How to Look After a Snooker Table
Snooker is a type of cue sports in the same family as billiards and pool. The rules may differ but the equipment is quite similar from the balls to the cue sticks. While the table for snooker may vary in size from pool and billiards, its maintenance and care is the same. A snooker table is an investment, so it is important to look after it so you can enjoy playing on it for many years. The cloth covering the sturdy slate surface and the rails require the most attention.
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Things You'll Need
- Hand-held nylon or horse-hair brush
- Soft lint-free cloths
- Hand-held vacuum or vacuum with attachments
- Wood polisher
- Saddle soap
- Tarp or pool table covering
Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Choose a location for your snooker table away from direct heat sources, water and bright sunlight. A place in the center of a room away from windows will prevent the cloth on the table from fading and the wood rails from drying out.
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2
Lightly brush the snooker table cloth surface after each use to remove any debris or chalk dust that fell from the cue sticks during play. You must brush the cloth surface in 1 direction, preferably in the direction of the nap, toward the pockets to avoid damaging the surface.
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3
Vacuum away excess dust and debris swept toward the pockets. Vacuum in 1 direction instead of using a back-and-forth motion as this weakens the structure of the cloth surface.
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4
Use 1 lint-free cloth to dust the wood parts. Apply wood polisher to the rails and other exposed wooden parts of the snooker table using another clean lint-free cloth. The polish will keep the wood hydrated and prevent dryness and splitting. The wood polish only needs to be applied about twice a month and the wood dusted as needed.
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5
Wipe down the leather pockets and any leather trim with saddle soap using a lint-free cloth at least twice a month. The saddle soap maintains leather suppleness and prevents drying and cracking.
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6
Cover the snooker table with a tarp or pool table cover between uses to protect it from pets, dust, moisture and other damaging elements.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a damp microfiber towel and lightly wipe the cloth surface of the snooker table once a month to remove embedded dust not easily removed by brushing or vacuuming. To extend the life of your snooker table, refrain from eating and drinking around it. Also, remove jewelry before playing, as watches and rings can easily snag and damage the cloth surface.
Do not allow the cue chalk to rest on the snooker table's cloth surface and do not apply chalk to the cue stick when it is positioned over the table. Chalk dust can damage the table surface.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Michael Maggs
