If you want to become a cricketer or pursue cricket as a hobby and enjoy playing it. Then certain questions related to maintenance and taking care of the cricket bat will arise in your mind.
In today's blog, we'll explore exactly: does a cricket bat need oiling or not? And along with that, I have answered all possible related queries about a cricket bat.
Let's get straight to the point and dive into the topic.
Does the cricket bat need oiling or not
Yes, oiling cricket bats helps to maintain their moisture content and prevent them from drying out & and becoming too brittle. Oiling also provides a protective layer which enhances the durability and increases the overall performance of the bat.
Why do we oil the cricket bat?
If we don't oil our cricket bats, it makes them dry out and brittle in a short period. So it helps to maintain the moisture level in the bat.
Oiling acts as water resistant to the cricket bat. It forms a barrier or a protective layer on the surface of the bat. Which protects the bat from getting over-moisturized and increases the weight of the bat. Because it creates a negative impact on the performance of the bat.
Oiling helps to increase the durability of your cricket bat. As we've discussed, oiling provides a protective layer to the bat which not only maintains moisture and protects it from water but also reduces the risks of cracks, splits, and damages.
Difference between oiling and waxing a cricket bat
Whether you oil or wax your cricket bat one common thing is the same in both that is the linseed oil. I will get on the linseed oil in detail but before that, we need to know what are the basic differences between oiling and waxing a cricket bat.
- So linseed oil comes in a liquid form and wax in a solid form.
- Linseed oil gets absorbed quickly but wax takes longer to get.
- Linseed oil goes deeper in the bat and wax stays on the surface of the bat.
- After applying linseed oil the bat's color will slightly change but with wax, the color will remain the same.
- Linseed oil comes at an affordable price but wax is quite expensive.
But it is recommended to use a solid form of linseed oil i.e.wax. Because it gives more water resistance to the bat than the liquid form of a linseed oil.
These solutions can be used for both, i.e., the oil and the wax. So, you can very easily choose according to your requirements.
How often do you need to oil or wax a cricket bat?
It depends on how many times you used the bat and the environmental condition of your cricket bat. Generally, you should oil or wax for a new bat, a well-used bat, and off-season storage of that bat.
New cricket bats: For new bats, it is recommended to apply oil or wax before the first use. After the first season, you need to repeat the process every few weeks.
A well-used bat: If you've played many seasons with the bat, then you can apply oil or wax every few months or whenever you see your bat start looking dry. It's good practice to keep your bat well-maintained.
Storage in the off-season: If the off-season has started and you might be thinking of storing your cricket bat, it's recommended to apply a coach of oil or wax to the bat before putting it away. It helps to prevent your bat from excessive dryness.
Always remember that you must use cricket bat oil that is specifically designed for oiling purposes.
which oil and wax is best for cricket bat
Let's first discuss oil. The raw linseed oiling is the best oil for cricket bats. It maintains the bat's fibres bound which makes the bat strong and helps it perform at their best level. Linseed oil is much thinner as compared to other oils. It also adds shine to your bat and increases strength.
Let's move on to the wax. As I said earlier, wax is also made up of linseed oil. So you can choose any wax but be sure that the wax must have a good brand.
Alternative to linseed oil for cricket bats
If you don't have enough money to spend on linseed oil then you can use tung oil, walnut oil, and mineral oil. Each of these oils has its properties, so keep in mind the desired finish and application before choosing it.
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How to oil a cricket bat
Oiling a cricket bat is the most important thing for a cricket player. Let's explore how to oil a cricket bat in just 3 simple steps.
1. Clean the bat: Before applying oil to the bat it is essential to properly clean your bat.
Clean the excess dirt on the bat by damping a cloth on water and gently wiping down the entire surface of the bat. You can also use a mild soap solution with water if the bat has stubborn stains or marks.
2. Deep the cloth in linseed oil: After cleaning the bat you need to take a piece of cloth and dump it down in the linseed oil. After that remove the excessive oil from the cloth by pressing the cloth.
3. Spread it along the grain of the bat: Now that piece of cloth is ready for oiling. Apply it along the straight line of the bat.
While doing oiling, you will notice that the color of the bat is changing as you apply the linseed oil.
While oiling you should also apply oil to the focus area of the bat such as the blade surface, edges, back of the bat, toe and shoulders, and handle. Make sure you have applied the oil on each focus area of the cricket bat.
Keep it away for 24 hrs for soaking and after the 24 hrs all the oil has absorbed, you can add a little bit more oiling. You should probably repeat this process until the bat is not soaking up more oil.
Should I oil my bat before knocking it in
Yes, you must oil a cricket bat before knocking in. Except if your bat is already well moisturized.
How to oil a cricket bat and knock it in
If you have done oiling to your cricket, now you can knock to it. Knock-in-in helps to compress bat fibres and keep the bat in a strong condition.
So take your bat mallet and begin striking the face of the bat. Gently move on to the edges and middle part of the bat. Gradually increase the force of your strick and pay attention to the entire blade, which includes the toe and edges. Now you can hit some balls with your cricket bat to test it.
How to oil a cricket bat with a covers and stickers
It is the obvious question what if the bat has covers and stickers on it?
So you can peel off the stickers carefully and remove the protective covers on the bat if any. You can use a hairdryer to warm the stickers if you face any difficulty in peeling them off. After that take a soft, damp cloth and by wiping remove the residue or dirt on it. Now you can do oiling to your bat very easily.
Is it necessary to oil the cricket bat if I apply an anti-scuff sheet to it?
Anti scrub sheet is applied to the face of the cricket bat which helps to prevent it from damage and also helps to retain the natural moisture of the bat.
You need to do oiling to your cricket bat before applying any anti-scuff to it. It's recommended to add two light coats of linseed oil and give at least 24 hours to soak it well. After that, you can apply any anti-scuff sheet to it.
Does the cricket bat need oiling in winter?
It's recommended to oil your cricket bat during winter. During winter the air tends to be drier which ultimately makes your bat dry out and also increases the risk of cracking. Oiling not only helps to maintain moisture in the wood but also prevents it from drying out and potentially crackling.
Oiling your cricket once during winter is sufficient. Be sure to apply a thin coat of linseed oil and store your bat in a cool & and dry place after the oiling.
Does the cricket bat need oiling in the morning?
You can oil your bat at any time whether it is morning or evening. But keep one thing in mind, after oiling keep it away for at least 24 hours to soak it well.
Do modern cricket bats need oiling
Yes, modern cricket bats, especially the bats that are made from willow, benefit from oiling. But it should be done occasionally. Always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for specific guidelines.
Do new cricket bats need oiling
Yes, new cricket bats often benefit from oiling. Oiling helps in conditioning the willow, maintaining moisture, and enhancing the overall durability of the bat.Does the cricket bat need oiling in the air?
Yes, oiling a cricket bat is generally done in the open air. In the open air cricket bat gets more benefits.
Final thoughts
I hope you will have got the solution about whether the cricket bat needs oiling or not. And you will find some other information related to your oiling a cricket bat. If you find this blog informative then please share it across your social media accounts.
