Hey all just got back from visiting the sistr/bro in law. While down there I saw the beautiful fence (6 foot high cedar)they had installed a few months ago. I was somewhat shocked to learn that he plans to paint it as he says putting a clearcoat on will just need to be applied every year. So, I gather that my bro in law wants something that needs less maintenance. I can't believe one would cover up the attractiveness of ceder, I was under the assumption that oil based stains were great for fences as they penetrate into the wood. I told him I would ask the pro's on this site for their input. It is possible he had a friend who has had a bad experience and maybe the guy used cheap stain. How often does one have to re-stain using high quality products in upper Illinois. Also, if he decides to paint instead of stain, should certain products be used such as primers. I've heard of ceder bleed.

Well I made the mistake of using nonpaintable caulk around some exterior windows. I did try to paint but it look terrible. Should i just clean it up and then add a think layer of paintable caulk and then paint it? I really do not want to recaulk the entire thing. THe caulk was used around a couple windows and also I caulked some gaps in my cedar siding (this is my biggest concern).