Painting, Staining or Oiling
How to Stain and Seal Your Skyfort, Ninja or SKM Kit for the First Time
To protect the timber on your Peppertown Skyfort, Ninja, SKM or Beachcomber, apply an exterior-grade wood primer and then use a high-quality exterior paint or water-based wood stain to create a protective barrier against moisture, UV rays, and mould. For added durability and a personalized touch, you can also apply multiple coats and consider creative finishes like chalkboard paint. Use fun, bright colours to make the cubby house stand out, or choose subdued tones to blend with your home and garden. TOP TIP – Ideally paint before assembling and then reapply every year (or when needed according to the paint manufacturer). This not only keeps your playset looking fresh, but it also helps protect the wood from moisture and UV damage, which can shorten its lifespan.
Looking for inspiration?
Check out our showroom models! Our outdoor Skyfort display features Intergrain UltraDeck Timber Stain in a Merbau tint. This easy to apply, water-based stain gives our Skyfort, Ninja, RedHead and Beachcomber forts a hardwood appearance and makes all the accessories “pop”. Adding this coating provides superior, long-lasting protection that penetrates the timber, forming a film that doesn’t peel, blister, or flake. This product is popular for fences, decks and playgrounds – so a versatile all-rounder! Alternatively, in our showroom we have used Exterior Pine Clear (EPC) – a penetrative oil finish that has no pigment but makes the natural grain features really pop on most of our ramps and timber accessories in the shop. Both these products, as well as a range of Australian grown and made Linseed Oils, are available instore at competitive pricing.
Wanting to paint a masterpiece?
Most of our customers swear by the combo of Dulux 1 Step Prep (water based) primer, sealer & undercoat and Dulux Weathershield (exterior) paint. Dulux is available Australia wide and has a massive range of colours within this line. Just chat to your local hardware (or paint) store for more details.
Re-painting or Re-staining – Step-by-Step Instructions
Re-staining, sealing or painting your swing set helps protect the wood from sun, rain, and general wear, keeping it safe, smooth, and looking great. Here’s how to stain a wood playset step by step:
- Clean the swing set: Use an outdoor wood cleaner or mild detergent to remove dirt, mildew, and buildup. Let it dry completely before moving on.
- Sand rough spots: Smooth out any splinters or weathered areas with sandpaper, especially in high-touch zones like handrails and ladder steps.
- Protect surrounding areas: Lay down a drop cloth to catch drips and protect grass or surfaces under the swing set.
- Priming (if applicable): Apply a high-quality primer to the timber to act as a base and/or sealant.
- Apply stain/sealant: Use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply a thin, even coat of your chosen stain, sealant, oil or paint. Follow the wood grain and avoid overapplying.
- Let it dry: Allow at least 24 hours for the sealant to fully dry before letting kids play.
Check instructions on your product for any tips to apply. - Maintenance: For continued protection and to preserve the wood’s strength, apply a second coat of paint or stain as needed.
When to Reseal:
Regular sealing keeps your playset protected and beautiful season after season. Plan to reseal your swing set every year, or anytime the wood looks dry, faded, or feels rough to the touch. Spring and early autumn are ideal times to refresh your outdoor swing set finish.
Need Help or Replacement Parts?
Need a replacement part or not sure which is the best sealant for your wood playset? Our team is here to help! Contact us for expert advice or browse our selection of timber coverings and hardware to find exactly what you need to keep your playset safe, sturdy, and ready for fun.