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A playhouse doesn’t stay the same forever. As your kids grow, their tastes change, and a fresh coat of paint is an easy way to keep up. In this guide, we’ll show you how to strip off the old coat and give the structure a smooth new finish.
How to Repaint a Wooden Playhouse
(Customer’s Image: BillyOh Gingerbread Max Playhouse)
Remove the old paint
Removing the old paint is only necessary if it’s peeling or cracked, or if you’re switching from a very dark colour to a much lighter one. In most cases, you can simply sand the surface lightly and paint straight over it.
If you do need to strip large areas, the quickest method is a paint stripper. Choose a product that’s safe for softwoods like spruce to avoid damaging the surface.
of spruce (a softwood) you should ensure the solution you use is safe for this wood.
Sanding will help prepare the wood for repainting. Begin with medium-grit sandpaper and focus on the areas where the paint is cracked or peeling. They need more sanding so the new coat won’t flake later on, then work your way over, including the corners and edges.
Once you’ve sanded the whole playhouse, wipe everything down with a damp cloth. This clears away dust and small paint chips, which makes the surface smooth and ready for the next coat.
Cover the windows and small fittings
Do this with masking tape around the frames so the paint doesn’t touch the glazing. Repeat this for the door handles, hinges, and other parts in the same way.
Tip: Use a putty knife or the edge of an old card to press down the tape and keep paint from leaking under.
Prime the surface (optional but recommended)
This step isn’t always necessary, but it may be needed if the old paint has left behind a dark stain. Or if you’re painting over bare wood. Add a layer of primer to stop the mark from showing through the new paint or seal the surface so the paint grips better.
Repaint the playhouse
Choose a brush or roller that’s made for outdoor wood, as this gives better coverage and control. Go for a thin coat first and spread it across the panels. Don’t load too much paint on the brush; this helps stop thick layers from dripping or peeling.
After the first coat dries, add a second one. Two coats are usually enough to cover the surface with a clean finish. If switching from a dark colour to a light one, a third coat might be needed for full coverage.
Final touches
When you’re done, peel off the masking tape before the paint fully hardens. Then look over the playhouse and see if you’ve missed any spots, and use a small brush to cover those areas.
For small wooden playhouses, such as a Wendy house, expect at least 24 hours of drying time. Medium and large models can take up to 48 hours. Even if the surface feels dry to the touch, the layers underneath need that time to harden.
Tip: If the weather is damp or cool, add another day before letting the kids back inside.
Round-up
You’ve seen how sanding, covering, priming, and painting in layers all come together for a clean result. Take your time at each stage and let the paint dry. By following these steps to repaint a playhouse, your child’s play area will be ready for many more years of fun!
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