How to Get a Matte Finish on a Bowling Ball

Changing the finish on a bowling ball will help change the way it reacts on dry or oily lanes. A glossy finish will allow the ball to travel farther down the lane and, ultimately, to hook less. A matte surface will cause the bowling ball to be more reactive on oilier lanes and begin to hook earlier on the lane.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowling ball cleaner
  • High-speed ball spinner
  • Abralon pads (various grit levels)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the bowling ball with bowling ball cleaner until there's no oil left on the ball.

    • 2

      Place the bowling ball into the high-speed ball spinner and turn it on. Wait for the bowling ball spinner to get up to maximum speed.

    • 3

      Start scuffing the ball with a 1600-grit abralon pad. Move the position of the abralon pad until the entire ball has been scuffed. Stop the machine and inspect the ball's finish and touch up any missed areas by hand.

    • 4

      If the finish of the bowling ball is still not dull enough, put the ball back into the spinner. Turn it on and wait for it to reach its maximum speed.

    • 5

      Dull the ball even more by using a 800-grit abralon pad. Stop the machine and touch up any missed spots by hand with the same pad.