This is a photo of the wooden sections of the Arbour , before it was painted & assembled. I made it in easy sections and then treated the wood first with Wood Preserver (Clear) and then used a proper Wood paint, available in different shades of colours. Two or Three coats were needed, as it soaks in, on unplaned wood. The Trellis sections were the most fiddly to paint. But the finished Arbour was well worth the time & effort.
Care must be taken when using the Wood Preserver, as it is harmful to Skin , so rubber gloves are best worn and keep well away from your eyes too. Best done in well ventilated areas too, due to fumes.