Clear protective sheet for rubbers

Aaron Lin Asked 3 weeks ago

How necessary / beneficial is having that clear protective sheet to put on my rubbers before storing it away in the case? Or do most people not bother with it, and just use put straight it in the case?

Also, if it is worth getting, should my rubbers be cleaned after every session before sticking on the protective sheet?

Alois Rosario Answered 2 weeks ago

Hi Aaron,

Great question! Using a clear protective sheet for your table tennis rubbers can be quite beneficial. While it's not mandatory, many players find that these sheets help extend the life of their rubbers by protecting them from dust and dirt when not in use.

By keeping the rubber surface clean, the protective sheets maintain the rubber's tackiness and elasticity, which can enhance your playing performance over time. Without such protection, the rubbers can degrade faster due to exposure to air and environmental contaminants, even while inside a case.

As for your second question, yes, it is definitely advisable to clean your rubbers after every playing session before applying the protective sheets. This helps to remove any dust, sweat, or oils that might have accumulated on the surface during play. A clean rubber surface ensures that the protective sheet adheres better and provides more effective protection.

Simply use a dedicated table tennis rubber cleaner or a bit of water with a soft sponge to gently clean the surface, allow it to air dry completely, and then apply the protective sheet.

So, while not everyone may use them, considering the benefits, investing in protective sheets for your table tennis rubbers is a smart choice for any dedicated player looking to maintain their equipment in top condition.