If you’re a pool enthusiast, you know the importance of having a well-maintained pool table. After continuous usage, your pool table’s felt can wear out and become damaged. This will affect your gameplay and make it tough for you to have an enjoyable experience. Replacing the felt or refelting your pool table is a crucial part of its maintenance.
Refelting your pool table may seem like a daunting task, but with a little knowledge, some tools, and a lot of patience, anybody can do it. There are numerous benefits to doing it yourself, not least the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve accomplished something remarkable. You’ll also be saving money by not hiring a professional.
The process of refelting a pool table can take up several hours if you haven’t done it before; so set aside plenty of time in your schedule and follow these steps below. In this article, we will give substantial information about how to refelt a pool table, including a list of important items required, step-by-step instructions, tips, tricks, and common mistakes to avoid. By following this guide, you can significantly improve your pool game by ensuring your pool table has a smooth and perfectly finished surface, perfect for precise shots and long gameplay.
Table of Contents
Gather the Tools You Need
Measuring and Cutting Tools
If you are planning to refelt a pool table, the first thing that you need to do is gather all the tools necessary for the job. Such tools include measuring tapes, straight edges, and cutting tools such as scissors or a rotary cutter.
When measuring your pool table, it’s important to take accurate measurements of the playing surface, rails, and pockets. Use a tape measure with a locking mechanism to ensure precise measurements every time.
Cutting tools should be able to handle thick felt materials without fraying or leaving rough edges on the fabric. A sharp pair of scissors or a rotary cutter with a self-healing mat would be ideal for this task.
Adhesive and Application Tools
Aside from measuring and cutting tools, the adhesive and application tools are equally important when refelting a pool table. For instance, heavy-duty staplers, staple pullers, and a spray adhesive will make the process much easier.
A good quality spray adhesive like 3M Super 77 can work well for securing the felt onto the bed and cushions of the pool table. Alternatively, there are also other types of adhesives suitable for refelting such as contact cement or rubber cement.
Having an excellent staple gun that is both powerful and long-lasting is essential in attaching the felt firmly to the wooden backing. The presence of a staple remover within reach could save you time and frustration if you ever need to remove incorrect staples instantly.
Protective Gear
Refelting a pool table involves using some hazardous substances, so protective gear is crucial as safety precautions. Even though gloves aren’t necessarily mandatory, they are highly recommended to prevent cuts, bruises, and other minor abrasions from sharp edges and tools.
Other essential protective gear during the refelting process includes safety glasses to protect your eyes when cutting or using adhesive sprays. If you’re sensitive to all kinds of dust, a facemask could cover both your mouth and nose from excessive airborne particles that may be expelled by felt cuttings or debris.
“A good DIYer knows their limits and takes necessary precautions within those bounds.” -Meghan Carter
It’s crucial to have the correct measuring and cutting tools for accurate cuts and precise placement of the felt. Proper application tools such as heavy-duty staplers, staple pullers, and spray adhesives will also make the installation process easier and quicker. Finally, protective gear like gloves, safety glasses, and masks can help prevent injury and unintentional inhalation of materials released during the job. By gathering all these tools together in advance, you’ll ensure a smoother, more successful project without the risk of unnecessary hurdles.
Remove the Old Felt
If your pool table’s felt is worn out and damaged, you may want to replace it with a new one. The process of refelting a pool table is not as daunting as it may seem. You can easily do it yourself by following some simple steps and without requiring professional help. The first step in this process is removing the old felt.
Removing the Staples
The first thing that you need to do before taking off the old felt from your pool table is removing all staples or tacks holding it down. Use an upholstery staple remover or pliers to pull out each staple carefully to avoid damaging the slate underneath. Make sure that every single staple is removed before proceeding further.
“Start at the corner closest to where you removed the last staple and grab hold of the felt’s edge. Gently pull it back towards you until you notice a break in the adhesive between the felt and the slate,” -HowStuffWorks
Peeling off the Old Felt
Now that all staples are removed, start peeling off the old felt slowly and carefully. Again, make sure not to damage the slate beneath the old felt. If any adhesive remains stuck on the surface, use a putty knife and/or scraper to remove it completely. As you go, check for any bumps, divots, or scratches on the slate, and take care of them by sanding or filling if necessary, ensuring that the new felt will lie flat and even.
