How to Monogram Bowling Balls

Monogrammed bowling balls add a personal touch.

A monogrammed bowling ball is specially customized with the name or initials of a bowler or team. Monogrammed bowling balls distinguish your ball from others, making it less likely for someone to inadvertently take your ball. Monogrammed bowling balls are appropriate souvenirs for retiring bowlers or tournament winners. To properly monogram a bowling ball, follow certain steps to prime, paint and seal the ball.

Things You'll Need

• Tub of sand
• Word processor
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Adhesive-backed paper
• X-Acto knife
• Rubbing alcohol
• Sandpaper
• Cloths and towels
• Latex primer
• Paintbrushes
• Latex paint
• Polyurethane

Instructions

1. Place the ball in a tub of sand or coffee grinds so that it won't roll as you work.

2. Create stencils of the letters that you want to monogram on the ball. Print block letters from a word processor. Cut the letters out of paper and place on adhesive-backed paper. Trace the letters with a pencil and use an X-Acto knife to cut out the letters. Make a separate stencil for each letter to be used.

3. Place the stencils (with block letters removed) on the bowling ball. Remove adhesive backing so the stencils stick. Position the stencils so the letters are arranged exactly where you want them on the ball.

4. Rub alcohol on the bowling ball inside the letters to remove the wax finish. Work the alcohol into the paint inside the letter shapes. If you don't remove the wax finish, paint won't stick to the surface. Use a cloth or rag to apply the alcohol.

5. Rub sandpaper on the ball inside the letters. Sanding, like alcohol, will remove the wax finish. Remove debris and powder from the ball; dab with a wet towel and then pat dry with a clean towel.

6. Prime the bowling ball by painting inside the letters with white latex primer. Apply two layers of primer and allow the primer to dry for 24 hours before applying paint.

7. Paint inside the letters to monogram the ball. Ideally, choose a color paint that contrasts with the color of the bowling ball. Otherwise, monogrammed letters won't be visible. Let the paint dry for 24 hours.

8. Seal the bowling ball. Paint polyurethane inside the letters to protect the paint from chipping or peeling. If the ball is to be used for decorative purposes, apply one layer of polyurethane. If the ball is to be used in play, apply two to three layers of polyurethane.

References

• The University of Texas at Austin: The Wildflower Center: How to Turn Bowling Balls into Yard Art
• Gardens and Crafts: General Guidelines for Painting Bowling Balls