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Here's Why You Should Seal Your Table Tennis Blade

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Table Tennis Store
Here's Why You Should Seal Your Table Tennis Blade

Ask anyone who plays ping pong seriously, and they'll tell you their table tennis racket makes all the difference in their game. It's a source of comfort and familiarity when confidence is required to play against challenging opponents. Virtually every player recalls buying a serious racket for the first time and what it signified about their commitment to the sport. Once you've settled into a racket and become comfortable with it, making sure it lasts (and lasts) in peak condition becomes a priority. Therefore, you should strongly consider sealing the blade if you have not done so already. It helps the wood last longer.

The wear and tear on the blade surface come from replacing rubbers, which competitive players need to do with frequency. Even if you peel one off with great care, there is stress on the wood surface of the blade. The risk is splintering it, which over time causes the blade to deteriorate. We've all read promises from adhesive manufacturers that their products come off without damaging the surface, but it doesn't always go as planned. With a coat of polyurethane on the surface, there's less chance of splintering and a better chance the blade and racket will last longer. It's easy to find and apply polyurethane.

Even if your table tennis blade isn't new, don't shy away from sealing it. You'll need to sand lightly to smooth off the surface for older blades and remove any adhesive residue from earlier rubbers. Whether new or used, the polyurethane adheres better to a clean and smooth surface. New blades should be sanded slightly to rough them up and ensure better penetration by the sealer. Read the label directions on your polyurethane can before you open it and start working. Make sure the wood is completely dry before application. Also, use the sealer only in a well-ventilated room.

It's crucial to avoid your racket grip as you're applying polyurethane. If you get it onto the grip, it can become slippery when you're playing, and it gets wet – which is a situation you want to avoid. There is no doubt that the sealer helps avoid splintering when you pull off rubbers in the future. You'll want to use fine-grit sandpaper when you're finished, and the sealer has dried. It's essential to gently rough up the sealed surface before you apply adhesive and a new rubber. Everything bonds more tightly to a porous surface. Once your blade is sealed, it has a better chance of lasting longer for your use.

 

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