Stand frame complete - paint it?

[Ratpack]

I have the frame for my stand completed, only thing left is the oak skin. My question is, should I paint the stand now before I skin? I assume it is needed since the raw wood may draw moisture. What should I paint it with?

[hng]

For my tank, I used one coat of Kilz primer and then three coats of exterior grade latex. I used the "glossy" paint to help make it easier to clean. You should caulk the seems after the primer coat, that will give you an essentially waterproof seal.

[YLChik]

I used the caulk on all my joints and screws - SOOOO glad I did! The glossy paint cleans up nice like hng said.

[Bender 2]

I did mine the same way as hng. silicone on the seams is a definate plus. It helps with those small to medium "accidents". It keeps the water in the stand until you can clean it up.