How to Restore an Antique Pool Table

Antique pool tables add character to establishments where people congregate. Playing pool is a popular recreational sport beloved by all ages. Some people have pool tables that have been in their family for generations. Antique pool tables were beautifully crafted; some with inlaid ivory and intricately carved wooden legs and framework. A restored antique pool table can enhance a boring room and make it distinct.

Instructions

1

Examine the antique pool table for any spots of damage. Look underneath the pool table with a flashlight. Keep an eye out for old paint or varnish that is not original. Old soot and grime from fireplaces and elsewhere can dull the finish on an antique pool table. Take a soft cloth and rub dirty sections. If the dirt does not come off, the table will have to be stripped.

2

Strip the old varnish so that the wood on the antique pool table returns to its natural state. Take a medium paint brush, dip it in varnish remover and paint a thin layer. To not lose original detail, the varnish remover will have to be applied in thin coats. When the varnish remover is dry, resand the pool table. The table will need to be resanded if the wood is chipped on the legs or edges. Use 220 grit sandpaper; be careful not to sand over any inlaid pieces or design work.

3

Check the frame and the legs of the pool table. The table itself may need a realignment if warped. A carpenter familiar with restoring antique pool tables can realign various sections and replace them with new wood if the wood is rotten. To maintain value, try to have the wood replaced with the exact kind of wood original to the antique pool table.

4

Restain the table. This is the easiest part. Now that the old varnish and grime is gone and all repairs have been made, restaining the table to its original condition will bring back the true beauty of the piece. Restain the table with dye-base stains, then varnish with one or two coats of semi-gloss lacquer finish. Make sure to let the first coat dry.

5

Restore the felt and the top of the pool table with a felt recovery kit. Stretch the felt tight, making sure there are no bumps. If the table top is wood, staple the felt in inconspicuous sections. If the table top is made with anything other than wood, glue the felt in place. These kits are purchased online or at a billiard supply store. Any excess felt can be saved for a future repair job. The last step would be to restore the pockets if they are ripped to the point where the ball could fall through. The pockets may need to be replaced with replica models.