If you want to build and maintain your own custom table tennis bat, then you’ll need to learn how to put the parts together. Some equipment stores will do this for you for a small fee — but it’s more practical if you learn how to do it yourself.
Step-By-Step Guide For Changing Your Rubbers
You may wish to reglue your current rubbers if they become detached from the paddle in any area (i.e. there’s a ‘dead zone’). But if you simply aren’t able to execute speed or spin the way you expect to, then you have the option to replace or upgrade your rubbers and keep the same blade.
How often you reglue or change your rubbers ultimately depends on a number of factors such as frequency of play, your technique, standard/level of table tennis and general level of bat care.
Note that the following guide doesn’t apply to premade bats with permanent rubbers. This is for custom made bats, like the Palio ETT range, which includes replaceable rubbers.
What You’ll Need
- Specialist table tennis glue. We highly recommend a water-based glue from a reputable table tennis equipment supplier, as detailed in our ‘Parts Of A Table Tennis Bat‘ guide.
- Application sponge.
- Sharp pair of scissors.
- Roller, such as a rolling pin (or equivalent object).
How To Glue Table Tennis Rubbers
- If you need to remove existing rubbers from your blade simply peel from the edge, with a side to side motion, one side at a time. Discard worn rubbers if necessary.
- Completely coat a thin, even layer of glue over one of the rubbers you wish to apply.
- Allow the glue to dry so that it’s tacky, but not wet to touch.
- If your rubber is new, you may need to coat second layer of glue, as one layer often absorbs into the sponge too quickly.
- Coat a thin layer of glue onto one side of the blade.
- Once the glue on the blade is dry to touch, carefully place the rubber onto the blade, covering the entire surface area of the paddle.
- Use a roller (e.g. a rolling pin or equivalent) to press the rubber firmly onto the blade. The layers of glue will bond them together.
- Using a pair of sharp scissors or Stanley knife, cut around the rubber as close as possible to the blade. Don’t apply the second rubber on the flip side until the first one has been fully cut to shape — this ensures the neatest possible job.
- Repeat steps 2-8 with the second rubber on other side of the blade.
If A Rubber Is Slightly Coming Away From The Bat
This happens from time to time, either through regular usage or by accidentally clipping the bat on the table. ‘Loose’ sections hugely impact how the ball plays from affected areas of the rubber — so it needs addressing.
The absolute best solution is to re-apply the entire rubber using the above steps. While this may seem long winded, it’s the only way to be sure that the rubber is fully attached to the blade in all areas. Detached rubbers hinder performance, remember.
For minor detachments close to the edge of the bat, you may be able to securely glue down the rubber without the need to remove it entirely.
What Rubbers Are Compatible With ETT Bats?
Any rubbers can be used with our bats. If you want to try out something new using the same blade, then follow the steps in this guide.
Unfortunately our own rubbers are exclusive to the Palio-ETT ready made sets, and aren’t sold separately. They are however very similar to the high performing CJ8000 rubber range from Palio. You will be able to find suppliers online selling CJ8000 rubbers, and many others, to suit your specific playing style.
An alternative option is to upgrade your current ETT bat to either an intermediate or advanced model — if you haven’t already done so! Our prices are notoriously low, so it might be a viable option for you.