Cedar wall shingles

I am putting cedar wall shingles in my gables.  I would like to leave them as natural as possible.  I've been warned about tannin bleeding.  I've been told to pre-treat them and then paint them.  What's the point of buying cedar if you are just going to paint it.  Is there a good transparent or semi-transparent stain that will help prevent tannin bleeding?  I'm in the greater Vancouver area (Canada).  Thank you for your time and help.