Key Takeaways:
- Dartboards can swell or bulge due to moisture absorption or breakdown of the protective latex coating. Knowing the cause can guide the repair process.
- Store your dartboard in a dry location, away from direct sunlight. This will reduce the risk of swelling due to moisture.
- Tools such as a sharp knife, tweezers, a small brush, and sandpaper can be invaluable in repairing a dartboard.
- Using soft-tip darts, especially on electronic dartboards, minimizes wear and tear, preserving the integrity and lifespan of the dartboard.
Introduction
Do not worry when your dartboard seems to be excessively full. An inflated dartboard may be fixed in a number of ways. We’ll describe the steps to take to assist your board to resize in this blog article. So, let’s get started right now! We’ll look at how to repair a bloated dartboard. Additionally, if you’re wondering how to fix a dartboard or how to fix a swollen dartboard specifically, we’ve got you covered! Let’s get going!
When your dartboard gets swollen, try this: Lay it flat on the ground. Place heavy books on top for a day. Keep it away from moisture. If it’s still swollen, leave it in a dry place for a few more days. Always store in a cool, dry spot to avoid swelling again.

Table of Contents
What is a Swollen Dartboard
A swollen dartboard is a temporary condition that can occur when the surface of the board becomes wet. This can happen if the board is exposed to moisture or if it is left in a humid environment for too long. When the board absorbs moisture, the fibers swell and the surface of the board becomes raised.

This can make it difficult to throw darts accurately, and it can also cause the darts to bounce off the board. A swollen dartboard is not permanent and will usually return to its normal state once the board has dried out. However, if the board continues to be exposed to moisture, it may eventually develop mildew or mold. To prevent a swollen dartboard, be sure to store the board in a dry place and keep it away from direct sunlight.
Why Do Dartboards Bulge?
Dartboards are constructed using tightly wound strands of sisal, a material that is also used in rope making. Once the dartboard is complete, the surface is coated with a thin layer of latex. This creates a smooth playing surface that is easy on the darts and helps to prolong the life of the board. Over time, however, the latex coating can begin to break down, causing the sisal strands to become exposed.
When this happens, the dartboard will bulge outward, creating an uneven surface that can affect gameplay. In some cases, the bulging may be severe enough to cause the dartboard to crack or shatter. Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to prevent this from happening. First, it’s essential to inspect your dartboard for signs of wear and tear regularly.
If you notice any bulges or cracks, simply apply a new layer of latex paint. This will help to protect the sisal fibers and extend the life of your dartboard. Additionally, always use soft-tip darts when playing on an electronic dartboard. These darts are designed to minimize wear and tear, helping to keep your board looking like new for years to come.
Tools We Need to Fix a Swollen Dartboard
Tools we need to fix a swollen dartboard:
- A sharp knife
- Tweezers
- A small, firm brush
- A needle
- Dental floss or fishing line
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton balls
4 Beneficial Ways on How to Fix a Swollen Dartboard
A swollen dartboard is a common occurrence. The problem is caused by the natural expansion and contraction of the wood as it absorbs and releases moisture. This can cause the darts to become loose and fall out, or even damage the board itself. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to fix a swollen dartboard.
Step 1
One way to fix a swollen dartboard is to remove the darts and let the board dry out completely. This will usually take a few days, but if the board is particularly wet, it may take longer. Once the board is dry, you can reattach the darts and start playing again.

Step 2
Another way to fix a swollen dartboard is to apply heat to the board. This can be done with a hair dryer or by placing the board in a warm oven for a few minutes. The heat will help to swell and make the darts easier to remove. However, be careful not to overheat the board, as this can damage it.

Step 3
If your dartboard is made of cork, you can also try soaking it in water for a few hours. This will help to soften the cork and make it easier to work with. Once it’s absorbed, you can use a sharp knife to trim away any excess cork that’s causing the darts to swell.
Step 4
A final way to fix a swollen dartboard is to use sandpaper on the affected area. This will help smooth any rough edges and make it easier for the darts to slide in and out. Just be sure to sand evenly so that you don’t create any new dips or bumps in the board.

