Cue refinishing is an art in and of it self. In fact, in some cases it requires more talent and craftsmanship to repair or restore something than to make a new one. For fear of losing the original integrity, refinishing should not be attempted lightly.

When it comes to refinishing a custom cue or fitting the cue with new shafts, certain considerations should be made. If the original cue manufacturer is not available someone who is sensitive to the attributes of the cue should be given the task. For example, when Johnny Cash’s favorite Martin guitar, a D-35 Custom, suffered damage at the hands of another, you can bet it wasn’t repaired by a rookie. You can expect no one but a master luthier was considered qualified to touch that guitar.

There are too many people eager to put a slick finish on a cue and call it “like new,” while actually compromising the cue’s value and originality. Tony says, “There is really no good reason to completely refinish your cue unless you intend to flip it and try to make a "score".” The poor gullible buyer of a cue that has been poorly refinished is stuck with cue that is less than original, and as a result, paying a higher price than the cue is worth. Essentially, the purchaser is paying more and receiving less.

For example, evidence of an alien shaft can be seen in the quality of the shaft wood, the ferrule construction and the loss of the compression fitting, and will affect the feel or the hit. If you lose the special relationship between the shaft and the joint, or the sharp ending of the finish, the beautiful transition from wrap to cue, or the color of the exotic woods, what have you gained, but a great shine? You may have made a score, but you’ve misplaced the real value of a great cue and hampered some of the great engineering and playability of the cue.