We've been painting contractors in Portland for 25 years and have found PPC to be the best store around. From owner of Cascade Painting and Restoration.

We bought stain from Powell Paints for our fence. Despite hours on the internet researching all aspects of stain, what kind to get, when to put it on and so many other questions, Greg at the store gave us fabulous service, explaining the inconsistencies of what I had read and helping us choose the correct product for our application. Even though it may cost a little more up front, in the long run, it will cost less and save us work in the future as well. Don't put the stain on when the wood is too wet, or it won't absorb as well. Our wood is too wet, so we will being going back later to borrow the moisture meter to check if it is ready. He painted one of our boards with 4 different colors of stain so we could better picture what it would look like and make a more informed choice. There is no substitute for the excellent customer service you get at the family run stores. You can buy at big stores but you don't know the ins and out of the products and if they will work. From Ruth D.