Finishing A Porch Swing 
Cypress can be easily painted or finished and holds paint longer than other wood. If you choose to paint this product, you should use an exterior oil-based primer (white or gray) followed by an exterior oil or latex paint of your choice.
For paints we like acrylic latex gloss. Acrylic paints are flexible; they allow the wood to expand and contract through temperature and seasonal changes without cracking. Oil-based finishes will become more brittle over time and crack as the wood moves. The paint should be suited for exterior use, and we prefer a gloss finish simply because it's easier to clean.
For stains, try to find out if the finish contains water, mildew, uv and insect protection (like a waterseal), or if the finish is merely a stain. Having the features of a waterseal is only to your advantage and will increase the life of the chair. It is important to mention that even if the stain contains uv inhibitors, the wood underneath the stain will turn gray over time, which will change the appearance of the chair. This often provides a unique appearance which many find appealing, and the graying of the wood underneath will not effect it's structural integrity if the wood is suited for outdoor use.
If you choose to have the product remain natural, you might apply a natural preservative (like Linseed Oil) annually or as needed. Note: Cypress is a dense wood and the drying process may take several days depending on humidity and temperature.
Small cracks called weather "checking" may appear in the wood. This is a natural process and will not affect the useful life of this product. Cypress has a natural preservative oil known as cypressene, which gives the wood natural resistance to insects and decay. With a suitable surface treatment, cypress wood offers has superior durability, holding paint well and resisting weather. Cypress is a beautiful, distinctive, and durable wood that assures years of trouble-free satisfaction and its uses reflect that.