How to Refinish Golf Clubs

Updated October 12, 2017
    With today's advances in golf club technology, most of us just end up throwing away old clubs or leaving them for other members of the family. But if you've found a favorite in your bag that you just can't part with and it needs a little TLC, there's a quick and easy way to get that club looking like it just came off the factory floor.

    Instructions

    Difficulty: Moderate
    1. Clean the club. You can do this with a bucket of hot, soapy water and a soft cloth. To get the sole plate clean, use a small screwdriver to run through the grooves and remove dirt.
    2. Remove the sole plate and submerge it in a small container of varnish remover. The sole plate is the metal plate located on the bottom of the club head and can be taken off with a phillips-head screwdriver.
    3. Use masking tape to cover over the string windings or plastic insert where the shaft and the head come together.
    4. Apply paint remover to the club head using your natural bristle brush. Allow the paint to do its magic and loosen up or remove the old paint.
    5. Wipe the head of the club gently with fine steel wool to remove the excess old paint.
    6. Apply the desired stain to the wood of the club head with your 1-inch paint brush.
    7. Allow the club to dry for one to two days so that the stain has time to set.
    8. Wipe down the club and apply the varnish or lacquer of your choice.
    9. Buff the club head with the fine steel wool and then reapply the spray varnish or lacquer for a smooth exterior look.
    10. Let the final finish on the club head dry for two days.
    11. Apply metal enamel to the sole plate where you want it with the artist's brush and rub off the excess with a soft towel.
    12. Allow the metal enamel to dry and then apply a coat or two of varnish or lacquer to the sole plate, giving it time to dry between coats.
    13. Reattach the sole plate using the phillips-head screwdriver.
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    Tips & Warnings

    • Always use a fine piece of steel wool on the club head to prevent marring the surface of the club. Never rub too hard with the steel wool. Always allow the paint, varnish and stain to dry before applying a secondary coat. See manufacturer specifications for required drying times.