the slideshow?
I have the logo slide as first and last slide with loop at ‘0’ so it starts on the logo slide and ends on the logo slide. But none of the settings combinations stops the first slide from a delayed fade-in. before that the page background is visible in that stage area.

Thanks

I should amend my previous post. I have been able to save the first slide as background on the slider stage but it doesn’t act like its pre-loaded. You can view the home page at The TradersHedge

You’ll see the first slide seems to shake and reduce slightly. It’s not a smooth display. The background image for the site also seems to shake and adjust when you first visit the home page.

Could you suggest a solution for these issues?