How to Resurface Ping Pong Paddles

The key piece of equipment for a ping-pong (or table tennis) player is the paddle. The rubber on the paddle can affect the way you play the game, and what kind of spin you put on the ball. The rubber can suffer from wear and tear and will need to be replaced from time to time. A good way to tell if the rubber needs to be replaced is by holding a tennis ball firmly in your hand and dragging it across the rubber. If the ball slides more easily in the middle of the paddle, you should replace the rubber.

Things You'll Need

  • Very fine sandpaper
  • Table tennis glue
  • Nail polish remover
  • Scissors
  • Table tennis rubber
  • Bottle or roller
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Instructions

    • 1

      Add a few drops of nail polish remover into a gap between the rubber and the paddle. Peel the rubber away as the adhesive becomes weaker, adding more nail polish remover as necessary. Remove all of the rubber surface from the paddle.

    • 2

      Sand the blade with the sandpaper to smooth out the surface and remove all traces of glue or other dirt. Pour some nail polish remover on a paper towel and use it to wipe the blade once you have finished sanding.

    • 3

      Spread a thin layer of the table tennis glue on the blade of the paddle and the sheet of table tennis rubber. Allow the glue to dry until it feels tacky, then lay the rubber on top of the blade.

    • 4

      Use the roller or bottle to to press the rubber firmly against the blade. Use the scissors or a sharp knife to trim the excess rubber from around the blade.