I really don't want to buy a whole roll of black foil. Is there any foodsafe way to paint it, or what else could I cover it with?

I've read in other threads that some use clear contact paper. You can cover the board in black gift wrap paper, then wrap with the clear contact paper which you can buy at Target, Kmart, Walmart etc. You might want to try any cake supply shops that might be near you. The one I shop at will sell you the foil in a piece for the size you need so you don't have to buy a whole roll. HTH

I also buy foil by the piece as LSW stated. You can also cover it in black fondant. HTH

I have a roll of black paper that I use and cover with contact. That works well.... Or scrapbook paper with contact.

Why don't you flood your board with thinned down royal icing which is tinted black? It is quick and easy, but you need to do it the day before so the icing can dry.

you could use black fabric. I've heard of people covering boards with fabric!

RI is brittle so it will crack and break if you treat it too roughly. But since the cake is on a cardboard on top of the RI it is not really an issue when you cut the cake.

I think I need to invest in some clear contact paper....that would solve a lot of my problems!

Is contact paper food safe? This would sure solve a lot of problems if it is.

I use the contact paper but I always put the cake on a foam core board so that it isn't sitting directly on the contact paper. Cut it the same size of the cake, then if any shows you can put a border on.