Caring for Your Cornhole Boards

Most cornhole players treat their boards as a work of art. Before that first game, protecting your custom design with a polyurethane clear coat is essential — it shields the artwork underneath and gives bags a smooth, consistent slide.

Choosing a Clear Coat

• Choose a water-based polyurethane to minimize yellowing over time
• Any slight cloudiness on application usually disappears once the poly sets
• Use semi-gloss rather than high-gloss — a glassy finish can be too slippery for the bags

How to Apply the Clear Coat

• Work in a clean, dust-free space so particles don’t get sealed into the finish
• Lay down tarps and clean the boards thoroughly before you start
• Do NOT shake the can — poly isn’t paint, and shaking creates tiny bubbles
• Apply with foam brushes only; rollers introduce bubbles
• Plan on multiple coats (typically 5–10), several hours apart
• Sand lightly between coats with 320-grit or finer sandpaper
• Wrap foam brushes in foil inside an airtight container to reuse between coats
• Apply the final coat and let the boards cure for 72 hours before playing
• Don’t forget 2–3 coats on the sides and legs, too

Take Your Time

The single most important tip: don’t rush. Patience between coats is what gives you a durable, glass-smooth surface that plays beautifully for years.