How about lime wash, which is a timber stain that gives a milky finish, readily available in any hardware store. You just need to sand back the current finish and then apply. Here are the links for the Feast Watson products to give you an idea: http://www.feastwatson.com.au/consumer/products/interior/product-details/1523 http://www.feastwatson.com.au/consumer/products/interior/product-details/1521

For a good job wether painting or staining, the prep is almost the same. New paint over the existing surface may flake or react within a month or less..... Theres no super quick way to do it. Thats why house painters quotes aren't cheap but worth the expense. Putting the finish on is the easy part....

I think the previous owners used some type of oil stain and its bubbled in some small areas. The cedar itself is in pretty good condition so I wouldn't think they'd need replacing. I realise I need to give it a good scrub to get rid of the cedar mould. Just can't decide whether to sand and stain... I do want to lift the area so I was considering a light to mid grey?? Just after done opinions.. :)

Ahh, JEC, I did not realize I was Australia! Very sorry! Yes, I'm in US.(wish I was there sometimes, especially since 11/2016). Anyway, so oklouise tried to help me but I assumed she was here and then I was wondering where she shopped for materials that actual, knowledgeable and experienced advisors! Sorry about that Mrs. Oklouise! I appreciate the help too. It was only a small part of it I didnt quite understand and that's simply because oklouise is not here. I am positive if she was, she'd adapt to the ways and how they do things here. So, come on over mrs oklouise! You're welcome anytime! Siriuskey, yes they "paint" the cedar here, but they use solid color stain so it looks like paint. I am positive though that there are cedar built things with actual paint. But that's really a no-no with cedar. After it gets older, some transition to semi transparent stain, then, when even older they go to solid colored stain. Wish I was a pilot! mpilot1 was made for me by my company years and years ago as their name had the word pilot in it; since they already had a "marc" there when I started, they gave me marcpilot1. They've since closed(after 40 years), since I had had it for so long at that point, I took the name/address with me. Think I should put some of the after pics up, like when I finally finish this project for mother? Thx again for all help, especially oklouise! God Bless.