What Do You Seal a Cedar Playset With?
- Materials. For this job, you will need a waterproofing stain in a clear or semi-transparent color. You want the natural...
- Preparations. Remove any peeling stains or paints from the playset with sandpaper if necessary. Spray the play structure...
- Application. Start this job late morning or early evening. It is best to stain the play...
Full Answer
How do you seal a cedar playset?
However, if you want to sustain the new look of cedar, seal the playset with a waterproofing stain. For this job, you will need a waterproofing stain in a clear or semi-transparent color. You want the natural look of cedar to show through, so choose a cedar semi-transparent color or a clear stain if possible.
What is the best wood sealer for Cedar?
NANO Penetrating Wood Sealer is among the best wood sealers for cedar. It comes with a waterproofing wood finish with very high rates of penetration into the wood. It’s high standards of penetration enable the protection of timber against damages by water as well as decay.
Can you paint a cedar play set?
If you are looking to paint your cedar play set, first clean the surface removing all the stains that might be on the surface. After cleaning, let your wood dry for about 3 days before applying this product. This product does not require a primer. It’s dark when applied first but gains its full color in 14 days.
Can You stain or seal cedar wood?
Apply the sealant or stain to clean, dry cedar. If the wood is wet when you apply the coating, it may not work well. Likewise, dirt or grime on the wood surface makes it impossible to get a good finish. Wash the wood first. Hand washing is better than using a power washer, which can cause damage. Let it dry completely before you start.
Can you seal a cedar playset?
If your wood playground equipment is fading from the sun, weather, or use, opt for a stain to hide the age and wear. If it's a fairly new set, you can stick with sealant instead. You can buy either one at your local hardware store.
How do you preserve a cedar swing set?
Stain and Seal the Wood If they are not pre-sealed it is recommended that you seal the wood within 60-90 days after construction. A waterproof sealant will prolong the life of your swing set by limiting the moisture that can seep into the wood and protecting it from UV rays as well.
What sealant is best for cedar?
Cedar accepts most finishes well, including penetrating oils, such as tung oil and linseed oil. Penetrating oils are especially effective for sealing the grain while leaving the wood looking raw and natural.
How do you seal an outdoor playset?
How to Stain or Seal a Swing SetTo avoid any mishaps, remove everything but the wood! ... Clean the swing set. ... After cleaning, allow the swing set 24 hours to dry.Inspect the swing set and look for rough spots or places where the grain is lifting. ... Apply stain or sealer.More items...
How long do cedar playsets last?
20 yearsSince cedar is not preserved, it will need to be cleaned and stained or painted periodically. With careful maintenance, untreated cedar should last up to 20 years – but without proper maintenance, it won't last even close to that long. Cedar is the least expensive alternative for wooden playsets.
How do I protect my outdoor playhouse?
Placing a cover over the structure would contain the moisture causing the wood to then become more susceptible to mold and rot. We would recommend placing a water sealant on the playset on a yearly basis to protect it from weathering.
Does cedar need to be waterproofed?
Cedar typically needs to be retreated every two years, but this can be extended with multiple waterproofing coats. For maximum lifetime, apply as many coats of waterproofing as the cedar will absorb.
How do you seal outdoor cedarwood?
The best clear Cedar finish stain for outdoors is Linseed oil, hands down. Linseed oil is the primary ingredient in any oil finishes, which dries clear. You can find other clear water-based stains, but will not last nearly as long as a Linseed oil based stain will.
Can you seal cedar with polyurethane?
Cedar wood, like other fine woods, can and should be coated with polyurethane for protection. Polyurethane will keep dirt, dust, and oil from getting onto the cedar which would dull and damage the color.
Should you seal your playset?
Question: Do I need to seal my wooden playset? Answer: Regardless of which brand, model, and size, wooden swing sets require some maintenance in order to keep them looking great and working safely and efficiently. It is for this reason that we highly recommend swing set owners seal their wooden playsets once a year.
Is it better to paint or stain a swing set?
