If you are making your own cornhole boards as a DIY project, do not skip the last step of finishing the raw wood with a clear poly coat! Similarly, if your cornhole boards are getting old, you can make them good as new again by sanding and refinishing them. Finishing cornhole boards is a great way to protect them against rain, snow, UV light and general wear and tear. It also makes the cornhole board surface nice and smooth for bean bags to slide along. But what is the best clear coat for cornhole boards? To help you decide, we have put together a list of finishes that work well for cornhole boards. Using this list and our buyer’s guide below, you can easily find the best option for you.
#1 Editor’s Choice
SEAL-ONCE Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer With Polyurethane
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- Completely waterproof
- Safe and eco-friendly
- Very quick and easy to apply
#2 Editor’s Choice
General Finishes High-Performance Water-Based Top Coat
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- Protects your boards against UV
- Safe and non-toxic
- Easy to achieve a smooth finish
Roxil Wood Protection Cream Instant Waterproofing Clear Treatment
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- Waterproofs your boards
- Easy to apply
- Only one coat required
Rust-Oleum 200241H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane
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- Quick to dry
- Durable and versatile
- Beautiful clear finish
1 Qt Minwax 64444 Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish
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- Hard and durable
- Gives your boards a clear sheen
- Safe and odorless
TotalBoat-486490 Lust Marine Varnish
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- Protects against all elements
- Quick to complete the project
- Rich and glossy sheen
Aqua Coat, Best Wood Grain Filler
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- Non-toxic and eco-friendly
- Smooth and clear finish
- Dries quickly
Rust-Oleum 249845 Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover
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- Durable and versatile
- Very fast drying
- Comes in colors and clear coat
Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist And Clear Coatings Aerosol
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- Prevents wood from fading
- Easy to use on a cornhole board
- Quick to finish project
Aleene’s 26412 Spray Gloss Finish
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- Easy and quick to apply
- Works on most surfaces
- Beautiful smooth finish
1. SEAL-ONCE Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer With Polyurethane
Editor’s Choice #1: Although this is a sealant, it is the best clear coat for cornhole boards as it does the job better than most other sealants and finishes combined. After just two coats, your cornhole boards will be totally waterproof and UV-resistant! Plus, the formula is non-toxic and eco-friendly and it is a breeze to apply and clean.
Durable And Waterproof
As SEAL-ONCE Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer is a sealant and top coat in one, it protects your boards against the elements much better than most finishes. The sealant is entirely waterproof – you will notice that once the finish is dry, water beads off the surface of your cornhole board. That means it will be many years before you need to repeat the process!
Safe And Easy To Use
Another plus for this durable protective finish is that it is eco-friendly and safe around kids and pets. If you like a natural look, this is also a good choice – it will protect your cornhole boards while preserving the look of the natural wood. In fact, this is ideal for cornhole boards because a glossy finish is reflective and can obscure your vision as you play. This finish is also super easy to use, even for beginners, as it spreads across your cornhole board easily whether you use a synthetic brush or sprayer. As it is water-based, it is also easy to clean up with soap and water.
Pros
- Waterproof and UV-resistant
- Will last for many years
- Only two coats required
- Eco-friendly
- Safe for kids and pets
- Almost totally odorless
- Easy to apply
- Easy to clean up spills
Cons
- Not ideal if you want a glossy finish
2. General Finishes High-Performance Water-Based Top Coat
Editor’s Choice #2: This top coat from General Finishes is a more affordable option and is also a semi-gloss clear varnish, so it is great if you want a glossier finish. It also boasts the impressive combination of being both extremely durable and easy to clean. Plus, it is easy to apply and produces no toxic fumes!
Extremely Durable
General Finishes High-Performance Water-Based Top Coat is one of the most durable clear coats for cornhole boards out there. It is especially protective against UV rays thanks to its special UV stabilizer. It stays well on almost all wood surfaces, whether indoor or outdoor, so it is a good option if you’ve got other wood surfaces you’d like to finish.
Super Convenient And Safe
This final coat from General Finishes is super easy to use even if you are new to applying clear coats. It spreads across the wood quickly and easily, leaving no visible strokes. As it is a water-based polyurethane blend, it is also easy to clean up any spills using soap and water. It provides a nice semi-gloss sheen with an impressively hard finish. This finish is also very safe to use as it does not produce any harmful fumes. Even if you are pregnant, you don’t have to worry about using it! The only negative points are that it takes a long time to dry and will give a slightly darker tint to light woods.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Protects against UV rays
- Doesn’t have much odor
- Safe to use even while pregnant
- Easy to apply
- Leaves no visible strokes
- Easy to clean up spills
- Provides smooth, hard finish
Cons
- Takes a long time to dry
- Gives light woods a darker tint
3. Roxil Wood Protection Cream Instant Waterproofing Clear Treatment
Fantastic For Waterproofing
It’s a good idea to choose a finish that will properly waterproof your cornhole boards, as they will be exposed to a lot of rain, dampness and other elements. This wood protection cream from Roxil waterproofs the wood so that water beads and runs right off it. It also offers good UV protection. While it isn’t quite as effective as SEAL-ONCE, it is more affordable.
