For stain we would have to remove the old stain. Why?

In the paint store they told us that the old stain has to be removed in order for the new stain penetrate the wood.

What paint store?

You would only need to remove the stain if you are using a semi-transparent stain. I'm sure that is what the paint store was talking about. You should never paint cedar siding. If you are going for the solid color look, then you want to use a solid color acrylic stain. It will appear like a paint when you are done but will be less likely to peel like a paint does. If your current siding is stained with a semi transparent, you will probably need to use an oil based primer though.

Thank you paint guy.

Please let us know what you ended up doing and how it turned out.

The BM store here suggested I strip the old semi-transparent stain and re-stain. Which I did. Note: you'll have to rinse a great deal and neutralize. Anyway, the new stain is coming off to the point of raw cedar showing. The BM store said to use Aura paint over everything. So I haven't done anything.

Hence, my request to hear about your results.

Canishel, we will have to wait until spring, since it is to cold at night for the paint or stain to cure. We are doing more research thought and will visit Paint store recommended to us. Will let you know what we find out.