Best Bowling Ball Polish: Top Polishes to Consider

Want to give your bowling ball the shine and sparkle it deserves? Or maybe you’re looking to improve your game by keeping your ball in top condition. Whatever the case may be, choosing the right bowling ball polish is essential to achieving that perfect shine and predictable performance.

This is your ultimate guide to finding the best bowling ball polish out there. By the end of it, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to choose the best one for you. Let’s get right into it!

Best Bowling Ball Polish

We’ll start by saying that there’s no single best bowling ball polish out there. But there are several that stand a cut above the rest and are absolutely loved by the bowling community. They are TruCut Polish, Brunswick Crown Factory Finish, and Storm Xtra Shine.

1. TruCut Hand Applied Polish

TruCut Hand Applied Polish is a United States Bowling Congress (USBC)-approved bowling ball polish known for its ease of use and versatility. It’s suitable for all bowling ball types, from reactive balls to urethane balls and beyond. If you’re looking for a polish that can give you a mirror-like finish, this is the one that can do it.

The manufacturer of the polish states that the product can both clean and polish your ball in one step. All you need to do is apply the polish to your ball and either buff it in with a polishing pad or rub it in with a ball spinner.

You can expect your ball to retain its polished state for several bowling games, after which another polishing session will be necessary.    

How to Use

To use this polish, you’ll apply it to a towel or polishing pad and wipe the ball down. It doesn’t get more complicated than that.  

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Pros and Cons

There’s no way to gauge whether this bowling ball polish will be the right fit for you without reviewing the good and bad associated with it. Below, we’ll get into the pros and cons everyone should know about before purchasing this bowling ball polishing product: 

Pros

• Comes in a kit with the polish and a CTD polishing pad
• Effective on all bowling ball types.
• Approved by the USBC, so it’s appropriate for competitive bowlers.
• Can be applied by hand and used with a bowling ball spinner. 

Cons

• The expensive price will turn off those who are looking for a deal. 
• Those who don’t know about bowling ball grits may shy away from using this polish. Going with this ball polish brand means that they’d have to choose the right grit for their ball, which could prove to be difficult. 

Customer Reviews

The bowling community loves this bowling ball polish. And that’s evident in the product’s ratings on Amazon. With hundreds of reviews in total, it’s rated 4.6 out of 5 stars. 74% of users rated the product a full 5 out of 5.

The happiest customers state that the polish performed as well (or better) than they envisioned, leaving their balls with a strong shine. Others commented on the improved performance of their balls after using the product. 

2. Brunswick Crown Factory Polish

Anyone who wants their ball to gleam and perform like it’s fresh out of the factory will find this polish to be a phenomenal fit. It’s made by Brunswick, a well-known and respected bowling ball manufacturer. 

Here are a few things you should know about this polish: 

• It’s the exact same polish Brunswick uses on their balls in their factory. 
• It’ll give your ball more backend motion, so you’ll have an easier time getting into the pocket. 
• It works on virtually all bowling balls, including plastic, urethane, and reactive. 

How to Use

You can expect the most out of this product, but if you don’t use it correctly, there’s no way you’ll achieve the results you want. To use this bowling ball polish, you’ll follow the below steps: 

• Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients. 
• Dispense some of the polish directly onto a towel. 
• Wipe the ball down with the towel, aiming to get even coverage. Try not to miss any spots.
  • If you have access to one, the manufacturer recommends using a ball spinner. That’s the only way you’ll get picture-perfect results. 

Crown Ball Care Products - Performance Review

Pros and Cons 

When bowlers hear the Brunswick brand name, they may instantly think that the polish is amazing, and most people may think so. But the truth of the matter is that every product has its benefits and drawbacks, and this product isn’t exempt. Here are the pros and cons to know about: 

Pros

• Super glossy finish for those who prioritize bowling ball aesthetics. 
• Can give your bowling ball a stronger hook on the backend. 
• USBC-approved, allowing professional bowlers to polish away at sanctioned tournaments. 
• Can be used with a clean, dry towel or a ball spinning machine. For the best results, you’ll want to opt for the ball spinner. 
• Affordable price. 

Cons

• There are extreme warnings on the bottle, citing that you could experience eye, skin, and internal body issues if you use this product without gloves or in an enclosed area. The risks of using this product may sour the experience for some.  

Customer Reviews

Like our previous pick, the Brunswick Crown Factory Factory Polish has earned an impressive rating on Amazon – 4.5 out of 5 stars with hundreds of reviews. 67% of people rated the product a full 5 out of 5 stars.