With these four simple fixes, you can get your dartboard back in working order in no time!
How to Repair Dart Board Holes
Repairing dartboard holes is possible, but it may not fully restore the board to its original condition. The best approach is to prevent excessive damage in the first place by rotating the dartboard regularly and using steel-tip darts with appropriate throwing techniques. However, if your dartboard has a few small holes, you can try the following steps to repair them:
Materials Needed:
- Filler putty or wood filler
- Sandpaper (fine grit)
- Paint (matching the dartboard color)
- A putty knife or spatula
- Soft cloth
Step-by-Step Guide:
Clean the dartboard: Carefully remove the dartboard from the wall and wipe it clean to remove any dust, debris, or loose fibers around the holes.
Prepare the filler: Mix the filler putty or wood filler according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure it is suitable for the material of your dartboard (e.g., sisal fiberboard).
Fill the holes: Using a putty knife or spatula, carefully apply the filler into the holes. Press down gently to ensure the filler fills the holes completely and evenly.
Smooth the surface: Once the holes are filled, use the putty knife or spatula to smooth the surface of the dartboard. Make it as level as possible with the surrounding area. Keep in mind that the surface of the dartboard may not be entirely uniform due to the sisal fiber composition.
Let it dry: Allow the filler to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This may take several hours or overnight.
Sand the filled areas: After the filler has dried, use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the filled areas. This will help to blend the repaired spots with the rest of the dartboard’s surface.
Paint the dartboard (optional): If your dartboard has a painted outer ring or color accents, you can use matching paint to touch up the repaired areas. Apply the paint carefully and let it dry before remounting the dartboard.Re-mount the dartboard: Once the repaired areas are dry and the paint (if used) has dried, re-mount the dartboard securely on the wall. Ensure it is level and stable for accurate play.
Why is My Dartboard Swelling?
Dartboard swelling typically occurs when the dartboard is exposed to moisture or humidity. Dartboards are commonly made from sisal fibers, which are compressed and tightly packed together to create a dense surface that darts can stick to. However, sisal fibers are also hygroscopic, meaning they have the ability to absorb moisture from the surrounding environment.
Several factors can lead to dartboard swelling:
High Humidity: When the relative humidity in the room or area where the dartboard is kept is high, the sisal fibers absorb moisture from the air. As the fibers take in water, they expand, causing the dartboard to swell and become distorted.
Liquid Spills: Accidental spills of liquids, such as water, beverages, or cleaning solutions, can cause the sisal fibers to absorb the liquid. This can lead to localized swelling around the area of the spill.
Water Exposure: Leaving the dartboard outdoors or in a damp environment, like a garage or basement with moisture issues, can cause the fibers to absorb water and swell.
Improper Storage: Storing the dartboard in an area prone to dampness, such as against an exterior wall with poor insulation, can contribute to moisture absorption and swelling.
Inadequate Ventilation: Lack of proper ventilation in the room can lead to increased humidity levels, which can affect the dartboard over time.
To prevent dartboard swelling, consider the following tips:
Indoor Storage: Store the dartboard in a dry, well-ventilated room with stable humidity levels.
Avoid Liquid Exposure: Keep liquids away from the dartboard area, and if a spill occurs, immediately dry and clean the affected area.
Use Dehumidifiers: If the dartboard is kept in a room with high humidity levels, consider using a dehumidifier to control moisture.
Rotate the Dartboard: Regularly rotate the dartboard to evenly distribute wear and tear, preventing excessive damage to specific areas.
Proper Cleaning and Maintenance: Clean the dartboard with a soft cloth and avoid using any cleaning solutions that may contain water.
How to Fix Dart Board Wire?
Fixing a dartboard wire, also known as the spider or the wire ring, is a relatively simple task. The spider can sometimes become loose or detached due to wear and tear, accidental bumping, or aggressive play. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix a dartboard wire:
Materials Needed:
- Needle-nose pliers
- Wire cutters (if necessary)
- Replacement dartboard wire (optional)
- Superglue (if necessary)
Step-by-Step Guide:
Remove the dartboard: Take down the dartboard from the wall carefully. Lay it flat on a table or a soft surface with the front side facing down to access the spider.
Inspect the wire: Examine the dartboard wire to identify the issue. Look for any loose or detached sections of the wire. Also, check if the wire is bent out of shape or damaged.
