How to Make Bean Bag Boards Slippery? Easy to Follow Steps to Get Slick Surface!

Cornhole, also known as bean bag game or corn hole, is a timeless lawn game that offers fun for players of all ages. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive enthusiast, having the right equipment can make a significant difference in your gameplay.

One often overlooked aspect is the slickness of your bean bag boards. In this comprehensive guide on how to make bean bag boards slippery, we’ll explore why slippery boards are essential and how you can achieve that perfect slick surface.

The Science Behind the Slide

Before we jump into the how-to, let’s understand the ‘why’. The surface of your bean bag board interacts with the fabric of the bean bag. Factors like texture, material, and even humidity can affect how much your bag slides or sticks.

• Texture: A smoother board will naturally be more slippery.
• Material: Different paints and finishes can change the board’s slipperiness.
• Humidity: Moisture can make the board tacky, affecting the slide.

Best Finish for Cornhole Boards

Polyurethane is a common choice, but it often needs many coats, sometimes up to fifteen. On the other hand, Polyacrylic is easier, needing only 3-5 coats.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane comes in two types: oil-based and water-based.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Oil-based polyurethane dries with an amber or yellowish tint.
• Water-based polyurethane dries clear.
• Oil-based polyurethane is highly durable and can handle high temperatures.
• It takes several hours to dry.
• The oil-based version can be toxic, but the water-based one is not.
• It typically needs 5-10 coats for the best finish.
• Overall, it’s considered the best choice for a finish.

Polyacrylic

Polyacrylic is a type of finish that’s shinier and glossier, and it’s also more budget-friendly. It’s water-based, which makes it safer than oil-based polyurethane. However, because it’s very glossy, it can sometimes take away from the fun of the game.

Water-based Polyacrylic has some characteristics to keep in mind:

• It dries with a glossy and shiny look, which can create reflections on the board.
• It dries quickly.
• You’ll need about 3 coats for a good finish.
• It’s environmentally friendly and safe.
• It’s affordable.
• However, it provides a less durable finish.

Several Useful Ways on How to Make Bean Bag Boards Slippery

1- Clean the Board

The first thing in how to make bean bag boards slippery is you need to clean it efficiently. If there’s any dust or dirt, get rid of it. Here’s how:

1. Take off any bean bags from the board.
2. Get a cloth and make it a little wet with water and some gentle soap.
3. Gently wipe the board with the cloth. Make sure it doesn’t get too wet.
4. Dry it off with a fresh towel.

That’s it! Your board is now clean.

2- Seal the Board

If your board isn’t sealed well, it might get wet and slippery. To stop that from happening, you should seal it. Here’s how:

1. First, clean the board with a damp cloth.
2. Then, put a thin layer of clear sealant or polyurethane on the board. Make sure you cover it all evenly.
3. Let the sealant or polyurethane dry, and your board will be sealed and safe from moisture.

That’s it! Your board is now protected.

3- Apply the Sandpaper

If your board is too slippery because of its material, you can make it less slippery by using sandpaper. This will make the surface a bit rougher and help the bean bags not slide too much. Here’s what to do:

1. First, figure out if you need coarse or fine sandpaper. If it’s super slippery, go for coarse. If it’s just a little slippery, use fine sandpaper.
2. Take the right sandpaper and rub it all over the board until it feels rougher when you touch it. This might take a bit of time, so don’t rush.

That’s it! Your board will be less slippery, and your bean bags won’t slide around too much.

4- Apply the Tape

Using tape is another effective way on how to make bean bag boards less slippery. You can get this special tape from most hardware stores, and it comes in different widths. Here’s what you do:

1. First, clean the spot where you want to put the tape with rubbing alcohol. This helps the tape stick better.
2. Cut the tape to the right size and stick it on the board. Make sure there are no bubbles under the tape. You can also use a hair dryer to make the tape stick better.
3. After that, test the board to see if it’s less slippery now. If it’s still too slippery, you can add more tape or try a different way.

That’s it! Tape can help you get the right slip for your bean bag boards.

5- Using Wax

You can also make your bean bag boards less slippery by using wax. There are two ways to do this: with a candle or with spray wax. Here’s how:

1. Candle Method:
   • Hold a candle close to the board so the heat melts the wax.
   • Use your finger to spread the melted wax evenly all over the board’s surface.
2. Spray Wax Method:
   • Spray the wax onto the board.
   • Use a cloth to spread the wax evenly.

In both methods, make sure the whole board has a thin layer of wax. This will make the board smoother and help the bags slide better. It’s a good idea to wax your boards before each game, especially if they start feeling sticky.

That’s it! Wax can make your bean bag boards just the right amount of slippery.

6- Using Silicone Spray

Using silicone is another way in how to make bean bag boards slippery. Silicone creates an ultra-smooth, non-sticky surface that reduces friction, making your bean bags slide better.

