Hi there. Lots of snow, rain, ice and cold weather might be smothering the thoughts of tackling those exterior painting projects. But soon the air will clear, the temp will rise and before you know it home owners and contractors alike will be breaking out the paint buckets, ladders and brushes. So before the season creeps on you, start planning now. Over the years we have restored hundreds or decks, fences, wood sided homes and even sheds. One thing we know is that all exterior stains are not created equal. Here on Long Island, especially in Huntington Township where the air is humid and full of salt from the LI Sound, we know from experience that the most popular stains, especially the oil based products, grow black mold and mildew and break down under the hot summer sun. We have had very good results with acrylic based semitransparent and solid stains. However, the best solution for hard wood is a penetrating oil. But with the constant changes to the formulas that the popular manufacturers push down the channel, we are finding that these oils are not drying, stay tacky for a long time and certainly are not providing the protection or beauty that we as professionals want to have our name attached to. So, back in the fall of 2010 I ordered the sample kit from Armstrong Clark. I applied it to 5 cedar and mahogany samples and placed them in the worst exterior conditions I could muster up. My initial impression of the products is one of delight, optimism and trust that the products will deliver as stated. For now, think warm, go do some exterior estimates and by all means visit my site at www.certapro.com/dominickrocco to see why we are the trusted name in residential, commercial, interior and exterior painting services. From decks, fencing, garage floors, stucco, wood, vinyl or aluminum, we can help you. Be well.