You must be careful about finishing your cornhole boards properly because even the smallest bump or unevenness can ruin a game. When making DIY cornhole boards, there are a few tips that you can use to make sure everything is neat and tidy.
Choosing the right finishing material
You can use a couple of types of finishings on a cornhole board. Your two options include:
- Polyurethane
- Polycrylic
Let’s look at each.
Polyurethane
The most popular choice is water-based polyurethane. You can also get oil-based options.
Oil-based polyurethane finishings take a lot of time to dry and are long-lasting. So you don’t have to redo it anytime soon. They leave a yellow-brown tint on wood which looks like the pale yellow your skin turns when you’re sick. It’s a little unappealing. But you can cover it up with paint.
Water-based polyurethane finishings are clear coats and dry quickly. They aren’t as long-lasting, but the other benefits compensate for this drawback.
Polycrylic
The other type of finishing you can use is polycrylic. It is a water-based product that leaves a glossy after-effect.
It dries fast, but it can be a little runny. So if you’re applying it to a slanted object like cornhole boards, you will have a little problem with it dripping. You’ll have to be quick about the entire process and lift the board from one side to make the surface even.
Use concrete blocks or extra pieces of plywood.
One great thing about polycrylic finishings is that they give you a clear coat at a low price. It costs a lot less than polyurethane.
Depending on how much cornstarch is used in your polycrylic finishing, your finishing may be slick or sticky. If it is sticky, add a bit more cornstarch, and you’ll get a slick finish.
Factors to consider when choosing a finishing
Here are three factors to consider when choosing what finishing to use:
- Gloss levels
- Cost
- Coat color
Let’s look at why each is important.
1. Gloss levels
When shopping for a clear-coat finish, you can choose between semi-gloss, gloss, extra gloss, etc. The gloss levels are directly proportional to how slick the material is.
We’d recommend a semi-gloss because that’s smooth but also not too smooth.
Your cornhole board needs to produce enough friction such that if cornhole bags are tossed on it, they can stay on the board without sliding back down.
2. Cost
Cornhole boards are made with 4ft x 2ft plywood boards. There is a lot of surface area to cover. So you should consider being economical if possible.
Polycrylic clear coat finishes are cheaper than polyurethane.
3. Coat color
You can apply paint on top of clear coat finishes or go the other way around. In the second situation, it is better for you if the clear coat is actually ‘clear.’
Oil-based polyurethane leaves a yellow tint on whatever surface you apply it to. However, water-based polyurethane, as well as polycrylic finishes, are clear. So these are better options in this regard.
What tools do I need to apply finishing?
Here’s how to apply polyurethane or polycrylic finishes to a cornhole board.
Step 1: Prep your area
To start the application process, lay down a tarp or similar surface to keep your working area clean. Then sand down the entire cornhole board while making sure you go over any blemishes. 320 grit or higher will get the job done.
Once you’re done, remember to wipe down the board and brush away any debris.
Step 2: Grab a foam brush or paint brush
Next up, you need your tools. To apply finishing to a cornhole board, the best tools you can use are foam and paint brushes.
You can use a paint roller, but it isn’t an effective tool since it leaves a lot of air bubbles. These bubbles can solidify and create bumps in your board surface, becoming a nuisance when playing.
Step 3: Apply all but the last coat
Apply all but the last layer of finishing to your cornhole board with appropriate gaps for drying time. Don’t forget to go over the sides and legs.
You need 5 to 10 coats of finishing on every cornhole board. Start your first coat early so you can get through the entire process that day. If not, you’ll have to split the task over two days or stay up late.
Each coat of finishing needs a few hours of drying time. You can only use ventilation like fans after 20 minutes; otherwise, you’ll create air bubbles.
Step 4: Sand down your board
Sand down the entire board, including the sides and legs, using 320 grit or higher sandpaper. Smooth down your entire board. Remember to go over any air bubbles or rough patches.
Avoid sanding over any designs or decor like decals.
Step 5: Apply the last coat
Apply the last coat of finishing to your board and leave it out to dry.
Be especially careful with this layer because it is the last one. You do not have the option to sand out air bubbles if you create them now.
Conclusion
You need five to ten coats of finishing on every cornhole board. This paint job is at least a full day’s work. To avoid air bubbles, you need to use a synthetic bristle brush on unfinished wood.
The final coat is preceded by sanding using paper with 320 or higher grit. This light sanding removes any accidental air bubbles on your existing boards and ensures that you have a smooth surface for playing.