The happiest customers state that the polish removes dirt and grime and leaves their ball with a factory-quality shine. There are a few people who didn’t love this product, stating that it doesn’t work very well unless you use a ball spinner. Reviews like these are in the very small minority. 

3. Storm Bowling Products Xtra Shine Bowling Ball Polish

If you’re looking for some serious bowling ball shine, consider this polish by Storm Bowling. It’s specifically formulated to make your ball gleam like it did when you first got it home. But that’s not all it does; it extends the life of your ball’s factory finish. 

Here are a few other things you should know about this polish: 

• The formula is geared toward bowling ball spinners, though you can also use it to polish by hand. 
• It is made in the U.S.A. 
• It’s safe to use on absolutely every bowling ball type. 
• It delays your hook, so you’ll have an easier time getting your ball into the pocket for strikes. 

How to Use 

This bowling ball polish, like the others on our list, is easy to use. You can either use it by hand or with a bowling ball spinner. You’ll apply it to the towel or polishing pad you’ll be using, and then get to polishing.

For the best possible results, we recommend using a bowling ball spinner. 

Pros and Cons

Before making the choice to give this bowling ball polish a try, we recommend learning all you can about it. That includes the good, bad, and ugly associated with it. That’s what we’ll cover below: 

Pros 

• Xtra shine formula can transform even the oldest bowling balls for the better. 
• All-purpose formula that can be used however you need to use it. 
• Ideal for those who roll their bowling ball slowly or need a pronounced backend hook. 
• Affordable on just about any budget. 

Cons

• Some find that they don’t get good results unless they use the product with a bowling ball spinner. 

 Customer Reviews

Customers are absolutely raving about this product, stating that it turned their old worn-out bowling ball into like-new condition. Some individuals also stated that after using the polish, they were able to improve their bowling average.

This bowling ball polish has an Amazon rating of 4.4 out of 5. The vast majority of reviewers (66%) rated the product a full 5 out of 5 stars. Though there are some people who weren’t so enthused about the product – they stated that the product didn’t work as advertised.

But keep in mind that negative reviews are rare for this product.

When choosing a bowling ball polish, consider the type of ball you have, the conditions you usually bowl in, and what you’re looking to achieve in terms of ball reaction. Each of these polishes has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, but they all aim to enhance your bowling ball’s look and performance on the lanes.

Why Do You Need Bowling Ball Polish?

Before we dive into the specifics of our top picks for bowling ball polish, let’s talk about why it’s important to keep your bowling ball polished.

Performance

First and foremost, polishing your bowling ball helps maintain its performance. When you first get your ball home, you’ll notice that it has a highly reflective shine, and that’s because it was already polished in the factory.

But that polished surface will very quickly dull after a few games. And when that happens, you’ll see a change in your ball. If you don’t like how your ball reacts on the lanes when it loses its polished surface, you’ll love how it performs after you’ve polished it.

Even if your ball is old or used and doesn’t have a factory-fresh polishing job, polishing the ball can make it roll more predictably down the lane. And that could drastically improve your bowling outcomes for higher scores and more confidence during your matches.

Note: Bowling ball polish isn’t going to turn a plastic spare ball into a reactive ball with a strong hook. Read this article to learn about bowling balls and their hook potential.

Aesthetics

A dull, dingy bowling ball never looked good. But after polishing your ball, you’ll be delighted at just how good it looks. Even old bowling balls can look factory-new after a polishing session.

If you like for your equipment to look as sharp as you do, give it a good polish.

What Can I Use to Polish My Bowling Ball?

Polishing a bowling ball may seem like a complicated ordeal worthy of specialized products and techniques. But it doesn’t have to be complicated in the least. There are a variety of things you can use to polish your bowling ball, and we’ll share the most effective with you in this list.

Commercial Cleansers 

Commercial cleaners are specialized solutions designed to work on the specific types of material that bowling balls are made of (usually reactive resin, urethane, or plastic). These can be found at pro shops and online retailers that specialize in bowling equipment.

Just apply the polish according to the instructions and rub it into the bowling ball’s surface (usually with a microfiber towel or another soft cloth).

People tend to love commercial cleansers because they tend to be easy to use, but they do carry a higher price tag than other bowling ball polish options.

