Painting a wooden porch

[Sprogginz]

I started to make a list for items needed to paint my porch when I realised I was going about it as if I was painting wood on the inside.

I don't recall painting anything (apart from using creosote) outdoors and now wondering if I need to prepare differently and use different paints?

Do I just use normal primer (I want to change an existing dark colour to white - see photo) and sand it down first as normal?

Also, which shade of white & finish should I use for the top coat to match it as close as possible to white uPVC windows?

Thanks very much and hope you can help.

Edit: I'm thinking the finish needs to be a matt (possibly eggshell?) finish since the uPVC windows have a flat /dull finish or am I wrong?

 

[joe-90]

Personally I think it would look better brown (Sadolin Teak Extra), but if you must make it match plastic windows (which I hate) then sand lightly and use two or three coats of Satinwood.