Gluing table tennis rubbers
The problem:
Rolling the rubber on with a round object always creates tension that stretches the rubber. That can change the way the rubber plays, because it is under tension. On top of that, it can easily get pulled a little out of shape while you glue.
And because it is not glued wet, the glue does not cure under pressure. That makes for a weaker bond between rubber and blade.
The solution:
The rubber press applies constant pressure from above. The rubber is therefore never exposed to unwanted tension while it is being glued. Combined with the glue curing under pressure, that gives you an ideal result every time.
Why this rubber press?
In short: it spreads the force ideally across the whole face of the racket. It manages that thanks to its mechanical design and the 3D force transfer pad built into the inside of the press.
Other rubber presses fail at spreading the force evenly. That can even have a negative effect on the way your racket plays. Stress peaks build up at the edges and make the press bow outwards. No pressure then reaches the centre, so the glue cannot cure under pressure where it matters most.
Consistency is the key to success
Wet gluing, step by step:
Step 1:
Prepare the new rubber
Use the cutting guide included to prepare the corners of the new rubber for the press.
- For the bottom corners: use the smaller side of the cutting guide.
- For the top corners: use the larger side of the cutting guide.
Trace the lines with a pen, then cut the corners off with a pair of scissors.
Step 2:
Apply the glue
Use a thick table tennis rubber glue. Apply it generously to the sponge of the rubber and spread it evenly with an applicator sponge. Then apply the glue to your blade in the same way.
You will find a few thick glues listed below under "Recommended table tennis glues". The best one, in my opinion, is the Loki. Which is why I also offer it here in the shop.
Step 3:
Position the blade and rubber
Now place your blade on the bottom half of the press and lay the rubber on top.
The big advantage: because the glue is still wet, it does not grab straight away. You can slide the rubber around on the blade until the position is absolutely perfect.
Step 4:
Using the rubber press
Now slide the top half of the press onto the threaded rods and tighten the wing nuts evenly.
Important: tightening them moderately is entirely enough. There is no need to put excessive force on the wing nuts, because the press distributes the pressure optimally anyway.
Step 5:
Let it cure, then trim
If you are gluing one side only:
Leave the racket in the press for at least 2 hours. Then trim the rubber as usual. That works best with a pair of rubber cutting scissors, also available here in the shop.
If you are gluing both sides:
After about 20 minutes the glue has set far enough for you to trim the rubber without shifting it. Then repeat the gluing for the second side. Once the second side is glued, leave the racket in the press for at least 2 hours.
After that the glue is fully cured and your racket is ready to play – for a clean bond, optimal energy transfer and maximum control.
What our customers say
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Marcel
The rubber press is wonderful. With wet gluing I get the same feel every time. Consistency is the key to success in table tennis. I also use it 10 minutes before training, which gives my racket an extra boost.
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Yannick
Ever since I started wet gluing with the rubber press, my rubber plays brilliantly straight away! I barely need a knock-in session any more. It is genuinely good to get the same top result every time I glue a rubber.
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Johannes - owner of the site TT-Test
Visit the TT-Test websiteOn my site TT-Test I review everything the table tennis universe has to offer – from rubbers and blades to accessories like this rubber press. The ease of use and the well thought-out design are in a class of their own, which is why I would reach for this press again and again.
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Boost the way you glue
The CERACRAFT rubber press was developed to give ambitious players and professionals alike a reliable tool for getting more out of their equipment. Precise pressure distribution bonds the rubber to the blade evenly and firmly, which noticeably improves consistency. Whether after dry or wet gluing, or as a quick boost before a match – the rubber press makes a difference you can feel, in every single rally.