Omar Khalid
Bowling balls are usually made of plastic or polyurethane. Plastic bowling balls are more durable and affordable than polyurethane balls, but they require regular maintenance to keep them in top condition. One way to do this is by polishing the ball, which can be done using a variety of methods and tools such as a drill attachment, a ball spinner, or even just by hand. Polishing a bowling ball can help to improve its performance, as it can reduce the amount of hook and make it easier for the ball to travel down the lane. However, it is important to note that not all bowlers recommend polishing a bowling ball, as it can be a messy process that may not always be effective. Additionally, it is crucial to use the right products when polishing a bowling ball, as some polishes can clog the pores of reactive bowling balls and affect their performance.
How to Polish a Plastic Bowling Ball
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of polishing | Depending on the usage, a plastic bowling ball can be polished once or twice a season. |
| Tools required | TruCut sanding pads, CtD Power Pad, bowling ball cleaner, ball spinner, drill attachment kit, Brunswick crown factory compound, crown factory polish, Turtle Wax |
| Process | Clean the ball with a bowling ball cleaner, sand the ball with TruCut sanding pads, apply polish with a CtD Premium Polishing Pad, buff the polish in slow circles, clean off excess polish with a ball cleaner and a CtD Power Pad |
| Best practices | Avoid using too much force while sanding, use a ball spinner or get it done from a pro shop to ensure consistency, do not use wax as it can clog the pores of the ball |
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What You'll Learn
Using a drill attachment
If you're looking to polish a plastic bowling ball at home, one option is to use a drill attachment. This method can be awkward, as it requires you to prevent the ball from spinning with the drill. However, it is possible to purchase a standard polishing and buffing attachment kit for a drill. You will also need bowling ball polish, which can be purchased from a pro shop or online.
To begin the process, attach the buffing pad to your drill. You may need a smart handling tool to hold the pad in place. It is important to maintain uniform contact between the bowling ball's surface and the buffing pad. You can then turn on the drill and begin polishing the ball, working in sections to ensure you cover the entire surface.
It is recommended to use a specific bowling ball polish, as other polishes may not be suitable for use on reactive bowling balls. These polishes can clog the pores of the ball, causing it to skid and the hook to become inconsistent. If you are using a compound or polish, it is important to have several towels or polishing pads on hand. Use a separate towel or pad for each product you apply to the ball.
Additionally, you may want to consider the grit of the buffing pad you are using. Lower grit pads will require more pressure for shorter periods of time. If you are looking to achieve a shiny finish, you will need to use a higher grit, such as 3000 or 5000 grit.
While using a drill attachment can be a more affordable and portable option for polishing your bowling ball, some people find it easier to invest in a ball spinner or take their ball to a pro shop for polishing. These methods may provide more consistent results and require less effort.
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Using a ball spinner
Ball spinners are now more affordable and widely available, so many bowlers are choosing to polish their own balls using this method. You can buy a spinner, or you could build one yourself out of an old drill press. There are plenty of guides on YouTube to help you do this.
If you are using a spinner, you will need to set it to the correct speed. If your spinner has two speeds, set it to the lowest speed when you are sanding. If you are applying a compound or polish, set it to the highest speed. If your spinner only has one speed, you can still apply a compound or polish.
To apply a compound, use a cloth to apply an even amount of product to the ball as it spins. This will give your ball a shiny appearance and ensure it has full contact with the lane. To apply a polish, use a separate cloth and this will give your ball a tacky finish and help it react sharply at the backend.
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Hand-polishing
Gather Supplies:
First, you will need to gather the right supplies. For hand-polishing, you will need sanding pads, such as the TruCut sanding pads with grits of 2000, 3000, and P5000D. These pads can be used dry or wet. Additionally, you will need a bowling ball cleaner and a hand-applied polish, such as the TruCut Hand Applied Polish Plus Power by Turtle Wax.
Sand the Ball:
Start by using the 2000 grit sanding pad on the bowling ball, followed by the 3000 grit, and finally the P5000D. Be careful not to apply too much force to avoid damaging the pad and the ball's surface. The goal is to achieve a 4000 grit base for polishing.