Reattach a loose wire: If the wire has come loose from the board but is still intact and not damaged, you can reattach it. Apply a small amount of superglue to the back of the wire’s base, and then press it firmly back into its original position on the dartboard.
Repair or replace damaged wire: If the wire is damaged beyond repair or broken, you may need to replace it. You can purchase replacement dartboard wires from various online retailers or local dart supply stores. Alternatively, if the wire is only slightly bent out of shape, you can use needle-nose pliers to carefully bend it back into the correct position.
Remove the damaged wire (if necessary): If the wire is broken and needs replacement, use wire cutters to carefully remove the damaged section. Be cautious not to damage the dartboard’s surface or surrounding wires during this process.
Install the new wire: If you have a replacement wire, follow the same pattern as the original wire and position it correctly on the dartboard. Use the needle-nose pliers to secure it in place. If the dartboard has a staple-free bullseye, the wire can be pressed into the small grooves on the surface.
Secure the wire: To ensure the wire is firmly in place, apply a small amount of superglue to the back of its base and press it down onto the dartboard surface.
Let it dry: Allow the glue to dry completely before handling the dartboard again.
Re-mount the dartboard: Once the wire is secure and the glue is dry, re-mount the dartboard securely on the wall. Ensure it is level and stable for accurate play.
How Do You Revive a Dart Board?
If you’ve recently unearthed an old dart board that’s been collecting dust in the attic, you may be wondering if it’s still usable. The good news is that with a little bit of effort, you can revive an old dart board and get it back into playing condition. The first step is to give the dartboard a thorough cleaning.
Use a soft cloth to dust off the surface of the board, and then use a mild soap and water solution to remove any remaining dirt and grime. Once the board is clean, inspect it for damage. If there are any cracks or holes in the surface, they’ll need to be repaired before you can continue.
Once the board is clean and damage-free, it’s time to re-tighten the screws that hold the bristle darts in place. Over time, these screws can become loose, causing the darts to fall out more easily. Finally, use a sharp knife to shave away any rough edges on the darts themselves. With a little bit of elbow grease, you can revive an old dart board and get it back into playing condition.
How Does a Dartboard Self-Heal?
When you throw a dart at a dartboard, the tip of the dart punctures the surface of the board and leaves a small hole. But within a few moments, that hole disappears entirely. How does the dartboard self-heal?
The answer lies in the materials used to make the dartboard. Most dartboards are made of sisal, a material that is naturally very tough and resistant to penetration. The surface of the sisal is made up of tiny fibers, and when a dart punctures the surface, those fibers quickly wrap around the tip of the dart, essentially healing the hole.
But why doesn’t the hole remain wrapped in sisal fibers? The answer has to do with friction. When you pull a dart out of a dartboard, the friction between the fibers and the tip of the dart causes some of those fibers to break off. And as more darts are thrown at the board, more fibers break off, until eventually the hole is completely healed.
So next time you’re playing darts, remember that you’re not just playing a game – you’re also witnessing an amazing feat of engineering!
Should You Spray Water on a Dartboard?
Spraying water on a dartboard is often done to help keep the darts stuck in the board. When you throw a dart, it can spin and hit the board at an angle, making it easier for the dart to bounce out. If you have a lot of moisture on the board, it will help the darts to grip better and stay in place.
You can use a spray bottle to lightly mist the board before you start playing. Just make sure that you don’t soak the board, as this can cause the darts to slip out more easily. In addition, be sure to wipe up any excess water after you’re finished playing. Otherwise, the moisture can cause the board to warp or the paint to peel.
Final Thoughts
You may try a few different methods and fix your swelling dartboard. One common question is how to fix dart board when it is swollen or damaged. The answer depends on the extent and cause of the swelling. Another question is how to fix swollen dartboard that has been exposed to moisture or humidity. This can happen if you store your dartboard in a damp place or play with wet darts.
Whatever the reason, you need to act fast and restore your dartboard to its original shape and condition. Once the swelling is severe enough, the board may need to be replaced. The board may be filled with ice, the darts can be frozen, or a hairdryer set to low heat can be used if the swelling is minimal. Whatever treatment you decide to use, be patient since it could take some time for the swelling to subside totally. We looked at the problem of a bloated dartboard. You’re welcome, and good luck!
Read Morehttps://dartboardhub.com/should-you-use-tungsten-darts/
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