Protecting wooden playhouse! HELP!

[PooPooInMyToes]

I went to b&q today to get some varnish or something to protect the playhouse in my garden (and possibly be used on my wooden table and chairs as well) and was thinking of getting this:

www.diy.com/nav/decor/paint/woodcare/exterior_woodcare/-specificproducttype-shed___fence_paint/Ronseal-Total-Wood-Preserver-Clear-5L-11348527

Mainly because in "clear" there was only this and a more expensive one to choose from. I really don't want to get a darker colour.

One thing I liked about it is that is says that you can paint over it, as I am planning to paint part of the playhouse as well. The thing I wasn't sure about is if I need to use something waterproof. I noticed that some of the "colour" one's were waterproof (different makes etc) whereas this one is not.

Can anyone help? I've never done any painting of outdoor items before. Ideally it would be quick drying and water based.

Also can anyone tell me where is a good place to gets the outdoor paint from as in the shop they had garden paints but in a limited selection.

(Budget - small as possible!)

p.s How come fence paint is so cheap in comparison (in darker colours admittedly).

Anyone?

I've never used paint for our garden furniture, it was treated with wood stain (I think) before we bought it. We've had it about 5 years, and twice a year I rub it all down with olive oil! When it's clean, it still looks like new, and the rain just runs off it. We do put it in the garage Oct - Feb though. I don't know if it would work on bare wood, or whether it just "tops up" the effect of the stain on it. FiL suggested it to us and it's been working like a treat.

If you go to a decent DIY store there should be half an aisle full of different wood preservatives. Some are coloured, some will stain. If you are really confused in B and Q I would ask one of the nice older members of staff (especially available on Wednesday's around here). this might help.

Ooh that link is helpful thanks.

I did ask a member of staff but she didn't know much more then me.

Im just not sure if it needs to be waterproof and if i can use the cheaper stuff for sheds and fences. Also when looking at specific garden paints there is very limited colours in typical garden colours such as terracotta (yuck) so Im wondering what others paints i can use.

Look for the over 60's staff in B and Q, the young ones don't know anything! (Usually, some MNer probably has a teenage son working there who is an expert.)

You can't paint over something which has wax in it. You could probably paint with normal paint and then varnish on top. If you know a friendly builder ask them (or the place where you bought the playhouse).

So i can paint over water based things but what about oil based? One that i looked at said you could paint over it but also had a long drying time so can't have been water based.

Im so confused!

you don't need the wood preserver. Just use cuprinol. This comes in all sorts of lovely colours. Mine's willow (green) with pale jasmine (cream) shutters.

Some areas will be wood colour so i need something for those and other areas will be painted. I want bright red paint and a cream or off white or light grey.