With proper protection, the deterioration can be prevented or at least slowed and a product’s lifespan can be prolonged. Long-term protection is achieved through a correct renovation sequence: detailed substrate preparation, the right choice of coating system and appropriate tools.

Before starting the renovation or refresh, check if the playset is safe to use and replace certain parts if necessary. If you don't know how to do this, ask experts for advice.

Pick a period of dry days for painting, with no rain or fog, as high air humidity can have a negative impact on the drying of the coating. We recommend that you start painting when the elements are completely dry and warmed up to the ambient temperature.

How to deal with metal constructions?

It is necessary to prepare the surface prior to painting: start with removing grease, resin residue and other impurities using TESSAROL NITRO THINNER which degreases metal surfaces. Then deal with the mechanical removal of rust and remains of old paint. We recommend sandpaper with a grit size between 150 and 200. Undamaged coatings which only need refreshing should just be cleaned and lightly sanded.

While preparing metal parts, take great care to completely remove rust and old, poorly adhering paint. If the rust is removed with acid-based chemical agents (phosphoric), the surface must be thoroughly rinsed with a large amount of water and dried, because if solvent-based paint is used, acid residues prevent the paint from drying.

Before applying the chosen paint, protect the metal construction with an anti-corrosion primer: TESSAROL ACRYLIC PRIMER UNI or TESSAROL PRIMER UNI, which prevent rusting and improve adhesion between the substrate and the topcoat. Both products do basically the same job, the main difference is that the first is water-based, while the second is solvent-based. For more on the comparison between water-based and solvent-based coatings. see this video. We recommend applying one to two coats of primer – depending on the wear of the substrate, which prevents the surface from rusting and improves the adhesion of finishing coats. Apply the paints with a brush or roller.

Speaking of tools for coating, it is also important to know whether to use water-based or solvent-based paints for the entire painting process. If you choose a water-based paint, you need to use a brush and a roller made of synthetic fibres, while for solvent-based paints you will need tools made of natural fibres.

Once the protected surface is completely dry, you can start applying the finishing paint or enamel: TESSAROL ACRYLIC ENAMEL, TESSAROL ENAMEL or TESSAROL PRO PROTECT, which give the surface a decorative effect. We recommend two applications of the finishing coat. Make sure to continue using a coating that is based on the same base as the primer. You can choose between already prepared standard shades, and any shade you like can be mixed at all major outlets which have the HGMIX mixing system.

Enamels protect the metal against the effects of the weather. For external use, we recommend the use of gloss coatings, which are more resistant to atmospheric effects and need to be renovated less often.

If you want to make the whole process shorter, you can also choose TESSAROL DIRECT 3in1, which is used as a stand-alone coating for the protection and decoration of iron and steel surfaces. Using a primer is not necessary in this case, it should be used only for surfaces with a lot of rust.

Maybe your playset is made of other coloured metals with worse paint adhesion.In this case, before applying the finishing coat, use TESSAROL ACRYLIC PRIMER UNI or TESSAROL PRIMER UNI, which provide good adhesion even on these difficult surfaces. If you are still not certain, you can consult the professional staff in specialist shops.

For more advice and common mistakes when protecting metal surfaces, read this article: Even metal has a limited lifespan – let’s make sure it’s properly protected.

What if the swing and jungle gym are made of wood? 

Of course, let's not forget about the renovation of the wooden parts of the playset. Wood is also not spared, as temperature changes and humidity cause the material to stretch and shrink, and a chemical reaction caused by UV rays causes the wood to turn grey, dry and rough. It can be attacked by wood insects and various micro-organisms, so it is important to protect it well to prolong its lifespan and preserve its shine.

Much like with metal, the first step is to prepare the substrate. Remove old and poorly adhering paint from the surface mechanically or by using solvents, then remove grease and various impurities with TESSAROL NITRO THINNER. Sand all uneven and rough surfaces with sandpaper with a grit size between 150 and 200. If necessary, fill any cracks in the wood with TESSAROL ACRYLIC PUTTY FOR WOOD, which should be applied before applying the primer.

Because the playset is located outdoors, it should first be protected against biological effects with an impregnation agent: BORI AQUA IMPREGNATION WITH BIOCIDES (water-based) and BORI IMPREGNATION WITH BIOCIDE W (solvent-based). Then coat the wood with a primer which offers sufficient protection against weathering. Primers and finishing coats are divided into topcoats and woodstains.

Topcoats protect and decorate wood as well as perfectly cover its texture. They are easy to use, dry quickly and are very durable. 

If you choose a topcoat, first protect the wood with a primer. Here you can choose between TESSAROL ACRYLIC PRIMER FOR WOOD (water-based) and TESSAROL PRIMER FOR WOOD (solvent-based). Much like with painting metal, you must adhere to some basic rules when choosing painting tools and products based on their base - solvent-based or water-based coatings. Finish with the TESSAROL ACRYLIC ENAMEL or TESSAROL ENAMEL topcoat, available in several standard, already prepared shades, while any shade you like can be mixed at all outlets which have the HGMIX mixing system.

Woodstains are transparent coatings which form a thin, transparent elastic film on the surface. Transparent micro-pigments penetrate into the wood alongside the binder, and protect it against the elements, while emphasizing its natural texture. For the protection of wooden parts in sun-exposed areas, we recommend colour shades of medium intensity, as the durability of the coating and the protection of the playset will last longer. Colourless coatings are not suitable for exterior use, as they do not provide sufficient UV protection, causing the wood to turn grey more quickly. The exception is the colourless BORI HIGH-LAYER WOODSTAIN UV EXTRA, which contains special UV filters, but should not be applied to a dark substrate as it gives a milky appearance to the surface.

There are many products to choose from and the choice depends mainly on the type of wood, the exposure to moisture and sun and the desired colour shade. The basic two are BORI WOODSTAIN (water-based) and BORI HIGH-LAYER WOODSTAIN (solvent-based). Here, you should pay attention to which impregnation coating you choose; do not mix water-based coatings and woodstains with those that are solvent-based.

For more advice and common mistakes when protecting wood, read this article: Why should wood be protected and how to do it correctly.

When you have finished painting, immediately clean the brushes and rollers and any stains on the floor and other elements. This can be done with TESSAROL THINNER, or water in the case of water-based paints. Be careful not to mix up TESSAROL THINNER with TESSAROL NITRO THINNER, which is designed for degreasing rather than thinning.

One more day and the children will be able to use their playset again and let their imagination run wild.