Best Ways to Make Your Ping Pong Paddle More Sticky
Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a fun and straightforward game with a competitive spirit. Today, table tennis is becoming increasingly popular, both as a leisurely and enjoyable activity and as a competitive sport. The rules of table tennis are simple and easy to understand, and while they require quick reflexes, they are less physically demanding than many competitive games. To enjoy this enjoyable sporting activity, it is essential to ensure that your table tennis bat remains tacky. This article will guide you on the best ways to keep your table tennis bat stickier and how to test the grip of your table tennis bat. There are a few ways to enhance your ping pong paddle after use and to do proper maintenance. Here are a few points to start with:
Replace the rubber
This is not the ideal method, but it’s worth considering, of course, once you feel the coating has worn off. Many people don’t replace the rubber on their paddles, which is an easy task to do. The consequences are often found out the hard way, such as losing a game due to a lack of control. This is because it loses its stickiness over time. If your paddle is old, it’s best to get a new one. However, if it’s not old, replace the rubber.
Clean the paddle
Another great way to make your paddle sticky is to clean the paddle. This will remove dust and excess material from your paddle and restore its original tack.
Use a cover
You can find table tennis racket covers to attach to your rubber when not in use, such as plastic or adhesive, to prevent additional dust from accumulating. This will keep your paddle clean, as cleanliness is an essential factor in preventing your paddle from losing its tack. This is one of the best things you can do to protect it from dirt.
Store paddles in a case
A safe and straightforward solution to keep your paddles clean between tournaments is to purchase a table tennis racket case, which not only prevents lint or other dirt from attracting them but also secures your paddles from damage. This not only extends the longevity of your rackets but also allows you to store additional equipment, such as ping-pong balls, in the case.
Clean with water
Table tennis rubbers collect dust, including dust from the ball, sweat, and hair, among other things. If you put too much dust and dirt on the racket, it will become less sticky. The ping pong ball will begin to slide off, and it will become more difficult for you to achieve a high and steady spin. To restore the racket, the rubber needs to be cleaned.
The cheapest way to keep your racket clean is to use water and paper towels or a rag and wipe the surface. It only takes a minute, and the gum dries very quickly. However, avoid using too much water, as it may damage the blade, which is undesirable. To dry it quickly, take a small amount of water; this will remove most of the rubber’s dust and dirt. It’s best to do this after every game.
Artist brush method
One way to make the paddle stickier is to buy a brush, similar to what painters use. Then you need to buy sunflower oil. Paint sunflower oil over the table tennis rubber. Please let it dry and repeat the process several times until you get the desired viscosity. The advantage is that you can use this technique until you are satisfied. Of course, if the rubber is very dirty, you should clean it carefully with a bit of soap and water, being careful not to let it touch the wood or have contact with the sponge.
Use glue
Before the game, you can apply a thin layer of glue to temporarily increase the grip of the paddle and improve your play. However, please be careful not to use it, as excessive application can damage your paddle. This is not the most recommended method for achieving a sticky paddle. If you apply too much glue or it doesn’t dry properly, your ball may bounce unevenly from a piece of glue attached to it.
Clean with a spray and a sponge
A little water will remove most of the dirt from the paddles, but not all. Once a week, or before a championship game or tournament, I carefully perform some “paddle care” using an organic spray and a sponge. This removes dust, but the sweat and oils that water may not reach.
I don’t always use an organic spray because I’m concerned about the chemicals in conventional sprays that can cause the rubber to deteriorate faster. But a weekly spray is fine. A bottle of organic spray is inexpensive and lasts a long time.
Buy a good paddle
This is one of the easiest ways to get a sticky paddle. There is a noticeable difference in quality when purchasing regular paddles. If you opt for a high-quality paddle, you should be able to avoid problems, and the paddles should last for a longer period.
Conclusion
Be sure to maintain and keep your paddles clean, as this will enhance players’ enjoyment of the game. I’ve included the methods above to help you better. Some methods are more effective at keeping the rackets cleaner than others, and some are suitable for either short-term or long-term use.
Also Read:Â How to Choose the Best Ping Pong Table
