Recreational golfers can quickly nick up an expensive driver. Lacking practice and employing inconsistent swings, the occasional player can leave a "sky mark" scratch on the crown of a driver head, which happens when the teed-up ball strikes the club at just above the top edge of the face, sending the ball soaring. Rattling clubs in a golf bag can scratch up a driver missing a head cover, as well. If the scratches aren't too deep, you can remove the reminders of poor shots or club care yourself.
Crown Scratches
Step 1
Clean the entire club head with the stiff plastic brush and soapy water, applying extra vigor to any scratched areas. Dry the club head with a clean, soft towel.
Step 2
Mask around the scratch with tape, leaving 1/8 inch uncovered around the scratch. Shake your club head paint bottle to mix the paint thoroughly. In one direction, brush on a thin coat of paint to cover the unmasked area. If the scratch is deep, let the first coat dry and apply a second, thin coat.
Step 3
Soak the 600-grit sandpaper for 15 minutes, then smooth out the dried paint in one direction. Dry the club head with a towel, remove the masking tape and rub it down with the soft polishing towel.
Step 4
Let the paint cure for two days. Apply one coat of car polish and buff to a shine.
Unpainted Sole Scratches
Step 1
Clean the sole of the club vigorously with the plastic brush and soapy water. Dry the club head with a towel.
Step 2
Mask off the side of the club head with tape to prevent accidental blemishes to other areas of the club.
Step 3
Soak the 220-grit sandpaper for 15 minutes, then buff out small scratches throughout the sole plate, working in one direction. For heavier scratches, use a rotary tool with a sanding attachment, applying light pressure, also working in one direction. Follow up with the wet 400-grip sandpaper.
Step 4
Rub the club down with the clean, soft towel. Refresh any painted markings on the sole with the model paint. Let the model paint dry for a day, and remove the masking tape.
Tips and Warnings
- Take extra care to cover areas with the masking tape, particularly when preparing to sand or buff with a power tool.
- When sanding or stripping paint with a power tool, use goggles and mask to keep airborne paint or metal dust particles out of your eyes and lungs. Newer titanium clubs have thin faces and crowns, so use a light touch if employing power tools.
Things You'll Need
- Stiff, plastic-bristle brush
- Soapy water
- Soft polishing rag
- Masking tape
- Color-matched club head paint
- 600-grit sandpaper
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Rotary tool
- Fine-grade rotary sanding wheel
- Rotary buffing wheel
- Model paint
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