How to Design a Pool Stick

Spice up your boring pool cues with personalized designs.

If you're a billiard enthusiast, you've probably wondered how you can design your own unique pool cue to spice up the look of your table. Professionally designed pool cues are a popular item for bars and billiard halls, often sporting elaborate designs or interesting coloration. With the right materials, convert any normal billiard cue into your own personalized piece of art. Once you've assembled the supplies, adding a personalized design to your cue should take only a short while to complete.

Things You'll Need

• Thin plastic sheeting
• Liquid leading paint
• Colored glass paint
• Paintbrush
• Wood varnish

Instructions

1. Brainstorm an idea for your new design. Keep in mind the dimensions of your cue and aim for something simple and geometric for the greatest effect. Decide what size and color you want the design to be. You may wish to create a basic sketch of your idea beforehand.

2. Purchase sheets of thin plastic from your local hardware or craft store. These can usually be found in packs of 10 to 12 sheets, and are used for many purposes, including iron-on-transfers. Also pick up liquid leading paint and colored glass paint for your design.

3. Use the liquid leading paint to create the outline of your design on the plastic sheeting. Once you are satisfied with your outline, begin to carefully fill in the borders with your colored glass paint. Apply the glass paint slowly to avoid trapping air bubbles beneath the surface, which can dry and mar your design.

4. Allow your design to dry for at least 10 hours. Once it is thoroughly dry, you should be able to peel the design off of the plastic. Be certain you have allowed ample time to dry, or your design could tear or stick. Carefully peel the design off of the plastic and place it on the desired location of your pool cool. Press firmly against the design to stick it in place, then rub over it with your thumb a number of times to remove any bubbles from beneath the design.

5. Apply wood varnish across the entire body of the pool cue, paying special attention to the are where you have applied your design. Prop the stick in an upright position over a sheet or towel and allow it to dry for around 24 hours.