Replacing the pool cloth is usually done by professionals, but the tools required are neither expensive nor difficult to use. The reason it is considered a difficult operation is the accuracy required. A wrong movement when stretching the cloth or a small debris left on the table can make the playing surface uneven and unpredictable. The chances of making a mistake are reduced if you work slowly, carefully, and with an assistant pulling the cloth as you stare.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Prepare the table and cloth
Step 1. Start disassembling the table
Remove the edges of the holes first, if any. Then find the screws securing the side rails on the underside of the table and remove them. Store the side rails in a safe place, where they do not risk being damaged or hampering your work.
- The sides can be made up of one, two or four pieces. If the rail does not split into four, you will probably need a hand to move it safely.
- In some billiards the holes are set separately from the banks.
Step 2. Remove the old cloth
The cloth may have been attached in several ways. If it has been stapled, use the staple tool to remove the stitches. If it has been glued you will need to tear it off, being careful not to damage the fabric in the holes, unless you want to replace that as well.
Step 3. Check the table with a spirit level (optional)
At this point you can check if the table is level. If it doesn't, lift the shorter leg up with a crowbar and stick in a shim of wood or metal.
Step 4. Clean the plate
Use a clean, dry cloth to remove dust. Do not use water or other cleaners. If there are residues of glue or dirt, scrape them off with a putty knife or similar tool, especially near the holes.
Step 5. Seal the seams with beeswax if needed
Most billiards consist of three slates. If the billiard is old, the seams between the plates may have lost the wax that joins them to create a perfectly smooth surface. If the wax needs a refresher, heat the plate at the joints with a propane torch, then pour the wax into the joints, distributing it evenly. Let it cool for no more than thirty seconds, then remove the excess wax with a putty knife. Better to remove more than necessary rather than less, as it will be difficult to remove later, once it is dry.
If you intend to put the billiard in a warm environment you may need a specific putty. There is great disagreement as to which of these synthetic products is best, so consult a local expert
Step 6. Measure before buying the cloth
With precise measurements you will get a more precise result and you will save time. When you buy the cloth, make sure there is at least a 30.5cm leftover on each side of the pool table. In this way you will have all the necessary fabric to cover the sides as well.
- The pool cloth is a special fabric. You can't use just any towel to line a pool table.
- Most players are used to wool cloths. The worsted wool fabric improves the sliding of the marbles, but is rarely used outside the professional circuits due to the shorter duration and the high price. Other types of cloth, such as snooker cloth, carom cloth or polyester cloths are only suitable for specific uses.
Part 2 of 4: Secure the cloth with a stapler
Step 1. Use this method if there is a wood or chipboard panel under the stone slab
Many tables have a layer of wood or chipboard under the slab to be able to fix the cloth with staples. Check the edge of your pool table. If this layer is not present, proceed to the instructions for gluing the cloth.
Note: You will need a staple gun or a manual stapler
Step 2. Cut the parts for the table and sides
Usually the cloth is sold in one piece, with instructions for cutting the pieces for the sides. Follow these instructions carefully or you risk getting the cut wrong.
On some cloths you can make a 2.5 cm incision and tear the cloth by hand. Other fabrics need to be cut entirely with scissors or a utility knife
Step 3. Spread the cloth face up on the table
There should be a sticker or identification mark to distinguish the two sides. If there are no marks and you can't figure out which side is the playing surface, consult a professional. Different cloths offer different sensations to the touch, so avoid guessing if you are unfamiliar with the product.
- Leave more leftover on the back side of the billiard, then less on the side where you will start fixing.
- Check for cuts, scratches, or other defects that require the cloth to be replaced.
Step 4. Pull the cloth to the first side and secure it vertically with the stapler
Start by pinning the towel at one corner, then have someone help you pull the towel across the short side until the creases are gone. As you stretch the tarp, the leftover must remain parallel to the edge. Fix with a point every 7.5 cm or so, until you get to the other corner.
Professionals play on very tense cloths, which make the marbles scroll faster. Not everyone loves this style of play though. Some prefer to play on slower tables. The important thing is to stretch the cloth at least until every crease is eliminated
Step 5. Repeat this on the left side
Move to one of the long sides of the pool and have your helper pull the cloth across the length of the table. Place a stitch about every 7.5 cm, plus two stitches at the ends of the side hole.
