Today the "porch without a house" or maybe I should just call it a garden "Folly", was built. Right off the bat, there was miscommunication about how the floor boards should run. I had told him to lay them the long way, he bought boards to lay across. I caught the error just as he got his saw set up and was about to cut. He had to leave and go get the proper boards. Even tho I stood down there and supervised and was able to redirect some decisions he made on his own, there are some things I would have done differently - like wider boards around the top, but let it go. Plus he said he wasn't able to find the weathered gray boards like I had hoped. I'm think I might be able to replace them in the future. And like anything new, I'll have to get used to it. I'll try to take some pics tomorrow.

Fluffeebiskits1, you are a genius. I'm back from the paint store with a large sample board of Mascarpone and I think I am in love. It's great with all the colors and light enough to work with the fixed whites. And now I know what color I'll use next time I repaint my living room! :-)

busybee3, Thanks for the reply! Mine would probably get some use, but again they're outdoors, so I won't be as picky as usual, like when I made my dear boyfriend repaint the same area of our master bath vanity 3 times! I think he was ready to shoot me, plus this is all my project, without his help (as he has mentioned several times!) Mine though will be to the left of the front door, but of course not directly beside it. I do have a wagner paint sprayer as well so that is an option, although I would prefer not to be covered in paint, plus i've never used it! I'm a messy painter by hand and with spray paint so I can only imagine! But that is an option as well I suppose I'll just have to make sure and wear gloves and long sleeves!

Hello! I was searching the web when I stumbled (thankfully!) onto this web site. Excited to see so much info. However, my main problem and question is about the outdoor canvas art. We are in the process of a makeover for our back patio. Have extended the concrete, will stain it soon. I have made a bench with a cushion and would like a picture to hang on the wall above it. I am planning on one similar to the picture I am posting, but with different, much brighter colors. I found a 60" X 36" canvas print originally priced $180. at Hobby lobby, marked down to $30. Impulsively bought it. I want to paint over it, but am now second guessing myself as I wonder how to weatherproof it. All of the info here has my mind a bit muddled. I just need to know what kind of paint to use, not sure what the original on the canvas is. Also, what to seal it with. I am not an artist and know NOTHING about paints. The picture I plan to do is one of several different colors painted randomly on the canvas. Then using painters tape I will mark off lines, paint over that using a solid color, then remove the tape. Any simple info would be most appreciated!