For wood stain that lasts, I'd research into what log home owners and builders use since protection is of primary concern. From what I recall Cabot, Sikkens, and Penofin are the brands of choice. Obviously find one w/ a UV absorber. I have used Penofin's 'red' brand in a very harsh sun area (south facing deck) with modest results, but I'm not sure if anything would have held up any better. Besides vertical wall surfaces are not as harsh as horizontal ones. For paint, my recent research led me to pick Benjamin Moore for my house - nice stuff (look and application), but pricey at $45/gal. Can't say yet as to its longevity though. For interior I used a basic gel stain (plus wood conditioner) from Minwax on my alder and pine windows. Two coats. I prefer gel stains over pigmented stains because I don't care for the light/dark stripe look they leave on these wood species; gel stains are more similar to dyes in that they provide a more even color across the grain rings. If you've never used a gel stain, they are kind of weird at first - like staining your boards with pudding! But they are less messy that the liquid stains...

I saw the doctor this morning and these are my choices. Take birth control pills to regulate my periods or preferably Prevera to regulate them. The provera has made me gain weight in the past and the doctor says that is because it gives you more of an appetite. A cyst was found on one of my ovaries on the ultrasound. The doctor says I must have another ultrasound in 8 weeks to see if it gets smaller or goes away. If not, he recommends a hysterectomy OR he says I can schedule a hysterectomy for his first opening in April in which he will also remove my ovaries. I am almost 51 and the doctor says I am not in menopause although I could get it soon. The ultrasound confirmed multiple fibroids and that it is like I am 15 weeks pregnant. My first inclination is to wait for the next ultrasound to see if a hysterectomy is warranted anyways while not taking any pills for the next 2 months. Should the cyst problem go away on its own, should I go on Provera or birth control pills and ride this out until I reach menopause. The chances are minute that the fibroids are cancerous. Of course, he would want to keep a close eye on the fibroids if I don't have the surgery. My periods are still extremely painful, heavier than before, 7-8 days now instead of the 3-4 days before and I have lots of clotting. Also, the spotting I am constantly getting between periods is old blood, according to the doctor. The surgery doesn't scare me. I love the thought of no more periods but am I exchanging one problem for another by going thru with the surgery? The doctor also explained that he would take the ovaries (even without the cyst problem) because women over 45 have more of a chance for cancer if they kept their ovaries. Besides, I had my tubes tied years ago and don't want any more children. Any suggestions out there for me? What would you do in my place?

I did a bit more research and found basically 3 choices for exterior paint: 1. Acrylic 2. Latex 3. Oil Enamel From my reading, it seems that Oil Enamel may not be as durable on surfaces that expand and contract and takes longer to dry. That leads me towards using Acrylic or Latex which apparently can be thinned with water or Floetrol. Does anyone have recommendations which would be better (Acrylic or Latex) and what would be better to thin with to make a stain (water or Floetrol)? I want to make sure I get this last step correct after all the time invested in prep work. Lastly, what ratio of paint to thinner would be good to start with to make a stain for an exterior oak door? I would like to use a dark (black) stain with wood grain showing through. Thank you.

Staining: In order, we're going to put on: General Finishes Expresso water based stain (1-2 coats) - optional General Finishes Java gel stain (couple coats) General Finishes Clear urethane gel topcoat in satin (couple coats) But first put on work clothes, tie up your hair (Tom, you may skip this step, LOL) and pop your phone into a baggie nearby (you know it will ring). Glove up. First do a trial on the back of a door and check if Java coats alone suffice. If the Java alone is to your liking, just skip the Expresso and return it. Open and stir up the Expresso stain, then spoon some into a plastic bowl. Close the tin so it doesn't get contaminated. Slide a sock over your hand, grab a gob of Expresso and smear it on. Wipe off the excess. Let it dry well - overnight is good. It will lighten as it dries, but then darken again with any other coat or sealer. A second coat can end up with a deeper tone at the end - though it might seem like the second coat is just dissolving the first. YMMV. Repeat with Java gel. This is thicker and poly based (*not water cleanup!*=messier). Color is a rich dark reddish brown. Wait for the second coat to judge if the color is deep enough for you. I wanted a very deep dark color, like melted dark chocolate. So I went pretty heavy on these layers. *I did not sand between coats*. Repeat with clear gel top coat. This will give you the strength you need in a kitchen. Do the same process with the cabinet sides, face, and toekick area. Might need to divide that up also, and stagger the work: doors/cabinets/doors/etc. NOTE: The cloth or socks used for the gels are very flammable! Collect and store them in a bucket of water as you go and then dispose of them all properly.