How to Paint a Playground Slide
Learn how to paint a playground slide with this easy DIY! Transform old plastic into a stylish backyard feature that actually blends in.
Today I am sharing how to paint a playground slide. If you have ever thought about painting your old slide, then this is the post for you.
We just finished landscaping our backyard and this slide project was one of the final touches.
I love incorporating things for the kiddos in our decor, but it’s hard to make those colorful, loud, fun, bright plastic kid accessories blend into our design. Here’s how to paint a playground slide like we did.
Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!
Combine this slide project with a DIY tree fort and create the perfect spot for your kids to play while you put together a couple of bee-friendly planters, play ladder golf, or relax with a cup of coffee.
How to Paint a Playground Slide
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First off, you absolutely NEED to use this Universal Paint and Primer in One from Rust-Oleum. It covers any surface, from any angle, and was perfect for this slide project. I used Metallic Titanium Silver and I love the matte finish that it gave our slide.
Instructions
1. Completely wash and dry the slide before painting. I used TSP and a rag to really scrub off any of the leftover dirt and debris. A pressure washer would have been helpful too.
2. Paint the slide using even coats of spray paint, allowing it to completely dry between coats. I gave our slide three coats of spray paint for lasting durability.
About the Paint
The comfort grip nozzle and easy any-direction spray was a must-have for this project. I used a total of six cans of spray paint on our 8-foot slide.
Each coat of paint dried very quickly and it took just over an hour to paint the entire slide. I used three coats of paint on this project, which I hope will be strong enough to resist significant wear or fading from multiple uses.
The kids have been using it for a few weeks now with no scratches or visible wear to the paint. We even added this vinyl slide decal because making a statement is always fun!
I will update you with how the paint lasts and any wear that we may have throughout the summer.
I love, love, love that the slide now blends with the rest of our landscaping. It is situated so that the kids can slide from our pool on the upper level to our deck on the lower level.
I also love that it is no longer the focal point because of the bright yellow color. Check out the before and after photos of this slide.
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I was so excited when I met the folks from Rust-Oleum at SNAP because I knew that I had the perfect project for them! They sent me a box of spray paint to test out on this project, but all opinions are, as always, 100% my own.
Update
I am super pleased with how long the paint has lasted on this slide! The vinyl words that I put on it have started to peel off, obviously, but the paint has held up exceptionally well in the three years since I painted it.
The only chipped paint is where water tends to pool on the slide at the bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of paint should I use on a plastic playground slide?
You’ll want a spray paint specifically designed for plastic, like a paint + primer in one formula. These adhere better and are more durable for outdoor use.
Do I need to sand the slide before painting?
Light sanding can help the paint stick better, especially on super smooth plastic. However, a thorough cleaning is the most important step for good adhesion.
How long does painted playground equipment last?
With proper prep and multiple coats, paint can last several years. High-traffic areas (like the bottom of the slide) may show wear sooner.
Is it safe to paint a slide that kids use?
Yes — as long as you use paint that is fully cured before use and intended for outdoor surfaces. Always allow plenty of drying time between coats and before play.
Will the paint make the slide less slippery?
It can slightly change the surface texture depending on the finish. A matte finish may reduce slipperiness a bit, but kids will still be zooming down like usual — don’t worry!
If you have any questions about how to paint a playground slide, please let me know. I would love to help!
If you love this tutorial for how to paint a playground slide, please help me share it on Facebook or Pinterest so that others can enjoy it too.
I love that you painted the slide silver. I totally want to do this. How is the paint holding up? Does it transfer onto the kids’ clothes? We live in Louisiana, where it is quite humid and we get a lot of rain.
Thanks!
Its been two summers and its holding up awesome!! Just a few scratches where the kids come off the slide. I am really happy with this paint!
Did painting the slide effect the speed of the kids going down? I’m wondering if the paint increased the surface friction between kid and slide.
Not that we could tell :)
I had a problem with the painted slide as well. Looked great but the kids couldn’t Slide down it anymore… not slippery enough. What should I do now??? Please help
I would try a couple of coats of high gloss paint over top or ask your Home Depot paint professional :)
try rubbing down the slide with wax paper. it really helps. I did this on a metal slide years ago & it was great.
Great tip! Thank you <3
We are in the process of building our kids a play fort and I came across your blog when reseaching how to paint a slide. I found one cheap on Craigslist and you give me such hope! Quick question…before painting, did you have to do any prep work? Like sanding it?
No, I just gave it a thorough cleaning :)
Did you find painting ut made it less slick?
No, it was the same
wonderful! Thank you!
hi i was wondering if i could use this on a slide for the pool
It has flaked off over time so it’s really up to you…
So the paint has flaked off!?
Have any recent pictures of the slide?
No, it’s under two feet of snow now LOL But I’ll post an update in the spring :)
Are you able to post an update yet? Thanks in advance.
Update now posted :)
Update on slide? Looking to paint our yellow play set Slide? Does the paint come off on clothes at all? Thank you!!
Update now posted :) The paint has not come off on clothes.
Thank you for this post! This was exactly what I was looking for and all my remaining questions were in the comment section already! So excited to make the yucky slide in a more feminine color! Blessings to you!
Everywhere i’m reading it’s saying that spray painting the slide is a definite no. That it chips and comes off on the kid’s clothes…..this is the only place I’m reading where you’ve had a good experience. Maybe it has to do with the type of paint people are using?? I want to lean towards what you’re saying since I want to paint this hideous green faded slide we inherited!! :)
It has started to chip after a couple of years but only in areas of high wear and where water has sat. I think it’s totally worth painting especially for my older kids who dont use it as often anymore.
I’m planning on painting my slide because it gets so hot. Did you notice a difference in hot the slide gets after painting it?
No difference that we could tell.
Soooo we just painted our brand new slide using your recommendations with the same black spray paint, it’s not good. It’s scratching off and we haven’t even put it up yet. Its sposeto go inside on an indoor playhouse. Is it going to flake everywhere and get all over our house snd kids clothes. Man What a waist of $230. I should have never just trusted this without doing more research. I would not recommend doing this at all. 👎🏻
I’m sorry that you had this experience! The paint I used was Rustoleum Silver Paint and Primer, is this what you used? What material was your slide? This one is fibreglass which is know to have great adhesion with paint. Six cans of paint cost us under $60 which was a great investment for the extra years it gave us with this slide. Best of luck next time!
Where did you get the slide?
It came off of our old playset.
does this paint still allow for an easy slide down? I know some paints it makes it harder to slide down the slide . I have a hideous green and yellow slide I’m dying to give a makeover
It sure does :)
I am redoing a used cedar swing set we received as a gift. I painted it white and the roof rainbow and the windows pink. I used rustoleum spray paint for the windows, different looking bottle than yours. Now coming across your post I’m wondering if I could paint that the slides pink as well. They’re yellow so I don’t know if I should do white and then pink, or a different color entirely. I would really love your opinion and help. Thank you!
Just be sure to use the Rustoleum any surface paint and primer – it seems to work the best. Keep in mind that areas where the water pools may eventually wear off.