Outdoor playsets are a great way to keep your children occupied on those hot summer days. But the problem is, how do you choose between paint or stain?
You might have heard that it’s better to paint an outdoor playset because stains will fade over time or that you should always stain because paint chips and can look dirty depending on the color you chose.
I’ve asked some friends and family and also did a little digging to see what people all over are doing to their outdoor playsets and put it together right here…check it out.
Is It Better To Paint Or Stain An Outdoor Play Set?
In general, if your playset is mostly wood construction you should opt for an outdoor-rated stain. If your playset has metal features you can choose to use weather-resistant paint on those parts, but paint is more likely to chip and need touching up more often than stain.
Most people probably want something that will blend in with their home and landscaping so will likely choose to use a stain that matches the color pallet of their house or outdoor buildings.
Paints can add a splash of color and give a fun aesthetic for your kids, but can also get a bit out of hand and possibly violate HOA rules, so be sure to check on those before you slap the first coat on. Paint also has a tendency to chip off and will require touch-ups more often.
Stains are typically fade-resistant and protect the wood from weathering but you are more limited in color choice. While you can get stains that have hues such as reds, greens, and blues, most homeowners choose a natural wood tone.
A few homeowners have opted for the best of both worlds. The main structure of their playset will have a durable stain while certain accents will be painted fun and thematic colors to suit the tastes of their kids.
What Stain Should I Use On An Outdoor Play Set?
When choosing a stain for your outdoor playset you want to make sure that it is a high-quality, outdoor grade stain. Some brands to look into are Behr, Olympic, and Penofin.
Stains are typically formulated to protect the wood from UV rays which helps keep it weather-resistant longer through normal wear and tear that comes with kids playing on it or even just sun exposure over time.
Some stains will be labeled as water-based while others may have a VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) rating. Be sure to check this if you or your children may be sensitive to chemicals such as VOCs, but most stains that are meant for outdoor use will not contain harmful ingredients.
If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly option then opt instead for an eco-friendly stain like ECO Wood Stain from EcoSeal. It is made of organic and natural ingredients and is non-toxic so it’s safe for your kids.
Another thing to consider when choosing a stain is the time of day you want to apply it. Some stains should be applied in cooler temperatures such as early morning or evening while others can be done on warmer days if necessary…just make sure to follow all directions listed by the manufacturer.
What Paint Should I Use On An Outdoor Play Set?
In general, you will want to choose an outdoor, weather-resistant paint to apply to your outdoor playset. You will want paint that dries quickly and provide an even, thick coat.
Paint is easier to apply and can be a quick weekend project for you…just make sure the weather is cooperating. If not, you’ll have to wait until it’s dry enough outside before painting your playset.
Parks Paint from Rust-Oleum is one of many paints that has been specially formulated for outdoor playsets. It dries quickly and is fade resistant which will help keep your playset looking nice longer.
As with stains, paint manufacturers offer different VOC ratings on their products. Be sure to check the label for this information if you are not familiar with what types of chemical compounds may be in it and how harmful they might be…especially if children or pets could come in contact with it.
Keep in mind that paints are not stain-resistant and will need to be reapplied more frequently than stains which means you’ll have to work harder at keeping your playset looking nice if you choose this type of product. How often will really depend on where you live and the type of weather you get, but expect to repaint it every year or two.
Another thing to consider is the paint’s chipping and fading ability. Many paints will begin to fade or chip after a few years which means you may have to repaint it more often than stains that can last as long as needed without reapplying unless they become weather-beaten through rain, sun, etc…
Do I Need To Prime My Outdoor Play Set Before I Paint It?
Typically, before painting your outdoor playset you will want to prime it. Since paint doesn’t always stick to wood very well or gets absorbed, adding a base layer of a water-based primer will help your paint go on thicker, smoother, and in fewer coats.
Priming your playset can help it last longer. There are generally two types of primers:
- Water Based
- Oil Based
Water-Based – Water-based primers such as Zinsser 123 Special Shellac Primer is a good choice for many outdoor projects such as decks, fences, etc., because they will provide the best adhesion to the playset.
