Painting Shutters

[DIYguy]

Hi, I just got some great cedar shutters for the front of my house and would like to paint them white. Problem is, I am just about completely fed up with the longevity (or lack thereof) of exterior painted surfaces here in NY.
What are my options? Is it ok to use a white penetrating primer (like Benjamin Moore underbody), and just leave it like that? Can bare primer be left exposed to weather? If so, will it last longer than a painted surface?
Or should I use several coats of a white stain in hopes it eventually achieves the look of a solid paint? Thanks!

[RTF]

Have you checked out Cabot stains?

[RTF]

Check out Cabot stains.

[dexter]

Particularly with cedar, I would definitely use stain, rather than paint, on all surfaces, top, bottom, sides, front, and back, before installing them, and Cabot is an excellent recommendation.

[DIYguy]

Thanks for the recommendation, I'll look at Cabot's to see what they have in the way of a white cover stain. Much appreciated!

[powerful]

Where is the best place to get a good deal on Cabot stains?

[designbuildnj]

It would seem to me that by applying several coats of stain would make this problem go away. If you apply the stain in heaviier coats I think the finished product would last longer.www.designbuildnj.com

[joecaption]

There is no place to get a "deal" on any Quaility stains. Cabets or Baur soild stains is all I use on outside wood any more. Then it faids not peels over time.