Trevor Ng
Golf putters can be refurbished in a variety of ways, depending on the desired outcome and the putter's current state. Some restoration methods include removing paint with an acetone bath and wire brush, creating a custom insert for the back of the putter, and applying epoxy to the hosel. Others suggest a simple scrub with a brush and dish soap, or a Coca-Cola bath to restore shine. For those who want to refurbish their putter at home, it is possible to achieve a blackened finish using a sealant and steel wool to smooth out any unevenness.
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What You'll Learn
Removing old paint with an acetone bath
When refurbishing a golf putter, one of the steps is to remove the old paint. This can be done using an acetone bath. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Firstly, it is important to note that acetone should only be used if the putter head is made entirely of metal. If there are any polymer materials present, acetone can melt them. For polymer components, it is recommended to use a paper towel dampened with acetone and a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away the paint.
If your putter is safe to soak, fill a metal bowl with acetone, ensuring that the bowl is large enough to submerge all the painted areas of the putter head. Submerge the putter head completely in the acetone and let it sit for an extended period. The time required will vary, but it could take up to an hour or more. During this time, the acetone will work to loosen and dissolve the paint.
Periodically, use a metal pick to try and scrape away the paint. If the paint does not come off easily, score it with the metal pick to create grooves that will allow the acetone to penetrate deeper. Repeat this process of soaking and scraping until all the paint has been removed. Be patient and thorough during this step.
Once the majority of the paint has been removed, use Q-tips to wipe away any remaining paint and acetone residue. You may notice streaking on the putter head, which can be easily remedied by using a clean Q-tip dipped in acetone to smooth out the streaks. Remember to wear latex gloves to protect your hands during this process.
Finally, scrub the putter head with a toothbrush and dish soap to remove any remaining grease or residue. Ensure that the putter is completely dry before proceeding with any further refurbishment or painting steps.
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Using a wire brush to scrub the putter
When refurbishing a golf putter, one of the steps you can take is to scrub the putter with a wire brush. This can help to remove any built-up dirt, grime, or rust and restore the putter to its original shine.
First, ensure you have the right type of wire brush. While some people recommend using a steel brush, others suggest that a brass brush is softer and less likely to scratch the surface of your putter. You can find cheap wire brushes at your local hardware store, or you could invest in a golf-specific multi-tool that includes a steel brush, a soft brush, and a "tee pick" for cleaning your clubs.
Next, prepare the putter for scrubbing. If there is caked-on dirt or grime, you may want to start by soaking the putter head in Coca-Cola overnight to loosen any debris. This step is especially useful if you want to clear up the letters or give your putter some shine without removing the patina.
Once the putter is soaked and prepared, it's time to start scrubbing. Use the wire brush to vigorously scrub the surface of the putter, paying close attention to any areas with rust or stubborn dirt. For tight spaces or intricate details, a small brush or even a mini grout brush with plastic bristles can help get into the nooks and crannies. If needed, use a wet towel along with the brush to wipe away any loosened debris.
After scrubbing, you may want to assess the putter for any remaining scratches or imperfections. If necessary, you can use a polishing compound like Barkeepers Friend and a soft cloth to buff out any remaining scratches and give your putter a smooth, shiny finish.
Finally, remember to care for your wire brush properly to extend its lifespan. To prevent the bristles from damaging your golf bag or other items, store your wire brush in a dedicated pocket or container. An empty Tic Tac container with a piece of electrical tape on the inside for added grip can work well for protecting both the brush and your bag.
By following these steps and taking the time to scrub your golf putter with a wire brush, you can effectively remove dirt and grime and restore your putter to its original shine.
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Applying a blackening finish
When refurbishing a golf putter, one option for the finish is to apply a blackening treatment. One popular option is a black oxide finish, which provides a deep black colour with no glare, making it ideal for all playing conditions. This finish does not compromise the feel or sound feedback properties of the putter and does not alter the hardness of the steel.
To achieve this finish, you can use a Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue Kit, which is a simple and cost-effective option. Alternatively, you can purchase an individual bottle of liquid gun blue and use acetone or rubbing alcohol for the preliminary cleaning. If you are using a kit, you will not need additional tools like Q-tips.
