How to Paint a Swing Set: Complete Guide on Painting a Swing Set

Whether you’re trying to restore an old, weathered swing set or are attempting to bring your unique swing set vision to life from scratch, painting a swing set is a fun way to infuse personality into your backyard play area.

However, there’s a lot more that goes into swing set painting than initially meets the eye. From choosing what paint to use on swing set materials to picking the perfect swing set paint colors, understanding how to paint a swing set, and of course, keeping it pristine for years to come.

Don’t worry - we’ve put together this detailed guide to help you take the next steps. As your trusted source for all things play, you can count on us for not just swing sets and swing set accessories, but tips on making your outdoor play space uniquely yours!

First, is it even worth painting a swing set?

Is Swing Set Painting a Good Idea?

The appeal of swing set painting is obvious. The structure is a blank canvas ready to be infused with personality and charisma. Maybe you even bring the kids out to help and teach them valuable skills! However, painting a swing set is not without its challenges, too.

Pros of Painting a Swing Set

• Extend the Life of Your Swing Set: Paint provides a protective barrier against the elements. It guards against rust and corrosion for metal swing sets, while wooden sets benefit from added protection against moisture, UV rays, and pests.
• Revamp Its Appearance: The charm of swing sets fades with time. A fresh coat of paint can make it look brand new, or even better, with a color scheme that matches your backyard or your child’s personality. If you’re considering replacing the structure altogether because it’s past its prime, this is a more affordable, eco-friendly approach. 
• Customize to Your Style: Painting your swing set unlocks a world of possibilities. Go bold with bright primary colors for a classic playground look, or use soft pastels for a whimsical touch. You can even add designs like stripes, stencils, or glow-in-the-dark elements. Nothing is off-limits!
• Boost Safety Features: Brightly painted sections can improve visibility so kids can identify swing chains or climbing rungs more easily. Color-coded sections can act as helpful visual guides for younger children. We’ll share some swing set paint ideas for this later on.

Cons of Painting a Swing Set

• Time-Consuming Process: As you’ll learn in our guide on how to paint a swing set below, this isn’t a quick fix. Preparing the surface, applying multiple coats, and drying time can take several days, especially if the swing set is large or has intricate details.
• Regular Maintenance Required: Wear and tear are inevitable even if you apply the best paint for swing sets. Periodic touch-ups will be necessary to address chips, fading, or peeling to keep the swing set looking its best.
• Potential Safety Hazards: Painting can sometimes mask structural damage like rust or rot, making it difficult to spot these issues until it’s too late. This can be avoided by thoroughly inspecting and repairing the swing set beforehand.

• Cost Considerations: While less expensive than replacing the swing set, painting can still add up depending on the size of your structure. You’ll need high-quality, non-toxic paint, primer, brushes, and possibly a sealant for long-lasting results. We’ll talk more about what paint to use on swing set in a moment.
• Environmental Factors: Rain, high humidity, or extreme heat can interfere with paint adhesion and drying times, so you need to schedule outdoor painting projects carefully.

All things considered, we believe the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to swing set painting. It’s a fun, fulfilling way to breathe fresh life into an old, dated structure and make it your own - all while extending its life. 

What Paint to Use on Swing Set?

The first step in learning how to paint a swing set is realizing that not just any paint will suffice. The best paint for swing set will be dependent on the material of your structure and the weather conditions in your area. Here’s what you need to know about what paint to use on swing set.

Understanding the Needs of Different Swing Set Materials

The ideal paint for a metal vs wood swing set will be drastically different. The same is true of plastic and vinyl swing sets. 

For example, metal swing sets will need a rust-resistant enamel paint or epoxy-based paint to guard against corrosion and flaking. You might even want a paint with UV protection to prevent fading under the sun.

In contrast, an exterior-grade paint or wood stain designed for outdoor use is best for wooden swing sets. These are formulated to withstand moisture, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations. 

Make sure the paint has mildew-resistant properties to protect against rot and decay as well. Those trying to maintain a subtle, natural look will be best suited with a semi-transparent wood stain rather than an actual paint.

If you have a plastic swing set or play structure, we’ve seen the best results come from specialized spray paint for plastics. Go figure, right? These are specifically designed to adhere to smooth plastic surfaces without peeling.

But no matter what type of material you’re trying to paint, there are a few other characteristics you need to consider. Most importantly, it needs to be safe for the kiddos. 

Non-Toxic and Safe for Children

The last thing you want is the fun experience of painting a swing set to become something that exposes your little ones to harmful substances. 

The paint should obviously be lead-free, but it’s worth taking things a step further and paying a premium for low-VOC or zero-VOC options. These emit fewer volatile organic compounds so they’re inherently safer for playgrounds.

