Primers
Western Red Cedar contains water-soluble extractives that are responsible for its attractive color, exceptional stability and natural decay resistance. However, these extractives may discolor latex paints and solid-color stains unless a primer coat is used that is specifically formulated to help control extractive bleeding. These stain-blocking primers are available in alkyd-oil and water-based formulations. Alkydoil based primers usually offer the best shield against discoloration by water-soluble extractives.

The label on the container should indicate that the coating is recommended for use as stain blocking primer for Western Red Cedar.  

Paint
Paint provides the most surface protection against weathering and wetting by water, while providing color and concealment of some of the wood's characteristics. Although paint can reduce wood's absorption of water, paint itself is not a preservative. Paints of all types such as: water-based paints, acrylic (latex), acrylic enamel and solvent based paints (alkyd and oil-modified) are suitable for Western Red Cedar. However, test results show that good quality latex paint maintains its mechanical adhesion through dimensional changes of the wood during wet and dry moisture cycles. For this reason, finishes with high elasticity generally maintain adhesion better than brittle finishes during extended periods of exposure to outdoor weathering.

These are opaque finishes with fewer volume solids than paint. Like paints, solid-color stains protect Western Red Cedar against ultraviolet light degradation and moisture. They are available in a wide spectrum of hues which obscure the wood's true color but allow some of the cedar's natural characteristics and texture to remain. These finishes are non-penetrating and, like paints, form a film. A stain-blocking primer should be applied first, before applying the solid color stain. Solid color stains are available as latex or oil based formulations. Solid-color stains have been developed that reveal the wood's grain. These are known as semi-solid stains and their effect on the appearance of wood lies between those of solid color and semitransparent stains.