Can You Paint Your Jenga Wood Blocks Game?

Yes, an enjoyable and simple way to add a bit of creativity to your Jenga game is to paint your old Jenga wood blocks.

Acrylic paint is recommended for a bright and durable finish, although watercolors and spray paints can also be used to give your Jenga game a new twist. But these types of paint are less durable and may not last as long.

Jenga, I believe, is a fantastic game, and the possibilities with the blocks are limitless. My son loves to play with them, and I remember how painting my son’s Jenga blocks was one of the most challenging and enjoyable things I’ve done in a while.

He helped me during the entire process and was so proud of his work; spending quality time together for both of us on the weekend was great.

How Can You Paint Jenga Blocks?

Jenga blocks are usually made of hardwood, such as maple or beech. They are precisely cut and sanded for smoothness, then left natural. Some Jenga sets come with painted or stained blocks, but these are less common.

So, if you want to give your old and dull Jenga set a newer unique look to make your game stand out, try painting them. You may do it as a pastime to match your garden theme or go bold with bright colors creating a more interesting color-coded game.

To paint your Jenga blocks, you will need the following:

• Jenga
• Paints of your choice
• A paintbrush
• Newspaper or a drop cloth
• A sealant (optional)

Once you have all the materials required, follow this step-by-step guide…

Step 1. Prepare your work area

It’s good to find a clutter-free like your garage or a backyard. This way, you don’t have to worry about paint spilling and staining your furniture inside.

Once you have a good location, spread a drop cloth or newspaper over the work area to protect the surface from paint splatters.

Step 2. Decide on the paint and colors you want to use

Mostly the Jenga blocks are made of plywood or two-by-fours hardwood. And the type of paint that works best on a wooden Jenga set is acrylic – it’s the most durable and versatile paint.

Make sure to choose a premium, non-toxic water-based paint formulated for outdoor use. It will adhere well, dries quickly, and can be easily layered to create a variety of effects without worrying about external conditions.

When choosing paint colors, you can either go with single or multiple shades. Kids usually love to have bright-colored blocks, so it’s good to choose something like red, yellow, green, or blue. If you want to get more creative, try neon paints, colors that sparkle, or simply a classic black and white.

Step 3. Lightly sand the blocks and paint with a bristle brush

A bristle brush with a wide brush tip works best to evenly coat your Jenga set with acrylic paint. The more strokes you can do with a given amount of paint, the better your finish will look. It also means less effort and time for you.

Before you begin to paint, sand the blocks with fine-grit sandpaper very lightly. You do not need to work hard; just scuff the surface to remove any grime and give the new coat a good grip.

Once sanded, apply the first layer of color onto your Jenga blocks and let the paint dry before adding additional layers if required.

The blocks will require one or two layers at the most to get the right finish. Let your blocks dry completely once you’re satisfied with how they look. Then consider sealing the color on the wooden blocks with a clear sealant.

---

What are the Things You Can Paint on Jenga Set?

Many things can be painted on Jenga blocks, but some popular choices include stripes, polka dots, faces, and other simple patterns. You can also artistically paint words, alphabets, numbers, or symbols on the blocks for your small ones to learn while playing.

For a more challenging gaming experience, try painting different colors on each side of the block. This will make it more difficult to predict which block to remove next.

What to Use to Seal Your Painted Jenga Wood Blocks?

Sealing the Jenga wooden blocks is an optional step, but if you decide to, a sealer like Mod Podge works best in protecting the paint and keeping it from chipping or fading over time.

You can alternatively use a clear spray sealant like polyurethane, which is quick and easy to apply with a brush. Just make sure to use a light coat so the paint job is not compromised, even with kids constantly playing with the blocks.

If you want your painted Jenga blocks to be smooth and slippery, you can sand the wood blocks with 80-100 grit sandpaper on all sides. Then add a layer of the clear sealant like polyurethane or Mod Podge and let it dry completely for a few hours.

This will make the blocks more slippery and less likely to stick together while you’re playing the game. Just be careful not to sand too much, or you’ll end up with bare wood that can be difficult to paint.

What is the Best Way to Store My Painted Jenga Game Set?

To store your freshly painted Jenga set, simply place the blocks in a plastic storage bin, a cardboard box, or a pillowcase.

Just ensure the container or a bag is big enough to fit all the pieces and is clean and dry before storing your Jenga set inside.

You can also wrap each block individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent the paint from chipping or scratching. Then, place the wrapped blocks in your chosen storage container.

Related FAQs

What is the Jenga blocks game? How its played?

Jenga is an exciting physical and mental game played with a set of 54 pieces of wooden blocks. You can purchase it on Amazon for around $25.00 or more, depending on the brand and size.

The game is for two or more players, ages six and up, requiring skill, strategy, and a bit of luck.

To play, each player takes turns removing one block from a tower and placing it on top of the tower until the whole structure falls over. The winner is the last person to successfully place a block without causing the tower to collapse.

What games can you play with painted Jenga wood blocks?

Painted Jenga blocks can be used to play various games with your kids. Use them outdoors to build tall towers, houses, castles, or other giant structures. Get creative and see how tall a structure can be before it collapses.

Kids with their friends and cousins can also use the painted blocks to play traditional indoor games like tic-tac-toe, memory, or dominoes. Or, you can make up your own rules and create a new game using these tumbling giant blocks.

What is the best way to clean the wooden Jenga blocks?

To clean your painted Jenga blocks and keep them looking fresh and new for a long, you can simply use a damp cloth to wipe off the surface. Use mild soap and warm water if needed.

Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the delicate paint job and wood. And to prevent water damage, dry off the blocks after cleaning them with a soft, absorbent cloth.

The Bottom Line

Painted Jenga block sets are a great way to add colors to your favorite games. Additionally, they make great gifts – if you’re looking for a unique and thoughtful gift, consider a painted Jenga set.

When painting, choose the right paint, take your time, be patient, and decorate the blocks with your favorite colors or custom designs. Let your creativity run wild with Jenga blocks, as the sky is the limit.