Built for Decades: The Industry‑Leading Coating Behind Every SwingSesh
When families invest in a backyard playset or fitness system, they aren’t just buying equipment — they’re buying years of memories, movement, and time together. At SwingSesh, longevity isn’t an afterthought or a marketing claim. It is engineered into every detail of our systems, and nothing represents that philosophy more clearly than the exceptionally durable thermoplastic coating used on all SwingSesh equipment.
This coating is not paint. It is not traditional thermoset powder coat. It is not comparable to the thin finishes commonly found on traditional playground or fitness equipment. It is a thick, resilient, thermoplastic protective layer designed to safeguard the underlying steel for generations.
In this article, we’ll break down what makes SwingSesh’s coating truly industry‑leading, why it performs so well in real‑world conditions, and how it contributes to a safer, more comfortable, virtually maintenance‑free backyard experience.
What Is Thermoplastic Coating — and Why It Matters
Thermoplastic coatings are engineered polymer materials that are applied in a molten state and then cooled to form a seamless, protective shell around steel components. Unlike paint or thermoset powder coat, which rely primarily on surface adhesion, thermoplastic coatings create a thick, encapsulating barrier that resists moisture, abrasion, and environmental damage.
For SwingSesh, this matters because our systems are designed to live outdoors year‑round — exposed to sun, rain, snow, salt air, playground abrasion, and constant hands‑on use by both kids and adults. The coating must protect the steel underneath while remaining safe, comfortable, and visually appealing for decades.
Thermoplastic vs Traditional Thermoset Powder Coat
| Feature | Thermoplastic Coating (SwingSesh) | Thermoset Powder Coat (Traditional) |
|---|---|---|
| Coating Type | Thermoplastic polymer (re-meltable) | Thermoset polymer (chemically cured) |
| Repairability | Repairable with heat — material re-melts and heals scratches | Not repairable — damage typically requires sanding and recoating |
| Cracking & Chipping | Will not chip, flake, or crack | Can chip, crack, or delaminate over time |
| Cold-Weather Performance | Remains flexible down to -58°F | Can become brittle in extreme cold |
| Warm-to-the-Touch | Yes — meets warm-to-the-touch requirements | Typically no — metal can become very hot or very cold |
| Thermal Insulation | Excellent — helps keep steel comfortable to touch | Minimal insulation |
| UV Resistance | Outstanding — resists fading/chalking | Moderate — may fade or chalk over time |
| Salt / Coastal Resistance | Excellent — ideal for coastal environments | Fair to moderate — corrosion risk increases if chipped |
| Abrasion Resistance | Very high — resilient under repeated contact | Moderate — surface can wear through over time |
| Moisture Barrier | Thick, encapsulating barrier | Thinner surface barrier |
| Protection if Damaged | Coating can be reheated and restored; steel remains protected | Exposed steel can rust at chips/scratches |
| Surface Texture | Semi-soft, rubbery, high-grip feel | Hard, smooth, rigid finish |
| Maintenance Required | Virtually none | Touch-ups and refinishing over time |
Bottom line: Thermoplastic coatings are engineered to protect, insulate, and be repairable — ideal for long-life outdoor fitness and play equipment.
Exceptional Durability
The thermoplastic coating used on SwingSesh equipment is engineered for outdoor environments.
It resists:
-
UV exposure without chalking, fading, or becoming brittle
-
Salt and saltwater, making it ideal for coastal installations
-
Abrasives and repeated contact, including shoes, rings, grips, ropes, and fitness accessories
-
Cracking, chipping, or flaking, even under impact
One of the most remarkable properties of this coating is its temperature tolerance. It remains structurally stable and flexible down to ‑58°F, meaning it will not crack in extreme cold. At the same time, it performs exceptionally well in high‑heat environments, maintaining its integrity under direct summer sun.
A Finish That Heals, Not Fails
No outdoor equipment is immune to scratches or surface damage over decades of use. What sets SwingSesh apart is how the coating responds if damage ever occurs.
Because it is a thermoplastic, the coating can be repaired and restored using heat. When gently heated with a heat gun, the material softens and the layers re‑melt and combine, allowing the surface to flow back together and return to its original glossy appearance.
This self‑healing‑like capability means:
-
Minor scratches can be repaired rather than ignored
-
The coating does not propagate cracks or flaking
-
The steel underneath remains fully protected
We include a video demonstrating this repair process because we believe in transparency — and because very few outdoor coatings offer anything remotely similar.
Comfortable and Safe: Warm to the Touch, Year‑Round
One of the most practical benefits of SwingSesh’s thermoplastic coating is something you feel immediately.
Unlike bare metal, painted steel, or thin powder coat finishes, this coating offers excellent thermal insulation. In real‑world use, this means:
-
No scorching‑hot metal in the summer
-
No tongue‑freezing metal in the winter
-
Comfortable contact in all seasons
SwingSesh’s coating is one of the few outdoor‑rated finishes that meets requirements for being “warm to the touch.” Its semi‑soft, rubbery texture further enhances grip and comfort, making it ideal for:
-
Pull‑up bars and fitness stations
-
Monkey bars and climbing elements
-
Swing hang points and touch surfaces
Parents don’t have to worry about kids avoiding equipment because it’s too hot or too cold to use — and adults can train comfortably in any weather.
Designed to Protect the Steel — Inside and Out
A durable coating only matters if the steel beneath it stays dry and protected. That’s why SwingSesh designs every component with corrosion prevention in mind.
-
Vertical posts are welded closed at the top to prevent water intrusion
-
Posts that cannot be capped are coated on the interior, protecting from condensation and moisture
-
Thick external coating creates a continuous moisture barrier
This attention to internal protection is often overlooked in outdoor equipment design, yet it is one of the most common causes of premature rust and failure. By sealing and coating from the inside out, SwingSesh eliminates one of the primary failure points seen in traditional steel playsets and fitness rigs.
Vibrant Color, Premium Feel
Durability doesn’t have to look industrial.
SwingSesh’s thermoplastic coating is available in vibrant, glossy colors that elevate the look of any backyard. The finish has a distinctive premium appearance and a semi‑soft, rubbery texture that feels intentional and refined — not cold or mechanical.
The thickness of the coating also means:
-
No visible steel edges
-
Smooth transitions at joints
-
A finished look that stays consistent over time
Even after years outdoors, the coating maintains its color depth and surface quality, reinforcing the long‑term value of the system.
Virtually Zero Maintenance — By Design
Traditional wooden playsets demand constant upkeep:
-
Annual staining or sealing
-
Splinter repair
-
Rot prevention
SwingSesh systems eliminate those recurring tasks entirely.
Thanks to the thermoplastic coating:
-
There is no painting or staining required
-
The coating does not chip or peel
-
Rust protection is built in, not reapplied
For busy families, this means more time using the equipment and less time maintaining it. Over the lifespan of the system, the savings in time, effort, and maintenance costs are substantial.
Built for a Lifetime of Movement
Every SwingSesh system is engineered with one goal in mind: to support active families for decades. The thermoplastic coating is a critical part of that mission.
It protects the steel. It improves comfort and safety. It reduces maintenance to nearly zero. And it ensures that a SwingSesh installed today will still be going strong for the next generation.
When you run your hand along a SwingSesh bar in the heat of summer or the cold of winter, you feel the difference immediately. That difference isn’t accidental — it’s the result of deliberate material choices, long‑term thinking, and an uncompromising approach to durability.
SwingSesh isn’t built for a season. It’s built for a lifetime.
