We’d been meaning to stain and seal Miss A’s playset ever since she got it about a year and a half ago. With our short southern window of mild weather, Easter weekend presented the perfect opportunity, and a couple of Saturdays ago we finally got it done. It feels great to check this off the list!
After researching wood finishes, we decided on Flood CWF-UV®5 Oil Wood Finish. It’s formulated to enhance and protect exterior wood by resisting moisture and mildew while helping the wood’s natural tones stand out. We chose the clear version because our playset is cedar and I wanted to deepen the grain and color without changing it dramatically.
The playset needed attention: bird droppings, pollen buildup, and a few raised areas where moisture had lifted the grain. A little prep went a long way toward ensuring the finish would adhere evenly and protect the wood for another season.
Supplies needed:
- Flood CWF-UV Oil Wood Finish (clear)
- Purdy brush suitable for paints and stains (high-quality brushes last a very long time when cleaned properly)
- Foam roller for smooth, even coverage
- Water hose
- Hose nozzle with adjustable spray
- Cleaning bucket
- Vinegar (optional: a few drops of essential oil for scent)
- Stiff scrub brush
- Disposable gloves
- Sandpaper (medium grit)
Step 1: Sand
Begin by sanding any rough or raised areas. We used medium-grit sandpaper to smooth spots where the wood grain had lifted from moisture exposure. Sanding evens the surface and helps the finish penetrate more uniformly.
Step 2: Clean
Thorough cleaning is essential. I mixed water, a splash of vinegar, and a few drops of essential oil to make a cleaning solution, then scrubbed away bird droppings, pollen, and dirt. Disposable gloves make this step less unpleasant and protect your hands from grime and potential contaminants.
Step 3: Hose it off
After scrubbing, rinse the structure thoroughly with a hose to remove remaining debris and loosened pollen. A steady spray makes short work of pollen, while the scrubber handles tougher spots. Working as a team speeds this up significantly.
Step 4: Wait for it to dry
Let the wood dry completely before applying finish. We took a break and washed the cars while waiting—this step is a good time to rest or prepare your tools. Applying stain to damp wood can prevent proper adhesion and reduce durability, so patience here pays off.
Step 5: Stain
Apply the finish by rolling the broad surfaces and brushing the joints, corners, and tight spots where the roller can’t reach. The clear oil finish we used is forgiving—coverage is the main goal, and you don’t need to be obsessively precise. Avoid letting the product pool in low spots; if it does, spread it out or dab excess with a brush or rag. Between the two of us it took about four hours to cover the entire playset thoroughly.
Once finished, step back and enjoy the refreshed look. Staining not only improves appearance by deepening the wood’s natural color, it also adds a protective layer that helps the playset withstand another season of weather and play. Given the time and effort that went into building it, keeping it protected makes sense.
We didn’t capture many before-and-after photos, but the next day we hid Easter eggs on the freshly stained playset and I grabbed this shot of the table. You can see how the clear finish enriched the cedar’s tone and left the wood looking clean and revived.
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- How to Paint a Wood Fence the Fast and Easy Way!
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