What You’ll Need
Refelting your pool table is a big task, but it’s nothing you can’t handle if you have the right tools. Here is a list of what you’ll need:
- Felt
- Staple remover
- Screwdriver
- Utility knife
- Staple gun
Once you have all of these items, you’re ready to begin!
Preparing the Surface
To begin the process of refelting your pool table, you’ll need to first make sure that the playing surface of your table is completely clear of any debris, staples, or other materials. Using a screwdriver, carefully remove all of the staples that hold the edges of the felt in place, making sure to keep the felt as intact as possible. If there are any areas where the staples won’t come out easily, you can use a pair of pliers to pull them free without damaging the wood underneath.
With all of the staples removed, take a vacuum cleaner and use it to clean out any remaining debris from the table. This will ensure that the new felt adheres smoothly to the surface and won’t be marred by any bumps or divots.
Once the surface is clean, take a piece of fine-grit sandpaper and lightly sand down any rough or uneven spots. This can help to create a smoother surface for the new felt and will help to prevent future wear and tear.
Finally, wipe down the entire table with a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust or debris. You’re now ready to move on to the next step of the refelting process.
Removing the Old Felt
Before you begin the process of refelting your pool table, the first step is to remove the old felt from the table. Start by inspecting the felt on the table surface and look for any signs of wear and tear. If you notice any damage or holes in the felt, it is best to replace it entirely rather than trying to patch it up.
To remove the old felt, you need to use a utility knife to cut through the felt in those areas that are stuck down. Start by loosening the edges of the felt from the table surface, pulling it back gently. Take your time and work your way around the entire perimeter of the table. Use your utility knife to make cuts along the center of the table if necessary.
Once all the edges of the felt have been lifted and separated from the table surface, you should be able to remove the felt in one piece. Be careful not to tear the felt as you remove it, as this will make it difficult to work with later.
After the old felt has been removed, take the time to clean the table surface thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris left behind. You can use a cloth or vacuum cleaner to get rid of any excess dust that may have accumulated on the table surface.
Applying the New Felt
After removing the old felt and preparing the surface of the pool table, it’s time to apply the new felt. Begin by unrolling the new felt and placing it on top of the pool table. Make sure that you have enough felt to cover the entire surface of the table, leaving a few inches of overlap on each side.
Start by lining up one end of the felt with the edge of the pool table and carefully pulling it taut as you move along to the other end. It’s important to make sure that the felt is pulled tight in all directions to prevent wrinkles or creases from forming.
Once you have the felt in place, use a staple gun to attach it to the pool table. Start by stapling the center of the felt to the table and then work your way out to the edges. Make sure to staple the felt to the underside of the rail to keep it securely in place.
When stapling the felt, it’s important to avoid putting too much tension on the fabric. This can cause bumps and wrinkles to form, which can make the table surface uneven and affect the way the balls roll. Instead, use a gentle touch and staple the felt in small sections, working carefully and methodically across the surface of the table.
Once the felt is attached to the pool table, use a sharp blade to trim off any excess material. Make sure to leave enough felt around the edges to wrap around the rail and staple it securely in place.
After the felt has been fully attached to the pool table, use a brush to lightly sweep the surface to remove any dust or debris. This will help to ensure that the surface is clean and smooth, which will allow the balls to roll more smoothly and increase the overall accuracy of the game.
Overall, applying new felt to a pool table is not a difficult process, but it does require patience and attention to detail. By following these steps carefully and taking your time, you can ensure that your pool table looks and performs as good as new for many years to come.
Trimming and Leveling
Now that you’ve carefully laid down your new pool table felt, it’s time to trim off any excess felt and level it. Trimming off the excess felt is important to ensure that it fits perfectly and looks aesthetically pleasing. To trim off any excess felt, take your utility knife and gently cut along the edges of the table. Make sure you take your time, so you don’t cut too much off the felt.
Once you’ve trimmed off the excess felt, it’s time to level the felt. Leveling is important because it ensures that the balls roll smoothly, and you don’t get any wobbling or bouncing. To level the felt, take your level and place it on the surface of your pool table. Move the level around to check if there are any high or low spots. If you find any areas that are uneven, gently press down on the felt to even it out. Make sure to keep checking with your level until everything is perfectly even.
Remember to take your time when trimming and leveling the felt. Rushing through this part of the process could cause you to make mistakes and end up with an uneven pool table. Once you’re done, your pool table should look and feel brand new!
