[Gymschu]

Paint lays on the surface, stain penetrates into the wood. For stain, you don't want to use a primer as it will impede the ability of the stain to penetrate. Either option you are suggesting is acceptable. Staining exterior pine is fine.........priming and painting is fine.......it's all a matter of the look you prefer. Stain is gonna give you a FLAT look, paint will give off a sheen from Satin to high gloss.

 

[Gymschu]

Thanks Ric, you explain it so much better........