Those gates really do look good. We advise our customers that if they want a painted finish NOT to go for hardwood. The cost can easily double (if not treble) in price and there is no real advantage if instead using a slow grown softwood! In fact, density level of iroko (hardwood) and slow grown redwood pine is extremely close. Yes hardwood is dense but so is some softwoods. Also, the natural beauty of hardwood with a quality oil finish is stunning and seems a crime to paint - in our opinion!

Hi, It depends what you want to achieve. Do you want to make a feature of it.. Go Olive. Or do you want to blend it in and minimise its impact so as not draw attention to it? Regards, Gina

Hello Satkinso, I would say they are at the higher end of the paint market which I would use along with others such as Zoffany, Little Greene, Fired Earth etc etc that produce beautiful colours as they do finishes and I look for the best and unique. It could be perhaps poor execution on behalf of your decorator.. In the kindest possible way, but I have seen newly painted works from a previous clients decorator that was shockingly bad in terms of quality... I would be inclined to say it is this rather than the paint. I do though have a very good eye for snagging and I would suggest one more coat with a careful hand... See how you go to be sure before taking any other steps.. You also need a dry environment which makes for a good finish and best drying environment... If it's neither the application nor the paint, it could be the tools used... Paint roller or inferior bristle brush.. I like the softest brush for a superior finish and roller need to be very good quality and preferably shaggy looking I find works best.. : ))

I'd be temped to paint it white and either put a black cast iron insert in or line out the opening with brick (love the herringbone example shown below) and put a wood burner in. http://www.chesneys.co.uk/products/accessories/interior-panels/ches-brickherin