Anytime you have an outdoor wooden playset, deck or furniture you must protect it. Either staining or painting the wood will provide protection, however, we recommend staining. Stain contains UV stabilizers which help protect the wood from the bleaching effects of the sun as well as mold inhibitors.
Can you use Thompson's water Seal on wood?
Can Water Seal be used on wood? Applying Water Seal will not damage wood, but the level of waterproofing protection will vary depending on the type of wood being treated. For best results, we would recommend a dedicated preserver to protect exterior timber from rot.
How do you treat a cedar swing?
1:434:02Weatherproofing Exterior Swings with Olympic Stains and SealantsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou simply wash it away with lots of water. You don't have to use a pressure washer and in fact I'mMoreYou simply wash it away with lots of water. You don't have to use a pressure washer and in fact I'm not pressure washing this wood here and simply spraying it off you can use a normal garden hose.
How do you clean a cedar playset?
Scrubbing the playset with a gentle soap and a soft-bristled scrub brush is a convenient and easy way to clean a playset yearly. It doesn't require any fancy equipment, just a good amount of elbow grease. Most of the items you need to clean your playset, you probably already have sitting around your home.
Can you stain cedar playset?
Choose a Color Staining natural wood is simple. You can just apply the stain without coverage worries. The color will come out pretty much as expected, but we suggest finding an inconspicuous corner of the playset to apply the stain first, just to make sure you like the color you've chosen.
What is the best wood sealer on the market?
According to them, these are the nine most effective wood sealers:Thompson's Water Seal. ... Rainguard Premium Wood Sealer. ... DEFY Crystal Clear Sealer. ... Anchorseal 2. ... Roxil Wood Protection Cream. ... Eco-Advance Exterior Wood Waterproofer. ... Ready Seal Stain and Sealer for Wood. ... Pure Tung Oil Natural Wood Sealer.
What do you need to seal wood?
For sealing the wood you will only need 2 items which are. The sealer. A brush or roller. You can apply the sealer with both the brush and the roller, pick the one that seems more convenient to you. When you are applying the sealer make sure to coat the entire surface evenly.
Why is cedar wood gray?
The natural look of cedar will be gone in months, it will turn gray and will look bad if you don’t provide protection from the sunlight. The UV-ray is what causes the damage.
Can you use primer as a sealer?
Not any sealer, you will have to pick a sealer that contains primer ingredients as well. If you don’t find a sealer with primer, then you better pick a primer and apply that.
Can you seal wood if it's dirty?
And then brush off all the dirt, grime, mold from the wood. You cannot seal the wood unless that is properly cleaned. Remember, do not use a pressure washer in any case, it will damage the wood.
Does cedar oil bleed?
Unlike most wood, cedar comes with natural oils which will start to bleed through the paint if not sealed properly. The oil can bleed easily through latex and oil paints. Not only that, it will make dark spots on the wood which are enough to turn the most beautiful wood into an awful one.
Is it easy to seal wood?
Sealing any wood is actually a very easy task, apart from the cleaning and sanding phrase . Rolling or brushing the sealer over the wood feels very satisfying as well. However, make sure to invest in the right sealer, a sealer that will provide protection to the wood for longer periods.
When applying sealer, do you make sure to coat the entire surface evenly?
When you are applying the sealer make sure to coat the entire surface evenly. And pay more attention to the edges, joints, board ends , etc. they are more exposed to moisture.
What is the best way to clean cedar wood?
When retaining cedar's aromatic qualities isn't a priority in interior woodwork, a seal coat makes the wood easier to clean. When a hard glossy surface is desired on a tabletop or window ledge, a seal coat of thinned varnish or lacquer sanding sealer makes cedar easier to smooth in preparation for one or two top coats of varnish or lacquer.
How long does cedar last?
Because of its rot-resistance and stability, cedar used for outdoor projects, such as furniture, fences, siding and play structures, lasts for years without any finish. But in direct sunlight, cedar retains its natural color for only a few months.
Is cedar wood safe for outdoor use?
Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay, so a protective finish is optional. If you want to enjoy the aroma of varieties such as Western Red Cedar and incense cedar, leave the wood unsealed. If you're using cedar for an outdoor project, give it a light seal coat to guard against moisture and sunlight.
Can you use a power washer to apply sealant?
Hand washing is better than using a power washer, which can cause damage. Let it dry completely before you start. You can apply your sealant with a brush or roller. Smaller areas call for a brush, so you can get into all the grooves to get an even coat.
Is cedar wood a good building material?
Cedar is naturally resistant to rot, but that isn't its only benefit as a building material. It's lightweight, yet harder than most other softwoods, including fir and pine. It's structurally more stable than most wood species, which means that cedar is less likely to crack and split.
Can you refresh cedar?
You can refresh it as needed to maintain the natural colors. If weather resistance is your main concern and you aren't concerned about color, use a water-sealing finish. Most of these products contain paraffin that forms a light coating inside the grain and sheds water. Apply the sealant or stain to clean, dry cedar.
Can you paint cedar wood?
Cedar accepts paint, but more than any other wood except pine, it needs a coat of primer before you paint it. The natural oils in cedar can bleed through latex and oil paints and produce dark areas around knots and oil-rich sap lines. To prevent this, use a high-solid primer before you paint it.
How long does it take to dry cedar playset before painting?
After cleaning, let your wood dry for about 3 days before applying this product.
What is the best wood sealer for cedar?
NANO Penetrating Wood Sealer is among the best wood sealers for cedar. It comes with a waterproofing wood finish with very high rates of penetration into the wood. It’s high standards of penetration enable the protection of timber against damages by water as well as decay.
How long does Thompson's water seal stain last?
It has acrylic polymers which are responsible for significantly improving the resistance to marring and scuffing. With just a single coat of this product, you can cover and protect your wood for about 4 years on decks and up to 6 years on fences. Use a paintbrush, sprayer or roller in the application of this formula. Thompson’s TH.042851-16 Waterseal Waterproofing Stain has an impressive area of coverage of up to 150-400 square feet per gallon.
What is Ready Seal 525?
Ready Seal 525 Wood Stain and Sealer is an oil-based sealer with a semi-transparent. This formula helps improve the natural look of cedar swing sets by offering excellent visibility to its texture as well as it’s grains.
Is there a sealer for cedar?
It’s an effective exterior wood sealer for cedar. This product is oil-based with deep penetration into the wood to give a smooth sealing. While testing this formula, we noticed that it dried into an odorless finish. Besides, the finish was not tacky whatsoever. This product helped enhance the natural beauty of the wood by allowing its grain to show.
Can you seal cedar wood?
Each time that you are looking to seal your cedar made wooden structures, it’s always vital that you get it right, especially with the best wood sealers for cedar wood types. We’ve seen instances where people just buy products without conducting proper research and end up with the wrong formulas.
Can cedar be left untreated?
This wood type can resist wearing for a very long time. However, it will likely age faster if left untreated. You need to get the best wood sealers for cedar in a bid to prolong the life of your wood structure created using cedar.
How to hide age of playground equipment?
If your wood playground equipment is fading from the sun, weather, or use, opt for a stain to hide the age and wear. If it’s a fairly new set, you can stick with sealant instead. You can buy either one at your local hardware store.
How long does sealant dry?
Let the sealant dry for 24 hours.
What is the difference between stain and sealant?
First, a word on the difference between sealant and stain. Sealant is a clear coating that creates a barrier around your wooden play set, protecting it from weather and water damage. Stain does the same thing, but it comes in various shades, giving your backyard jungle gym a nice color to it.
Do you need to seal a wooden swing set?
Wooden swing sets are a kids’ dream come true, and if you want to keep it from becoming a nightmare, parents would do well to use a quality sealant periodically. Read through this fast guide to using sealants for easy outdoor swing set maintenance that you can do on your own.
Can you spray sealant on a swing set?
Applying sealant is an easy one-person job, and especially with a sprayer, it doesn’t have to take a long time. Keep your swing set safe, strong, and looking smart for years to come with a quick layer of sealant.
