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Trash To Treasure

Question about Bowling Balls

18 years ago

I have a question.

Has anyone done the Bowling Balls and put them in the ground? The reason I ask is today I was at a thrift Store buying 2 Bowling Balls and the lady asked me what I was going to do with them and told her Paint them and put them in my small garden in the front of my house.

She told me she made 2 and they cracked in half from the heat and cold of the weather.

Just wondered if anyone has ever experienced this. I sure don't want to spend all that time painting and then they crack on me.

Comments (7)

Karen_sl
18 years ago
Mine sat out this winter and seems to be fine. I glued the 1/2 marbles on mine. I love the look and my family has finally stopped ragging on me about my junk!
Karen L
kathi_mdgd
18 years ago
Go over to garden Junk forum and see what the ladies that live in your climate do.If you live where there are harsh wintes you may have to bring them in.I live in S.Calif and mine stay out all year long,365 24/7.I also do mine with the 1/2 marbles and the GE silicone glue.
My sister in N.Y. state also has some in her garden,but i never thought to ask her what she does in the winter.Will have to remember to do that.
Kathi
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I paint mine with Fusion paint for plastics, or I use a plastic primer first and then a spray paint of my choice. I let the ball cure for 2 weeks per the can instructions, then I spray 3-4 layers of an outdoor clear poly on it and let that cure for another day or two, then it can go outside. I also spray it with clear poly every spring and bring them inside for the winter as they could crack depending on what the ball was made of. Make sure you get the waxy coating off the ball first by washing it with a 50/50 vinegar/water solution or rubbing alcohol. Here is a link that might be useful: My Bowling Balls
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Hi Cindy, I just asked a question about your tipsey pot. I would also like to ask a question about your bowling balls. Do you plug the hole before you start? If so, what do you use? Also, if you want to paint it first, what kind of paint do you use. I have two bowling balls I would love to do something with--I have stands I found to put them on. One is a tall brass lamp that looks nice. Thanks again, Jeane
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Welcome donnaz. The dollar stores are definitely the best places. And do you know that they are not actually half marbles but those blobs of glass that are flat on one side. they come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, and you can get a little bag of them for $1 if you're lucky. remember to post a pic when you are done. kathy
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I have done many bowling balls using coins. There are several things that work for cleaning them up. The first thing I tried was....get this...the soft drink-COKE! (Needless to say...what it does to your insides!~) I just soaked them in a little bowl and it took off the black, but it took too long. Then I went to the grocery store and bought a brass cleaner. Worked MUCH better. Took off all the black and made them incredibly shiny. I grouted the ball with copper colored grout and sealed it with a masonary sealant so they stay shiny. Got so many comments on it as it is shiny and beautiful and shows up in the garden. One lady came to my house because she could see it from a distance and had to come see what it was! Becky
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kathi_mdgd
18 years ago
My sister leaves hers out in the winter,and so far,no problem.
Kathi
Spykesgal
18 years ago
I've made two bowling balls, one with half marbles with no grout, and one with stain glass and grout. Both have been out in the Michigan weather for the past 5 years, and they both are still look like brand new. I didn't paint or seal the balls, but I do have them up off the ground on stands.
lilycrazy
18 years ago
I have a bunch of BBs- some sitting on the ground, others in stands- and none have ever cracked.
atokadawn
17 years ago
I have had 3 that I did 5 years ago.I never bring them in and no problems.I painted pictures on them and sealed it with indoor/outdoor sealer. They still look brand new.
tealcatfan
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank You one and all for all the responses. I made 7 so we will see how they do.

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