One of the most popular leisure amongst people is a game of darts. It’s easy to play, and the materials you need are not hard to buy. You can play it for fun with your friends or go for a more competitive route. Whatever you plan on, having your dartboard and darts at your home will surely entertain a few guests whenever they come over.
But having a worn-out dartboard can badly affect your game. If you’re want to lessen your waste, repairing your old dartboard may just be enough to make it look brand new.
How can you repair a dartboard? Depending on the type of board, you can apply a small amount of glue to the rear surface to help bind the board surface back to the frame. Keep in mind though that some dartboards may just be too far gone to be saved. Sometimes, you will have to say goodbye to your good ‘ole trustee dartboard.
Before we look into how to repair a dartboard, it’s best to identify first the common types of problems you’ll encounter. Keep reading to find learn about tips to maintain your gear.
What is the Most Common Problem?
Dartboards come in different sizes and shapes. There’s also the fact that they are made of different materials. But even if they differ, there are common problems that you will encounter with your dartboard.
Below we will take a look at the most common problem you’ll encounter, together with some factors that may contribute to this issue.
Bulging and Swelling
There are several factors to consider when your dartboard starts to swell and bulge. Here are the most common reasons:
Humidity
Humidity can be one of the top reasons some materials deteriorate quickly. It can be difficult to avoid this, especially when you live somewhere humid. You’ll need to place your dartboard in an area that has good air circulation. Investing in a humidifier is also a good option for you.
Moisture
Dartboards can be prone to dampness and moisture. When the fibers are submerged in water, it causes the back of the board to swell. The whole board doesn’t always need to be completely soaked in water for this to happen. Sometimes, the wall where the dartboard is hung is damp, which can trap moisture in and cause damage.
Heat
Environmental factors are one of the huge determinants of whether your equipment will last long or not. Either way, heat can be a problem not just to most materials but also to dartboards. It can dry it out and cause damage. Heat, with the combination of other environmental factors, can further deteriorate your dartboard.
Excess Use
Too much use of your dartboard is a huge factor. Your dartboard will be taking the whole impact of the darts you throw. It’s even worse when your darts are not in a good condition. The constant use combined with inefficient tools can turn your brand new dartboard into an old one in just a few months.
How Can You Fix Your Dartboard?
Repairing your dartboard is possible, but it won’t be easy. You’ll also need to consider the degree of damage. Before repairing, ask yourself — Is repairing this board worth my time? Will it be cheaper compared to buying a new one?
If both the answers to those questions are yes, don’t get excited yet. As we mentioned before, it’s possible, but it will depend on its current condition.
For example, most dartboards are glued to their back. So if you’ve noticed that the back is coming off, a simple glue solution will do the trick.
If you notice it starting to bulge and swell, check first if the dartboard is damp. Moisture and humidity can deteriorate the fibers.
You can dry your board but make sure it’s not heated directly. Then place it in an area where the temperature does not constantly change.
Dartboard Maintenance Tips
Caring and maintaining your board is a great way to ensure it will last you for a while. Although some tips are easy to do, they can help prolong your board’s lifespan.
Here are a few tips that you can do to lessen the damage on your dartboards.
- Keep your dartboard from direct heat such as sunlight or a lamp. Also, avoid placing them near heat sources such as radiators and pipes. Heat can deteriorate your board more quickly. It can even melt the glue that binds the front and the back.
- When pulling the darts from the board, twist them first before pulling them out. Don’t forcefully take them out to lessen the damage.
- Rotate the dartboard now and then to lessen the impact from common hit areas. Move it around the fewer hit areas so the board will be even. Don’t forget to do this regularly.
- Make sure your dartboard is not placed on areas prone to moisture and humidity.
- Never wash your board. It will damage the fibers and cause your board to swell and bulge. Although most people think this is the only way to clean dartboards, there are other methods to keep it sanitized.
- Always place the board in an area where the temperature is constant. The constant change from cold to hot can also damage the material. This is also one of the causes why dartboards swell or bulge.
- Always sanitize the darts after each game. Dirt and oil from fingers can transfer to the dartboard. This can bring moisture and bacteria at the same time.
When Should You Replace Your Dartboard
Although there’s nothing wrong with trying to make do with what you have, there are instances when you’re better off replacing your board than repairing it.
So when exactly should you buy instead of repair? You should get a new dartboard if your old one has too many issues already.
If the signs and numbers are already too faded and unreadable then it’s time to replace it. Sometimes even the outer wiring may come off. Although it’s tempting to find a way to repair it, sometimes you need to let go and buy a new one.
What Type of Dartboards Should You Look Into?
There’s a wide variety of dartboards to choose from. And while it can be overwhelming, the best type will depend on you.
You need to consider first how often you’ll be playing and where you’ll be keeping your board.
If you will place it outdoors, then it’s best to opt for plastic dartboards. They’re not prone to damage from environmental factors but you’ll need to use darts that have soft tips.
Bristle boards are great if you’ll be playing indoors. They’re also a good option if you’re planning to practice for tournaments.
Final Thoughts
Repairing your dartboard is sometimes a better alternative than buying a new one every time yours get worn out. To help them last longer, you can follow the tips we provided so that you’ll have an idea of properly caring for them, whether they are brand new or old.
If you plan on reducing your waste, repairing your dartboard is a good option. However, as we mentioned before, sometimes buying a new one is better than making repairs. Especially if your dartboard has too many issues to solve.
