Do you have a wooden slide in your backyard? If so, how often do your kids use it? Wooden slides can be a lot of fun, but they can also be quite dangerous if they are not slippery. In this blog post, we will discuss how to make a wooden slide slippery so that your kids can have a safe and fun time playing on it!
Wood slides are a classic backyard toy. They’re easy to build, and they provide hours of fun for kids of all ages. But if you’ve ever tried to slide down one yourself, you know that they can be pretty slippery—or pretty not slippery, as the case may be. So, how to make a wooden slide slippery? Here are some tips and tricks to get you started.
Why should I make my wooden slide slippery?
Wooden slides can be dangerous if they are not slippery. If a child is not able to slide down the slide easily, they may try to stand up on the slide, which can lead to them falling off and getting hurt. Additionally, if the slide is not slippery, children may be tempted to jump off of it, which can also lead to injuries. By making your wooden slide slippery, you can help to prevent these accidents from happening.
Tips on how to make a wooden slide slippery for safe and fun play
When it comes to making a wooden slide slippery, there are a few things you can do. The most important thing is to make sure that the wood is smooth.
1. Use Sandpaper
One of the simplest ways to make your wooden slide more slippery is to use sandpaper. This will help to smooth out any rough spots on the wood, making it easier for your child (or yourself!) to slide down with ease. Just be sure not to sand too much, as this can weaken the wood and make it more likely to break.
2. Use Lubricant
Lubricant is another easy way to make your wooden slide more slippery. You can use WD-40, baby oil, vaseline, olive oil or even cooking spray. Applying olive oil or any other lubricant will make the surface of the wood very slippery, so be sure to use it sparingly. WD-40 is a great option because it is easy to apply, and it will not damage the wood. This will help reduce friction and make sliding down much easier.
3. Add Soap
If you’re really looking to make things slippery, soap is your best bet. Just be careful not to add too much soap, as this can create a soapy mess that’s hard to clean up! A small amount of dish soap should do the trick nicely.
4. Get a Slipcover
If you want to ensure your wooden slide stays slippery for years to come, you can always invest in a slipcover. These are covers that go over the wood and help to keep it slick. They’re easy to find online or at your local hardware store, and they’ll save you from having to reapply lubricant every time your kids want to use the slide.
5. Cover It in Ice
This method is only for the brave! If you live in a cold climate, you can always cover your wooden slide in ice to make it extra slippery. Just be sure to keep an eye on the ice level, as you don’t want it to get too thick and make the slide difficult to use. Also, be sure to have a towel handy to help your kids (or yourself!) dry off after sliding down.
6. Use Wax
Another fantastic technique to make your wooden slide more skiddish is to apply wax. You may use car wax, or even candle wax to do so. In a pinch, wax paper can also be used. Just make sure you coat it evenly and not too liberally because doing so might cause the slide to become excessively slippery and hazardous.
7. Wait for Rainy Weather
Finally, if all else fails and your wooden slide just won’t cooperate, there’s always the option of waiting for rainy weather. Sliding down a wet wooden slide is basically guaranteed to be extra slippery—just be sure that your child is supervised at all times, as wet surfaces can be dangerous!
FAQs about how to make a wooden slide slippery
Now that you know how to make a wooden slide slippery, you’re probably wondering how often you need to do it and if there are any safety concerns you should be aware of. Here are a few frequently asked questions that will help clear things up:
How often should I make my wooden slide slippery?
This really depends on how often your wooden slide is used. If it’s being used daily, you’ll probably need to make it slippery every few days. If it’s only being used occasionally, you can probably get away with making it slippery once a week or so.
Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of?
Yes, there are a few safety concerns you should keep in mind when making your wooden slide slippery. First of all, be sure not to use too much lubricant, as this can make the surface of the slide dangerously slick. Second, be sure to supervise your children (or yourself!) when using the slide, as wet or slippery surfaces can be dangerous. Finally, if you’re using ice to make your slide slippery, be sure to keep an eye on the thickness of the ice and have a towel handy to help dry off afterward.
Will rain wash away the soap/oil?
Yes, rain can wash away the soap or oil that you have applied to the slide. However, if you live in an area with frequent rainfall, you can try applying a thicker layer of soap or oil. You may also want to consider applying a sealant to the slide after you have applied the soap or oil. This will help to protect it from the elements and keep it slippery for longer periods of time.
Final Thoughts: How to make a wooden slide slippery?
Making a wooden slide extra slippery doesn’t have to be difficult. Enjoying the smooth sliding experience is as easy as following the tips above. Just remember, safety first! Wet surfaces can be dangerous, so always supervise your child when they’re playing on a wet or slippery surface.
For more ideas on fun backyard games, check out our article Best Backyard Golf Games.
