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

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

I personally would not as it might 'peel', it might not, but better safe than sorry. Let the paint thoroughly dry and if it's the same base ie Acrylic, which is most likely these days, then sand and re-paint. If you do not wish to sand, or they are different bases, then wait for the paint to thoroughly dry and then use Zinsser 1-2-3 primer or even Zinsser Peel Stop to go over the gloss and then paint with the Matt.