How to Color Golf Balls

Golf balls are typically white, but what if you want yours to be more colorful, fun, or easier to find? Whether you’re trying to stand out on the course, show off your personal style, or just add a bit of creativity to your game, learning how to color golf balls can be a fun and simple solution. This is a step-by-step guide on coloring golf balls at home using basic tools—so let us show you how to get started.

Why Color Golf Balls?

Now that we have the steps, let’s first explore the reasons some golfers prefer to dye their balls:

• More visible: Limited availability balls are much more visible within grass, sand or water surfaces.
• Fun and unique: Personalized colors which make your golf balls distinctive.
• In a group play: Different colors separate confusion while playing a group.
• Artistic Release: Some golfers like to get artistic and draw or even paint fun designs on their golf balls.

Also Read: How to Clean White Golf Grips

Materials You’ll Need

A couple of readily available items you will need to learn how to color golf balls:

• Clean white golf balls
• Permanent marker or acrylic paint
• Nail lacquer (if looking to polish for a lustrous style)
• Small paint brush or sponge
• Purchases (to be kept in your hands in paint or ink)
• Paper towels or a drying rack
• Sealant spray (optional if you want colour to last)

Step-by-Step: How to Color Golf Balls

So here is the process, step by step, that is very straightforward.

Step 1: Clean the Golf Balls

Proper Golf Ball Cleaning: Clean Your Golf Balls Clean it with warm water, soap, and a discreet brush. Before coloring, allow them to air dry.

Step 2: Select Coloring Approach

There are a bunch of different ways to color golf balls:

a) Using Permanent Markers

This is the easiest method.

• Except with a Sharpie or another permanent, waterproof type marker.
• You can doodle, write your name or even your pet peeves.
• Allow the ink to dry for 10-15 minutes. 

b) Using Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is another option, especially if you want colors to appear vibrant.

• Wear gloves.
• If you are going to paint the whole ball or just a few parts, it is better to use a brush with a fine tip.
• Leave one side to dry before rotating the ball and painting the other.
• A sponge can also be used to make a smooth sponge coloring.

(c) Nail Polish (Optional)

Nail polish has a shiny appearance and is available in various shades.

• Just apply it very carefully, it has a built in brush.
• Air dry everything in a well-ventilated area.
• Do not abuse it, a thick layer will affect the performance of the ball.

Step 3: Let the Ball Dry

Either way, ensure that your golf ball is 100% dry, and let it rest on a paper towel or drying rack for a few hours. Take your time, if you go too quickly you can smear the color.

Assuming you’re here rather because you’ve had either network issues (1) or internal issues (2) earlier, then (4) applying a sealant (step 4 in the chart) only on sections where there’s a crack should be sufficient and you shouldn’t have to worry about water seepage.

If you are an advanced crafter and want to keep the color on for a long time, give a light coat of clear sealant over the ball! This stage will help safeguard your designer from water, dirt, and the effects of the environment.

Also Read: What is Golf Ball Compression?

Tips for Better Coloring

• Use a second-hand ball as a testbed for your design.
• If you plan to still be able to see the manufacturers logo, don’t paint over it.
• Avoid water-based paint because it may be washed away.
• Drying may take less time if you use thin layers.
• Keep the balls in a dry room till the paint dries.

Does Coloring Impede Performance?

For casual golfers, painting or coloring golf balls makes little difference in play. However, for serious or tournament golfers, even the slightest modification in surface texture or mass may be significant. Of course, if you play for pure leisure, feel free to paint & have fun. In official games, use only plain uncolored balls (except when authorized).

Since you already learned how to paint golf balls, now it is time to get creative! Regardless of how you customize your golf balls — with markers, paint, or polish — there is more to a personalized golf ball than meets the eye. It is also a good one for the kids or when you are thinking of family golf days.