@Rachael It's a dilemma, isn't it?! Our house in the bush has ended up with anodised window frames and galvanised iron cladding (i.e. silver that will dull to grey) with a Monument roof. The view is huge and I think the black window frames - while I love them would have looked too urban and have framed the view too much, if that's possible. The view is so big we wanted to look 'through' the windows and their frames. Also, as I said above, dusty exterior window ledges would have driven us nuts. However, if I were in an urban setting, I would have gone for black windows and the dark roof if my views were more intimate. Good luck with the decision making ...

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.

post some photos

Hey all, I'm talking on a house repainting gig. The house is 100+ years old with cedar siding; there's 3 old layers / colors of paint. It's peeling everywhere. After attempting to sand and scrap by hand it's clear that this will be far to time consuming and won't look good. All the paint needs to be stripped off. My question is what would you recommend as the quickest / most effective way to get the paint off? I've read options like Infrared (Eco-Strip / Speedheater), Chemicals, or even something like the the Paint Shaver Pro. What have folks found as the most effective method? Attached is a simple picture of the house for reference. Thanks! Pete