If your fingers change shape or you decide you'd like to change the way your hand fits on a ball you have two options: buy a new ball or plug your current one and re-drill the holes. The latter option is economical and will allow you to keep your favorite ball. Plugging the holes involves mixing a polyurethane compound and filling the holes with the mixture. It can be done at home, but should be done so in a well-ventilated area.
Step 1
Prepare your ball for plugging by first sanding down any cracks or chips around the holes that may flake around the plug later. Use tack cloth to wipe the ball down. Put on gloves.
Step 2
Tint the polyurethane compound using the included colors, stirring thoroughly until the color matches that of your ball.
Step 3
Add the hardener to the compound and follow the instructions for stirring the mixture for the specified time. Typically, this takes around two minutes to complete the chemical reaction that occurs between the compound and hardener. The mixture will become very warm.
Step 4
Fill small holes immediately by holding a craft stick over the holes and pouring the mixture over the stick to reduce the formation of bubbles. Fill large holes in two parts, letting the bottom half of the hole cure completely and cool down before pouring in the second half. This prevents cracking of the ball due to a buildup of too much heat in the hole.
Step 5
Let your ball sit at 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a proper cure. Sand flush with the rest of the ball.
Tips and Warnings
- Pour excess polyurethane mixture into containers for disposal; do not pour into a drain.
Things You'll Need
- Polyurethane kit
- Gloves
- Sand paper or router
- Tack cloth
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