- 1). Saturate a clean rag with rubbing alcohol and wipe the surface of the bowling ball to remove dirt and grease.
- 2). Mix 1 cup of plaster of Paris in a plastic bucket according to the package directions. Stir the plaster with a wooden spoon or paint stirrer until it is fully mixed. Pour the plaster into the two finger holes of the bowling ball, leaving the thumb hole open. Allow the plaster to set until it is cool and dry.
- 3). Sand away any excess plaster from the surface of the bowling ball. Clean the bowling ball with alcohol once more and allow it to dry.
- 4). Prepare the paper you want to decoupage onto the bowling ball. If you are using napkins, peel away the backing layers so that only the layer with the image remains. Cut around the edges of the images with scissors as necessary. Practice laying the paper onto the bowling ball until you are sure you like the arrangement.
- 5). Pour the decoupage medium into a bowl and stir it with a sponge brush. You can add up to 2 tablespoons of water if you prefer a thinner medium.
- 6). Brush a thin layer of decoupage medium onto the bowling ball, lay down a piece of paper, and brush more decoupage medium over the paper. Work in small sections for best results.
- 7). Allow the bowling ball to dry for 45 minutes.
- 8). Cover the bowling ball with additional layers of decoupage medium as necessary, allowing each layer to dry for 45 minutes. Depending on the thickness of the paper, you may need up to five layers. When the image is fully sealed and there is no visible seam at the edge of the paper, allow the bowling ball to dry overnight.
- 9). Stick a 12-inch-long,1/4-inch diameter metal rod into the ground and insert the rod into the thumb hole of the bowling ball. Use this as a stand for applying the outdoor polyurethane. Brush the polyurethane on in long strokes with a sponge brush. Apply four coats, allowing each coat to dry for the amount of time indicated on the package.
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