Only One Coat Required
The amazing thing about Roxil is that only one coat is needed to waterproof your cornhole set! This is incredibly convenient, especially considering most finishes require several coats and hours of waiting in between applications. There is also barely any odor and it is easy to clean too. On top of that, Roxil Wood Protection is a thick cream rather than a liquid varnish. Therefore, you can simply dash it on with a synthetic brush without any fear of dripping. This makes it a great choice for beginners as you don’t have to worry about being super careful in your application. However, it dries with a matte finish, so it is not ideal if you want a sleek sheen.
Pros
- Waterproofs for several years
- Provides good UV protection
- Only one coat required
- Barely any odor
- Easy to clean
- No drips during application
- Very easy to apply
Cons
- Doesn’t create a sheen
- Not quite as effective as SEAL-ONCE
4. Rust-Oleum 200241H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane
Best Of Both Worlds
Rust-Oleum 200241H is a water-based polyurethane, which is a rare combination. It offers some of the best qualities of both water-based and polyurethane finishes: it is quick to dry and easy to clean with soap and water but it is a lot more durable than polycrylic finishes. It protects interior wood projects very well and even outdoors it is better than most polycrylics. Like most water-based finishes, this semi-gloss clear varnish makes for a beautifully clear sheen on wood. Whether you want a stain to remain the same color or the natural beauty of the wood to shine through, this is a great choice.
Very Versatile
This is another extremely versatile product that can be used on all kinds of wood surfaces and other materials. Once you have used it on your cornhole set, you can also use it on your cabinets, floorboards or art projects. It is also extremely low odor, which is great for use indoors. However, take note that it comes in a small pot, so you may need to buy a few to get enough coats for your cornhole boards.
Pros
- More durable than other water-based finishes
- Fast-drying
- Easy to clean up spills
- Highly versatile product
- Crystal clear finish
- Makes a beautiful sleek sheen
- Low odor
Cons
- Won’t last as long outdoors
- May need a few pots
5. 1 Qt Minwax 64444 Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish
Crystal Clear Coat
The Qt Minwax 64444 Clear Polycrylic is a water-based solution and it makes for a crystal clear coat on your cornhole boards. If you want to retain the natural beauty of the wood species, this is a good choice. Make sure you use a synthetic bristle brush and apply thin coats or your boards may take on a slightly yellowish tint.
Easy To Clean Spills
A nice feature of this poly finish is that it is possible to clean up if you spill drops onto the floor or other surfaces by mistake. Simply apply some easy soap and water and it should come right off. Customers also love that this is a low-odor finish with barely any noticeable fumes, which makes it safe to use indoors. This polycrylic finish creates a lovely smooth sheen which protects wood projects against dirt, water and other spills. It is also relatively fast drying and spreads easily onto your cornhole board. Once dry, the finish is nice and hard with no stickiness. One small downside is that you will need quite a few coats to get there.
Pros
- Crystal clear finish
- Protects wood very well
- Barely any noticeable odor
- Safe to use indoors
- Lovely smooth sheen
- Relatively fast drying
- Easy to clean spills
Cons
- Requires many coats
- May attain a yellowish tint
6. TotalBoat-486490 Lust Marine Varnish
Made For Outdoor Use
Many finishes state that they can be used outdoors but then deteriorate pretty quickly when exposed to the elements. Not so the TotalBoat-486490 Lust Marine Varnish. As it is designed primarily for use on boats, it is intended to be used outdoors and will hold up against rain and sun extremely well! One tin also goes a long way as you dilute it before use.
A Beautiful Sheen
Most finishes are either fast or good – the fast-drying ones don’t last very long and the durable ones take a long time to dry. However, this water-resistant finish is both durable and convenient. It only takes an hour to fully dry and you don’t need more than 3 – 5 coats, after which you will have a beautiful glossy satin finish. It will tint your wood slightly but it preserves the patterning and produces a gorgeously rich sheen. Also, note that the high gloss and matte coats are intended to be used together. The result is very glossy, so if you prefer a matte or semi-gloss, this isn’t for you.