You can eliminate most of the uncertainty and stress just by choosing a paint labeled as “playground safe,” or “kid friendly.” Children's furniture paints tend to be a safe bet as well. Look for certifications like ASTM compliance.

Weather-Resistant Properties

Your swing set is constantly facing harsh conditions, be it rain and snow or scorching summer heat. These can degrade an unpainted swing set, and they’ll have a more pronounced impact on painted swing sets. So, make sure the paint you choose is weather-resistant:

• Waterproof Paints: Protect against rain and humidity, especially important in wooden structures as they’re more prone to swelling or warping.
• UV-Resistant Coatings: Prevent fading and chalking caused by prolonged sun exposure. This is particularly valuable for vibrant or dark colors as they’re more susceptible to fading.
• Temperature Tolerance: Choose paints that can handle extreme temperatures without cracking or peeling for longevity in both hot summers and cold winters.

We’ll talk more about this below, but a quality primer and sealant can make a big difference in the staying power of any swing set paint you choose. 

Ease of Application

Different types of paint for swing sets are applied in different ways, and this will determine how much work goes into the swing set painting process.

Take spray paints, for instance. These are fairly simple and straight forward, but paints that require a brush or roller application provide more control and flexibility in application. We recommend looking for quick-drying options to speed up the process and reduce downtime.

How to Paint a Swing Set: Step-by-Step Guide to Painting a Swing Set

Now let’s get into the fun part - how to paint a swing set. Once you’ve figured out what paint to use on swing set in general, you need to choose your color scheme.

Choosing the Right Swing Set Paint Colors 

There are no right or wrong answers for swing set paint colors. You can take this in so many different directions. It’s not just about what you think looks best, you should let the kids have some say in the decision as well. 

After all, the structure is their personal play area - allowing them to choose their swing set paint colors ensures they love the end result and actually spend more time outdoors playing!

Bold primary colors create a fun, classic playground vibe, while pastels or earth tones offer a more subtle look. Aesthetics aside, you can also use bright, contrasting colors for swing chains, ladder rungs, or edges to enhance visibility and safety as well.

Your climate may dictate the decision to some degree, though. For instance, darker shades will help keep the play structure cooler in the summer. 

If you’re still not sure what direction to take this, we’ll offer more painted swing set ideas after walking you through actually painting a swing set.

Cleaning and Sanding the Swing Set (If Necessary)

All swing sets need to be cleaned before you start painting, and depending on the material, sanding may be necessary as well. 

Remove rust, grease, and dirt from metal structures with a wire brush and soapy water. If you have one on hand, a pressure washer can help speed things up. 

As for wood, you’ll want to scrub the structure with a medium-bristle brush and a solution of water and mild detergent. Rinse it thoroughly and give it time to dry before doing anything else.

If your structure is relatively new then sanding may not be entirely necessary. However, it won’t hurt to use a medium-grit sandpaper to smooth rough patches and remove old paint from wooden structures. You might consider sanding metal surfaces for better adhesion too.

Applying a Primer 

Speaking of adhesion, primer sets the foundation for painted swing set ideas. It’s an essential step for creating an even base, guaranteeing a flawless finish in the end. Similar to what paint to use on swing set, picking the perfect primer is an important step as well. 

Metal structures need a rust-inhibiting primer specifically designed for metal surfaces. Meanwhile, wooden swing sets need a primer that seals the wood grain and resists moisture.

Once you have your primer you’ll apply it in thin coats using a brush, roller, or spray depending on the material in question. Give the primer ample time to fully dry before you start painting. 

Protecting Surroundings Before Painting

Chances are there are things in your yard you don’t want to paint as part of the swing set painting process - like fences, the home itself, plants, and other structures. 

It’s worth taking the time to cover all these things with tarps or plastic sheeting. If that’s not a viable option, you may want to learn how to move a swing set to another area in the yard where there is less risk. 

Think carefully about where to put swing set in yard to minimize paint drift if you’re using spray paint. Beyond what to put under swing set to prevent getting paint on the ground, you should also cover up swing chains, seats, and other components you don’t want painted with painter’s tape.

Best Practices for Applying the Paint

At this point you’re ready to learn how to paint a swing set. Always follow the specific instructions on your chosen paint, be it a bucket of liquid paint or a spray paint can. 

In general, though, you’ll find it most efficient and effective to use spray paint for smooth, even coverage on large surfaces or areas with minimal detail. Just know it can be tricky to control in tight spaces and may lead to overspray.

On the other hand, brushes are great for intricate details, edges, or corners where you need maximum control and precision. Brushes and rollers tend to work best on wooden swing sets since they do a better job getting paint into small crevices or grooves.

