How to Fix Backgammon Game Boards

Wood Repair

• 1

  Remove old stains or finishes from the outside of the game box with a wood stripper. Apply the stripper with an old cloth or paintbrush, completely covering the surface of the box. Apply the stripper along the grain of the wood. Allow the stripper to sit for 10 minutes and wipe away with an old cloth.

• 2

  Apply wood putty to any chips or gouges in the surface of the wood. Use a putty knife to scoop a little putty. Place the putty over any holes or chips and smooth the putty with the putty knife. Allow the putty to dry for 24 hours. Sand the wood down with sandpaper, starting with a large grit and finishing with a finer grit paper.

• 3

  Apply a new stain to the surface of the box using a paint brush. Rub the stain into the surface of the wood with a circular motion. Allow the stain to dry for 24 hours. Also, you can paint the outside of the box instead of staining.

• 4

  Apply a layer of wood sealer over the wood. Allow each coat to dry for two to four hours before applying the next coat. Use three to four coats of sealer for maximum protection.

• 5

  Remove the hinges from the sides of the game box. Use a Philips-head screwdriver to unscrew Philips screws. This is the most common screw head for hinges. Inspect the holes to see how big they are. Replace the smaller screws with larger screws that will be able to grip the larger holes. You can also add some wood glue to the holes to make the screws hold better. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours before opening the box again.

Game Repair

• 6

  Use wood glue to hold down any pieces of leather or felt on the game board that have pulled away. Apply the glue under the material, then press the material back into place. Allow to dry for 24 hours. If some felt or leather has torn away, measure the size of the missing piece. Draw an outline of the missing piece onto a piece of felt or leather and cut it out. Apply glue to the bottom of the material and glue it into position.

• 7

  Use sandpaper to sand down the inside of the game box. Only use this method if the inside of the game board is smooth and does not contain leather, felt or other cloth pieces. Add wood putty to cover any areas of the wood that have chipped.

• 8

  Paint over any triangles that have faded or chipped with any acrylic or latex paint. Use a ruler to keep the sides of the triangles sharp. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours before continuing.

• 9

  Apply wood sealer to the inside of the game box. Use an old paint brush to apply a thin coat of sealer along the grain of the wood. Wait two to four hours between coats and apply four to five coats. Allow the game to dry for 24 hours before using it.