Oil-Based – Oil-based primers such as BIN and Bullseye (for oil-based paints) can also be effective, but may not adhere to the wood as well…especially if it is weathered or has been exposed to water for a long period of time.
Can I Use A Paint Sprayer On My Outdoor Play Set?
In general, using a sprayer to paint your outdoor playset can save you time. It is best to use an HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) type of sprayer rather than using the conventional method of air pressure since it can damage wood fibers, even if they are sealed properly.
HVLP sprayers are great for small projects like your outdoor playset because they do not require a lot of preparation, cleanup is quick and easy, but more importantly, they can provide an even coat without any brush marks which helps ensure the paint will last longer.
There are generally three types of HVLP Sprayers:
- Mini HVLP
- Stationary HVLP Sprayers
Mini HVLP – Mini sprayers, such as the Graco Magnum 2628027 TrueCoat ProXP Minijet Spray System can be used on smaller items like outdoor playsets. They are great if you’re looking to save time and money, but may not provide an even finish and will not be as efficient…resulting in more paint being used.
Stationary HVLP – Stationary sprayers such as the Graco TrueCoat Pro XF Sprayer can provide a higher quality finish, but require some setup time (30-60 min) to use properly. They get plugged into an electrical socket which draws air from the exterior so you’ll need to have an outdoor electrical outlet if your playset is not close enough to a wall.
The downside of stationary sprayers for painting your playset can be their size and weight, but they are perfect for larger projects like decks or fence panels that cannot easily be moved around.
If you anticipate doing more than one project like this, it may be worth purchasing stationary sprayers which can provide even coverage and save you money in the long run.
Deluxe HVLP Sprayers – These types of sprayers generally offer a variety of nozzles that allow you to adjust the paint flow for different size items like your playset or fence panels (for example, you may want to use a fine spray for your fence panel). They are also great if you’re looking to get into painting larger projects like decks.
With the variety of nozzles, they can provide even coverage and save money in the long run…similarly with stationary HVLP sprayers except they do not require any setup time.
They are best used when you want to spray in multiple directions or need a wider coverage than mini HVLP’s provide, but do not require the high-quality finish that stationary HVLP can achieve…making them ideal for painting outdoor playsets and other smaller items.
Can I Use A Paint Roller On My Outdoor Play Set?
In general, you can use a paint roller to help get into hard-to-reach spots on your backyard playset, especially if your playset has intricate designs. However, using a sprayer will save you time and provide the best results while being efficient with your money.
The downside of painting an outdoor playset with a roller is that it does not have good coverage so you’ll need to use more paint and apply more coats, which can increase the cost and amount of time to get the job done.
If you have a smaller playset, a good ‘ol paintbrush will likely be all that you need. It’ll let you control how much paint goes on each area and can reach into tight areas better than a roller or sprayer can.
Does Staining An Outdoor Play Set Protect It?
Staining an outdoor playset can help prevent wood fibers from chipping and splintering because it adds a protective. Even though the stain is fairly durable, you’ll still need to reapply stain every couple of years as part of routine maintenance.
When homeowners get the pressure washer out to give their house a good cleaning, they’ll usually also hit sheds, detached garages, and playsets.
When you paint an outdoor playset, the paint helps minimize potential damage to wood fibers while adding another layer of protection…but if the pressure washing damages these surfaces more than they already are (due to rain or other environmental factors), the paint may chip and leave your playset looking weathered.
Pressure washing will not cause as much damage to a stained playset as it would to an outdoor playset that is painted, but you’ll still need to reapply the stain every couple of years.
If you think about how much life your fence or deck will have when properly maintained…sometimes lasting decades…using stains becomes a no-brainer to get as long a life from your investment as possible.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to start with a clean surface and remove any rust or peeling paint before working on your outdoor playset.
This article…and me in all honesty…definitely lean towards using stain rather than paint, but really either will work at protecting the surface of your playset. Both have their pros and their cons…paint will chip but is more versatile in matching decor and the stain is durable but lacks flexibility in aesthetics. When in doubt, just try to match your home!