"Ted Shoemaker" wrote in message
...

Hello,

I'm NOT a woodworking expert, even in my imagination.

At the place we rent, there is an old wood swing in the back yard. To
the best I can tell, it has never been painted nor stained. It is
some years old. The wood is silvered and weathered, and a little
cracked and split.

What happens if I stain it? Obviously I can't prevent the damage
that's already happened. But will it slow future harm -- or is it too
late?

Also, what's the difference in *color* between staining old wood and
staining new wood? That is, if I build something else (yes, at a
rental) and use the same stain on it, how will the two pieces look
together?

Thank you for all answers.

Ted Shoemaker

Depending on how much you want to put into this project there are many
avenues to take. First off if the wood is only a little cracked and split
you can restore the natural color of the wood by simply pressure washing and
or sanding. The most effective protection from this point would be to use
an exterior grade paint. Stain falling a distant second place. If you
pressure wash you will still have to sand to get rid of the rough surface
left behind and be sure and let the wood dry out before finishing or
painting.