Apply thin, even coats for the best final result. Start with a light coat, working methodically from top to bottom. Give it time to dry completely, and then apply another coat. You might end up needing anywhere from 2-4 coats depending on how thick you put them down.

Whatever you do, don’t try to speed up the process by using too much paint. This can cause drips and uneven coverage.

Sealing the Paint 

At this point you might assume the hard work is done - close, but not quite. After the final coat is fully dried it’s time to seal it in place. This will protect the vibrant color for the long haul.

Again, choose the right sealant. A rust-resistant clear coat is best for metal, while a water-repelent sealant with UV protection is optimal for wood. Just as you did with the actual swing set painting process, use a brush/spray in thin, light layers.

Caring for a Painted Swing Set

There you have it, you know how to paint a swing set. Just remember that the structure will require ongoing care to keep it looking as good as the day it was painted. This involves:

• Regular Cleaning: Wash the swing set with mild soap and water every few months to remove dirt and debris.
• Inspect for Damage: Check for chips, peeling, or rust and touch up as needed to prevent further deterioration.
• Seasonal Care: Consider covering the swing set with a tarp to protect it from snow and ice in winter. You’ll also want to reapply sealant every 2-3 years for wooden sets for moisture resistance.

Other than that, you can let the kiddos enjoy their newly painted swing set to the fullest!

Painted Swing Set Ideas: Inspiration for Painting Your Swing Set

Still having trouble coming up with painted swing set ideas? Don’t sweat it. We’ve seen thousands of unique designs and have compiled some of our personal favorites below if you’re still looking for inspiration:

Forest Adventure: Use greens, browns, and tans to mimic a jungle or woodland scene. Add stenciled leaves, vines, or animal prints for a playful touch.

• Sky High Fun: Paint the swing set in light blue and white to create a sky-like backdrop. You can even stencil clouds or birds for an imaginative feel!
• Beach Vibes: Combine sandy beige with ocean blue for a seaside escape. Add starfish, seashells, or waves to bring the theme to life.
• Primary Color Palette: Bold reds, yellows, and blues bring out a timeless playground look that’s eye-catching and encourages active play.
• Rainbow Delight: Paint each swing, ladder rung, and slide in a different color for a striking rainbow effect. This is a great way to teach younger kids their colors!
• High-Contrast Fun: Pair black or white frames with neon-colored components to create a modern, edgy design.
• Castle Kingdom: Use gray tones for the frame to resemble castle walls and add flags or stenciled turrets for a royal playground fit for kings and queens.
• Superhero Headquarters: Paint the swing set in your child’s favorite superhero colors - think red and blue for a Spider-Man theme or black and yellow for Batman.
• Space Explorer: Create a galactic vibe with dark blue or black paired with silver accents. Add stenciled stars, rockets, and planets to complete the look.
• Glow-in-the-Dark Features: Add glow-in-the-dark paint to certain elements for an exciting nighttime play experience.
• Monochromatic Design: Stick to a single color family, such as all shades of blue, for a cohesive and calming look.
• Neutral Tones: Choose whites, grays, or beiges for a sleek design that blends seamlessly with your backyard landscaping.

We mean it when we say the possibilities are endless for painted swing set ideas. It can be as simple and subtle or as extravagant as you prefer. 

Our blog has more resources on swing set add on ideas, DIY tire swing, DIY swing set accessories, DIY swing set canopy, and more if you want to get really creative and enhance your swing set. At this point, though, it’s time we wrapped things up with a few parting thoughts.

Final Words on How to Paint a Swing Set

Hopefully this guide on how to paint a swing set has left you feeling clear, confident, and excited about your next steps. While the swing set painting process is far from quick and easy, it’s a rewarding way to make your structure your own.

Our blog has more tips on how to build a swing set for adults, hanging swing from tree, how to anchor a swing set, how to level a swing set, swing set swing spacing, what kind of rope for tree swing, the cost to build a swing set, baby swing age, swing set weight limits, and more.

But whether you’re looking for the best swing sets for older kids or the different types of swings to elevate the fun outdoors, remember that Swing Set Mall is your one-stop shop. 

We have everything from backyard swing sets to commercial swing sets along with all the different variations of swings for swing set to keep things exciting. That includes:

• Baby swing
• Glider swing
• Disc swing
• Net swing
• Tire swing

You can also add monkey bars into the mix, or attach a playground slide. The possibilities are endless. Rest assured you’re getting safe, long-lasting equipment and products thanks to our strict sourcing standards and our track record of excellence dating back to 1989.

With a 30-day money-back guarantee and the lowest prices online, what more could you ask for? Get started painting a swing set today, or see what’s in store for you at Swing Set Mall.