Before applying any finish, it is important to prepare the surface of the putter. This may involve removing old inserts, epoxy, or engravings, which can be done with a heat gun, metal pick, and torch. Any dents or imperfections can be removed using a bench grinder with a convolute wheel, being careful to move the putter evenly against the wheel to avoid removing material unevenly.
Once the surface is prepared, you can apply the blackening finish of your choice, following the specific instructions for your chosen product. This may involve using a brush or Q-tips for application, depending on the product.
After applying the finish, you may want to add additional customisations such as sight lines, dots, or stamps, which can be milled or welded onto the putter and then painted or filled for a finished look.
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Removing dents with a bench grinder
When refurbishing a golf putter, one of the steps involves removing dents with a bench grinder. It is important to distinguish between a bench grinder and a bench buffer. While a bench grinder is used for grinding and sharpening metals, a bench buffer is used for polishing wheels and deburring wheels.
To remove dents with a bench grinder, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure you are using the correct tool for the job. A bench grinder can be used for this purpose, but it is crucial to remove the guards and find adapters to fit the appropriate deburring and polishing wheels. The size of the bench grinder does not matter; a 6" or 8" grinder will work, but be sure to match the wheel size to the grinder.
Next, when using the bench grinder, gently press the putter into the wheel and evenly run the length of the putter surface against the wheel. Take care not to hold the putter in one spot for too long, as this may result in uneven material removal. Convolute wheels are ideal for this process as they allow for small amounts of material to be removed at a time.
After removing the dents with the bench grinder, you may wish to continue the refurbishment process by sanding the putter with progressive grits, cleaning the putter face with grit paper, and applying a blackening finish to achieve the desired aesthetic.
It is important to note that some golfers prefer the aged look of their putters and choose to avoid extensive refurbishment, opting instead for simple cleaning and polishing methods using dish soap, water, and a scrub brush, or even a Coca-Cola bath.
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Creating a custom insert for the back of the putter
When refurbishing a golf putter, one of the steps is creating a custom insert for the back of the putter. This can be done by first removing the old insert with a metal pick after heating the surface with a heat gun. You can then cut a rectangular chunk out of a copper bar using a hacksaw and cut-off disc on an angle grinder. Copper is a popular choice for putter inserts due to its softness, high density, and the greater feel it offers.
After cutting the copper to size, you can shape it with a belt sander, which requires patience. You can then adhere a paper shape of the insert onto the copper cutout using adhesive spray and colour in the exposed areas with a permanent marker. This will give your putter a unique and personalised look.
There are a variety of materials that can be used for putter inserts, each with its own advantages. Carbon fibre, for example, is lightweight and can be fused with copper to provide a precise insert with a copper ball-contact face, resulting in minimal weight with copper's density. Aircraft-grade aluminium is another option, offering durability, functionality, and a versatile aesthetic. This type of aluminium can provide an accurately grooved face or a flat, smooth brushed surface.
If you're looking for a firmer feel and faster ball speeds, stainless steel inserts are a good choice. You can also add weight to the putter face by using a high-density metal like tellurium copper, which can add anywhere from 30 to 60 grams, depending on the geometry. This is beneficial for counterbalancing and larger grips.
Additionally, you can customise the back of your putter by taking inspiration from unique shapes, such as the back end of a sports car, as seen in the design process of the OZ.1 putter by L.A.B. Golf. This putter features a solid-body construction with no large holes or fangs, resulting in a "normal" mallet putter with excellent sound and feel. It also offers custom options such as length, lie angle, head weight, colour, alignment marking, shaft, shaft lean, and grip.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to remove any paint or tape from the putter. This can be done using a razor blade, a wire brush, or automotive paint stripper.
Use a convolute wheel on a bench grinder to remove dents. Gently press the putter into the wheel and evenly run the length of the putter surface against the wheel.
To restore shine, you can use a Scotch-Brite belt on a belt sander to remove any imperfections. Then, place the putter head into a bead blaster to smooth the surface and enhance the shine.
After refurbishing the putter, you can apply epoxy to the hosel, insert the putter head into the shaft, and align the putter head with the grip. Allow the assembled putter to dry for at least 24 hours to ensure a strong bond.
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