Playground Restoration

Recently I have acquired a used playground. I’m not talking the average wooden backyard type of structure. Oh no, I thought it would be a good idea to purchase a full blown commercial playground. You know one that is at your local park or an elementary school! Anyways, I have an ambitious goal of restoring it and reassembling it. There are a few problems that keep this from being an easy task though. I will start by saying I am a professional contractor with loads of experience in many areas. This is not one of them so all advice would be greatly appreciated. Issue number 1. I am planning on using automotive paint for all of the structural posts, floor grates, and railings. Most of this should hold up for quite a long time. What can i do to paint the plastic/fiberglass pieces like the slides and those little rotating tic/tac/tow boards? I considered possibly an automotive paint as well like they use for car bumpers ect. My concern is will the side still be smooth or is it going to get more of a grippiness to it that will make it hard to slide? Do I need a bake cycle to get whatever I use to harden well? I know they sell restoration products for water sliders, do I use that instead? Anyone have any experience in this? Issue number 2. Obviously I bought this used so there are no instructions on how to put this monstrosity back together. I feel like I can figure it out but I fear that may just be my ego talking. Any tips that could make this process easier? I do have a few photos of what it looked like put together so I’m not going in blind at least. Issue number 3. I want to do some sort of playground ground cover in the area this is going to sit. I’m thinking like that rubber mulch like matting. I haven’t looked to much into it but any options on what to do for it? Thanks for any and all help! submitted by /u/iStudMuffinHD [link] [comments]

May 31, 2025 - 12:06

Recently I have acquired a used playground. I’m not talking the average wooden backyard type of structure. Oh no, I thought it would be a good idea to purchase a full blown commercial playground. You know one that is at your local park or an elementary school!

Anyways, I have an ambitious goal of restoring it and reassembling it. There are a few problems that keep this from being an easy task though.

I will start by saying I am a professional contractor with loads of experience in many areas. This is not one of them so all advice would be greatly appreciated.

Issue number 1. I am planning on using automotive paint for all of the structural posts, floor grates, and railings. Most of this should hold up for quite a long time. What can i do to paint the plastic/fiberglass pieces like the slides and those little rotating tic/tac/tow boards? I considered possibly an automotive paint as well like they use for car bumpers ect. My concern is will the side still be smooth or is it going to get more of a grippiness to it that will make it hard to slide? Do I need a bake cycle to get whatever I use to harden well? I know they sell restoration products for water sliders, do I use that instead? Anyone have any experience in this?

Issue number 2. Obviously I bought this used so there are no instructions on how to put this monstrosity back together. I feel like I can figure it out but I fear that may just be my ego talking. Any tips that could make this process easier? I do have a few photos of what it looked like put together so I’m not going in blind at least.

Issue number 3. I want to do some sort of playground ground cover in the area this is going to sit. I’m thinking like that rubber mulch like matting. I haven’t looked to much into it but any options on what to do for it?

Thanks for any and all help!

submitted by /u/iStudMuffinHD
[link] [comments]