R. multiflora makes an excellent rootstock for many areas (mine, for one). Yes, you can graft more than one variety (color doesn't matter) to the same rootstock. Weeks Roses does this with standards (tree) roses, they have a Julia Child and Edd Tide and Iceberg & Brilliant Pink Iceberg, and they used to have a Moonstone/Olympiad combo.

Never done it but I would think you could do your base coat first then go over that with a rag wet with a 20% paint, 80% thinner solution letting the top color catch in the textured areas. Practice on a scrap to get the technique for sure. Same as glazing a wall, don't have a clue as to durability.

kitchendetective, I like the idea of changing one of the existing cabs to match the new ones, to tie the two walls together. LOL, this kitchen doesn't seem small to me either, my previous one was 8' x 8' for 13 years. My SO referred to it as a "one butt" kitchen. Allison, I have looked at the FKB before but didn't think to look this time. Duh. Thanks for th eother link too, I hadn't seen it before. Revans, I hope to leave as much in place as possible. The budget simply isn't there for a gut job (I am in the process of an essential one on the bathroom and that's been quite enough of an adventure!) "Before" pictures are at the link below (this is the beginnings of a before-and-after site I've just started) Layout: on the existing N wall, West to East 30" base cab with upper above 30" range with short upper above and place for a hood fan 30" base with upper above 36" sink base with standard SS double sink, window above 24" dishwasher with upper above 36" base with upper above E wall is all open to the dining room, there's a pantry round the corner in the DR S wall is currently, East to West 24" freezer 6'6" table 30" fridge 18" clear wall space (planning to set a 12" deep x 30" wide tall cabinet against the side of the fridge so it faces W) 36" doorway to back hall about 10" to W wall W wall has a window which comes down to just above counter height, nothing else There's no place to expand or knock out walls: N is the driveway, already non-conforming on my narrow lot, and S is 2 sets of stairs, down and up. Here is a link that might be useful: Pics of current kitchen

Exterior color coatings are pricey as has been alluded to. This is not a "profit center" to manufacturers or dealers, in fact, some actually take a lower margin on these options to be competitive. As far as how vinyl compares to fg or wood price-wise, again, its not as though there is some crazy upcharge on vinyl window colors. The difference is that fg and wood windows ALL have to have an exterior paint or color coating, where vinyl windows will have a few options with the color extruded as an inherent benefit of the material. Dark colors however, generally are not for some of the reasons mentioned. All that said, any material (vinyl, fg, wood, metal) will have said color options and all are pretty reliable these days due to the advances in the paint/coating technology. I'd simply compare the end price, along with the thermal and structural performance ratings and other options that you desire to evaluate which is best. In short, a fg window could have a 75% upcharge as well over a base color, except its already built in, so be careful about placing too much weight on an upcharge. Lastly, if longevity of product is a big concern, an inorganic material (vinyl, fg, or composite) will be desirable, and good performance ratings are typically good indicators of quality and longevity.