This might sound a bit like being on the fence given the advice you've had already... How about a mid to dark grey ( less contrast than black), RAL 7022 is a favourite of mine (warmer grey), or look at a green grey, as something that will have the colour of the olive, with a good amount of contrast against the white render, (you won't have the warm rich colours of the brickwork as in the photos above (which the olive looks good against)). If you are painting the timber windows you would do well to look at microporous opaque stains to reduce your on-going maintenance. A benefit of aluclad composite windows is colour outside can be factory supplied different to the interior finish. Hope this might help. Regards, Nick

what products can i use to stain pine flooring

I want to stain the front newel and banister and then i am painting the spindles white. All i want to to darken it a bit but to create a nicer contrast but not too dark. I am just unsure how to stain the banister or what product to use?? I was in woodies and they advised me to use the Ronseal interior Varnish that is a 2 in 1 stain,So i was thinking maybe a dark oak maybe has anyone used this? Or should i use a separate stain amd then clear varnish??? Do i need to pre-stain the wood with a conditioner?? I have sanded it back with 80 sandpaper. I plan to use BIN primer on spindles and then satin finish, to avoid sanding each one. Any advice appreciated, as im a bit of a novice!!!

We bought a house built in the 90s. It has varnised pine doors, skirting, stairs etc. Theres nothing wrong with the wood itself,but im not a fan of the yellow colouring. Could i stain it an oak colour? Has anyone tried this? I prefer wood colouring over paint colours. I guess this would be a cheaper option than replacing them all?