How to Paint a Slow Pitch Bat

Restoring or giving a new look to a softball bat, whether for aesthetic purposes or to save on the cost of purchasing a new one, can be accomplished by giving it a fresh paint job. Before undertaking this project, check the organizational rules regarding the legality of using bats painted solely to alter their appearance. Daniel A. Russell, associate professor of applied physics at Kettering University in Flint, Michigan, says this method has been used to disguise doctored or high-performance bats not approved for sanctioned play.

Things You'll Need

  • Aluminum epoxy paint stripper
  • Scrubbing pad
  • Aluminum wool
  • Shop cloth
  • Sandpaper, 120 and 600 grit
  • Masking tape
  • Epoxy primer
  • Epoxy paint
  • Clear epoxy spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Apply paint stripper to the bat either by spraying it or wiping it on with a scrubbing pad. Wait for the old paint to dissolve, then wipe it off with the pad.

    • 2

      Scrub away any remaining paint with aluminum wool, taking care not to scratch the aluminum finish. Wipe the bat with a shop cloth.

    • 3

      Rough up the surface that you will paint, using 120-grit sandpaper. Apply circular motions with light to medium pressure. Wash down the bat with water, then wipe it dry with the shop cloth.

    • 4

      Mask off the areas that you will not paint. Spray two base coats of epoxy primer to the exposed area, allowing 20 minutes of drying time between coats. Rub the base coat with wet 600-grit sandpaper, wiping away any residue.

    • 5

      Spray two thin coats of epoxy paint in your choice of color. Allow the paint a couple of hours to dry. If you want to apply a design, affix a stencil with masking tape before spraying paint in another color. Wait for the paint to dry. Polish the paint with wet 600-grit sandpaper and dry off the bat with the shop cloth.

    • 6

      Add three thin coats of clear epoxy spray, allowing 20 minutes for each coat to dry. Polish the clear coat softly with wet 600-grit sandpaper, then wipe and dry off the bat.