Cover the holes with the cloth. You will later use this leftover to line the holes
Step 6. Attach the cloth to the corner, then switch to the other short side
Pull the sheet tight when working on this side, otherwise you risk creating creases. If the last stitches fixed on the long side create creases when you pull, go back and remove them. Once the second short side is in place, move on to the last long side.
Remember to put two dots on both sides of the side hole
Step 7. Cut the cloth inside the holes and secure it with staples
Make three cuts in the tarp for each hole, then fold the fabric back into the hole and secure it with the stapler. Once secured, cut the leftover with a pair of scissors or a utility knife.
Part 3 of 4: Glue the cloth
Step 1. Use a suitable spray glue if the cloth cannot be stapled
If the table does not have a layer of wood under the stone surface, you will need to use a suitable glue. If your table has a layer of wood it is preferable to use the stapler.
One of the most used glues for this purpose is 3M Super 77
Step 2. Cover the sides of the table with newspaper
Protect the edges of the table from glue drops with a layer of newspaper. Remove the sheets stuck to the edge a moment before setting the cloth.
Step 3. Cut the cloth according to the seller's instructions
The cloth is usually sold in one piece, with instructions for cutting the strips for the sides. Follow these instructions to make no mistake.
Step 4. Find the playing side and spread the cloth on the table
If the top is not marked, try to identify it by touch or consult a professional. Depending on the type of cloth, the playing surface may be smooth or have a little fluff when you swipe your hand in one direction. If you are not familiar with this material, you should consult a professional. Spread the cloth on the table, leaving only 5 cm of leftover on the short side from which you will begin to glue. Check that the cloth is as parallel as possible with the edge of the table.
Step 5. Fold back the cloth on the first side and apply the glue
Fold the end of the cloth and apply a generous coat of glue on the underside that will be fixed on the vertical edge of the table. Apply glue to the edge of the table as well. Let the glue work according to the instructions on the package.
Step 6. Glue the cloth to the table
Starting on the short side, line up the cloth you applied the glue to the table and press it to the surface. Continue along the edge, tightening the cloth well. Get someone to help you pull the cloth, especially at first.
The cloth needs to be taut enough to remove any wrinkles, but you don't need to over-pull it unless you need to train professionally. The most important thing is to stretch the cloth evenly over the entire table
Step 7. Repeat on the other three sides
Glue the cloth the same way on the other three sides. Wait at least two minutes before starting a new side, following the manufacturer's instructions for how long it takes for the glue to set. Carefully, stretch the sheet evenly on each side before applying the glue to eliminate any creases on the surface.
Step 8. Cut the leftover and line the holes
Cut the leftover fabric on each side. Take a 2.5 cm strip from one side and use it to line the holes. Cut the cloth covering the holes, then cut the strip to size and glue the pieces vertically to the inside edge of the hole.
Part 4 of 4: Replace the cloth on the sides
Step 1. Remove the old cloth from the sides
Use a screwdriver to remove the staples from the sides. Cut the cloth if you can't get it out.
Step 2. Gently remove the wooden batten
Each rail has a thin wooden batten, usually not fixed with glue or staples. If you can't remove it, use a screwdriver, but be careful not to break it.
Step 3. Put the new cloth on the rail
Unlike the table, the cloth is placed face down on the sides. Keep 10 cm of leftover length on both sides and 1.25 cm in width.
Step 4. Reassemble the batten, using a block of wood and a hammer
Put the wooden batten back into place, without squeezing it down. Your helper will have to hold the cloth taut between the middle of the rail and the end. Place a block of wood on the batten and tap it gently with a hammer to secure the cloth. Stop about 5 cm from the corner where you will need to mount the hole. Now stretch the cloth over the other half of the edge and repeat the operation, stopping again at 5 cm from the corner.
Do not knock directly on the batten, you risk ruining the table
Step 5. Stretch the cloth to the outside of the rail and push the ends of the batten into place
After having stretched the cloth towards the outside of the side, you can insert the ends of the strip, putting it back completely in position. If necessary, cut or fold the surplus on the banks.
Step 6. Reassemble the sides
Once reupholstered, you can screw the sides back to the table. If you can't fit the bolts, use a screwdriver as a guide to align the holes.