Bowling Ball Spinners

If you’ve ever had your bowling ball polished at a pro shop, you may have seen the machine that the pro shop staff use to clean, resurface, and polish the balls. The bowling ball spinner can be used as an extra tool to bolster the polishing process for a perfect, mirror-like result. A proper electric ball spinner can cost hundreds of dollars, so many opt for cheap manual ball spinners or pass on them entirely.

Microfiber Cloth

When the average bowler goes to polish their ball, chances are they’re going to reach for a microfiber cloth. And there’s a good reason for this: microfiber cloths are soft, non-abrasive, and highly effective at lifting and removing dirt, oil, and minor imperfections from surfaces like bowling balls after a bowling game to help keep your bowling ball clean.

Polishing Pad

A polishing pad is a specialized tool designed for applying polish to various surfaces, including bowling balls. These pads are usually made of foam, wool, or microfiber, and they can be used manually or attached to machines like orbital polishers or bowling ball spinners.

What Household Items Can You Use to Polish a Bowling Ball?

For those who’d rather not fork over the money for a commercial bowling ball polish, you may be tempted to use household items instead. Some of the main household items people have used for bowling ball polishing include rubbing alcohol, baking soda, and other abrasives, like toothpaste.

The thing about using household items is that they aren’t going to be nearly as effective as a true polish, and there’s a chance that they could damage your ball. So, it’s best to use household items with caution, or avoid them entirely and use a real bowling ball polish.

When Should I Polish My Bowling Ball?

The timing for polishing your bowling ball can depend on a variety of factors like frequency of use, bowling alley lane conditions, and your performance expectations.

Here are some signs indicating when you should consider polishing your ball:

• Decreased Reaction: If you notice that your ball isn’t hooking as much or as sharply as it used to, it might be time for a polish. Lane oil and grime can accumulate on the ball’s surface, affecting its performance.
• Visual Cues: Over time, you might see visible dirt, oil rings, or scuff marks on the ball. These are clear indicators that your ball could use a clean-up and possibly a polish.
• After Resurfacing or Sanding: If you’ve had your ball resurfaced or sanded to alter its reaction, polishing it afterward can help you achieve the desired surface finish.
• Frequency of Use: For regular bowlers who hit the lanes multiple times a week, a bi-weekly or monthly polish might be beneficial. Casual bowlers might only need to polish every couple of months or longer.

Timing Considerations to Keep In Mind

If you use your bowling ball regularly, it’s essential to think of things in terms of timing. Here are some timing considerations to keep in mind as you’re planning out how often to polish your bowling ball:

• Before a Tournament or Important Game: Many bowlers like to polish their balls before big games or tournaments. Just make sure to test the ball out after polishing, as the ball’s reaction might be different.
• Changing Lane Conditions: If you know you’ll be bowling on lanes that are heavily oiled, you might want to polish your ball to help it skid through the front part of the lane more easily.
• After Deep Cleaning: It’s a good practice to polish your bowling ball after you’ve given it a deep clean, to restore its original luster and performance.
• Seasonal Changes: Some bowlers find that their ball behaves differently with seasonal humidity and temperature changes. A polish can help recalibrate its performance.

What Is the Best Product to Clean a Bowling Ball?

When it comes to cleaning a bowling ball, the best approach largely depends on what exactly you’re trying to remove—whether it’s just lane oil or more stubborn gunk like belt marks. Generally speaking, a specialized bowling ball cleaner is a safe bet. These are products explicitly formulated for this purpose – and many times, they are approved by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC).

A couple of the best bowling ball cleaners include “Lane Ghost” or “Monster Tac.” These cleaners are specifically designed to remove lane oils, dirt, and minor scuff marks, helping to restore the original performance characteristics of the ball. They’re also generally safe for all types of coverstocks (the material the ball’s surface is made of).

If you’re in a pinch, DIY solutions work as a decent stand-in for a specialized cleaner. It can cut through the lane oil but might not be as effective for more stubborn marks or long-term maintenance. Plus, it lacks the additional reactive agents found in specialized cleaners that not only clean but also rejuvenate the coverstock.

Remember, a clean ball not only performs better but also lasts longer. So, it’s well worth the effort to keep it in tip-top shape. To learn more about cleaning bowling balls, read this article.

Related Articles

• Best Bowling Balls for Intermediate Bowlers
• Bowling Ball Wax
• Bowling Ball Oil Remover

So, there you have it – everything you need to know about bowling ball polishing and cleaning. By this point, you should be able to find a good bowling ball polish and cleaner to bolster your ball care routine. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best with your bowling ball maintenance routine.

Now, you can play with a clean bowling ball that serves you best on the lanes.