Late extract addition and larger boil

Just got into all this and am loving everything. I want to brew the AHS Belgian Wheat. I have two questions.

1. What is the benefit of doing late extract addition? When and how much should I add late?

2. I can't do a full boil yet, (hopefully I'll get a bigger brew kettle soon!) Should I stick to a 2 gallon boil or should I boil as much as I can? (I can fit about 4 gallons and still avoid a boil over)

I know these issues have probably been addresses hundreds of times, thanks for supporting the new guys!

1. Late addition of your malt extract will give you a lighter color for your finished beer. Add about 3/4 or 2/3 when you have about 15 minutes left in the boil.

2. Boil as much as possible I would say. Partial boils impose limits as to how well the hops can be utilized and possibly have other effects as well.

Great. Thank You. That definitely helps. I'm learning.

Here's an article I threw together several weeks ago if you want to learn more about late extract additions.

A larger boil is almost always better.

Cheers!
Brad

Just read the article. Thank You. Are there any types of beer that you would not want to do a late extract addition?

One more question.

Does anyone know any tricks for marking gallon increments on a glass carboy? (Again, I'm sure this has been discussed before but I can't seem to find a great answer!)

Try a paint pen or nail polish for marking the carboy.