Installing felt, or rather pool tablecloths, is usually left to the professionals, but you can also do it yourself as the tools used are inexpensive and complicated. The reason some people feel this is a difficult job is because it has to be done with great care. If the fabric is stretched in the wrong direction, a small amount of dust can remain on the table and make the game chaotic and unpredictable. You can minimize the chance of these distractions by working carefully and carefully, and finding an assistant to stretch the fabric as you tighten it.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Preparing the Table and Cloth
Step 1. Start disassembling the pool table
Remove the liner (upholstery) of each table pocket first, if any. Next, find the bolts on the underside of the table that secure the rails (upper backrest), and remove them. Carefully move the rails to a safe place so they don't scuff or damage, or interfere with your work on the pool table.
- Pool table rails can be 1, 2, or 4 sections. If the rails don't split into 4 sections, you'll need an assistant to move everything around safely.
- Some pool table pockets are screwed separately from the rails.
Step 2. Remove the old tablecloth
The tablecloth can be attached to the pool table in more than one way. Use a stapler release tool when the tablecloth is stapled on the pool table. If the tablecloth is glued to the table, you can tear it right off; however, be sure not to damage the pouch unless you are changing the part as well.
Step 3. Flatten the pool table (optional)
You can use levels to test the flatness of the table. Otherwise, use a small crowbar to raise the lowest leg and prop it up with wood or metal.
Step 4. Clean the board
Use a clean, dry cloth to remove dust. Do not use any cleaning solution. If used glue or other residue has accumulated, file it with a putty knife or other flat blade, especially where it could block the bag.
Step 5. Seal the joint with beeswax if needed
Most pool tables are made up of three boards. On old pool tables, the joints between these sections can lose some of the wax that fills them to create a flat surface. If the wax needs to be renewed, heat the board around the joint with a propane torch, then drip the wax onto this seam. Spread the wax evenly along the joint line, and let it cool for no more than 30 seconds, then scrape off the excess wax using a paint scraper to level the tabletop. Getting rid of too much wax is better than too little because excess wax can be difficult to remove once it dries.
If the pool table is stored in a warm location, you can use a putty specially designed for pool tables. The best type of putty for pool tables is still under debate so consult an expert to determine which is best for your climate
Step 6. Measure the pool table before buying fabric
Measuring the pool table will determine the dimensions of the fabric needed so that the process is faster and the end result will be even better. When buying felt, or technically billiard tablecloth, make sure the size is at least 30 cm longer than the table size on all four sides. This ensures that you have enough fabric for the rails and tabletop.
- Note that pool table cloth is usually a special material, and although it is commonly called "felt", it is generally sold as "pool tablecloth" or "pool table cloth". You can't use ordinary felt for a pool table.
- Wool pool table cloth is a type of fabric that most pool players are familiar with. Worsted fabric allows the ball to slide faster, but is rarely used other than in professional tournaments because it is cheaper and less durable. Other varieties, such as snooker fabric, carom, or polyester fabric are only suitable for certain situations.
Part 2 of 4: Installing Pool Table Cloth with Stapler
Step 1. Use this method if the table has a wooden or plywood backing
Many pool tables have a slate of wood or plywood, which allows you to attach a stapler. You can check this by checking the perimeter or vertical edge of the table. If there's only one board, read the guide to gluing a pool tablecloth below.
-
Notes:
You will use a " hammer tacker " or a manual stapler, or a gun stapler.
Step 2. Cut the fabric for the table and rails
Usually, pool tablecloths come in one large sheet, and include a guide on how to remove each piece to fit each rail. Follow these guidelines carefully so that your pieces match the size of the pool table.
On some pool table cloths, you can make one 2.5 cm cut, then tear it by hand in a straight line. Other pool tablecloths may need to be cut with a razor blade or cutter
Step 3. Spread the fabric with the main side up on the table
Look for a sticker or other label that indicates the side that needs to be facing up. If the fabric isn't labeled, and you can't determine which side to face up, seek professional help. The various pool tablecloths come in a variety of flavors so it's best not to guess if you don't know the taste of the related fabric type well.
- Hang more of the extra fabric at the ends of the legs, and less at the ends of the heads where you will start the installation.
- Check for rips, scratches, and other defects in the tablecloth. You can try asking for a replacement or money back if the tablecloth is not in ideal condition.
Step 4. Stretch the pool table cloth along the head end and stapler at the vertical edge
Use a hammer tacker or a firing stapler to attach the fabric to the wood or table board at one corner of the head end. Ask an assistant to stretch the fabric along the edge of the head until there are no wrinkles, and keep the hanging part parallel to the edge of the table. Attach the stapler every 7.5 cm along this stretched edge, ending at the second corner.
Professional billiards play on a highly stretched surface, which allows the ball to roll more quickly. However, most casual players don't want this and prefer to play a bit slower. However, always stretch at least tight enough to get rid of all the wrinkles
Step 5. Repeat the process on the left side
Move to the other long side of the table, and ask an assistant to pull the fabric tight on that side. Attach the stapler approximately every 7.5 cm, but be sure to staple on both sides of the side pocket.
