Customize your golf balls using a stencil and spray/airbrush paint

This article covers the customization of a golf ball using spray painting and 3D printed stencils.  This workflow can work with most stencils that are out there but is customized to 3D printed stencils and accessories on the printables.com platform that I created.

Materials Required

• Paint Spray Stencil Jig
• Stencils
• Golf Ball(s) - standard size
• Colored Paint Spray (recommend enamel/acrylic)
• 1000-1500 grit sandpaper
• Clear Varnish (high Gloss) Paint Spray(automotive grade)
• Turntable (optional)

Steps

• Wash golf ball and dry
• Scuff ball lightly with 1000-1500 grit sandpaper to provide more adhesion of pain in stencil area
• Wipe golf ball with a damp cloth and let dry
• Setup spray paint jig as per video below

• Place jig into a Spray Paint booth or in a well ventilated area
• Lightly mist spray stencil area on jig from a distance of 20-30 cm (6-12 inches) and let dry until tacky (<1hr)
• re-spray a 2nd light coat of paint within an hour of first coat
• remove golf ball from jig while paint is still tacky (after 10 min but <1hr after 2nd coat)
• Let golf ball dry for 24hrs to fully cure
• remount golf ball into spray booth on a golf tee
• Spray a few light coat of clear (matte or gloss) paint over stencil area
• Let golf ball dry for 24hrs to fully cure before use

Additional Recommendations

• Store spray paint in a warm (20C) area and ensure it is not cold when using since it flows more easily when warm
• Regular spray painting works well but for additional crispness use an airbrush painting setup
• Using a turn table to hold the jig allows for you better coverage of spray
• The golf balls are dimpled so getting the stencil to be tight against the ball is a challenge since the stencils do not conform to the dimpled shape of the golf ball.  To help with this issue it is recommended that you print stencils in a flex material (SLA resin).

Safety

• Use a PPE certified eye protection, gas mask and gloves when spray painting
• spray paint in a well ventilated environment for air quality

Related Links

• 3D printing, post processing and spray paint booth - Air Quality article

Change Log

• Jan 2025 - initial article setup and updates