Table tennis enthusiasts know that every detail counts when it comes to mastering this lightning-fast sport. One often-overlooked detail is the proper gluing of your rubber sheets to your paddle. Believe it or not, the way you glue your rubber can significantly impact your game. Today, I’m here to guide you on how to glue table tennis rubber correctly. Let’s dive into the world of precision and performance!
Check out our full guide on when and how to replace TT rubbers.
Essential Tools to Glue Table Tennis Rubber
Let’s gather our essential tools and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need to gather. A high quality glue, your blade, pair of rubbers, a sponge or brush to evenly spread the glue, scissors or a retractable knife and a cutting mat.
If you change rubbers often, you can have a roller with you to evenly roll the rubber after gluing it and then cover it with the edge tape.
Once you have your tools assembled, it’s time to dive into the gluing process.
If you are replacing old rubbers, make sure to remove the old glue first. Learn how in our tutorial here on how to remove old glue from table tennis blades.
Choosing the Right Glue
Let’s talk glue. It’s not just about any glue; it’s about using the right one. Look for high-quality, water-based glue – the preferred choice of professional players. Brands like Nittaku, Butterfly and Stiga have proven themselves in the world of table tennis for their strength and reliability. These glues are also ITTF approved. Chemical based glues are not ITTF approved. To know more about choosing the right glue, read our top recommendations for table tennis rubber glue here.
Guide on How To Glue Table Tennis Rubber
Now that we have our gear and the right glue, let’s break down the process into simple steps:
Preparing the Rubbers
Start by placing your rubber sheets face up on a flat surface. This is where the magic happens.
Apply a small amount of glue (about a teaspoon) in the center of the rubber.
Use your trusty sponge or brush to spread the glue evenly over the entire back of the rubber. You can also use your fingers to spread the glue if you are careful enough.
Tip: Be thorough and cover those outer edges and corners. We’re aiming for perfection. If edges are not glued properly, the rubber will come off after some time.
Blade Gluing
Now, it’s your paddle’s turn. Apply glue to the blade just as you did with the rubbers. Smooth and even – that’s the goal. Glue both sides of the blade and let it dry along with rubbers until the glue becomes transparent.
Proper Alignment and Bubble Prevention
To ensure a precise alignment, position your rubber sheets straight against the handle.
When placing the rubbers on the blade, press from the bottom to the top. This technique helps avoid those pesky bubbles.
Achieving Smooth Surfaces
Get that roller or rolling pin ready. Gently roll it over the rubber to create a smooth and bubble-free surface. You can also use your ATM card but be gentle with it as it can damage the rubber. The goal is to make sure all parts of rubber stick with the blade without leading any air bubbles inside.
A smooth surface enhances your spin and control, a secret weapon in the world of table tennis.
Trimming Excess Rubber
Depending on your preference, you can either trim the excess rubber with scissors or use a carpet knife.
Check out our article How to Cut Table Tennis Rubber Perfectly here.
Check the rules regarding rubber protrusion – we don’t want to break any rules unintentionally. It is preferred to align your edges with the blade without going for the overhang.
Maintaining Rubber Quality
Don’t forget to protect your newly glued rubber. Dust, moisture, and sunlight are its enemies. Use protective film or a bat wallet to ensure the highest quality and performance in the long run.
Make sure to clean your new rubbers often to ensure peak performance and longevity. Read our blog post on how and when to clean table tennis rubbers.
You might also want to apply edge tape to your racket (like the Stiga brand edge tape in the picture below) to protect the edge and give it a stylish look. They can be purchased in many different styles/colors here.
Professionals like Xu Xin and He Zhuojia know the importance of precision when it comes to gluing. They change rubbers regularly and follow these techniques meticulously. For instance, Xu Xin reglues his rubber every 4 days for peak performance.
Now Go Play Some Table Tennis!
By following these steps, you’re now equipped to glue your table tennis rubber the right way. Remember, precision matters, and a well-glued rubber can be your secret weapon on the table. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the method that suits you best. Now, let’s get out there and ace that next match! Your perfect paddle awaits.
