A driver is undoubtedly one of the most prized processions in a golfer’s bag. Golfers are always willing to spend thousands of dollars for the best golf driver. However, like any other equipment, they need regular repairs and maintenance at the same time.
One area of great concern is paint and sky marks at the top edge of the driver or the bottom due to hitting the ball. Luckily, restoring your driver to its original with new paint is possible. But how do you go about painting your golf driver?
Read on for a detailed insight into everything you need to know about golf driver paint repair:
Let’s delve in!
Why Paint Golf Drivers?
The feeling of a newly unwrapped golf driver can be mesmerizing and intoxicating as well. The view of the shimmering beauty and the nicely painted ion surface is incredible. However, the shine does not take long to wear off. Your precious paint is replaced with sky marks and scratches.
Applying new paint is the best option you can use to restore your club to its previous state. You might also need to customize your golf with new paint or even increase its resale value. Custom painting can be challenging because it entails re-coloring specific elements in the club, such as names, logos, and numbers.
Almost all golf drivers can be re-painted to give your club a new or unique appearance.
Best Type of Paint to Use in Golf Clubs
When it comes to sports equipment, the ideal paint to use can withstand heavy impacts. Here are the three most recommended types of paint for golf clubs:
- Enamel Paint– This oil-based paint is highly durable and adheres easily to ion surfaces on the golf driver. It has a gloss finish and is quite durable.
- Two–Part Urethane Automotive Coating- Similar to enamel paint, this option is the most recommended paint for painting golf clubs. It is durable and has a gloss finish. It is also a bit expensive and unsuitable for custom paint fill applications.
- Acrylic Paint– This paint is water-based, cheaper, and dries more quickly than other paints. It is, however, not as durable as oil-based paints and therefore regarded as a second choice.
How to Paint Golf Clubs
Whether you paint the golf club to repair chips on the driver, apply custom logos, or paint the whole shaft, you need to be prepared with the right tools. Here are some of the materials you will require.
- Water-based degreasing agent
- Paint remover
- Epoxy-based enamel paint
- Masking tape
- Polishing micro-fine sandpaper
- Etching primer
You can replace any of the above with an option best suits you. For instance, you can use a spray bottle if the primer is not in the spray.
Paint Application Steps to Follow
Step # 1- Scrub off the existing paint
Acetone is the most recommended paint remover. Pour it into a bowl and soak the golf club for at least six hours. It would be best if you allowed enough time for the acetone to permeate to the deeper parts of the driver. Use a metallic object to scrape off the old paint, and ensure you wear Latex gloves to protect your hands.
Additionally, use a small sharp object such as a nail to remove paint on the hard-to-reach areas, especially on the club’s head. Once you are satisfied that almost all the old paint has been removed, use a microfiber cloth and degreasing agent to remove traces of the old paint completely.
Allow the club to dry before proceeding to the next step.
Step # 2- Apply Primer
The second step should be to apply primer on the club. Use a spray bottle to apply a thin layer of primer and ensure that all the areas have been covered. There is a high chance that a thick layer could drip down and lead to an uneven coating. Besides, ensure you use masking tape to cover areas that do not require painting before applying new paint.
Step # 3- Apply a New Paint
Apply a thin layer of epoxy-based paint using a spray gun once you are certain that the primer is completely dry and cured. Use micro-fine sandpaper to ensure a smooth, even surface before applying the paint.
Wait for 40 minutes to allow the paint to dry. Repeat the process at least 4 times for better results. After doing so, you can remove the masking tape and carefully remove unwanted paint using acetone. Drivers require more time to dry, leaving them to dry for at least 24 hours before hitting a golf ball.
You are done! Your golf club should be as good as new. But if you want to customize your club, you need to go through another step to paint your desired logo or number. Depending on the complexity of your customization, you can seek the services of a professional or paint it yourself as well.
How to Fix Sky Marks
Sky marks are scratches found on the top edge of the driver as a result of hitting underneath the golf ball. These marks are embarrassing to some golfers because they symbolize an incorrect or unsuccessful swing.
To avoid sky marks, try not to tee off too high. You can also aim for straight shots against the club face. Typically, sky marks are mostly found on black-painted drivers. It is almost impossible to spot them on white drivers.
Fixing these marks is quite easy. All you need to do is follow a few simple steps to help you fix the marks. You can either use a magic eraser or a light coat rubbing compound. Start by unscrewing the driver, cleaning it with a damp microfiber cloth, and allowing it to dry.
After doing so, use a magic eraser and water to scrub the marks. You can also use car wax to remove the sky marks. Clean the club with a damp cloth and apply a small amount of the compound on the cloth. Rub the compound on the mark in a circular motion until the mark disappears.
How to Fix Scratches on Golf Drivers
Two types of scratches can develop in your club. You can either have light or deep scratches. Light scratches are common and can be found on almost any golf club. No matter how carefully you strike the ball off the tee, you can never beat Mother Nature. Your club will always develop light scratches.
You can use the magic eraser or car wax rubbing method. All you need to do is follow the right steps to help you get the best results. Most importantly, ensure you allow enough time for the paint to dry before applying another coat.
How to Customize Your Golf Club
The customization of golf clubs has become increasingly popular, with most golfers going for customized clubs over new ones. Similar to painting the whole club, the same process must be followed to ensure that the old paint is completely removed before applying a new color.
Start by gathering everything you need and cleaning the area to be painted. Allow the area to dry, and choose your desired application method. There are three methods you can use to apply your paint. You can use a toothpick to apply paint on the embossed area, a paint pen, or a needlepoint applicator on the desired area.
Regardless of your method, it is imperative to ensure you completely remove excess paint with a cloth soaked in acetate. Additionally, avoid using Q-tips because they can cause indentation with your new paint.
Golf Driver Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
It is better to prevent damage than to repair. When you first buy golf clubs, they look shiny and elegant. Keeping it in top-notch condition with a few cleaning and maintenance tips is possible. Here are some of these tips to follow:
- Always use a club brush or toothbrush with soapy water to remove dirt and debris
- Use a thin layer of primer or paint to avoid uneven coating
- Choose oil-based paints over water-based paints
- When painting your driver, do not blob paint on the repair area
- Soak copper drivers in carbonated soft drink overnight once in a while
- Avoid sky marks by not hitting the ball at the top of the head
Paint repair and cases of sky marks are quite easy to clean. All you need to do to avoid scratches on your driver is correctly hit the ball off the tee.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to throw away your old golf club because it has nasty scratches or even worn-out paint. Quality paint and one or two methods to remove the scratches are enough to restore your club to its original state.
Ensure you consider the above factors the next time you are looking to paint your golf driver, and there is no doubt that you will experience exceptional results. Like the article? Follow our blog for more exciting content, or check out our website to benefit from any of our services.