Ultimate Guide to Customizing Your Cornhole Boards
Posted by JShort on 28th Feb 2024
Are you ready to take your cornhole game to the next level? Whether you're a casual backyard player or a serious competitor, customizing your cornhole boards can add a personal touch and enhance your playing experience. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about customizing your cornhole boards, from design ideas to practical tips.
1. Choosing the Right Materials
The first step in customizing your cornhole boards is selecting the right materials. While wooden boards are traditional and offer durability, you can also opt for weatherproof materials for outdoor play or lightweight options for portability. Consider your playing environment and preferences when making this decision. At West Georgia Cornhole we use 3/4" Baltic Birch for our wooden sets, and 3/4" PVC for our All-weather boards
2. Designing Your Boards
Now comes the fun part – designing your cornhole boards! Whether you prefer classic wood stains, vibrant colors, or intricate graphics, the design possibilities are endless. Explore online galleries or our listings for inspiration or unleash your creativity with custom designs that reflect your personality or favorite themes. It's essential to ensure that your boards are smooth and suitable for coating with a clear finish at the end of the customization process. So be creative, have fun, but keep the playability of the boards in mind!
3. Bringing those designs to life
The biggest hurdle you'll face with wanting to customize your own cornhole board will come with applying the graphic or design to the board itself. here is some general info regarding the 3 primary methods of doing so!
Hand Staining/Painting:
Hand staining or painting cornhole boards involves manually applying wood stains, paints, or sealants to the surface of the boards. This method allows for complete creative freedom, as you can create intricate designs, gradients, and textures by hand. However, it requires artistic skill and precision to achieve professional-looking results. Hand staining/painting is a labor-intensive process that may take longer to complete, but it offers a unique, handcrafted finish that adds character and personality to the boards. Additionally, hand-stained or painted boards can be coated with a clear sealant for added protection and durability.
Applying a Vinyl Wrap: Applying a vinyl wrap involves covering the surface of the cornhole boards with a pre-designed vinyl sheet that adheres to the surface using adhesive backing. Vinyl wraps offer a quick and easy way to achieve intricate designs, patterns, and graphics without the need for artistic skill or manual labor. They come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes, allowing for endless customization options. Applying a vinyl wrap is relatively straightforward and can be done with basic tools, making it a popular choice for those looking to customize their boards with professional-looking graphics quickly. Vinyl wraps also provide a durable and weather-resistant finish, protecting the boards from scratches, fading, and moisture.
Using a Flatbed UV Printer:
Using a flatbed UV printer involves digitally printing designs directly onto the surface of the cornhole boards using UV-curable inks. This method offers precise and high-quality printing with vibrant colors and sharp details. Flatbed UV printers can reproduce intricate designs, photographs, and logos with accuracy, making them ideal for customizing cornhole boards with complex graphics or branding. Unlike hand staining/painting or vinyl wraps, using a flatbed UV printer eliminates the need for manual labor and allows for faster production times. However, it requires specialized equipment and expertise to operate, making it a more expensive option for customization. Additionally, boards printed with a flatbed UV printer may require additional sealing or coating to protect the printed surface and enhance durability.
4. Adding Personalized Touches
Make your cornhole boards truly one-of-a-kind by adding personalized touches. Consider incorporating your family name, favorite sports team, or unique artwork into the design. Vinyl decals, custom wraps, and hand-painted designs are popular options for adding personal flair to your boards. If you are able to get the boards printed somewhere else that could be ideal! Here at West Georgia Cornhole we almost exclusively use a large Flatbed UV Printer to ensure its a perfect process every time.
5. Enhancing Functionality
In addition to aesthetics, enhancing the functionality of your cornhole boards can improve your playing experience. Invest in accessories like LED lights for nighttime play, scorekeeping mechanisms for competitive games, or bottle openers for those of us that play the game a little wobbly. These practical additions can make your boards more versatile and enjoyable to use.
6. Maintaining Your Boards
Once you've customized your cornhole boards to perfection, it's essential to maintain them for long-lasting enjoyment. Regularly clean and inspect your boards for any signs of wear or damage. Touch up paint as needed and store them properly when not in use to protect them from the elements.