How to Resurface a Bowling Ball

Bowling balls are often made from porous materials that can pick up different types of dirt and debris, as well as oil from lanes, as they are being used. Some surfaces actually absorb those materials, making it almost impossible to use the ball effectively over an extended period of time. For that reason, plenty of professional bowlers and alley experts agree that bowling balls may require resurfacing from time to time.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowling ball Professional resurfacing machine Various grades of sandpaper Spray bottle Water Polishing cloth Safety goggles Safety mask Rubber gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Have the ball professionally resurfaced at a local bowling alley, if the service is available and affordable. A professional job is often much more effective and causes less potential problems than doing it on your own.

    • 2

      If you decide to resurface a bowling ball on your own, use medium-to-coarse grain sandpaper against the natural track that has been worn into the ball, moving from left to right. Continue sanding for about 30 to 45 seconds. Turn the ball over and repeat the same step on the other side. This will help return the ball to a more normal standard in the event the bowler wants to work a different track into it.

    • 3

      Use medium-to-coarse grain sandpaper with the track of the ball if you want it to slide at the beginning. Continue sanding for about 30 to 45 seconds. This process will encourage it to grab hold in the dry areas of the lane and slide through the oil.

    • 4

      Use medium-to-coarse grain sandpaper across the whole ball in a crisscross manner. Continue sanding until the ball is smooth all the way around. This will encourage the ball to grab hold early on the lane and remain true throughout the roll. This will allow more control over the ball when thrown.

    • 5

      Use medium-to-coarse grain sandpaper across the entire ball, moving in the same direction all the way around. Make sure the ball is smooth throughout. This will help to ensure the ball will remain true from start to finish.

    • 6

      Use water in a spray bottle to remove excess debris from the ball. Wipe dry with a soft cloth.

    • 7

      Place the bowling ball into a ball cleaning machine at the alley to make sure that it is as clean as possible. If the machine does not have a polishing step, then hand polish the ball with a soft polishing cloth.

    • 8

      Use a liquid resurfacing product like Scotch Brite if desired. Choose the color and grit of product that applies to the type of ball that you usually throw, such as a hook, back-up, or straight ball.