Water-based stains are becoming more popular because they do not have any fumes and provide a richer color to the wood. However, they do give off an odor and fumes that many find offensive. Oil-based stains provide a thicker seal to the wood and are more durable in the elements. Both offer the protection the wood needs but have other properties that can make one more desirable than the other. Just like paint, wood stains and sealants come in a variety of water-based or oil-based options. While most people think moisture and precipitation are the main factor in damage to wood outside, sun can also be extremely harmful by fading and drying out wood components. Finding a sealant with UV protection is especially imperative if your playset does not get any shade from trees or surrounding buildings. You will be able to tell just by reading the label if a stain or sealant offers both. When picking one of these products it is important that they are not only waterproof but also offer UV protection. Most hardware stores sell both stain and sealant that are designed for outdoor use. The only time you will probably need a colored stain is if the swing set has not been maintained and you want to restore the original or natural color of the wood. However most of these stains are simply for color and do not seal the wood to keep out moisture or reduce fading. Most wooden swing sets come pre-stained so the wood already has a layer of protection on it. The first thing you need to do is decide if you actually need to stain the swing set or just seal the wood with a protective sealant. There are lots of brands and types to choose from and it can be overwhelming to know if you’re getting a quality product at the right price. Picking the right type of stain to use on you swing set is as daunting as it was to pick the swing set. But when it comes down to it nobody really addresses the things that you should avoid while staining or sealing wood that sits out in the sun and elements all day long.īelow you will find some advice from experienced experts about what NOT to do when staining and sealing your wooden swing set. When it comes to staining outdoor wood surfaces there is a lot of readily available advice about what you SHOULD do. This is especially important for swing sets since they are a place that also needs to be kept safe for your kids. Since wood is a natural substance it is inevitable that it will show some signs of wear and tear but there are things you can do to slow down this process such as staining, sealing and replacing pieces that are damaged. It can cause cracking, splitting, and even rotting if it is not properly cared for.Įverything from wood siding to fences, decks, patio furniture, and wooden swing sets all need a little attention and care if you want them to continue to look attractive and serve their purpose. Rain, snow, hail, and even harsh winds or high humidity can leave wood looking faded. Precipitation is no friend to most woods especially those that are untreated. Depending on what climate you live in anything that sits outside all day has to endure everything from extreme heat and sun to bitter cold and ice.
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