“Be extremely careful when rolling up the felt so it doesn’t tear. Roll it tightly, and then cover it with plastic wrap or a trash bag,” -wikihow
You must also clean the entire surface properly by wiping it with a damp cloth and removing any debris or impurities before you begin refelting. Now that the old felt has been removed, you can move on to preparing your new felt for installation.
Prepare the Surface
If you’re planning to refelt a pool table, it’s important to first prepare the surface of the table to ensure that the new felt will adhere properly and provide a smooth playing surface. Here are some steps you can take to prepare your pool table for a fresh felt:
Cleaning the Surface
The first step in preparing your pool table is to clean the existing felt and remove any debris or dirt build-up. This can be done using a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to gently remove dust and particles from all areas of the table.
“Cleaning the surface thoroughly is crucial because any dirt or grime on the table can cause the new felt to not stick properly and make the table uneven for play.” -Source: Pool Table Service Blog
In addition, make sure to wipe down the rails and pockets with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any residual chalk or other debris that may have accumulated over time.
Sanding the Surface
After cleaning the surface, the next step is to sand it lightly to create a smoother and more even texture. You can use fine-grit sandpaper to do this, but be sure to only use light pressure so as not to damage the underlying structure of the table.
“Sanding the surface will help to create better adhesion for the new felt while also smoothing out any imperfections in the table’s surface.” – Source: Home Leisure Direct
It’s important to note that if there are any major divots or damage to the playing surface, these should be addressed prior to sanding to prevent further damage or wear on the new felt.
Applying Primer
Once the surface has been cleaned and sanded, it’s time to apply a primer to create a strong adhesive surface for the new felt. This can be done using a paint roller or brush to apply the primer evenly across the playing surface and rails.
“Applying a primer coat will help to ensure that the new felt adheres well to the table’s surface and prevent any peeling or bubbling over time.” – Source: Pool Tables Plus
Make sure to allow sufficient drying time before proceeding with the next steps, as rushing the process could result in uneven adhesion or other issues down the line.
Marking the Placement of the New Felt
The final step in preparing your pool table is to mark the placement of the new felt before installing it. This involves carefully measuring and marking each section of the surface and rails where the felt will be placed, ensuring proper alignment and fit.
“Measuring and marking out the new felt is an important step in the process because it will dictate the overall look and feel of the finished product.” – Source: Billiards Forum
You can use a chalk line or other tools to ensure straight lines and accurate measurements, but take care not to damage the surface or existing felt during this process.
- Clean the surface thoroughly
- Lightly sand the playing surface to create smoother texture
- Apply a primer to create strong adhesive surface
- Measure and mark out placement of new felt carefully
By following these steps to prepare your pool table for refelting, you can ensure a smooth and even playing surface that looks and feels like new.
Attach the New Felt
Applying Adhesive to the Surface
Before attaching the new felt, you need to apply adhesive to the surface of your pool table. Use a paintbrush or roller to apply a thin layer of glue to the playing surface.
It’s important that you use a high-quality adhesive specifically formulated for pool tables. Avoid using regular household adhesives as they may not provide adequate hold and could damage the playing surface.
“Using a proper adhesive will help ensure that the felt stays in place and doesn’t wrinkle or bunch up over time.” – The Spruce Crafts
Placing and Aligning the New Felt
Once the adhesive is applied, it’s time to place the new felt onto the surface of the pool table. Carefully set the felt onto the table and smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles using your hands or a smoothing tool.
Be sure to align the felt properly before securing it into place. The edges of the felt should hang off the side of the pool table evenly on all sides.
“It’s important to make sure the felt is properly aligned before adhering it in place so that it doesn’t look crooked or uneven when you’re done.” – Home Leisure Direct
Rolling Out the New Felt
After placing and aligning the felt, use a pool table brush or other soft-bristled brush to gently roll out the felt. This helps to eliminate wrinkles and ensure that the felt lays flat against the pool table surface.
Work carefully around the edges of the table to prevent lifting or damaging the newly attached felt. Be patient when rolling out the felt to avoid causing ripples or bumps in the surface.
