Finish for basement stairs

[dick]

2 Questions please:

1. What's the best way to finish a set of pine stairs that provides basement access. Stairs are new and unfinished.

2. I just finished the bottom of my front porch with a new "Skirt" made from primed pine boards avaiable at the local box store. What's the best paint finish? Stain, latex or Oil Based?

Thanks!