Are you the person in charge of putting up a brand new playground, or refurbishing an old one? This is the article for you. Hiring a professional playground painting service is the best way to get vibrant new colours on your equipment while avoiding costly mistakes.
At APT Spray Painting, we have worked with the Brisbane Council to complete several public installations, from art pieces to permanent structures. Our paint systems can protect your playground from rust and corrosion while also being durable enough to endure kids touching it for years!
Why Professionally Spray Paint Playground Equipment?
If you want your playground equipment to look bright and new again, spray painting is a great option. But this is definitely a job for the professionals. Here are a few reasons why:
Professionals have the proper equipment and safety gear to get the job done right. Spray painting releases fumes and requires respirators, eye protection and protective clothing. We also have commercial sprayers designed for large projects like playgrounds.
Professionals are trained and experienced. We know how to properly clean, sand, prime and coat the equipment to get an even, durable finish. We are also familiar with the specific types of paint suited for high-traffic equipment exposed to the elements. Using the wrong kind of paint will just mean the new colour washes or chips away quickly.
Professionals can add extra protection. In addition to a fresh coat of paint, we can apply a clear topcoat sealant to help prevent stains and make the surface more scratch resistant. We can also repair any rust or damage to ensure your equipment is safe and like new before painting.
Professionally spray painted playground equipment will last longer and look better, providing years of enjoyment for the children and peace of mind for parents and caretakers.
Types of Playground Paint: Epoxy vs Polyurethane
When it comes to painting playground equipment, you have two main options: epoxy paint or polyurethane paint. Both offer durability and weather resistance, but there are some key differences to consider.
Epoxy paint is a two-part coating consisting of a resin and a hardener. When mixed together, they create a durable, chemical-resistant finish. Epoxy paint is a great choice for high-traffic, high-impact areas like slides and railings. However, it has strong fumes and takes longer to dry. Since we utilise a booth to complete our spray jobs, that’s no issue for us since the project is in a controlled environment the entire time.
Polyurethane paint is a single-component, water-based acrylic paint. It’s easy to apply, dries quickly, and has low VOCs, so it’s more eco-friendly and user-friendly. Polyurethane paint works well for swings, climbers, and other equipment where durability is less critical. However, it’s not quite as resistant to scratches, stains and chemicals as epoxy paint.
In the end, for a professional, long-lasting finish and to ensure safety standards are met, your best option is to hire a professional playground painting contractor. They have the proper training, equipment and experience to do the job right.
Important Considerations for Playground Painting
When it comes to playground equipment, picking the right paint is extremely important. There are a few options to consider, each with pros and cons to weigh before making your final decision.
Spray Paint vs. Brush-On Paint
For large playground structures, spray paint is really your only viable option. It allows for quick, even coverage over the entire structure. Brush-on paint would require far too much time and labour. Spray paint also typically provides better adhesion and durability.
Colours and Finishes
Choose bright, primary colours that appeal to children, such as red, blue, yellow and green. Matte or satin finishes are good for playground equipment. Glossy finishes can become slippery, especially when wet. Consider using contrasting colours for different structures to help with depth perception. And be sure to use light, reflective colours that will not absorb and retain heat on hot summer days.
At APT Spray Painting, we can colour-match anything. If you have a paint colour scheme in mind, just let us know and we can match it exactly.
Painting playground equipment makes it last longer
Painting playground equipment like swings, slides, and climbing structures helps protect them from weather damage and extends their lifespan. Without a protective coat of paint, metal and wood surfaces can start to deteriorate within a few years of exposure to harsh elements like UV radiation, rain, snow and temperature extremes.
Professional painters have the proper equipment, training and experience to do the job right. They can thoroughly clean and prepare the equipment, then apply 2-3 coats of primer followed by 2 coats of paint formulated specifically for playgrounds. This ensures an even, durable coating that will last for many years.
