Garden Art Project – How To Paint Bowling Balls
Garden Art Or Junk Art …
Painted Bowling Balls Are Really
A Fun & Funky Look In the Garden
I recevied this email from Freddie who asked:
I found your website by accident and I love it. I love trying new garden art projects, especially junk garden art! I have tried to make garden spheres many times….some came out better than others….and this year I was lying in bed and it occurred to me to use bowling balls. Sheer Genius, right?
My boss brought me two from his last bowling night, one real beauty that I wouldn’t consider painting, but one I’ll paint. What do you suggest I use for paint?
Of course my husband thinks I’m nuts with bowling balls in our garden. Let me know about the paint. Thanks. Freddie
My reply:
Hi Freddie:
Thank you for contacting me and for the kind compliment about my site. I do try hard to offer great information. 
About painting bowling balls (yeah, I kinda love junk garden art, too!) – here’s my suggestions:
• take sandpaper and scuff up the surface really good; this will help a primer coat and/or paint to adhere much better
• prime it with something like “Kilz” (there is an exterior all-purpose version–you can find it at Lowe’s or Home-Depot as examples)
• paint with latex or oil-based paints (I’ve been successful using both)
• finish with at LEAST a couple of liberal clear top coats (matte, gloss or semi-gloss – whatever you prefer)
If you take care with all the steps, your painted bowling ball should last many years in the sun. But be warned, UV rays really take a toll on everything, and even the best paint job might start showing “age” in a few years. I am sure you understand this.
That is why taking extra time to “do it right” the first time will save you peeling paint before the year is finished.
Does this help? If not, please do not hesitate to contact me again. Have fun!!
~~~
Freddie wrote back to say:
Actually your instructions were what I was thinking about doing anyway, it just seemed too logical and easy.
I’m a big recycler, so reusing bowling balls just seemed a no brainer. My boss actually brought me two of them from his league night at bowling. I’m sure he must think I’ve lost it, but I wanted to make a couple for my sister and her gardens.
Can’t wait to get this funky bowling ball garden art project rolling.
Thanks for the info … Freddie
March 11th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Does anyone have a template of some sorts for painting a lady bug or bumble bee on bowling balls? I have severals balls and want to use them in my gardens.
March 12th, 2009 at 7:29 am
Hi Liz:
Gee, I have no clue on a source for templates, but have you tried searching online? Sometimes you have to get really specific to finally find what you’re looking for.
I just now tried searching using these 2 different sets of words: garden bug stencils / stencils for bugs
And there are online sources. So try using the word “stencils” in your search efforts and I think you’ll find something.
I also know Wal-Mart and Michael’s craft store have stencils, but wherther they have bugs the size you want … that’s another story!
Hope this helps you some. Good luck!
June 3rd, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Saw this idea in one of the gardening magazines a few months ago, though I cannot remember which one. Check Birds & Blooms or Backyard Living magazine websites. The ladybug was fantastic looking!
I also use just brightly colored bowling balls as is, though they do fade after a few years. When my glass glazing ball finally got destroyed after a big storm, I put a blue bowling ball on the stand – no problems so far.
June 4th, 2009 at 7:43 am
[...] and Krista left comments on my blog post how to paint bowling balls about bowling balls painted to look like ladybugs. Krista said she saw a project in a magazine, but [...]