Expert: - 4/10/2009

Question
I went to my bowling lanes and asked them for a couple of used bowling pins so I could clean them up and give them as an award to a couple of the girls on my league. What I need to know is how to clean them properly so I can repaint them. I would like to paint one gold, one silver and possibly a bronze. What # of sandpaper do I use? What kind of cleaner should I use? Where can I purchase the paint and cleaner? I live in Newport, MI.

Answer
Judy,
A project your local hardware guy or paint store can probably help you with better than me.

I have no idea what you are dealing with as there are a few different kinds of pins.

Some wooden pins are covered with a heavy duty coating called Surylin (a toxic material which discourages the indoor/fireplace burning of pins). Cleaning with something like acetone and most likely sanding and painting with a urethane coating should work. Both cleaner and paint are pretty nasty stuff. So, I suggest you contact the pin maker (should be a label on the pin from the maker).

Sorry, I can't help more. Thanks for the questions.