My contractor is about to put up Cedar Shingles on our house after tearing off the stucco, and prior to putting them up needs to stain them. We had a smaller portion of existing shingles that were painted to match the stucco on the side of our house (which isn't too visible so we aren't bothering replacing it) and are now peeling, so of course I don't want the new ones painted (and we may replace the existing ones). We're doing grey - River Reflections probably or maybe Rockport Grey or something like that.

If he uses a solid stain (Arborcoat?) he would use a primer first. If he uses semi-solid he would probably not. I like the slight variation of color and the grain of wood that I see on some houses with shingles, and I'm not sure if they achieve that from a semi-solid stain, or if it is solid that is just wearing a little. I don't want a completely rustic or worn down look, but I don't want it to seem painted either. Which would folks recommend? I'm located in sunny southern CA.

Also, if I do go with the solid, will it wear down to a point that I could replace the color or if I choose later is it hard to replace later with semi-solid if I want some years down the line - I know it is impossible with the painted ones (without a ridiculous amount of work).