You know that summer is here when the cornhole boards come out. This is an excellent game that kids and families can play together.
Now, cornhole boards have been around for a long time. While you will see a variety of options available in the market, there are ways to create these boards at home. You can come up with unique designs and then paint the boards accordingly.
Of late, I’ve been getting a lot of queries from my readers regarding how to finish cornhole boards. Hence I decided to look up the entire process online to understand the different coats and layers necessary for making them.
Hi! I’m Stacy Smith, and I will help you understand how to finish cornhole boards at home. After doing extensive research online, I have finally mastered the process and I would love to share it with everyone.
Without further ado, it’s time to dive in.
All About Finishing Cornhole Boards
How To Paint Cornhole Boards?
There are 2 steps to finishing cornhole boards. First, you paint it and then go on to apply a finishing layer. You might be wondering how to paint those beautiful designs on them! Store-bought products have many interesting designs, but now, you can create a unique one on your own. Read on to know about how to paint cornhole boards!
First of all, sand the surface with a smooth sanding paper. It’s best to use a 220-grit paper for this purpose. Here, you will also need to use painting tapes to ensure that the paint does not spill.
Once sanding is done, you can move on to the next step. Use tapes to create straight lines and angles; you can also use different colors for taping the edges. After these are in place, you can begin painting it. Be very careful with the designs and ensure that you do not make mistakes.
In case you do want to change the color on any edge, let it dry first and then reapply another color on it. Do not try to scrape the color off at any point, as this will make the layer uneven; It is better to use another layer just for it.
Once the top surface has dried off, remove the tapes and work on the base. Paint the legs and sides, and you can use a different color for it. Use a fan to dry the layers but switch it off while painting, as this might dry off the paint too quickly in the can itself.
Finishing
Once painting has been done, you will need a finishing layer to protect the board. A common product used for this purpose is polyurethane; read on to know how to apply it.
Step 1: Collecting Materials
I always make sure that I keep all my essentials in one place before beginning work. For making a cornhole board, you will need water or oil-based polyurethane. Keep a paintbrush or a foam brush, depending on what you are comfortable with, and sandpaper with 320 grit or more.
Before you begin, sand the entire board lightly, ensuring that the surface is rough and is ready to be covered with polyurethane. Make it rough but try not to scrape too much.
Once you have sanded it, clean it with a cloth to remove all dust particles and debris. These can get trapped in the polyurethane and may cause issues. Cover the spots well and if necessary, wipe it again.
Step 2: Application
After the sanding and cleaning have been done, it is time to apply the polyurethane. Use a brush that you are comfortable with and paint it well. You will need to apply 5-10 coats to get proper coverage. Ensure that you allow enough time between the coats so that they dry well before another layer is applied.
When it comes to drying, I usually allow it to stay for 20-30 minutes, and I use a fan to dry up faster. You can use other mechanisms too for better ventilation and drying but do not touch it for 20 minutes at least.
I am sure you want to know how to make cornhole boards slick? The best way is to avoid any bubbles from forming on the surface. Before you apply the final layer, use fine sandpaper for sanding it well. The layer should be smoothened, and then only the last layer can be applied. This will ensure a slick surface.
Alternative Mode Of Finishing
While polyurethane is used generally for cornhole boards, polycrylic is another alternative that you can try using. It is water-based and will dry quickly. A smooth surface is then achieved that works well with the game. The material was generally used to preserve artworks, decals, and paint, and you can even use it on an unfinished board.
But I would like to give you a piece of advice here. If you are using polycrylic, always opt for a synthetic bristle brush. This will prevent any kind of brush marks on the surface, and you will be getting a smooth finish.
Final Words
Only painting the board is not enough. You will need to add a finishing layer to it to ensure that it stays protected for a long time. In the case of cornhole boards, this is especially required to provide a glossy, slick surface.
If you do not have access to polyurethane or polycrylic, then you can also use a clear layer of paint. This clear coating will provide a sheen to the surface and protect it too.This prevents excessive chipping or scratching on the surface. If you do see scratches on a board in the long run, you can repeat the finishing process after sanding it well.
With this, I have finally come to the end of this article. Let me know if you have any further queries in the comment section below.
Until next time.