Pros
- Stands up well to outdoor use
- Extremely durable
- Dries quickly
- Only needs a few coats
- One tin goes a long way
- Beautifully rich, satin finish
Cons
- Gives the wood a darker tone
- Not ideal if you prefer a matte look
7. Aqua Coat, Best Wood Grain Filler
Safe And Eco-Friendly
Many finishes are pretty hazardous, both to humans and the environment but Aqua Coat is a non-toxic, non-flammable and green alternative. This also means that it doesn’t have an overpowering odor and you can use it for interior wood projects without worrying about breathing in toxic chemicals. However, note that this is a wood grain filler and not a top coat, so it is best to use it if your cornhole boards have an open wood grain that needs filling. You might then need to add a top coat as your final coat after using this.
Mirror-Like Finish
Aqua Coat, Best Wood Grain Filler creates a crystal clear and perfectly smooth glossy satin finish. So if you want the color of your wood or stain underneath to be unchanged, this is a great option. As a water-based poly, it is also quick drying and easy to clean with a soap and water clean up. It only requires about 45 minutes to an hour between coats to dry. The directions say to lightly sand between coats but be sure to use an extremely fine grain as it is quite easy to sand through.
Pros
- Non-toxic and non-flammable
- Eco-friendly option
- No overpowering odor
- Crystal clear finish
- Quick drying
- Easy to clean up spills
Cons
- Easy to sand through with sandpaper
- Not a top coat
8. Rust-Oleum 249845 Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover
For Colorful Cornhole Players
Rust-Oleum 249845 Painter’s Touch comes in a clear coat but also dozens of awesome colors. This makes it a great choice if you want to paint your cornhole boards a fun color, because you can order your color coat and clear coat in the same batch. The colors available are rich and smooth and you don’t need many coats of this oil-based poly formula to get an even, sleek finish. Impressively, it also only requires 20 minutes between coats to dry! This makes it a great choice if you want to get done quickly – which you probably do, as you have several cornhole boards to finish!
Durable And Versatile
This spray-on coat provides an impressively durable protective finish that will keep your boards safe from the elements. Another awesome feature is that it adheres to pretty much anything. This is a great bang for your buck, as you can use the coat again for various DIY projects! However, it produces quite intense fumes and a small number of customers experienced defective nozzles.
Pros
- Comes in color and clear coat options
- Only need a few coats
- Dries in 20 minutes
- Keeps wood safe from the elements
- Adheres to almost any surface
- Beautiful, even finish
Cons
- The nozzle can become defective
- Fumes are quite intense
9. Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist And Clear Coatings Aerosol
Moisture And UV-Resistant
This Krylon finish K01305 Gallery Series Artist And Clear Coatings Aerosol is both moisture and UV-resistant, so it will protect your cornhole boards against the elements. Especially if you do not want the underlying stain on your wood surfaces to fade, this is an effective option. This is also a good choice if you have a few projects of different materials that you would like to seal, as it works on almost all surfaces.
Quick And Convenient
Spray-on finishes tend to be a little easier to use than ones that require a brush and this one is no different. As long as you spray your cornhole board from a good distance away, it will adhere in a smooth and even coat. Also, you only need about three coats before it looks good! This is another fast-drying product, which makes the process much quicker because you don’t have to wait several hours between coats. However, the coat it provides is not perfectly clear but rather slightly frosty. Also, as an acrylic-based sealant, it won’t last you as long as the poly finishes on this list.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Moisture and UV-resistant
- Produces little odor
- Only need 3 - 4 coats
- Works on almost any surface
Cons
- Slightly frosty finish
- Not very long-lasting
10. Aleene’s 26412 Spray Gloss Finish
Quick To Use
If you want to get your project done as soon as possible, Aleene’s 26412 Spray Gloss Finish is one of the best options. The spray-on formula is super easy and quick to apply and fast drying – you only have to wait an hour before it’s ready for the next coat. You also only need a few coats to complete the job. This sealant is also highly versatile and can be used on pretty much any surface.
Smooth, Glossy Finish
This finish utilizes an acrylic base, creating a beautifully glossy smooth finish. In fact, it will probably make your cornhole board look brighter than it is! However, it doesn’t last quite as long as an oil-based polyurethane, so you may have to reapply it every couple of years. But as it is so quick and easy to use, this may not be an issue! Also, while it is advertised as crystal clear, some customers found it produced a milky tint. It also has a strong unpleasant odor, as most sealants unfortunately do.
