- Published on
Humidity Fixes for Sticky Boards: Keep Games Playable Indoors
- Authors
- Name
- ACL Pro Tommy Sliker
Summary: Humidity slows boards, grabs dust, and makes hands clammy. Start with airflow and cleaning, not chemicals. If it’s still sticky, tweak mechanics and consider a faster, hole‑friendly bag.
Sponsored • WTF Cornhole
What humidity actually does
- Increases surface friction as finishes absorb moisture
- Traps dust/lint on the board so slides die early
- Makes hands and fabrics damp, changing release and feel
Fix the room first (fastest wins)
- Set fans to create cross‑breeze. If possible, run a dehumidifier to target ~45–55% RH.
- Keep doors closed between games to avoid damp air rushing in.
- Wipe floors near boards; less airborne dust equals better slides.
Clean boards the right way
- Damp microfiber wipe, then dry. A tiny drop of mild dish soap in water helps lift grime.
- If the finish feels “grabby,” lightly buff with 0000 steel wool and wipe clean.
- If wear is heavy, re‑coat with water‑based polyurethane for a consistent slide.
Avoid: furniture polish, silicone sprays, oils, or waxes. They leave residues, attract dust, and can violate competition rules.
Related how‑tos:
Keep bags and hands dry
- Brush or wipe bags to remove dust; let them dry fully after damp nights.
- Use a dry sportsack for hands. Skip powdery products if your venue forbids residue.
- If a set turns into “Velcro,” swap for a faster or more humidity‑tolerant fabric.
You can also reduce cling by laundering per maker guidance—no softeners or dryer sheets—and fully air‑drying. If they feel stiff afterward, break them back in with throws.
More on care:
Shot selection and mechanics that travel
- Land earlier on the board; humid finishes don’t need runway.
- Lower trajectory and trim backswing—pace over power.
- Use slow‑side blocks to control tempo, then push rather than “hope” a dead slide goes.
When you need extra help, a fast‑side, hole‑friendly set keeps games moving without forcing you to muscle the bag.
What to avoid (to keep things legal and consistent)
- Aerosol polishes, WD‑40, corn starch/baby powder on boards, or any surface‑altering treatments
- Anything that leaves a film on the board or bags—dust sticks to it and performance becomes unpredictable
If you run leagues, publish a short “no residue” policy so everyone plays the same surface.
Quick checklist for humid nights
- Fans on; doors controlled; dehumidifier if you have it
- Wipe boards (damp microfiber), then dry; buff trouble spots with 0000
- Dry sportsack for hands; keep bags clean and dry
- Earlier landings, flatter arc, and smarter blocks/pushes
- Swap to a faster, hole‑friendly set if the surface still grabs