Padel racket with a rough surface, 3D or gloss: which finish should you choose?
A padel racket rough surface is a grainy layer on the blade that gives the ball more grip, so you can put spin on it more easily. There is also a 3D surface with relief, hot foil in the design and a matt or gloss lacquer. With a fully custom racket you choose the finish yourself, from 6 pieces.
Written byTeam Custom Your Padel
Two rackets with the same design can feel and look different, just because of the finish. Below you can read what each of the five finishes available on a fully custom racket does, and when to choose which one.
What is a padel racket with a rough surface?
With a rough surface, also called sand paint, the lacquer on the blade contains fine grains. Those grains create more friction between the ball and the racket. This makes it easier to put spin on the ball, for example with a slice, a bandeja or a vibora.
A rough blade does wear. With a lot of play the grainy layer slowly becomes smoother, and the effect gradually decreases.
What is a 3D surface?
A 3D surface has relief in the blade: a pattern of small raised areas that you can see and feel. Like a rough surface, it gives extra grip on the ball, with a more technical look.
Hot foil: metallic accents in the design
Hot foil is a thin metallic foil, such as gold or silver, applied to parts of the design. Think of the logo or a few lines. It catches the light. It makes no difference to your game: it is a choice of look.
Matt or gloss?
The final layer on the racket is a matt or a gloss lacquer. A matt lacquer looks calm and clean, without reflections. A gloss lacquer makes colours stand out. It makes no difference to your game.
The finishes at a glance
| Finish | What it is | Effect on the game | Choose it if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rough surface (sand paint) | Grainy layer on the blade | More grip and spin | you play with a lot of spin |
| 3D surface | Relief in the blade | Extra grip | you want grip with a technical look |
| Hot foil | Metallic foil in the design | None | you want your logo or an accent to catch the light |
| Matt | Matt lacquer | None | you want a calm, clean look |
| Gloss | Gloss lacquer | None | you want colours to stand out |
Can you combine finishes?
Yes. You choose a rough or 3D surface for the game, matt or gloss for the look, and hot foil for an accent. You can also choose just one finish, or none at all. When you put your racket together, you tick what you want, and the proposal shows what can be combined.
Where do you choose the finish?
With a fully custom racket you choose the blade material, the finish and the details with logo yourself. That is possible from 6 pieces and takes 6 to 8 weeks. Want one racket quickly? Then design it in the designer on our standard 3K carbon racket. That is possible from 1 piece, with a fixed finish: up to 7 working days of production, delivered within 10 working days.
Read more about the blade material in 3K, 12K and 18K carbon explained.
The images in this article are visualisations.
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