We had timber tri-folds (also facing north) in our previous home and whilst our landlord sanded and re-finished every couple of years, they didn't stay fresh for very long and it affected the integrity of the timber too (slight warping and 'furring'). I used some Haymes Exterior Solarshield recently and it was brilliant over very poor quality timber and I noticed it's guaranteed for 20 years?! It was acrylic and very easy to use, but has sealed the timber beautifully. It may be better option for the longer term if you're happy with the look of painted. It would look lovely and one less thing to worry about!

Looks good. Before I read through discussion, I had these thoughts. You could look at painting on the front of the wall only, not in the porch/entranceway area underneath, double strength of main colour. So you could as an option get a test pot of Dulux double Self Destruct or even triple. I would not use Monument, or similar to the roof color as it will disappear into the roof. I also think the front fence would look better painted a stronger colour from your existing but as it seems it has just been painted perhaps you could do that, when and if you liked, to cut down expense. On the Dulux website they also give you colours that look good with Self Destruct. (Picture below). Another option is look towards going bold like a strong blue or blue green. Something like in the picture. That's my feature wall, Resene Billabong. ...or a dirty purple or a blood red. It's starting to get really personal of what your tastes are. Perhaps you could Half or Quarter the main house colour in the entranceway so it still flows but gives you more light. Exciting stuff!

I am planning an update for the large kitchen/dining/family area and new paint and floorcoverings throughout my late 1980's house. Looking for advice please on which white to paint my walls and doors to work to best advantage with: - doeskin (mustardy yellowish ) colour aluminium windows/sliding doors (painting window frames is beyond my budget) - jarrah (redddish brown) wood frames to main room doors in living area (thinking of changing these from stained to shiny wood finish) - a few special (handmade by hubby) jarrah furniture pieces to mix in with new styling. -woodgrained pattern vinyl tiles or bamboo flooring - new kitchen - probably simple white kitchen handleless cupboards (something that doesn't date too much) and a light speckled stone benchtop (room has low natural light) Was thinking of pale walls not to compete with yellow of windows or dark door frames and using splashes of greens in plants and accessories, gold and limited black, But maybe this is all wrong. Help please! What do you think? Some paint colours that may be possiblities among others are: Dulux: Natural White, Antique White USA. White Duck 1/8th, British Paints: White Beam Taubmans: Milk Cloud, Cradle White.

If you stand inside the garage and look up at the door , you'll see why you can't really add a veneer -- the roller is designed to be 4 or 5 layers with minimal gaps , when its rolled up ( door open ) . Add a veneer and its likely to jam , get crushed , get knocked off , etc . Plus glue doesn't handle the curvature , while bolts or rivets add even more thickness , plus the likelihood of leaking . Without seeing the fences etc , how about painting over the khaki green with a charcoal , especially if the fences are charcoal . Now that will be dark , but add some plants near the fence that are lushious green , brown , red leaves , yellow , even cactus or bamboo -- basically , move the darker background well and truly into the background , but its still there as a boundary , and still has modern tones . Other than that , either paint the door a sunny colour and make it a feature , or replace with cedar or a light knotty timber or whatever you prefer . That present colour and style reminds me of a utility shed on the side of the school grounds -- make it a feature !