How to Install a Snooker Table Cushion

There are many differences between snooker and regular billiards, not the least of which are the cushion configurations. Cushions for snooker and billiards differ in size, material and a few other things. Converting a billiard table into a snooker table, or simply replacing your worn snooker cushions, requires the proper style of snooker cushion. You can purchase compatible replacement cushions from many retailers specializing in billiards parts.

Instructions

1

Remove the rail cushions from your snooker table with your X-acto knife if necessary. Work the blade of your X-acto knife through the joint between the cushion and wooden rail, being careful to not go through the table. If you also need to cut the bottom of the cushions to separate felt, cut smoothly along the bottom of the cushion, cutting as far in as possible so as not to ruin the felt on the inside of your table.

2

Remove glue residue from the wooden rails on your snooker table with lacquer thinner. Place a coat of lacquer thinner on any gummy residue, let it sit for a few minutes and wipe it away with a clean rag. Lightly sand the wooden rail sides facing the snooker table interior with medium-grit sandpaper.

3

Lightly sand the back of your replacement snooker cushions with some medium-grit sandpaper. This will remove any residue that may cause mold to form before the adhesive is applied.

4

Find the correct placement for your snooker cushion before adding adhesive by placing the rail in position and measuring from the cushion's nose down to the slate. If you have a regulation size set of snooker balls, the cushion nose should be close to two-thirds of a snooker ball's height.

5

Apply a strip of 3M-10 Scotch-Grip along the entire back of the snooker cushion. Position the snooker cushion against the wooden rail and hold for a few minutes. Run a level across the top of the cushion to check for cushion placement and flatten out any waves by pushing down with your hands. Let the adhesive sit overnight to cure.

6

Trim excess material away from the snooker cushions with your X-acto knife. Make sure that all pockets have a curved shape in the cushion, as opposed to the V-shaped cushions found in billiards pockets.

7

Apply billiard felt to the snooker cushions. Cut felt to fit tightly over the cushions with a pair of scissors. Place strips of 3M-10 Scotch-Grip across the front of the cushions and form the felt tight over the rails. You may use a staple gun to better secure the felt corners to the cushions. Make sure you cover all the places where snooker balls may contact the cushions with felt.