Pull the fabric through each pocket while stapler on both sides so you have more material when working the lining of the pockets
Step 6. Stapler on toe, then right side
Pull the fabric tight from the unstapled corner. Pay extra attention here because inconsistent pulling will create wrinkles on the table. If your previous stapler didn't allow you to create a flat surface with this pull, while the hanging part is parallel to the edge of the table, remove some staples with the stapler puller and try again. When the fabric has been pulled onto a smooth surface with the appropriate level of tightness, staple the toe short and along the remaining right side.
Don't forget to staple each side of the side pocket
Step 7. Cut the material in the bag and stapler on the inside
Make three incisions in the fabric directly over each bag, then fold the fabric into the bag and stapler inside the bag. Once done, use scissors or a razor blade to trim off the excess fabric.
Part 3 of 4: Gluing the Pool Table Cloth with Glue
Step 1. Use a special adhesive spray if the table cannot be stapled
If the table doesn't have a backboard or plywood under the surface of the main board, you'll need special glue to attach the fabric to the pool table. If you see a linked board on the pool table, follow the stapler guide above.
One of the popular pool table glues is 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Adhesive
Step 2. Cover the sides of the table with newspaper
Protect the edges of the table from glue with a layer of newspaper covering the edges. Remove the newspaper from each edge just before you lower the glued fabric.
Step 3. Cut the tablecloth according to the manufacturer's guidelines
Pool tablecloths are usually available in one large sheet, along with cutting guides for each rail. Follow these guidelines to make sure you cut the fabric to the right size.
Step 4. Identify the surface of the tablecloth that should be facing up, and lay it out on the table
If the surface of the tablecloth to be used for playing is not labeled, try to find it by tasting or asking a professional. The playing surface of the tablecloth should feel smooth, or have fluff in one direction, depending on the breed; You can ask an expert for help to determine which side of the fabric needs to be facing up if you have trouble. Arrange the fabric on the table, leaving a few centimeters hanging on the short head end. Make sure any hanging fabric is as parallel to the edge of the table as possible.
Step 5. Fold the head end of the fabric up, then spray the glue
Fold the head end of the fabric over the table to reveal the underside that will hang over the vertical side of the board. Spray a lot of glue on the underside of the fabric, and also spray on the board to which the fabric will be attached. Let sit until slightly sticky, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 6. Place the cloth on the table carefully
Starting at one end, align the glued fabric with the board, press down, then work your way along the glued end, pulling as tightly as you can when it's attached to the table. It's a good idea to ask an assistant to make sure the fabric is firmly attached, especially at the beginning of this process.
The table cloth should be tight enough so that there are no wrinkles, but a super tight surface is not necessary unless you are training for a professional tournament. More importantly, it is recommended that you pull the fabric with the same pressure during the installation process
Step 7. Repeat the process on the far end and the long side
The process for gluing the pool table cloth is the same for the remaining three sides. Wait at least a few minutes before working on a new side, or the manufacturer's recommended waiting time for the glue to stick as firmly as possible. Pull each side tight before applying the glue, making sure there are no wrinkles in the fabric and that you are pulling with equal force on each side.
Step 8. Cut the tablecloth, and use the excess fabric to line the pockets
Cut off any excess fabric hanging from each side of the table. On one side, cut a 2 inch (5 cm) strip of fabric to use as a pouch lining. Cut the stretched material on the bag, then cut this strip into small pieces, and glue it on the vertical and circular surfaces of the board to protect it from the pool ball.
Part 4 of 4: Replacing the Rail Fabric
Step 1. Remove the old fabric from the railing
Use a stapler puller or a flat-head screwdriver to remove the stapler from the end of the rail. Cut the old fabric along the top of the rail if it doesn't come off easily.
Step 2. Carefully remove the wood feather strip
Each rail has a thin " featherstrip " wood next to it, which is usually not attached with adhesives or nails. If the strip doesn't come off easily, use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry it apart without damaging it.
Step 3. Place the new strip of fabric on the rail
Unlike the pool tablecloth, the main surface of the fabric in this section should be facing down. Keep the overhanging fabric at least 10 cm on each side, and 1.25 cm in the feather strip recess.
Step 4. Use a knocking block and hammer to flatten the section in the center of the featherstrip
Extend the featherstrip back into position, but don't press it down. Ask an assistant to stretch the fabric tightly between the center and the ends of the rails. Place the knocking block over the featherstrip, then use a hammer to gently tap the block and push the featherstrip into the stretched part of the fabric, but stop at about 5 cm from the end, where the corner pocket will be. Stretch the other half of the fabric, and repeat this process on the remaining featherstrip, again stopping 5 cm from the other end.
You should never hit the featherstrip directly so it doesn't hit the table
Step 5. Pull the fabric towards the pad and tap the end of the featherstrip
Pull the cloth on the edge of the table toward the rubber pad, then tap the remaining featherstrip until it's firmly in place. Cut and fold the fabric as necessary to remove excess material and cover the ends of the pads.
Step 6. Reassemble the outer rail
Once all the fabric on the rails is finished, re-tighten the screws to attach them to the table. If you are having trouble finding the screw holes in the table, push a screwdriver through the bolt holes as a guide. Never try to cut a hole in the playing surface from the table top so as not to cut the wrong piece.
