Mastering the art of polishing urethane bowling balls is an essential skill for any avid bowler looking to enhance their game and maintain their equipment.
With proper polishing techniques, not only will your urethane ball look sleek and shiny, but you’ll also notice improved performance on the lanes.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes urethane bowling balls unique, share tips and tricks for achieving different types of polish finishes, and provide advice on maintaining your ball’s peak performance.
Let’s take a look.
Can You Polish A Urethane Bowling Ball?
The answer is yes, you can polish your urethane bowling ball, but you must first prepare it properly.
One technique for polishing your urethane bowling ball involves doing it by hand. This is a great option if you don’t have access to a ball spinner or prefer doing things manually.
To start, make sure your ball is clean and dry. Apply a small amount of polish to a lint-free cloth or microfiber towel. Rub the polish onto the surface of the ball in circular motions, applying even pressure throughout.
Be careful not to press too hard or use too much polish as this can damage the ball’s surface.
Using this hand-polishing technique allows you to be more precise with how much pressure you apply and which areas of the ball need more attention than others. It also helps prevent accidental damage caused by using machine spinners that may be too aggressive for your particular type of urethane bowling ball.
Another popular way is to use a ball spinner. This tool allows you to apply even pressure and control the speed of the spin, resulting in a more consistent and uniform polishing finish.
To use a ball spinner, first, clean your bowling ball with a specialized cleaner to remove any dirt or oil buildup on the surface. Then apply your chosen polishing compound evenly around the surface of the ball.
Place the ball on top of the spinner and secure it tightly in place before turning on the machine.
It’s important to note that different types of grits are available for use with ball spinners, ranging from coarse to fine levels.
A higher number indicates a finer abrasive grit that will result in a smoother finish but may take longer to accomplish than lower numbers that are coarser but work faster at removing blemishes and scratches from your bowling balls’ surfaces.
Remember, it is essential to choose the right type of polish for your urethane bowling ball based on its condition and required finish. Using specialized urethane cleaners can also help remove dirt and oil that accumulate on your balls’ surfaces after use.
Tips And Tricks For Achieving Different Types Of Polish
High-Gloss Finish
For those looking for a bowling ball with a sleek and polished look, achieving a high-gloss finish is the way to go. This type of finish requires extra effort and attention to detail in the polishing process but can result in an eye-catching shine on your urethane ball.
To achieve this mirror-like finish, it is important to use finer grit polish compounds such as 5000 or even 8000 grit after initially sanding down any scratches or nicks on the surface of the ball.
One popular example of a highly polished urethane bowling ball is the Storm Pitch Black. The high-gloss finish not only adds some glamour to your game but can also provide better lane traction by creating more friction between the surface of the ball and the lane.
However, it’s important not to over-polish your urethane ball as too much polishing can actually reduce its hook potential.
Satin Finish
Achieving a satin finish on your urethane bowling ball can give it a smooth and subtle appearance. This type of finish offers less shine than a high-gloss finish but still looks sleek on the lane.
To achieve a satin finish, start by using an abrasive pad or sandpaper with a grit level between 1000-2000 to remove any existing polish or scratches from the ball’s surface.
Another option for achieving a satin finish is to use specific polishing compounds designed for this purpose. These specialized compounds have lower levels of abrasiveness compared to other polishes, resulting in a more muted shine on your urethane ball’s surface.
By incorporating different types of finishes into their game, bowlers can tailor their equipment to match various lane conditions and improve overall performance.
Matte Finish
One of the great things about urethane bowling balls is their versatility, which includes being able to achieve different types of finishes. A matte finish is perfect for those who prefer a duller appearance and a ball that doesn’t hook as much.
Achieving this type of finish requires using an abrasive grit such as 1000 or 2000-grit sandpaper in circular motions until the surface becomes smooth and even.
The benefits of having a matte-finished urethane ball include less glare from overhead lighting and no distractions from reflections on its surface during playtime. Additionally, the lack of shine can aid in better tracking while giving up some hitting power simultaneously.
Using Specialized Urethane Ball Cleaners
When it comes to maintaining your urethane bowling ball, using specialized ball cleaners is key. These cleaners are designed to remove oil and dirt from the surface of the ball without damaging the material or altering its texture.
It’s important to note that not all bowling ball cleaners are created equal – some may contain harsh chemicals that can damage or discolor your ball over time. To be safe, stick with brands that are specifically formulated for use on urethane balls, like Brunswick’s Big B Bowling Ball Cleaner or Motiv Power Gel Polish.
Proper Maintenance Of Your Bowling Ball
Storage And Handling
As a bowler, it’s important to properly store and handle your urethane bowling ball to keep it in top condition. When not in use, store your ball in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.
When handling your urethane ball, always lift it with both hands using proper techniques to avoid dropping or damaging it. Make sure to also clean the surface of the ball regularly with a specialized cleaner that won’t harm its finish.
Regular Cleaning And Maintenance
As someone who takes their bowling seriously, you know that taking care of your equipment is crucial for optimal performance. This includes regular cleaning and maintenance of your urethane bowling ball.
A simple routine should involve wiping down the surface with a microfiber towel after each game to remove any oil or dirt buildup.
Additionally, storing and handling your ball properly is essential for its longevity and performance. You should avoid leaving it in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for prolonged periods as this can damage the coverstock material and alter its motion on the lane.
To keep it performing at its best, have your ball resurfaced by a professional when necessary or consider using sandpaper to dull any shiny spots that appear over time.
When To Resurface
Resurfacing your urethane bowling ball can help to restore its original surface and improve performance. Over time, the surface of your ball can become dull or damaged from use, making it less effective on the lanes.
It is recommended that you have your urethane ball resurfaced by a professional at least once per season, or after 60-70 games played. However, if you bowl frequently or notice a decline in performance sooner than this, it may be necessary to resurface more often.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of polishing urethane bowling balls is essential for any serious bowler. By understanding the different techniques and tips available, you can achieve a superior finish that not only looks great but also enhances your ball’s performance.
It’s important to ensure proper maintenance of your bowling ball by regular cleaning and polishing and resurfacing when needed.
Last updated on June 11, 2023
Devon Trout is a lover of all things bowling. His style is two-hand bowling, and he finds great joy traveling to new locations to test his skills. Devon is also a blogger and enjoys writing about his experiences as a traveler and bowler. He loves meeting new people and sharing stories with them and hopes to inspire others to explore the world around them.
