Playscape Staining FAQ’s

• Q: Does my playscape need to be cleaned before it can be stained?
  A: If it is Grey then it will need to be cleaned. The grey is actually an algae. We clean most of the playscapes we stain. If your playscape is new or still appears new then it is unnecessary to clean it.
• Q: How do you clean a playscape?
  A: We typically use a bleach based cleaning solution followed by a water rinse, without any pressure washing. If there is a previous stain on playscape (or an older playscape), pressure washing will be needed.

• Q: How do you apply stain?
  A: We spray via low pressure, followed immediately by back-brusining (hand brushing). Back brushing works the stain into the wood and eliminates drips, runs and spray marks.
• Q: What type of stain do you use?
  A: We use Cabot brand Oil Based stains, Although very expensive, we have found these to be the longest lasting stains on the market.
• Q: How much stain will you use on my playscape?
  A: Typically we will use 1 gallon of stain per 170-190sf.
• Q: How will you protect my property and plants from stain?
  A: We use cardboard along the bottom of your playscape to protect your grass. We also use large cardboard pieces when working up next to your house. The most important part of controlling your stain is to apply on a day with very little wind. There are typically only 2 days/ week that are good for staining here in Austin, the other days are just too gusty.
• Q: When will my freshly stained wood be ready for rain or sprinklers?
  A: With temperatures into the 70s and 80’s the stain is usally water ready withing 2-4 hours.
• Q: What is the most overlooked detail regarding a staining project?
  A: Definitely the product. Here in Texas, an inferior product (and most of them are inferior, including Behr (I have to really wonder how Consumer Reports can give a nod to a product that is so prone to peeling), Sherwin-WIlliams….etc) will last little more than a year or 2 on a playscape. This is why I now use Cabot. Cabot Semi-Solids (Inot Solid) is my preference for ultimate playscape durablility. I stained my own playscape with Cabot 4 years ago as a test and by the looks of it now I should have at least another 3 years or more from it. I can also share with you my own personal experience with products such as Wood Defender, TWP , and Ready Seal.
• Q: What stain colors last the longest?
  A: Typically colors with very little pigment (very light and clear colors) will have the shortest life.