Here’s what to do:

1. First, make sure your bean bags are clean and completely dry.
2. Next, apply silicone spray to the bean bag’s surface.
3. Spread the silicone evenly using a dry cloth.
4. After applying the silicone spray, let it sit for 1-2 hours for the best results. But be careful not to use too much silicone.

That’s it! Silicone can give your bean bags that extra slip you’re looking for.

7- Use Baby Powder

If you want a quick and simple way to make your cornhole boards slick, try using baby powder. Just sprinkle a bit on the board and use your hands or a brush to spread it out. The powder makes the surface smoother, so the bean bags slide better. You can use this trick for other game boards too, like ones used in curling or shuffleboard. If you don’t have baby powder, cornstarch works as well.

8- Use Liquid Soap

You can make your bean bag boards less sticky by using liquid soap. Here’s how:

1. Get a sponge or a spray bottle.
2. Spread the liquid soap evenly on the board’s surface. You can add a bit of water to the soap if you like.
3. Let the board dry for a few minutes before using it.
4. If it’s still too sticky, you can add more soap.

That’s it! Liquid soap can help you achieve the right amount of slip on your bean bag boards.

9- Use Vegetable Oil

If you don’t have any soap, don’t worry. You can use vegetable oil to make your bean bag boards slippery. Here’s what to do:

1. Get some vegetable oil. You can find it at most grocery stores.
2. Pour a small amount onto the board’s surface.
3. Use your hand to spread the oil around.

The oil will make the surface slick, so the bean bags slide smoothly. After you’re done, make sure to clean the cornhole board well to prevent accidents.

10- Use Talcum Powder

Talcum powder is another way to reduce stickiness on your bean bag boards. Here’s how:

1. Use a cloth or brush to put the talcum powder directly on the boards.
2. You can leave the powder on the boards to let it dry or wipe it off using a damp cloth.
3. If you decide to wipe it off, make sure you do it before you start playing with the bean bags.

That’s it! Talcum powder can make your boards slippery and improve the cornhole game.

Tips and Warnings

Tips:

• Work on a clean and dry spot.
• Put the oil on where there’s good airflow.
• Wear gloves when using the oil.
• Do as the maker says.
• Try the oil on a tiny spot first before using it all over.

Warnings:

• Avoid using oil-based stuff on bean bag platforms.
• Don’t put so much oil that it drips onto the ground or rug.
• Keep the oil out of reach of kids and animals.
• Throw away extra oil the way the maker suggests.

Bean Bag Slippery Hack

• For a slipperier bean bag, use fabric that has many threads. More threads make it smoother, so beans slide better.
• Choose fabric that’s flat and not fluffy; beans glide on it easier.
• To make beans more slippery, mix a bit of fabric softener with them before filling the bag.

How Often Should You Make Bean Bag Boards Slippery?

Usually, it is a great idea to make your bean bag boards slippery before starting each game. However, if the boards start to feel sticky, you might need to apply the slippery stuff more often. Before every game, it’s a good habit to put Wax on the boards, especially if they’re getting sticky. If needed, you can also use Silicone Spray or Baby Powder on the boards.

If the boards are still too sticky, you can try using more liquid soap. Just remember to clean the boards really well after playing to avoid any accidents.

How to Make Cornhole Boards?

Making a cornhole board is a simple and enjoyable DIY project that can provide hours of family-friendly fun. To make your own bean bag toss board, you’ll need some materials like:

• Plywood
• Jigsaw
• Sandpaper
• Wood Screws
• Nails
• A Drill with different bits
• Paint or Stain
• Stencils or Stickers for decoration

After getting all the material, you can start by cutting a piece of plywood into two squares, each one measuring 24 inches by 24 inches. If you like, you can smooth out the edges and corners of the wood using sandpaper. Then, drill small holes in the corners of both pieces of wood and connect them together using wood screws. Your bean bag toss board is ready now!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Ensuring your bean bag boards are nice and slippery is important for a fun game of bean bag toss or cornhole. This extensive guide on how to make bean bag boards slippery can help you make your boards super slippery and make your game even more enjoyable.

One way to do this is by adding a special finish like polyurethane or polyacrylic. These finishes make the boards smooth and shiny, not only making them slippery but also protecting them from moisture and damage. Another option is to use baby powder to create a layer that reduces friction, making it easy for bean bags to slide.

You can also use silicone sprays or lubricants to reduce friction and make the surface slippery. Wax, like candle wax or furniture wax, can work well too, giving the boards a slick finish.

Remember to apply these methods evenly and follow the instructions on the product labels for the best results. Be sure to follow the tips and warnings listed above to avoid any accidents.

With your newly slippery bean bag boards, you can have tons of competitive fun, challenge your friends and family, and improve your bean bag toss skills. So give these techniques a try and get ready for an exciting game of bean bag toss like never before!