“Rolling out the felt evenly is crucial to ensuring a smooth, level playing surface. Take your time and be thorough!” – Billiard Table Reviews
Smooth Out the Felt and Finish
If you’ve successfully completed everything we previously covered, you’re ready to move onto the final step of refelting your pool table: smoothing out the felt and adding a protective coat.
Trimming Excess Felt
To trim excess felt from your table’s edges, use a razor blade or sharp scissors. Start by pressing down gently on the felt where it meets the edge of the slate and cutting away any extra material. Take care not to cut too close to the slate; leave at least 1/8 inch of felt overhang to help protect the corners. Once you’ve trimmed all the way around the perimeter, take a handheld vacuum or bristle brush to remove any stray fibers left behind.
Smoothing Out Air Bubbles
Air bubbles can sometimes form under the felt during installation – especially in larger sections near the center of the table. To smooth them out, press your hands down firmly on either side of the bubble and work your way towards the edges. If that doesn’t work, use something thin and flat like a credit card to press the bubble down and outwards. Be sure to continue pushing until the bubble disappears entirely.
Applying a Protective Coat
The final step involves applying a protective finish to give the felt added durability and longevity against spills, stains, and fading. There are several different types of finishes available (silicone spray, Teflon-based solutions, etc.) but most experts recommend using a product specifically designed for billiard table felt.
- Clean the surface first with a soft-bristled brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any dust and debris. Dust particles will interfere with the adhesion of the coating.
- Apply the coating evenly using a spray bottle or clean sponge. Start at the center of the table and work your way outwards, being careful not to over-saturate any one area.
- Allow the finish to dry completely before playing on the table. This will take anywhere from 12-24 hours, depending on the product used and the climate conditions in your room.
“Billiard cloth manufacturers have done extensive research on their products’ functionality and durability so they are now able to offer pool table felt with built-in scotchgard which reduces the negative impact of spilled drinks, stains etc.” -The Billiards Forum
Now that you know how to refelt a pool table yourself, investing a little bit of time and effort can save you hundreds (even thousands) of dollars compared to hiring a professional. Just remember to be patient and thorough throughout the process – even small mistakes can mean the difference between a perfectly smoothed surface and bumpy, lopsided play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials do I need to refelt a pool table?
To refelt a pool table, you’ll need a few essential materials such as new felt, a staple gun, a utility knife, a straight edge, a chalk line, and a few other basic tools. You’ll also need a vacuum cleaner to remove any debris from the table and a pair of scissors to trim the felt to fit the table’s pockets. It’s important to purchase high-quality felt to ensure your table looks and plays its best. You may also want to invest in a felt stretching tool to help get a smooth and even installation.
How do I remove the old felt from the pool table?
Removing the old felt from your pool table is a crucial first step in the refelting process. Begin by removing the staples from the old felt using a staple remover or pliers. Then, use a utility knife to carefully cut along the edges of the table to remove the felt. Be sure to remove any excess glue or debris from the table’s surface, so the new felt adheres correctly. Once you’ve removed the old felt, vacuum the table to remove any remaining debris.
What are the steps to install new felt on a pool table?
The process of installing new felt on a pool table involves several steps. First, measure and cut the new felt to fit the table’s surface, leaving extra material to wrap around the edges and secure with staples. Next, stretch the felt tightly over the table, using a felt stretching tool if necessary, and staple it in place along the edges. Trim any excess felt using scissors and secure the felt around the pockets using adhesive. Finally, use a steam iron to smooth out any wrinkles or creases in the felt, and your table will be ready to play.
How long does it take to refelt a pool table?
The time it takes to refelt a pool table depends on several factors, including the size of the table, the complexity of the installation, and your level of experience. In general, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day to refelt a pool table. If you’re a beginner, it may take longer and require more patience, while experienced installers can complete the process more quickly. To ensure the best results, take your time and follow the installation steps carefully.
Can I refelt a pool table myself or should I hire a professional?
If you’re handy with tools and have some DIY experience, you can refelt a pool table yourself. However, if you’re uncertain about the process or lack the necessary tools, it’s best to hire a professional. A professional installer can ensure that the job is done correctly, and your table will be ready to play in no time. Additionally, a professional installation can help you avoid costly mistakes that can damage your table or lead to a poor playing surface. Consider your skills and experience level before deciding whether to DIY or hire a professional.