Can you remove a swing set that isn't wood?
Remove everything that isn’t wood. This includes slides, swings, and any other accessories that aren’t really secured down. It is a lot easier to take a few minutes to unscrew swing set accessories than it will be to clean off the sealant splatters if you don’t remove these items!
How long does water sealant last on wooden play sets?
A good water sealant will keep your wooden play set in good shape for many years.
How to treat swing set?
How to Treat your Swing Set – To Stain or Not to Stain. Staining your wooden play set. When it comes to staining your new wooden play set, there are plenty of variables to consider: weather patterns, appearance, wood quality, and regular maintenance. Kid’s Creations wooden play sets come with a factory stain.
How to keep redwood from losing color?
Let’s say you like the look of the natural wood and want to keep it that way? If left untreated, even redwood will lose its color eventually. Use an oil based stain to keep your wood closer to its natural color for a longer time.
Do kids creations come with a stain?
Kid’s Creations wooden play sets come with a factory stain.
Do you need to seal redwood?
If you live in a climate that has regular snow or rainy seasons, you’ll need to do more work than someone who lives in a year-round sunny climate. Even if you have the highest grade redwood, you may want to do some sort of sealant or staining on wood that will be sitting in heavy weather elements for months at a time.
How long should I let a wooden playset dry before staining?
I suggest that you let it dry for at least 24 hours before you move onto applying the stain and sealant.
How long does it take for a wooden playset to dry?
And make sure you give it at least 24-48 hours to dry before the kids start playing on it again. If you take the time to maintain your wooden playset, you should have a long-lasting source of fun for your kids (and maybe grandkids).
How often should I oil a wooden playset?
If there are signs of excessive wear, remove the rope, cable or chain and replace. Repeat this check at least once a month during the season that your kids are using the wooden playset. I would also suggest that you oil any metallic moving parts during your annual inspection and again every month during the season.
How long does it take for a swingset to dry?
When in doubt, use the same kind of product you would use on a deck. And make sure you give it at least 24-48 hours to dry before the kids start playing on it again.
Do you need to relevel a set?
It is worth checking that your set is still is a level position. If it has moved since your last check, you need to relevel it.
Do wooden playsets need care?
It certainly is colorful and looks appealing! However, even the best wooden playset will start to lose its brightness and vitality without maintenance. Just like your house, deck and other wooden structures, a wooden playset needs tender loving care to keep it at its best.
How long does it take for a wooden play structure to seal?
If they are not pre-sealed it is recommended that you seal the wood within 60-90 days after construction.
How to keep bugs out of swing set?
One way to keep bugs away is to use a cotton ball to apply liquid dish soap to the edges of the roof lines and inside corners of clubhouses.
What is the best way to protect a swing set from UV rays?
A waterproof sealant will prolong the life of your swing set by limiting the moisture that can seep into the wood and protecting it from UV rays as well. Some companies, like Gorilla Playsets, sell a commercial grade playground sealant that will provide a protective layer against moisture, mold, mildew, and sun.
Why do you need to clean a swing set?
Regular cleaning of your swing set will help prevent stains in the wood or rotting due to wet wood. It also keeps your playset looking nicer and will hopefully allow you to avoid having to stain it as often. Many brands recommend that you clean the playset before re-staining it to remove any dirt and debris.
What is the best type of swing set?
Wood is one of the most popular choices for outdoor swing sets. While wooden swing sets are attractive and durable, they are also generally more expensive. If you’ve chosen to invest in a wooden swing set, you will want to do everything you can to make it last for as long as possible. Most wood play set manufacturers include a recommended ...
How long does a wooden swing last?
Not only will it keep you and your children safe while they play, but it will allow the wood and all other accessories to last for many years without cracking or other damage.
Can you stain a swing set?
When putting stain on the swing set be careful not to get it on plastic or rubber components as it can permanently leave stain marks on them. You should also begin staining from the top down so if the stain drips you can blend it in to the wood as you go.
