Key Takeaways:

1. Dart boards come in various types and materials, from traditional bristle boards made of sisal to electronic and magnetic versions.
2. While they can physically become wet, it’s not recommended due to risks like warping, mold growth, and shortened lifespan.
3. If a dart board gets wet, it’s essential to dry it properly using gentle methods like patting with a towel and allowing it to air dry.
4. Accessories like dartboard surrounds, cabinets, backboards, and dart mats can help protect both your board and the surrounding environment.

In this article, I will look into the following:

Dart boards are a staple for many pub games, competitive leagues, and home entertainment setups. There’s more to these boards than might meet the eye, so let’s get into understanding dart boards:

Dart Board Type	Description	Suitable For
Bristle Dartboard	Made from sisal or hemp, these boards are durable and self-healing, making them ideal for steel-tip darts.	Professional and serious players.
Electronic Dartboard	These boards have small holes for soft-tip darts to stick into, and they automatically calculate scores.	Casual players, pubs and arcades.
Magnetic Dartboard	These boards use magnetic darts, making them safer and ideal for children and family use.	Children and beginners.
Coiled Paper	These are inexpensive and lightweight, but not very durable.	Beginners and occasional players.
Cork/Wood	Traditional type, they require more maintenance and aren’t as durable as bristle boards.	Purists and those looking for a vintage aesthetic.

Magnet: Magnetic dartboards use a magnetic surface that attracts the magnetic darts. These are safe and ideal for children or beginners.

Regular cleaning of your dartboard surface ensures its longevity. When doing so, wipe with a soft cloth to remove loose dirt without causing any damage. Avoid using a wet cloth as it can degrade the natural material of the board.

Dartboards, especially traditional ones made of natural material, like cork dartboards, can get wet, but it’s not advisable. Here’s why:

When fibers like sisal or cork absorb water, they can swell, causing the board over time to warp or become misshapen.

A warped board can significantly affect gameplay, as darts might not stick properly or the board might not hang correctly.

If a dartboard that has become wet is not dried promptly, mold or mildew growth can occur. This can damage the board over time and produce an unpleasant odor.

Repeated exposure to moisture or allowing the a dart board to remain wet for extended periods will almost certainly shorten its lifespan. This is because the natural fibers degrade faster when exposed to water.

How To Dry A Wet Dart Board [Step By Step Guide]

If your dartboard has become wet, either from moisture or accidentally pouring dartboard with water, follow these steps:

Protecting your dartboard from moisture is essential for its longevity, playability, and appearance. Excessive moisture can cause a dartboard to become swollen, moldy, or discolored.

• Choose a location away from windows, doors, and other sources of moisture. Basements can sometimes be damp, so ensure proper ventilation if placing your board there.
• Avoid placing the dartboard in areas exposed to direct sunlight, as it can raise the board’s temperature and cause condensation.

• Use a dehumidifier in rooms that are naturally damp. This is especially important in basements or other underground areas.
• Ensure that the room is well ventilated. Opening windows or utilizing exhaust fans on a regular basis may help decrease dampness.

• Purchase a dartboard cabinet. This not only protects your wall from mistakes darts, but it also provides some resistance to environmental moisture.
• It may form within a closed cabinet, so make sure there are tiny vents or holes for air movement.

• Cover the dartboard with something watertight while it’s not in use. This will prevent moisture damage to the board from splashes and the environment.
• The accumulation of moisture under the cover may be avoided if it is transparent.

Here are some things you can do to protect your dartboard against moisture, whether from spills, rain, or any other source:

• Ensure that your dart tips don’t have any liquid on them and establish a rule against bringing drinks near the dart area.

• A surrounding protector or backboard doesn’t just protect your wall from stray darts; it also creates a buffer zone that could shield your dartboard from any splashes or spills.

Maintaining your dartboard properly can prolong its lifespan, maintain consistent play quality, and keep it looking good. Some best practices for dartboard maintenance:

• Rotation

• Rotate your dartboard often to ensure even wear and tear. This is especially crucial for wooden dartboards which can show signs of wear more quickly than a modern dartboard.
• Humidity and Temperature: Dartboards, like cork dartboards, can become brittle in low humidity. While a light mist of water can help, never immerse the dartboard in water.

• Keep Darts Sharp

• A sharper dart will penetrate the board easier and cause less stress to the sisal fibers.
• However, don’t over-sharpen; a dart that is too sharp can snag and pull on the fibers.

• Proper Dart Removal

• Always pull darts out of the board straight and with a gentle twisting motion to minimize stress on the sisal fibers.

• Humidity and Temperature

• Dartboards, especially those made of sisal, can become hard and brittle in low humidity.
• A light mist of water can help to keep the board soft, but avoid soaking it.

Protecting your dartboard – and perhaps more importantly, the area around it – is crucial to prolonging its life and maintaining the integrity of your walls and surroundings. Here are some products and accessories that can be used for dartboard protection:

Dartboard Surrounds

These are foam or rubber rings that fit around the dartboard. They not only protect the wall from off-target throws but also can protect the darts from damage due to hitting a hard surface.

Dartboard Cabinets

Wooden or metal cabinets in which the dartboard is mounted. They provide protection for the wall, can store darts and accessories, and when closed, hide the dartboard away. Many also have chalkboards or whiteboards for scorekeeping.

Backboards

Larger protective boards, often made of cork, wood, or foam, which can be hung behind the dartboard. They offer a wider protection area than surrounds.

Dart Mats

These are mats that you lay on the floor, providing two benefits: they mark the correct throwing distance and protect the floor from bounce-outs.

Gently pat the dartboard with a soft, dry cloth to remove as much water as possible. Don’t rub too hard, as you don’t want to damage the fibers.

Dartboards, especially those made of sisal or other natural materials, can be damaged by moisture, sunlight, and extreme temperatures. If you’re using your dartboard outside, make sure it’s not exposed to rain or direct sunlight. Even moisture in the air can gradually degrade the board.

Understanding can dart boards get wet? is really important for anyone who loves playing darts. Different dart boards, like bristle or electronic, are made of various materials.

Some can handle a bit of moisture, while others can’t. Always remember to keep your dart board clean dry and use the tips we shared to protect it from getting wet. And in excellent condition ever it does get damp, now you know how to dry it and take care of it.