Ideas on Repainting a Metal Swing Set

Galvanized Steel

• Duplex systems are effective at protecting galvanized steel against corrosion, but you will have to take some careful surface preparation steps before painting your swing set to prevent any coating errors. Galvanized steel has a zinc coating which protects against rust, but this coating must be cleaned and roughened so that paint will adhere to it. Clean steel with soapy water and wash with a 50/50 ammonia and water solution to prepare the zinc for painting. Sand the entire surface with sandpaper and wipe down with a tack cloth to pick up any sanding dust. Spray with a metal primer before painting with a metal paint.

Light Colors

• Swing sets must endure hours of scorching sun; a dark-colored swing set will absorb much of the sun's heat, making the metal swing set hot to the touch. Painting your swing set a light color will help to keep the swing set cooler and prevent children from getting burned when they play on the swing set. A lighter color will still get hot, so be sure to test the swing set yourself each time before letting your children play.

Personalize It

• After painting the swing set the desired color, you can personalize the swing set to your children's interests. You can paint different designs on character on the swing set. For a less permanent option for changing tastes, try buying sticker decals from your local craft store. These peel-and-stick stickers will peel right off if you decide you don't like them. If you know you want to keep them on the swing set, paint a thin layer of clear coat over stickers to protect them from the weather. A great substitute would be to affix bumper stickers to the metal swing set.