How To Fix Dead Spots On Air Hockey Table [Step by Step]

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Key Takeaways:

  • Some reasons cause dead spots on an air hockey table such as dusty playing surface, clogged holes, not maintaining the table properly, uneven floors, etc. 
  • There are different methods of fixing the dead spots on an air hockey table like DIY and professional service. Prioritize your preference when choosing any of them.
  • While fixing the dead spots on an air hockey table follow the guidelines step-by-step such as cleaning the playing surface, gathering the tools, checking airflow, leveling the table, inspecting the surface, and applying silicone spray to the best result so far.

Air hockey tables are genuinely expensive and it is really something to be upset to notice dead spots on an air hockey table. Also, it creates a worse playing experience. Is it possible to fix this issue? How to fix dead spots on air hockey table?

How To Fix Dead Spots On Air Hockey Table

Every process has proper guidelines that should be followed properly to complete it perfectly. If you want to fix dead spots on the air hockey table, you need to follow the proper guidelines to complete the process of fixing the issue. Read ahead and fix dead spots on your air hockey table properly and get the expected result.

Fix Dead Spots On Air Hockey Table :-

It is possible to fix dead spots on an air hockey table instead of replacing the whole table. You just need to follow the proper guidelines to complete the process and get the best result. But if you are not confident enough to fix it by yourself then it is better to hire professionals to fix it.

Fixing the dead spots on an air hockey table is a lengthy and time-consuming process and it was just a single glimpse of the entire process. Read ahead to learn about the entire process and get the best outcome. So, instead of wasting time, let’s dive into it.

What Are The Causes Of Dead Spots On An Air Hockey Table?

It is important to know the reasons for dead spots in an air hockey table before you learn about how to repair air hockey table top. Such as:

What Are The Causes Of Dead Spots On An Air Hockey Table
  • Not cleaning the table regularly or using it in a dusty environment can cause dead spots on an air hockey table. A dusty or dirty playing surface can make the puck slow down or stop in particular areas.
  • Blocked air holes or clogged holes in the hockey tables can cause dead spots. When the holes are blocked or damaged the air doesn’t flow properly across the playing surface.
  • If you do not maintain your table properly or use it roughly it can leave scratches that can cause dead spots on the air hockey tables.
  • Using poor-quality pucks or mallets can also cause dead spots on the air hockey tables.
  • Uneven floors can cause dead spots on the air hockey table.

The dead spots on the air hockey table occur because of these reasons. It is better to avoid them to protect the table.

How Can You Determine If Your Air Hockey Table Has Dead Spots?

It is essential to determine if the table has dead spots or not. The dead spots should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid any major damage. If you neglect fixing them and are late to fix the dead spots, the process can be costly for you.

Visual Inspection

Inspect the air hockey table properly. Try to find out any damage, scratches, or dents if available. Or else, you can try to notice where the pucks are slowing down as probably dead spots can appear in those areas.

Puck Test

You can place the puck in different areas and try to understand in which area they are slowing down or stopping because those could be dead spots.

Mallet Test

You can use the mallets to hit the pucks across the table to find out where they are slowing down or stopping as these are the dead spots.

String Test

You can tie a string to the center of the puck to check if the string is moving smoothly or not. If it doesn’t move smoothly, it may have dead spots.

Do not ignore the dead spots after you notice them. It is better to fix them as soon as possible before you are too late and lose a lot of money fixing them.

What Are The Different Ways To Fix Dead Spots?

It is possible to fix dead spots and there are different ways to do that. Such as:

DIY Method

In this method, you can fix the dead spot on the air hockey table by yourself at home or in the garden. If you have enough experience or skills to fix the dead spots then you can complete the process perfectly by yourself. Otherwise, you can learn about the process and follow the proper guidelines to fix the dead spots and complete the fixing process properly.

Professional Service

If you do not have enough confidence or courage to complete the process by yourself, or you don’t spend a lot of time fixing the dead spots then you can simply hire a professional and make it done by them. Professionals ensure the best service and perfect results.

You can choose the method that is more suitable for you and you think that would be the best decision for your air hockey table.

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Each Method?

Air hockey  is a fun game but the dead spots on the air hockey table ruin the fun. However, it is possible to fix the dead spots by yourself with the help of professionals. Both methods have some advantages and disadvantages. It is important to learn about them so that it can be easy for you to decide which one you should choose.

DIYProfessional
AdvantagesDisadvantagesAdvantagesDisadvantages
When you are fixing the dead spot by yourself, you don’t need to pay any service charge. It can save you some money.If you don’t complete the task attentively or stay patient it can bring you a bad result.Professionals are experienced and skilled and they can find the spots or damages quickly.Professional service is quite expensive and you have to spend a lot of money on it.
You can complete the fixing method according to your timetable and benefits.You may not have all the necessary tools available in your house.They have all the important tools that may not be available in the market easily.Getting an appointment and waiting for them can be time-consuming.
You can learn a lot of things and gain some knowledge and skills during the process.If you make any mistake during the process, it can be costly for you.Professionals fix the dead spots properly and ensure the best result so far.If the damage is small then the cost can be very expensive compared to the damage.
DIY Method & Professional Service Advantages And Disadvantages

It can make it easy for you to decide which one you should choose or which one you should go for. Read these carefully and make a wise decision for yourself.

What Tools And Materials Do You Need To Fix Dead Spots?

