If you play darts, you know the thrill of striking the target. The board may begin swelling or bulging with time, necessitating a fix. Swelling on the dartboard can ruin your enjoyment. The fibers of dartboards swell and twist when they get too wet.
We will give you simple but effective tips like rotating the dartboard, reducing the swelling, using sandpaper, sealant, and wood filler, and a step-by-step process on how to fix a swollen dartboard so you can continue your dart-throwing adventures in no time. This article can save you the effort and cost of replacing the board.
What is a swollen dartboard?
A swollen dartboard can result from exposure to moisture or from leaving darts on the board and getting it wet. This can cause the board's fibers to swell and increase the surface, making dart throws difficult and darts to bounce. Luckily, it's temporary, and the board usually dries off. However, continuous dampness might cause mildew or mold. Keep your dartboard dry and out of the sun to avoid this.
Why do dartboards swell?
Frequent Use
Dartboards that are often used and worn. If used more, they'll exhibit damage.
Materials Quality
Typically, sisal fibers or cork are used to make dart boards. A dartboard made of inferior materials may wear out faster and reveal damage.
Darts' Impact
Repeated strikes from sharp darts can compress or break down fibers, creating dartboard holes and divots.
Humidity and moisture
Dartboards need dry storage. Moisture and high humidity can stretch and contract fibers, influencing board shape and appearance.
Lake of Maintenance
Regular maintenance, including rotating the dartboard to spread wear, can extend its life. However, neglecting maintenance will wear down the dartboard.
How to Repair a Swelled Dartboard
The following steps can reduce the dartboard's protrusion once the sisal fibers have swollen and lost their capacity to return to their original shape:
Step 1: Check the swelling.
Assess the swelling before mending your dartboard. Carefully inspect the surface to find the impacted regions. Is there any swelling all over the board, or is it localized? Knowing the damage's extent will help you decide what to do.
Step 2: Remove the dartboard.
Remove the dartboard from the frame carefully. This procedure is essential for unimpeded access to affected locations. To avoid further damage, gently remove any darts from the board.
Step 3: Dry Dartboard
Remove moisture from the fibers to reduce swelling. Lay your dartboard flat in a dry, well-ventilated room. The sun's warmth helps dry the board. Use a fan or dehumidifier to hurry things up.
Step 4: Reduce swelling
Once your dartboard is dry, it's time to reverse the swelling. Dampen a cloth and gently wet the affected regions. Lightly dampen the board instead of saturating it. Apply pressure to the wet areas with a book or weight. This helps the fibers contract again.
Step 5: Let it settle
After the swelling is gone, rest the dartboard for a day or two. Fibers will have plenty of time to settle and stabilize throughout this resting period. Reinstalling the board slowly yields the best results.
Step 6: Reinstall the Dartboard
It's time to reassemble and reinstall the dartboard. Tightly fit the board back into its frame. Enjoy your refreshed dartboard and watch your dart-throwing skills again!
Other Options for Repairing a Swollen Dartboard
Bulging Treatment for Cork Dartboards
Immersion in water for a few hours is another option. This will soften the cork and make handling easier. After saturation, use a sharp knife to remove the excess cork that causes dart expansion.
To prevent a swollen dartboard from bulging, treat the cork well. To equally distribute pressure, rotate the dartboard regularly. Controlling cork expansion and contraction requires proper humidity levels in the playing area. Proper dartboard maintenance extends its longevity and ensures correct gameplay.
Sandpaper for Swollen Dartboard
Sandpaper helps smooth out and even out a swollen dartboard. Start by gently circularly applying the sandpaper to the affected area. Sand until the surface is even and any elevated spots are flattened. Take your time to avoid dartboard damage.
Wood Filler and Sealant for Swollen Dartboard
To fix a swollen dartboard, you must understand bristle, cork, and electronic dartboards. Dartboard maintenance is essential for longevity. The board can get swollen if darts are left in it or allowed to bounce off the surface. The bulging board can be repaired with wood fillers or Seatlant. To avoid surface deterioration, immerse the dartboard in water before removing the darts and rotate it regularly. Keeping your dartboard indoors and buying a good one like Winmau helps keep your darts bouncing.
How to Repair a Swollen Dartboard
To fix a swollen bristle dartboard, immerse the board in water and dry it. Not keeping darts on the board for long periods of time promotes dartboard health. These tips will help maintain your dartboard and extend its longevity.
- To ensure optimal results, follow the manufacturer's instructions while using any product.
- Sand lightly and avoid oversanding to avoid board damage.
- Choose a dartboard sealant that protects against moisture and humidity from the many alternatives available.
Preventing Future Swelling and Maintaining Your Dartboard
Here are some maintenance tips to minimize swelling or damage to your dartboard:
- Hang the board away from moist basements and bathrooms.
- Keep the board out of direct sunlight to prevent drying and cracking.
- Use a dehumidifier to keep the room dry and prevent swelling.
- Rotate the board often to guarantee even wear throughout play.
- Regularly wipe the board with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust, chalk, and debris. Avoid water and cleaning agents that induce swelling.
- Protect the board from dust and moisture when not in use by using a cover.
- Avoid sharp or heavy darts to protect the board and reduce swelling.
- Avoid wet darts because they can increase board swelling.
- Avoid soaking the board in water or other liquids for cleaning to prevent swelling.
Final Thoughts
Finally, we hope you know how to fix a swollen dartboard. Your dart-throwing enjoyment doesn't have to cease because of a swollen dartboard. You can fix your swollen dartboard and play darts again in no time by following these instructions, tips, and tricks. To avoid swelling, store your dartboard properly and away from damp areas. With proper care, your dartboard will be your devoted companion on many dart-throwing excursions.
FAQs
These may answer your queries about fixing a swollen dartboard:
How can I prevent dartboard swelling?
Keep dartboards out of humid places like basements and bathrooms to minimize swelling. Invest in a moisture-resistant dartboard cabinet.
Can a hairdryer dry the dartboard?
Avoid using a hairdryer since the heat may damage the fibers. Choose natural drying methods like sunlight or fans.
Which dartboard has a lower swelling risk?
In comparison to cork or wooden dart boards, sisal fibers are less prone to swelling. Sisal fibers resist moisture better.
How do I soften my dart board?
To soften your dartboard, rotate it often and keep it dry to prevent bulging.
What happens when dartboards get wet?
When a dartboard becomes wet, the fibers swell, bulging. Avoid wetting the board to prolong its life.
The longevity of a dartboard?
Quality and maintenance determine a dartboard's lifespan. Quality bristle dartboards last for years.
Do dart boards self-heal?
Bristle dartboards are enjoyable for hours since the fibers shut up when darts are withdrawn.
Should I water my dart board?
Not spraying your dartboard with water might cause bulging and ruin the surface.