Pros
- Quick and easy to apply
- Glossy, smooth finish
- Only a few coats necessary
- Fast drying
- Can be used on almost any surface
Cons
- Does not last very long
- Has a strong odor
- Not as clear as it claims to be
Buyer’s Guide
This buyer’s guide should help you figure out what to look out for in a cornhole board clear coat. It also includes a brief guide for finishing your cornhole boards.
What Is A Cornhole Board Finish?
A cornhole board finish is a clear coat of polyurethane or polycrylic that gives your board a sleek and smooth finish. It is important for protecting your cornhole boards against the elements, including rain, snow, UV light and mold.
Applying a finish is also important for providing a smooth surface so that your bean bags glide easily across your cornhole boards.
If you need to rewind a bit because you haven’t made your boards yet, you can learn how to make DIY cornhole boards here. And if you’d rather buy cornhole boards than make your own, see here for some of the best options and click here for the best cornhole bags.
Factors To Consider Before Buying The Best Clear Coat For Cornhole Boards
Keep these factors in mind before choosing a finish to use on your cornhole boards.
Quality
Of course, you should always look for quality when deciding between products. But what does quality mean in a clear coat? Usually, it means the finish will properly protect the cornhole boards from the elements and last for several years without getting air bubbles or flaking off. This can be hard to assess but check user reviews online to see how the product worked for other people.
Value
Value for money in a cornhole board finish means a favorable ratio between the cost of the product and how long it lasts. You may find a cheap product but if it doesn’t even last a season, this is not good value. What you are looking for is the sweet spot between something that stays on your boards for several years but doesn’t break the bank when you purchase it.
Remember to check the size of the can and how many coats you will need, as you may need to buy more than one can to finish all your cornhole boards.
Materials
Clear coats usually have a polyurethane or polycrylic base, while some are a blend. In general, polyurethane finishes are oil-based and polycrylics are water-based but there are some exceptions. Overall, oil-based polyurethane finishes are a good choice if you want something that lasts for years. In contrast, go for polycrylic finishes if you want a perfectly clear finish, quicker drying time and less mess.
Durability
Durability in a clear coat means something that lasts a long time on your cornhole board without fading or flaking off. Durability is always an important factor but it is a balance with other considerations. For example, some of the most durable finishes also take a long time to dry between coats or stain certain wood species a darker color.
Function
Is the clear coat you are looking at a sealant? A grain filler? A top coat? A varnish? These are all slightly different products that meet slightly different needs. A sealant can be great if you plan to keep your cornhole boards outdoors, as it does not simply coat the wood but waterproofs it from the inside. Use a grain filler if your wood has open grains that need filling but note that you may need to apply a top coat as well.
Performance
Simply put, how effective is the finish? Does it protect the wood from the elements, such as water and UV rays? Make sure that you check the product description and user reviews to see whether the finish is suitable for outdoor use.
You need something that will protect your cornhole boards from rain, sun and snow so that they do not warp or crack.
Brand
It is a good idea to choose a clear coat from a trusted brand but it is also not a guarantee that it will work for you. Most brands have a range of products at different price points, so make sure you assess all the other factors we have mentioned here rather than simply choosing based on the brand name.
User Reviews
User reviews are where you can see unbiased reviews of the product by people who have actually used it. It is important to compare user reviews between products to see how many people faced issues with them, how easy they are to use and how they have held up against water and sun.
Don’t let a single bad review turn you off from a product – whether a finish works well depends just as much on whether it was applied correctly as it does on the finish itself.
Ease Of Use
Applying poly finishes can be as simple as spraying a can or dashing on a cream or it can be a lot more complicated. If you are new to applying clear coats, make sure to choose something that users have noted is easy to use. A few key things to look out for are the application method, the consistency of the finish (i.e. whether it can drip), how long it takes to dry and whether it can be cleaned with a water cleanup.
Versatility
Versatility in a finish refers to how many different surfaces it can be used on. Can it be used on different kinds of wood surfaces, such as floorboards and musical instruments? Is it only for wood projects or can you use it to seal artworks of various materials? If you have different projects you want to protect, it’s a good idea to get a versatile finish.
Return Policy
Even high-quality finishes sometimes sell defective cans by accident or mistakenly leave out key components you need for the application. That’s why it is a good idea to buy a clear coat that has a good return policy. That way, if you receive a defective or incomplete product, you can return it and get a replacement.
Which Types Of Clear Coat To Use On Cornhole Boards
You can use a polyurethane or polycrylic clear coat on your cornhole boards. Read on to learn the pros and cons of both.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane finishes are usually oil-based. They tend to leave a yellowish tint as opposed to being perfectly clear and they also usually take a long time to dry between coats. However, they are a lot more durable than water-based finishes.
