Every bowler knows that a ball’s reaction on the lanes is critical for success. Whether your ball isn’t hooking quite as expected, reading the midlane late, or losing its edge altogether, resurfacing might be the answer. In this article, we’ll walk through the resurfacing process step by step using Storm’s Power Edge Polish and expert tips from Chad McLean, who demonstrates how to restore your ball to its factory-like finish.
Why Resurface Your Ball?
Bowling balls don’t maintain their “out-of-box” condition forever. Over time, the ball’s surface absorbs oil and interacts with the lane, gradually losing its ability to grip properly. This isn’t just about oil absorption—each lane has a specific surface roughness. As you throw shots, your ball’s roughness average (RA) begins to align with that of the lane, impacting its performance. Resurfacing helps to restore the ball's texture and grip, ensuring consistent reaction and performance.
Reference the following Resurfacing Guide:
Click to open in new window.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to bring your ball back to life:
- Start with a Base Surface (500-Grit): Use a 500-grit pad with a generous spray of
water for lubrication. Lean into the ball spinner with firm pressure on the pad for about 30 seconds
on all 4 sides (refer to the Resurfacing Guide above). This deep cut creates a fresh texture base.
Why 500-grit?Going lower (like 360-grit) risks scratching the surface with deep lines rather than sanding it evenly. - Smooth the Surface (1,000-Grit): After creating the base texture, move to a
1,000-grit pad. You'll be repeating all four turns you did in the first step. Here's where technique
really matters:
- Turn the ball and reduce your pressure to about half of what you used with the 500-grit pad.
- Sand for 15 seconds on each side of the ball.
- Use plenty of water to keep the pad clean and ensure smooth, even sanding.
Chad explains why this step is crucial: "If you go too hard or too long at 1,000-grit, you risk smoothing out the deep texture created by the 500-grit pad. The goal here is balance-you want to refine the surface without eliminating its bite."
Once complete, you'll see a smoother finish that still retains the texture needed for grip and lane reaction. - Polish with Power Edge: Apply a quarter-sized amount of Storm's Power Edge Polish
using a cloth (Chad prefers a thin cloth like an old T-shirt sleeve). Spread evenly across the
surface and polish one side of the ball with medium pressure for 20-30 seconds. Chad notes, "You
should feel the heat through the towel as the polish works into the pores."
- Tip: The hotter the ball gets, the deeper the polish penetrates, creating a higher luster for increased length and back-end flip.
- Flip the ball 180º and repeat. Use water as needed to help the polish spread evenly.
- Clean Off the Excess: Finish the process by applying Reacta Clean to remove any leftover polish residue. Spray on towel and on the ball, and apply medium pressure for 15 seconds. Repeat on both sides of the ball. This leaves the surface tacky and ready to hit the lanes.
What to Expect After Resurfacing
Ryan Barnes, a 900 Global staffer, tested the Origin at three stages:
- Out-of-Box Finish (Power Edge): Ball rolls strong down lane but hit slightly behind the headpin when moving deeper.
- 2,000-Grit Surface: Better midlane read and continuous motion but began to slow as the oil pattern broke down.
- Back to Power Edge Polish: The ball regained its shine, easily cleared the front of the lane, and retained a strong backend finish.
Final Thoughts
Resurfacing your bowling ball helps maintain its peak performance over time. By restoring the ball to its factory-like condition with Power Edge Polish, you’ll see improved length, control, and striking power. Remember, you can add Power Edge to any ball in your arsenal!