How to Stain and Seal a Wooden Playset: A Step-by-Step Guide
As a busy mom, there’s always something vying for your attention—soccer practices, homework help, endless meal prep! With so much going on, staining and sealing the wooden playset in the backyard probably fell to the bottom of the priority list. But taking the time to stain and seal your playset can make a huge difference in keeping it safe and looking beautiful for years to come. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to stain and seal a wooden playset step by step—so you can knock it off your to-do list and let your kids enjoy a refreshed, long-lasting play area!
Why Should You Stain and Seal a Wooden Playset?
Staining and sealing your wooden playset provides several key benefits:
✅ Protection from moisture and UV rays
✅ Prevention of rot, mold, and decay
✅ Enhanced color and wood grain
✅ Longer lifespan for your playset
✅ Smooth, splinter-free surfaces safe for kids
Regular maintenance, including staining and sealing, is the best way to keep your playset sturdy and safe.
What You’ll Need
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Before you start, gather the following materials:
- Exterior wood stain (with UV protection and water resistance)
- Clear exterior wood sealer (or a 2-in-1 stain-and-sealer product)
- Wood cleaner or mild soap
- Sandpaper (medium grit)
- Power washer or garden hose (We got by with this one for several years but recently upgraded to this one and we love it!)
- Drop cloths or tarps
- Paintbrushes, roller, or sprayer
- Gloves and protective eyewear
- Stir sticks or mixing tool
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Stain and Seal a Wooden Playset
1. Clean the Playset Thoroughly
Begin by removing dirt, mildew, and old finishes. Use a wood cleaner or a mix of mild soap and water. Scrub all surfaces with a soft brush, then rinse with a power washer or garden hose. Let the playset dry completely for 24–48 hours. Remove any hardware that you don’t want to get stain on.
Our playhouse had been pretty neglected for years. It was tucked away in a damp area under a bunch of trees, and was absolutely covered in lichen, dirt, and sticks. The roof, in particular, really needed some TLC. I took off some of the hardware, but I didn’t bother removing the more stubborn pieces. Then I grabbed our power washer and gave all the surfaces a good cleaning. If you’re using a pressure washer, just be careful not to hold it too close to the wood—it can gouge it if you’re not careful.
Honestly, it looked sooo much better after just being cleaned, but I wanted it to be protected too, so sealing was a must.
2. Sand Rough Areas
Inspect the playset for rough or splintered areas. Use medium-grit sandpaper to smooth them out. This will help the stain adhere properly and make the playset safer for kids.
Ours was in fairly good shape once cleaned. I didn’t have much to do here.
3. Protect Surrounding Areas
Lay down drop cloths or tarps to protect grass and other surfaces from spills or overspray.
I’ll be totally honest here: I didn’t worry too much about getting stain on the slides or trim. Our playset is pretty much just for us, and the kids couldn’t care less if there’s a bit of overspray. My main goal was to protect the wood so it would last. So, I didn’t spend much time covering everything up. I threw some garbage bags over the slides, steering wheel, and play kitchen, and called it good.
4. Choose the Right Stain and Sealer
- Separate products? Choose a high-quality exterior stain first, then apply a clear exterior wood sealer once it’s dry.
- 2-in-1 product? Save time by using a stain-and-sealer combo that protects and colors in one step.
I used a 2-in-1 product (Thompson’s WaterSeal in Natural Cedar) to save time. I was hoping I could get by with one gallon, but quickly realized I was going to need two, which resulted in another trip to the hardware store.
5. Apply the Stain
Using a brush, roller, or sprayer, apply an even coat of stain. Work in small sections, following the wood grain to avoid streaks. Let the stain dry fully, usually 4–6 hours or as directed by the manufacturer.
The stain I used needed the air and surface temperature to stay above 50° for 48 hours after application, and it also warned not to apply if rain was in the forecast within 24 hours. In my area, I had to do a bit of planning to make that work. Just make sure you read your product’s instructions ahead of time so you can plan around the weather.
I decided to use a garden sprayer to apply the stain. I bought one just for this project, filled it up with my stain/sealer, and sprayed it onto sections of the playhouse, then went over them with a brush to even it out and make sure everything got covered.
6. Apply the Sealer
If you’re using a separate sealer, apply it once the stain is completely dry. Use a brush or sprayer to cover all surfaces evenly. Let the sealer dry thoroughly, usually 24 hours, before kids play on it.
7. Clean Up and Let It Cure
Dispose of used rags carefully—they can be flammable. Once your playset is dry and sealed, reattach any hardware you removed and it’s ready for your kids to enjoy!
I did end up wiping off a bit of the overspray on the slides. Putting the hardware back on was a breeze with my drill. I also made sure to rinse the brush and thoroughly clean out the sprayer by running clean water through it so it’s ready to go for the next project.
Expert Tips for Best Results
- Choose the right weather: Mild, dry weather (50–80°F with low humidity) ensures the stain and sealer cure properly.
- Test first: Try the stain and sealer on a small, hidden area to test color and finish.
- Regular maintenance: Re-stain and seal every 2–3 years (or as recommended) to keep your playset protected and looking great.
Conclusion
Now you know how to stain and seal a wooden playset—even as a busy mom with a million other things to do! You can see in the final before and after that the trees greened up quite a bit in the time it took me to get this project done. A lot of that resulted from poor planning around the weather and needing to wait for a stretch of 50° days. Staining and sealing might seem like a chore, but it’s worth it for a safe, beautiful playset that will last for years. Have you tackled this project? Share your experience and tips in the comments below!
