How to Seal Pool Table Slate

Owning a pool table represents a significant investment. Although pool tables last a long time, the slate can become cracked. When this happens, a ball that rolls over the crack will veer in another direction. Sealing cracks will help ensure a fair and fun game.

Things You'll Need

  • Beeswax
  • Ratchet with three-eighths-inch extension socket
  • Propane hand torch
  • Plastic putty knife
  • Staple remover
  • Staple gun
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the crack in the slate by feeling the felt with your hand. If you can't feel the crack, roll a ball over the slate. It will veer in another direction when rolling over a crack.

    • 2

      Look beneath the side rails between the pockets. For the long rails, you typically will find three or four bolts holding the side rails on. For the short rails, you will find two or three. Use the three-eighths-inch ratchet with bolt extension (or whatever sized ratchet your pool table requires) to loosen the bolts. To maintain equal pressure along the rail, loosen each bolt a little at a time. Remove the rails.

    • 3

      In a wooden area underneath where the side rails were located, you will see staples holding the felt into place. Use the staple remover to pry the staples loose. Peel the felt back until you expose the crack in the slate.

    • 4

      Use the propane torch to heat the slate until it is hot to the touch. To test the temperature, press the corner of the beeswax against the heated slate long enough for a drop or two of melted beeswax to form; at that point, the slate is heated to the appropriate temperature.

    • 5

      Press the beeswax against the heated edge of the crack,and let the melted wax drip down and fill the crack. The slate should hold its temperature for a few minutes before it cools to the point the beeswax won't melt. Depending on the crack's length, you might have to reheat the slate as you go. If this is the case, continue to reheat the slate, melt the beeswax against the crack and fill the crack until you have filled the crack.

    • 6

      Allow the beeswax to cool. The slate and the beeswax should cool to room temperature within five to ten minutes. After the wax cools, use the edge of the plastic putty knife to scrape away excess wax.

    • 7

      Feel the slate at the location of the crack or roll a pool ball across the slate. The slate should feel even, and the ball should roll straight.

    • 8

      Pull the felt taut over the slate. Staple the felt into place. Staple into solid material, not the same holes.

    • 9

      Replace the side rails. Tighten the bolts a little at a time. Once you have all the bolts in place, tighten them firmly.