Pine, do I need to paint it all?

Hey guys, I've built this pine frame which I'm going to be painting. (image at bottom) You can see the top edge where I have some pilot holes, that I'm going to be screwing an ash board onto (making it a step).


The ash board is not being painted.


My question is, should I be painting the top surface of the pine there, where the pilot holes are? Do I paint the entire surface of the pine, with no exceptions?
The alternative being I stick a bit of painters tape across that top of the "box" and paint everything else.

Asking the question because I've seen stories where a board has been finished on one side but not the other and cups or bows or what have you.. Noting in those scenarios it was generally a poly or something rather than paint. I haven't been able to find a clear answer to this question anywhere.

Any help is much appreciated!


https://i.redd.it/s4zueimpu1cb1.jpg

My suggestion would be to paint all surfaces if possible, more so if it is to be exposed to moisture or weather.

Thanks Handyjack, that'll probably be what I end up doing unless anyone suggests it to be unnecessary.

FWIW, it won't be exposed to much moisture, it will be indoors at all times, though it's for children so .. who knows.

Painting it would make it look really nice, but since it will be inside and not near moisture, I really don't think you would need to paint it in order for it to last. Still, it wouldn't hurt to paint it if for no other reason, just for a little added protection.