During the process of fixing dead spots on an air hockey table, you need to use many tools and materials. It is important to know about them and how to use them. Such as:

What Tools And Materials Do You Need To Fix Dead Spots
  • Wax or Polish to make the playing surface smoother.
  • Leveling tools to adjust the level of the table such as shims, leg levelers, and adjustable table legs can be adjusted to achieve the desired level.
  • Air blower adjustment tools such as commercial grade blower, etc for adjustment.
  • The thing that is needed is a soft cloth to clean the slick play surface and remove dust and dirt that can cause dead spots.
  • Mild soap and warm water are needed to clean the surface using a clean cloth.
  • Fine-grit sandpaper is needed to sand the wooden table or playing surface and it helps to remove dead spots from the table.
  • If there are any deep scratches or dents visible on the surface you can use wood filler to fill them and get a smooth surface.
  • A putty knife or scraper is needed to apply wood filler on the damaged surface.
  • Replace Playing Surface. If the playing surface area is badly damaged and cannot be fixed, you may need to replace the surface and buy a new surface for the air hockey table.

Knowing the right tools and materials and their uses is very important. It can help you throughout the whole process and can ensure you don’t face any problems using them.

How To Fix Dead Spots On Air Hockey Table : Step-By-Step Guidelines

To get the answer of ‘How to fix dead spots on air hockey table’ you need to learn about the guidelines of the process. Following the proper guidelines you can fix the dead spots on the air hockey table by yourself. Such as:

How To Fix Dead Spots On Your Air Hockey Table

Clean The Playing Surface And Use Polish

After you point out the dead spots the first thing that you need to do is, clean the surface and polish. But how do you clean and polish an air hockey table? Clean the playing surface to remove dust and dirt with the help of a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner. Make sure you clean the surface properly. And after that apply a small amount of game table polish with the help of a clean cloth and rub it onto the surface in a circular motion. Let it dry properly and then buff it to get a glossy finish.

Check The Airflow

As you know uneven airflow can cause dead spots. If you are thinking about why is my air hockey table not blowing enough air? It is probably because the blower motors and fans are not working properly. So, inspect the blower motors and fan if they are working properly and clean them. You can adjust the fan if needed.

Level The Table

How to fix air hockey table? Check the level of the table. If the table is not level properly you need to fix it by adjusting the legs and using shims to it.

Inspect The Playing Surface

Inspect the playing surface carefully. If you notice any major damage then you need to replace the entire surface. But there are small scratches or dents you can just try sanding lightly using fine-grit sandpaper. Then you can use wood filler to fill the scratches or dents.

Apply Silicone Spray

What can you put on a air hockey table to make it slick? To reduce friction, improve puck glide, and make it slick, you can use silicon spray on the surface. Apply a thin layer of it for the expected result.

Reading this long you may get the answer of how do you restore an air hockey table? You can follow the guidelines and fix the dead spots on the air hockey table properly.

Renew Your Restoration Hardware Table : Explore How Here!

How To Prevent Dead Spots From Forming On Your Air Hockey Table?

Fixing the dead spots of an air hockey table is a lengthy process and time-consuming. It is better to prevent the dead spots from forming on the air hockey table than to face this issue. Some tips to help you:

How To Prevent Dead Spots From Forming On Your Air Hockey Table
  • Clean the playing surface regularly and air holes using a damp cloth or clean cloth to remove dust or dirt that can clog the air hockey table holes.
  • Avoid putting any heavy objects or heavier pucks on the table as it can cause warping.
  • Always try to keep the table dry to avoid damage.
  • Try to use high-quality air hockey pucks that can glide smoothly.
  • Do not use any abrasive cloth on the playing surface as it can damage the surface and cause dead spots.
  • Do not even use an abrasive cleaner to clean the surface as it can damage the surface and cause dead spots.
  • You can prevent dead spots using floor angles or rubber feet to level the table and ensure the blower with air flows properly.
  • Do not forget to maintain the blower motors or fans to ensure the proper airflow.

You can follow these tips to prevent the dead spots from forming on your table and thus you can save money and time as well.

How To Extend The Lifespan Of Your Air Hockey Table?

It is possible to extend the lifespan of your air hockey table following some tips. Such as:

  • Clean the air hockey table clearly. Wipe away the dust and dirt every day so that they can’t block the air hockey table holes.
  • Keep wet items or liquid things away from the surface so that spills can’t damage it.
  • After using the table or after enjoying a fun game, cover the table using a protective cover or cloth and keep it in a dry place.
  • Do not use any wrong puck or mallet as it can damage the table and cause dead spots.
  • Proper airflow helps to extend the lifespan of the air hockey table. So, inspect the blower motors and fan regularly and clean them to ensure they are working properly. 

It is better to follow the tips than fix the air hockey table frequently and go through a long process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Is The Best Cleaner For An Air Hockey Table?

Non-abrasive cleaner is the best cleaner for an air hockey table.

Can Dead Spots Be Fixed On Any Type Of Air Hockey Table?

The dead spots can be fixed on most of the air hockey tables depending on the damage.

When Should I Consider Professional Help To Fix Dead Spots On My Air Hockey Table?

To get the best outcome you should consider professional help to fix dead spots on your hockey table.

Are There Any Maintenance Tips To Prevent Dead Spots In The Future?

Surely there are many maintenance tips to prevent dead spots from the air hockey table.

Conclusion

Reading this long you may get the answer to your question, ‘How to fix dead spots on air hockey table’. It is possible to fix the dead spots by yourself at home following the proper guidelines completely. But if you are not confident enough or not skilled enough to complete the fixing process, it is better to hire a professional and fix it.

But it is possible to get the best result if you follow the guidelines attentively and properly.

Continue your refinishing journey with Restore .

Richard Journey

Written by

Richard Journey

Meet Richard Journey, the Antique Furniture Maestro. With a Fine Arts degree in Furniture Restoration and Conservation, he’s a guardian of historical craftsmanship. His accolades include the Golden Chisel Award, and he’s your guide to discovering and restoring antique treasures.

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