We bought a used wooden swing set that was painted years ago. I would really prefer to stain it. Is it possible? What steps do I take?

It I decide to paint it instead, what steps do I take?

It is a very large structure, so I would prefer to keep it as simple as possible. (I'm sure this does not include staining!) Oh well!

Very large structure makes me think that it's a Rainbow Swingset. If it is the original Rainbow paint/stain, you can redo it.

I would suggest you use Cabot's. Available at Lowe's. Cabot's "Redwood" is close to the Rainbow custom color. Cabot stain comes in $5 samples.

So if a Rainbow is what you've got, that's what I'd do - get samples and redo it.

If you want to stain it you will have to remove all the paint first. The stain must have bare wood to soak into.

To paint just use any outdoor paint in a color (or maybe many colors ) you like. Just be sure any old loose paint is sanded off.