How to Paint Wood Swing Sets

Wooden swing set

Nowadays most swing sets are made of metal or plastic, but there are still a few wooden swing sets around. If you have a swing set made of wood, you'll probably want to make sure it will last for a few more years. The best way to take care of it is to paint it using acrylic or urethane exterior primer and paint. This will give your swing set a face lift as well as protect it from weather damage for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Sand paper or power sander
• Water hose or pressure washer
• Drop cloth and masking tape
• Primer (acrylic exterior)
• Brush
• Paint (urethane exterior)

Instructions

1. 

   Sand off paint chips and splinters.

   Sand off any old paint chips and wooden splinters on your wood swing set using sandpaper or a power sander.

2. 

   Rinse off paint or wood chips.

   Rinse off any remaining paint or wood shavings with a water hose or pressure washer and let the swing set dry.

3. 

   Spackle over any holes in the wood.

   Spackle over any holes with spackling paste and a putty knife, and let dry completely.

4. 

   Protect areas around the swing set with masking tape and drop cloths.

   Tape off any areas you don't want painted using masking tape. Cover the ground with drop cloths.

5. Prime the wooden swing set with primer and let it dry thoroughly.

6. 

   Paint swing set.

   Paint wooden swing set with exterior paint in the color of your choice.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint on a warm day to let sun dry your primer and paint.

References

• Ask the Builder: Urethane House Paint
• Bob Vila: House Paint Problems