Many people who buy a new pool table wonder how they will ever be able to keep it in such great condition. Here are some good tips from billiard experts on how to keep your pool table rolling true, and looking new.
What is the favorite move of every amateur pool player? No, it's not sinking the 8 ball in the corner pocket for the win, or getting a lucky bounce while rolling in two of your balls on one shot.
It is picking up the pool stick and twisting the chalk until your fingers go blue. But how does this seemingly common tradition effect your table? Few people know that the chalk causes irritation to the cloth, and can ultimately lead to it's demise. The question is not whether or not to chalk up before your next big shot, but rather how to clean your table as to not let the chalk effect it. In the opinion of Joe Marra of Excel Billiards, the only solution is to use a small vacuum to suck up the chalk. There are others who insist that brushing the table frequently is sufficient. The main point is to be sure that you are aware of the effects chalk has on the fabric of a billiards table. It is something that few people know, but once you do it is something you can control.
Another problem that can have an effect on a pool table is heat. It is important not to place your table in a place condusive to light. Light can have many effects on a billiards table. First of all, it will fade out the fabric, not to mention the wood. Table designer Andee Atkisson recommends keeping your table in a place where humidity levels are from 40 to 60 percent. He also advised that, "you need humidity conducive to fine furniture".
Another often overlooked tip at keeping your table fresh is the use fluorescent instead of incandescent bulbs. The use of incandescent bulbs above your table can dry out the fabric.
The next piece of advice at keeping your table in good condition is to avoid sitting on it, laying down on it, or even bumping it. Though this is portrayed all the time in movies and television shows as being harmless, this is far from the truth. If too much weight is applied to the table, it starts to weaken. Think of a man with another man on his back-though he may be able to support them both for a while, eventually the man who is supporting the other will break down. The same can be said of you brand new table. Remember that it is not a piece of furniture. Too much weight will make the normally sturdy table start to weaken gradually. Just like the man, it too will eventually break.
A common problem is the effects liquids can have on your pool table. Do all in your power to keep liquids away. This includes drinks, moisture from the carpet or wood below, and even pet urine. All these can lead to the deterioration of even the most beautiful table. Of course, sometimes a stain is inevitable. In that case it is best to follow the advice of Mike Hynes, director of quality and customer service for Brunswick Billiards, who says to apply a fabric sealant such as Scotch Guard to your felt.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of keeping a billiards table clean is the cleanliness of the game balls. Through the natural course of the game, pool balls are like magnets for dust and chalk. They not only get dirty, but also redistribute the dust and chalk to different parts of the table. The best way to control this issue is to clean the balls after each session, and to consider cleaning the cue ball after each game with a microfiber cloth.
Just as good, smooth ice is important to hockey, and nicely-trimmed fairways and good-rolling greens are important to golf, a good pool table is absolutely essential to billiards. As a table owner, it is your responsibility to do all you can to keep your table as close to mint condition as possible.
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