Updated August 2021
Thinking about getting a set of cornhole boards with stunning custom cornhole wraps? It may or may not be exactly what you’re looking for.
It’s important for you to know everything there is to know about cornhole graphics. In this article, we will talk about:
- The amazing graphics that can be displayed with a cornhole board wrap
- How to apply your own cornhole board wrap to a set of boards you already own
- Wear and Tear: What should you expect?
- How does a cornhole board wrap impair gameplay?
The Best Thing About A Cornhole Board Wrap
Hands down, the best thing about a custom cornhole wrap is the stunning graphics that can be displayed. There are many ways to decorate a set of cornhole boards (as talked about in our blog post, "Types of Cornhole Board Finishes: Stickers vs Print vs Paint"). Vinyl wraps are a popular choice for anyone who is using digital design. What’s great about a wrap is that a graphic designer can create any intricate design you can imagine, save it as a printable file, and take it to a print shop that has the ability to print large files on vinyl wrap material.
Some cornhole board manufacturers construct their cornhole boards in this way. If you are looking to have amazing cornhole graphics, you may want to seek out a company that uses this method for custom cornhole boards.
One of the cool things about companies like these is they can either create the wrap and apply it to a new cornhole set, or they can print some wraps for you and you can apply them yourself.
Typically an installation charge will be included in your total price, making a bit of a difference in the final price you will pay.
If you already have a set and you’re looking to add a fresh new look to your boards, then you can usually order some cornhole board wraps with whatever design you like and wrap your boards at home.
How To Wrap Your Own Cornhole Boards
Another nice thing about cornhole wraps is that you can apply them yourself. It’s not terribly difficult, but it does take some patience. First you will need some tools:
- Heat gun
- Squeegee
- Roller
- X-ACTO knife
- Polycrylic or some kind of varnish
- Masking tape
You’ll want to make sure you have a nice smooth surface to work with, so sand away any imperfections your boards may have.
Next, put a coat of varnish over the boards and then line up your wrap. Once it is in place, tape it down to make sure it won’t move.
Then peel off the backing and stick the vinyl to the boards. Once you have the wrap stuck to the board, begin to squeegee the wrap to the board to release the air and make sure the wrap is totally in place.
Now you’re ready to bring the heat. Use your heat gun and roller to really adhere the vinyl to the board.
Once this step is done, make sure to cut out the hole and trim off any excess vinyl there may be around the edges. The final step is adding a coat of polycrylic to the top. This will seal the custom cornhole wrap and add some extra protection to the image. I suggest watching a video to really get a handle on how to apply a cornhole board wrap yourself.
How Will My Wrapped Boards Hold Up?
People often ask me, “How do wrapped boards hold up?” Now I’ve never had a set of boards that were wrapped, but I know people who have. The same thing seems to happen to every set: Over time, the varnish begins to wear away and the adhesive starts to go as well. Once this happens, the wrap or sticker will begin to peel away.
If your wrap begins to peel, you can try applying additional coats of polycrylic to keep the vinyl down and protected, but results can be mixed.
If you really baby your boards and keep them in a pristine storage area and re-apply varnish every so often, you may not have to wrap your boards ever again.
But, if you play regularly and treat your set like the rest of us, at some point your vinyl wrap is going to peel away. Which for some people this just means it’s time for a new shield. You’ll have to pony up some cash to get a new one, but that’s just the price you’ll have to pay to keep your boards wrapped to the nines!
What Most People Don’t Know About Cornhole Board Wraps
Here’s the ugly part about cornhole wraps. Now that we’ve discussed how awesome cornhole graphics can be and how to apply your wrap, we need to talk about how your gameplay may be affected.
If you are a competitive player, what I’m about to tell you will drive you crazy: The worst part about a cornhole board wrap is the inconsistent playing surface it will give you.
Unfortunately, once you apply the vinyl to the board, you have to put a coat (or two or three) of varnish on it to protect it, or it won’t last very long.
By adding the varnish, you now have a very inconsistent playing surface depending on the weather. If the air is warm and humid, your boards will be sticky and your bags won’t slide very well, if at all.
Conversely, if the air is very dry, and perhaps cold, your playing surface will be extremely slippery to the point you may not be able to keep your bags on the boards. Some people don’t mind those variables, but some people – especially pros – can’t stand something like that.
So far, there’s only one cornhole board manufacturer that has been able to marry the stunning graphics that a wrap can give you and still keep a consistent playing surface through a patented process no matter the weather... and that’s Slick Woody’s Cornhole Co.
Ready to wrap? Grab of set of do-it-yourself cornhole boards, or skip the fuss and find a cornhole set that already has an amazing design applied that won't affect your gameplay.