Polycrylic
Polycrylic finishes are usually water-based. They tend to dry very quickly and leave a perfectly clear coat, so they are good for lighter woods such as maple and birch. They are also easier to clean than polyurethane products, though they are not as long-lasting.
Gloss Levels
When choosing a finish for a cornhole set, you can go for matte, glossy or a semi-gloss sheen. This is up to you but bear in mind that a high gloss finish can reflect the sun into your eyes. If you’re not sure how to play cornhole, go here to learn the rules.
A semi-gloss poly is a good choice if you still want that sheen but don’t want to be blinded!
How To Finish Cornhole Boards
Read these steps to learn how to finish cornhole boards.
Step 1: Clean Your Area And Cover The Floor
First things first, prepare an area to work in. Begin by sweeping thoroughly and making sure the area is dust free, then cover the floor with a tarp to prevent stains.
Step 2: Clean The Cornhole Boards
It is crucial that your cornhole boards are clean when you apply the clear coat. Make sure the boards are free of dust, dirt, floating hair or tiny wood particles. Any that remain will be trapped by the finish and create rough spots.
Step 3: Apply A Sanding Sealer
This is an optional but recommended step as it helps improve the condition of the finish by sealing the wood pores.
Step 4: Don’t Shake Your Poly!
While many spray paints recommend shaking the bottle before using it, you should never do so when using a poly finish.
Shaking poly finish creates air bubbles, which will damage the application.
Step 5: Use A Foam Brush
If you are using a paint-on rather than a spray-on formula, use a three-inch foam brush to apply it evenly to your cornhole boards using vertical strokes. Avoid using a rolling brush, as this can create air bubbles.
Step 6: Apply Multiple Layers Of Clear Coat
There is no rule as to exactly how many layers of clear coat to apply, as it depends on the product. However, a good rule of thumb is five to ten coats.
Step 7: Wait Between Coats To Let The Finish Dry Completely
It is crucial to let the finish dry completely before applying the next coat. How long this takes depends on humidity levels and the finish itself. To be safe, wait at least two hours before recoating.
If you think the finish is dry, you can check it by running your finger across the board. If any poly comes off on your skin, it’s not dry enough yet.
Step 8: Gently Sand Between Coats
In between each coat, lightly sand the boards using 220 – 300 grit sandpaper to remove debris.
Step 9: Let The Boards Dry And Keep Them Protected
Once you have applied the last coat, let the boards dry in a protected area for at least three days. Before setting up your cornhole boards, make sure you check the cornhole distance rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Clear Coat Goes On Cornhole Boards?
Polyurethane or polycrylic clear coat goes on cornhole boards. Either one works and the brand you use depends on your preferences. Oil-based polyurethane is a good choice if you want the coat to hold up for a long time against harsh elements. However, if you want a crystal clear coat and to get the job done quickly, go for polycrylic.
Do You Put Clear Coat On Cornhole Boards?
You do put a clear coat on cornhole boards. If you leave out this step, your cornhole boards will be vulnerable to damage by sun, rain and snow. As you are probably planning to use your cornhole boards outdoors, you must protect them from the elements. Also, the finish makes the surface of the boards smoother so that your cornhole bags can glide across them.
How Many Coats Of Polyurethane Do You Need For Cornhole?
You need at least five to ten coats of polyurethane for cornhole but the exact number depends on the product. Some polyurethane finishes only need five coats, while others may need up to ten. Either way, it is vital to wait for each coat to dry thoroughly and then sand it with fine sandpaper before applying the next coat.
What Finish Is On ACL Boards?
Polyurethane or polycrylic finish is on ACL boards. ACL regulations state that all boards must have a finished coat that creates a smooth texture on the playing surface for the cornhole bags to glide along. There are thus no unfinished cornhole boards in ACL tournaments, but there is no rule as to which finish to use.
Is Polycrylic Better Than Polyurethane?
Polycrylic is not better than polyurethane. Either one may be better for you depending on your priorities. Polycrylic is a good choice if you want to get the project done quickly and if you want a perfectly clear finish. However, as it does not last as long as polyurethane, you will most likely have to repeat the process in a couple of years.
Conclusion
When deciding on the best clear coat for cornhole boards, a lot depends on your priorities. That said, our top pick overall is SEAL-ONCE Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer, as it will protect your cornhole boards from the elements, is safe and easy to use and is eco-friendly. However, if you prefer a sleek finish, General Finishes High-Performance Water-Based Top Coat is a great choice as it is also non-toxic and protects well against UV rays.