Prepare for Polishing:
Before applying the polish, ensure you have a clean surface. You can use a bowling ball cleaner or a product like Renew It to prepare the ball's surface. Additionally, have a spray bottle with water handy to spritz the ball and keep it lubricated during the process.
Apply Polish:
Apply the polish directly to a clean polishing pad. Begin buffing the polish into the surface of the bowling ball in slow circles. Continue until you achieve a glossy shine on the entire surface of the ball.
Clean and Maintain:
Once you've finished polishing, clean off any excess polish using a bowling ball cleaner and a clean pad or towel. Remember to clean the finger holes and the exterior of the ball. Proper cleaning and maintenance will help extend the life of your bowling ball.
While hand-polishing a plastic bowling ball is possible, achieving a perfect mirror finish may be challenging without the use of a ball spinner or drill attachment. However, with the right supplies and techniques, you can certainly improve the shine and performance of your plastic bowling ball.
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TruCut sanding pads
To use TruCut sanding pads, it is recommended that you use a permanent marker to label the pads with the grit prior to use, as the ink used on the pads can be affected. The pads can be used by hand or with a bowling ball spinner, and the grit you choose will depend on the level of sanding required. For a deeper cut, you may want to use a lower grit, whereas a higher grit will give a finer finish.
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Cleaning before polishing
To ensure your plastic bowling ball is ready for polishing, it is important to clean it thoroughly. Here is a detailed guide on cleaning your bowling ball before polishing:
Cleaning the Ball Regularly
Firstly, it is crucial to wipe your bowling ball after every game to prevent the buildup of oil and maintain its optimal condition. Use a lint-free, microfiber cloth, which is ideal for protecting the finish of your ball and preventing lint or thread transfer onto the ball's surface. Keep a dedicated ball towel with your bowling gear, and remember to change it after each use to avoid transferring oil back onto the ball. During extended play sessions, consider swapping in a clean towel halfway through.
Deep Cleaning the Ball
When you notice changes in the ball's performance or action on the lane, it's time for a deep clean. Start by taping up the finger holes with waterproof tape to prevent water from getting into the holes and potentially harming the ball's performance. Use enough tape to ensure the holes are completely covered and smooth.
Next, fill a bucket with hot water and carefully place your bowling ball inside. Oil is lighter than water, so it will rise to the surface along with any dirt, and the warm water will help open the pores of the ball. Allow the ball to soak for around 20 minutes.
After soaking, remove the ball from the bucket, take off the tape, and dry it thoroughly. At this point, your ball should be significantly cleaner.
Removing Oil Buildup
To address oil buildup, which can cause the ball to react differently and lose grip on the lane, you can use household products like rubbing alcohol. Moisten a rag with rubbing alcohol and wipe down the ball, especially after bowling, when the ball is warm from lane friction.
Alternatively, consider taking your bowling ball to a pro shop, where they can use an oil extraction machine for a deeper clean. This service typically costs around $20 to $30 and ensures your ball is consistently clean and ready for use.
Sanding the Ball
If you're looking for a more intensive treatment, consider using a sanding pad specifically designed for bowling balls, such as the TruCut sanding pads introduced in 2018. These pads are easy to use and can be applied by hand, either dry or wet, or with a bowling ball spinner. They come in various grit options, including 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000, and P5000D, allowing you to choose the level of finish you desire.
By following these comprehensive cleaning steps, your plastic bowling ball will be well-prepared for the polishing process, ensuring a smooth and effective outcome.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to polish a plastic bowling ball is to use a ball spinner or a drill attachment kit with a polishing compound. You can also use a bowling ball polish machine or take it to a pro shop.
It depends on how often you bowl. If you bowl in a league once a week, you can probably get away with polishing it once or twice a season.
You can use a variety of products to polish your plastic bowling ball, including Brunswick crown factory compound, TruCut Hand Applied Polish Plus Powered by Turtle Wax, or Glide Bowling Ball Polish.
No, it is not recommended to use regular polish on a plastic bowling ball as it can clog the pores of the ball and make it skid.
If your plastic bowling ball has lost its grip on the lanes, it may be time to polish it. You can also tell if the ball has absorbed too much oil if it feels slippery.
