How to Change Ping Pong Rubber
Advanced ping pong players will change the rubber paddle surface when looking for better performance or a change in their shot-making. Replacing a single sheet of rubber can take about 10 to 15 minutes, including some precision cutting. Rubber paddle surfaces can be reglued multiple times, so experiment as often as necessary until you reach optimum performance.
Things You'll Need
- Glue or adhesive
- Sharp knife, blade or scissors
- Ping pong rubber sheet
- Pencil
- Rolling pin or a smooth cylindrical object
Instructions
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Changing Your Ping Pong Rubber
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1
Peel the rubber sheet from one of the bottom corners, using your fingertips, and slowly pull the sheet away from the blade. Pull on the diagonal to limit the chances the glue will pull up slivers of the blade. The old rubber will come off in one piece.
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2
Lay the new rubber sheet face down on a flat surface, near the edge of a table. Then lay the paddle on top of the sheet, lining up the bottom of the rubber sheet with the top edge of the blade's handle. Do this at the end of a table or counter, so the blade lays flat--the weight of the paddle face keeps it from falling off the table
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3
Trace, using a pencil, around the outside of the blade, leaving the mark on the backside of the rubber sheet. Since new rubber sheets come larger than needed to cover the paddle, this outline will show where to apply the glue to the rubber and prevent wasting glue on remnants.
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4
Apply glue to the paddle and rubber using smooth, even strokes. Apply first around the perimeter of the marked area, so the rubber sheet's edges will attach firmly to the blade. Consider two coats of glue, since the first coat will often soak into the paddle and the rubber, regardless of the glue you use. Among suitable adhesives are thinned rubber cement, branded table tennis glue (also known as 'chack') and glue sheets.
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5
Let the glue dry to a tacky finish--wave the paddle back and forth to speed the process--before attaching the rubber to the paddle. This eliminates unnecessary wet glue buildup beneath the rubber and minimizes the chance for air bubbles.
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6
Lay the rubber sheet on the paddle (the blade should be face up), aligning the bottom of the rubber sheet with the top edge of the blade's handle. You do not have to line up the penciled outline perfectly with the paddle. If the rubber is centered, it will be close enough. The pencil markings can serve as a guide for this alignment.
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7
Roll out the rubber sheet, using a smooth cylindrical object (a rolling pin), to remove air bubbles between the rubber and the blade.
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8
Flip the paddle over after waiting a few minutes for the two parts to adhere. Trim the excess rubber from around the paddle's edges. Rubber can be very difficult to cut, so use a sharp blade; repeating the cut could damage the rubber sheet.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are planning to play competitive table tennis, the two sheets of rubber may not be the same color (one red, one black). This ensures your opponent is aware of the type of rubber you are using when striking the ball.
Apply sustained pressure to the newly finished paddle, so the rubber is firmly attached. Some players will place their paddle under a small set of books or other flat weight overnight.
Rubber cement is generally too thick to use without diluting it: Mix two parts thinner, one part rubber cement.
A sheet of rubber can cost from $12 (Chinese rubber is generally the least expensive) to over $60.
Work in a well-ventilated area when applying the glue.
Do not use white glue or super glue as a rubber adhesive.
Don't throw away old rubber (or paddles). They can be re-used.
